This trip has seen many plans not being confirmed until here at the Rez. I have given up on trying to be in control long ago and just let things happen as they will. I confirmed on Friday morning a visit to the Allen Youth Center for later in the day and an in service and screenings for the Head Start staff. It’s all coming together.
We visited the Singing Horse on Friday morning so that I could finally see Allyssa and Baby Lili and to let the students shop and enjoy the special environment there. Baby Lili is the most precious thing ever-beautiful, healthy, and smiling all the time. Allyssa is doing great and just had a role in a movie! I would have stayed there all day if I could have!
We visited the historical center and the OLC bookstore before heading to the youth center. We didn’t have a formal plan for health promotion-hand hygiene and basic heart info and a lot of playing. When we arrived, the center was closed which did not bode well. I called Anita, Travis’ wife, and she came right there to let us in. I expected the kids to show up any minute, but little did I know that a mission group from Chicago was in town at another site providing hot dogs. So, no kids, but not a wasted trip. The students played pool, helped to cook a taco dinner for later that evening, and completed two screenings. This is progress since no one was interested in a screening last year.
From Allen it was on to Pine Ridge for the highly anticipated pow wow grand entrance. We arrived just in time, and the students immediately moved to get front row seats, sitting on the ground in front of everyone in their lawn chairs. They were mesmerized and probably sat there for over an hour. Usually students watch a bit, walk around, and get photos with some of their favorite dancers. We walked around a bit, but most of the evening was spent watching in awe. The grand entrance is a bucket list type event, but how lucky am I that I get to see it every year? I had a very difficult time keeping my emotions in check at the start. This coming together is truly beautiful.
Nursing Students at Pine Ridge 