We are to leave on Saturday from the retreat at Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota. It has been full of emotions and learning. Yesterday I developed a head cold. I was still able to put some more time into the house we have been working on. We also did some work 
today. We were not going to but the activities scheduled for today were cancelled due to the snow storm. There were conflicting messages about the storm. I was listening to KILI radio and the weatherman was asked how the weather was….He responded by telling us to look outside. It was blowing real hard and what was suppose to 2-4 inches by evening. It was over 5 inches by noon and it is still snowing. There is an expected 1-2 inches overnight. I guess I need to look out the window in the morning to see.
The house project: It did not get all completed. We did as much as we could today. I had hoped for more people at the house. Of the 18 people staying at the retreat, 6 stayed and of that 3 went to the house. The others left a day early to stay at a church near the airport, so they can catch their flight tomorrow.
The emotions from this trip have calmed. However they are still deeply embedded inside. I will never forget what I felt out here, what I experienced and what I learned. Yesterday we went to Red Cloud Indian School. This is the site of a Catholic private grade and High School. This is the site of one of the original boarding schools imposed by the U.S. Government upon the Lakota Indians. Different than most, the children went to school near where they lived. They were allowed to speak and sing in Lakota. In the late 1990’s the church burnt down and a new one was built. Many of the pictures and the stained glass windows are Indian related. See here for a picture.
Well, that is about all. Tomorrow morning we will be leaving the Rez to come back home. I myself plan on trying to come out again in June. At which time I will do some more volunteer work and learn more about the Lakota people. I am hopeful that my daughter can and wants to come along.
A final word about the retreat center. This is a very spacious center with lots of beds. The staff is extremely friendly. We were treated as family and were given freedom to move about as needed. The schedule was set in advance as to what we would do but input was always welcomed. There is a wonderful Craft Gallery on site. You will find crafts from local vendors and great prices. This not only supports the local artist but a small amount goes to the retreat center. Please consider looking into staying at the retreat center should you visit the reservation.
There is no Goodbye in Lakota. The closest is see you later. That is nicer I think. Goodbye is so final.
Tókša akhé waŋčhíŋyaŋkiŋ kte
Pastor Karen Rupp
Pine Ridge Retreat Center
51 E. Hwy. 18
PO Box 862
Pine Ridge, SD 57770
(605) 867-5262
pineridge.center@gmail.com
Sounds like you had a great experience. Safe travels home.