Thoughts from Pine Ridge

Yesterday night my fellow students and I arrived at the Presbyterian-Lutheran retreat located on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation in South Dakota. We spent twelve hours driving from Dubuque IA, via U.S. Route 20 and 16. It was really a nice drive on New Year’s Day going down mostly two lane highway through rural America. One town really stuck out in Nebraska. The town of Cody Nebraska has a slogan on their welcome sign that reads, “A Town To Tough To Die”. See their web site here, http://www.villageofcody.com/

The first night was very casual and was just an opportunity to settle into our rooms. We had arrived a day early just in case of bad weather. However, the snow did not happen until overnight and has been snowing all day. Sure glad we left early. Today, the four of us will be joined by 14 other students on their J terms. We have some Lutherans, Wesleyans and Presbyterians joining us. With the weather being bad, the expected group of seven and under kids did not show up today for games and food.

It is funny about different people’s perceptions of the area that the retreat is in. Some seem very concerned about making sure you walk in pairs outside. There was a comment that, “They will know you are not from around here. You may be approached to buy stuff or asked for money.” By the way, neither has happened yet. Also, yes, there is crime. To be honest, there is crime everywhere. There is some graffiti on some of the buildings and some windows have bars. Not to be flippant but the more you look like you are looking around for problems, the easier a target. However walking with confidence and being aware of surroundings are best.

There are many items for sale here and I have already sent pictures home for ideas of what might be wanted. Stay tuned for more as the days move forward.