I have many things I would like to blog about, but really want to finish up the recap of our trip to South Dakota. While we traveled way back in July (over 2 months ago) many of our experiences are still alive in my mind and life.
If you would like to catch up on where I was at in this journey you click on the following links:
It started as an early morning.
We finished up day 1 here.
I shared about some of the scenery & how it spoke to me here.
And you can see some of the storms we encountered here.
I talked about my first Native introductions here.
And reflected on where I would be today which was sparked on from a visit to Oyate Concern.
And if you are still with me and don't need to lay down for a nap (something I could do at any moment). We will pick right up where I left off on our Wednesday of our trip.
Despite having a raging headache and an upset stomach, I made it through the morning with our meeting with the EDA (Economic Development Agency.) The meeting went well and it was so impressive to see how God used Dave to get Phil and I in touch with people we would have never been able to meet on our own.
I learned something today. While some white people are dreamers we have nothing on the Native people. While Phil and I presented some ideas of what we were trying to get information on as far as the needs in Pine Ridge for industry. Almost immediately, you would see the gears start turning and the light bulbs begin to brighten as they shared ideas on ways to bring jobs to the community.
It was a nice meeting and Phil and I had many questions answered, which in turn led to us leaving with even more questions. I guess that is just how it is sometimes when you begin to start something from the ground up.
The following day we were able to all travel together to The Re*Creation center in Olgala. Eric Sutton is a no frills kind of guy and what he and his team have been able to do in the community they are in is simply beautiful.
Re*Creation Center is a BRIGHT light in such a dark dark community. They are a safe place for anyone who wants to come, especially children. The people who are a part of Re*Creation live right on location. Which means help is always available 24 hours a day. During the summer they have groups that come in and want to do community service projects. The center NEVER tells them what to do, and Eric was able to share some really cool things that took place this summer.
- One group provided family portraits.
- Another group of people came in and taught some skills such as knitting and crocheting. The cool thing that took place because of this, is the Native's were able to teach the knitters their skill of beading. What an amazing way to bond and build relationships.
- They were blessed with a brand new playground two weeks prior to our visit.
- While we were there a group was building a deck on the building.
- Another church was hosting a basketball camp.
Re read the last paragraph I just wrote. When groups of people call to volunteer their time at Re*Creation Center, Eric NEVER gives them a specific task to do. Why? Because God has equipped each and everyone of us with our own special talents and desires. Each and everyone of us can reach out and do something for others in order to show Christ's Love. The question is are you doing it?
So many people make excuses or don't feel like they are "adequate" enough to do God's will. That is such a lie from Satan himself. God has created each individual with their own unique talents and interests. Why? So that we can give Him the Glory & Honor he deserves.
What can you do today with what God has equipped you with, to show someone else that God Loves Them?
I will finish up this post with some photos from how we finished up our day at Re*Creation. Before Phil and I left for South Dakota, my children wanted to do something for the children there. They decided to make Warrior Bands that I could pass out to other children. The day before I left we decided to put a scripture card on them. We weren't sure what scripture we wanted to put on them and at the very last minute they decided on 1 John 4:19. It is quite simple, but was the PERFECT way for me to share a bit of God's Love from my children with these children of South Dakota. In fact, each and every child had the warrior band placed on their wrist by me. And while they were getting them on, I was able to tell them that
"We love them, because He first loved us"
Go spread some love!
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