Teca Otoka

Teca Otoka, or new beginning in Lakota (if I have the translation correct). I look forward to August like it’s New Years. A new beginning, the opportunity to return to Pine Ridge-my favorite place besides home. Each August, I have a new group of students who have fresh eyes and add a new energy, which gives me a sense of renewal.

My trip began with a straight-through 17 hour drive to the Rez. I left Monday night at 11:30pm and arrived at around 4:30pm. By driving up before the students I could bring up donations instead of having to ship them. I am a road warrior so the solitary drive was good!

I picked up 6 of the 7 students from the Rapid City airport on Wednesday at noon (the 7th is driving up to allow for a family vacation after the trip). I was met with smiles and excitement for the things to come. After a quick trip to Mt Rushmore, we headed back to the Rez. On the way to Rapid, I had passed some state-of-the-art semi trailers parked across from Sharps Corner offering free dental and vision services. I decided to stop on the way back to learn more about this group and to see if we could perhaps join efforts-adding our prevention efforts to their dental and vision. I spoke to a very nice pastor from Alabama who is part of the Southern Baptist Convention’s mission efforts. We were able to tour the trailers, and all I can say is WOW! The pastor provided us with a a very motivational pep talk and ended with a prayer and Bible verse that gave me the affirmation that I am where I should be at this moment. While joining efforts with this group isn’t a possibility for this trip, this stop was well worth it.

After a seamless check-in at the motel, we were told that a 4H camp rodeo was in progress behind the motel. Kids, horses, and rodeo events cannot be passed up! This was so much fun to watch! I am always amazed by anyone who has the ability to connect with a Horse much less 3-4 year olds. Rosie was at the rodeo with the two girls that live with her. We were able to catch up which was time well spent. My favorite event was the musical horses-like musical chairs but with horses.

We ended our day in the motel restaurant with a dinner and fried pickles. Our Teca Otoka is off to a great start.