State Bound!!!

Why hello- a bit late, I realize....

For which, I'm confident you'll forgive me, when I share about my day yesterday.... 2 essential points: 1. I took the student council to Custer for the 2nd half of our exchange experience. 2. I took a fan bus to Rapid for the girls' regional bball game, which THEY WON!!!!!

This past week has really been a bit of a blur, since I have felt so busy, a phenomenon I have been trying to avoid while being here. I have gathered this notion (from college) that being busy is different than having a full schedule. I generally have a full schedule here, what with my random jobs and all, yet I rarely feel 'busy', like the 'no time to think or process' busy. And unfortunately this week I have felt like that- mainly just Sunday through today....

On Friday I worked the concessions stand for the final boys' regular season b-ball game, which was a wonderful way to- again- smell like popcorn (I literally made popcorn for 2 1/2 hours straight!)... but the more exciting part is their overall excellent performance this season (only one loss), which is continuing on into playoffs. Do not confuse the girls' success with the boys'... because boys are still in districts playoffs (tomorrow's the championship between Custer and Red Cloud)... then on to regions, and if they win- STATE! The girls', now, have already obtained their place among the top eight in the state- with last night's victory! :) *Off to Watertown, SD for State, yeah yeah! My home country!

Saturday I spent a majority of the beautiful day outside, playing basketball (and beginning my career as a b-ball coach by teaching my housemate Erin a few tips!), going for a long walk and sinking into the mud while simultaneously shrieking with surprise and delight, and going for a hike through the snow-laden hills behind our campus. Overall, a beautiful day spent with friends and nature.

My co-volunteer Ben and I decided to head to Custer on Sunday (as if I wouldn't be getting enough travel in during the week's events) :) for a summer-job interview. We have decided to be the co-coordinators for a summer program which runs through Outlaw Ranch, in which we will 'host' various youth groups who will come to the reservation for a service/cultural immersion trip. I think it will work really well, particularly with my other plans of enjoying sista's wedding, and chaperoning Red Cloud seniors on a backpacking trip in Colorado! More on this later, of course.

After spending a weekend being active- and ignoring a bit of the coming week's details- I began what was a whirlwind of work on Monday. Some days- and I know you've all experienced them- really challenge me to stay focused on the positive, and Monday was one of them. Of course as you might imagine, I did find the positive (since that's how I roll) yet my day did not end until 11:30pm, when I scraped out the final caramel roll onto a paper plate for the student council trip the next morning....

*(One point of interest... Ken, the senior student body president, approached me Friday afternoon with an idea for student to raise money for the Hill City wrestler Dusty Swanson who became paralyzed at last week's regional wrestling tournament. Since our b-ball game was against Hill City, he suggested doing a 50/50 raffle for Dusty and his family; thus, we raised nearly $600 dollars, 1/2 of which we presented to Dusty with a card signed by several students. What a great and spontaneous act of generosity by the student body and crowd. These moments give me true hope.)

And I must say- apart from the massive headache from 3 1/2 hours of pounding rock music- the student council trip to Custer was a great success. (Yeah, um, Custer's a LOT different, but the exchange of ideas was valuable none-the-less). I did maybe leave (accidentally) one of my students at Red Cloud, but hey! 2 things going for me- 1. he didn't turn in a permission slip and 2. he wasn't on time. There you go! I'm in the clear. ;):)

The game last night was quite the event! We took a fan bus, which consisted of 34 students and 3 chaperone's, and actually the girls' were picked to lose to St. Thomas More- but they played hard and came out about 8 points on top... which means this will be their 2nd state showing in two consecutive years!!!

I think I will wrap this up, since I have yet to study (and finish the worksheet) for my Lakota class tonight... oops! Definitely not expecting a good score tonight! The material is covering relations vocabulary and sentences....and I must say- you'll be amazed to hear all the variations on 'grandfather,' 'aunt,' 'mother,' 'cousin,' etc.... all depending on the speaker's relationship to the person.

Yep- definitely gotta go. Until next time, may you find similar joy in reflecting on your life- and I'm always up to hearing your reflections as well!!!

Peace, Emily

Valentine's come and gone...

Surprise!!! Cherished Photos!!!

(above) Sophomore playing handgames

Another sophomore (leaving out names on purpose) and I

Senior Pow-wow dancing (fancy shawl)

Junior posing with his dancing regalia

Wrestling team- we've bonded through weekend tourneys

Sophomore class president & bright girl.

Two former students (juniors)

Freshman & Sophomore Handgame players

Girls' basketball team (at Redfield)

Why hello!!! Yes, you are correct- I finally POSTED PICTURES!!! And being the nice person I am... the pictures come before the writing, thus allowing you the decision to simply look at the pictures or to delve further into the magical storyland of Red Cloud...

It is after-school today, and what? NO A. S. PROGRAM? Why? Well, I suppose a number of reasons, really.... but my main reaction is- who cares? I love an afternoon off!

So I thought it would be an afternoon off, yet it turns out when there is no structured program, students congregate in my office! (I must admit to enjoying this experience)... It gives me time to further understand and connect with a few students, yet it also leaves me less time to write my blog... which is one reason this will perhaps be truncated and finished later (bus #3 is sitting alone & cold right now, soon to be enjoying the presence of Emily and company)... but currently my office is hopping with a frequent visitor--- JESSE!

I commented a few weeks ago about this boy named Jesse who is planning on becoming an Iron-Chef...like the TV show, and he wanted me to say a few more things about him, so here goes.....

1. He is Superman, Batman, and Spiderman combined into one.

2. Because of my recent blog post, which thrusted him into fame (as he so believes)...he is officially too cool to talk to me.

3. 1/2 second after saying that, he adds that if I added a picture of him, I would receive more hits on my blogsite. :) (will do later)

4. He likes to eat apples.

There you go ladies and gentlemen.... Jesse Waters (which was also his decision to post his full name).... :) Soon-to-be, Mr. Everything.

I must say- it has truly been a good day. I came to school ready to accept whatever the students offered, in terms of issues, fun interaction, and the usual graces of the day... (I also pray each morning for grace to simply and authentically 'be' with these precious students). I don't mean to say precious as in 'pinch their cheeks' precious, rather, the type of 'they don't yet realize their worth' precious. Thus, I reflect on this past week, knowing that I am grateful for all aspects of this job, even the ones that are frustrating at times... since I am in the front lines of learning more about myself by way of interacting with Red Cloud students...

In no apparent order, here are the events of my past week... quite varied, yet continually meaningful and... well... fun!

It is now late evening, and I am continuing this post after another basketball game. I don't think I have exactly discussed how much basketball is the core of many things here at Red Cloud- social interaction, community togetherness, fundraising (I was asked three times tonight to buy a raffle ticket for propane), and school spirit. I worked at the concessions stand, and it is marvelous bonding time with juniors. I must say... they really do a fantastic job of tormenting me with their little tricks and such... to which I most often respond with genuine gullibleness. I think that's maybe not a word, but hopefully you understand, and if you're as gullible as me, you'll think it is! :)

I couldn't reflect on this week without mentioning the chaos that was Valentine's Day! I spoke last week about selling "crush-o-grams" which were a popular fundraiser, for sure! I sold out of them and began selling "kit-kat grams" (do with what you have, right?) :) Anyway- it was a success on almost all accounts... except for those whom made several comments all day about not receiving one- I did feel quite bad for those students. I also received a card from several different students- which were all hand-made and adorable!

Ah, and this past Saturday I went skiing for the first time in seven years. Yes, you may be chuckling to yourself as the mental image of me on the bunny slope fills your mind. However, I have a different picture for you to paint- and perhaps it is even better! So I get to the ski area, and as luck would have it... they are out of ski rentals for the day... until I coax my way into the front of the 'paper line'... (I think my friend Nicole actually made this happen)... anyway, I get skis just as the Rapid City power goes off, disenabling the ski lifts.... so Nicole and I are feeling ambitious- and decide to CLIMB the first slope I've been down in 7 years. I know, pretty impressive, right? Well, it was only 1/2 way up the bunny slope... ha.... yeah, but still! Climbing none-the-less. I skiid (I want to mention at this point that I always find it difficult to write the word 'ski' in various forms) down a total of 7 or so slopes... but it was super fun... and I was able to hang out a bit that night with some dear friends....

I will briefly skim over the fact that I also missed my exit on the interstate coming back- putting me well on my way to- what I believe was- Interior, Sd. HA. Speaking on your cell phone isn't all that great while driving. Enough Said.

Did I mention my hair smells like popcorn?

I need to finish up here soon, because I have this new goal of getting 9 hours of sleep a night this week. I feel as if I'm the best version of myself with that much sleep... and quite frankly, who doesn't want to be the best version of themselves, right?

I have another Lakota quiz in class tomorrow... and not wanting to brag, I'll briefly share that I receive more than a perfect score on my last week's quiz.... :):) (clearing throat, trying not to sound overly confident)... I did have some senior guys quiz me today on my Lakota for tomorrow- Yeah, I need to study.

Well, this about concludes what I would say is a rather random yet fun-filled rambling of Pine Ridge and the stories which are embedded in this experience of a lifetime.

Truly, gratefully, and- still smelling like popcorn,
Emily

Full & Fulfilling

Why hello!!!

I write again from a slightly scattered, yet quickly calming mood.

Today has been quite the chaos! Partly due to my own fault, and partly circumstantial. HA! I shall begin backwards on recounting my week, since today must be recorded!

So yesterday we got out at 9:30am (wait, this is necessary to today's story, trust me)- such the full (1hr 20min) school day! :) I spent my time at school until 2pm, working on various projects, and enjoying some good chat time with fellow faculty... then worked out for awhile, made dinner, basically enjoying the down time... WELL. I find out shortly before going to bed that we would be having a late start today (I forgot to mention this all involves the accumulated snow outside). Good news, right? The story thus begins... (She sets the alarm for a luxurious 8am)

7:47am- Emily wake up on her own, only to fall asleep again.
7:51- 10:23am- Emily sleeps soundly, evidently through alarm, knocks on the door, and a phone call.
10:23am- Emily's cell phone rings...who would be calling this early in the morning?
10:25am- It occurs to Emily that she is EXTREMELY late to school. (which began at 10am)
10:32am- Emily makes it to school and having just checked her messages, realizes that some fellow teachers are gone for the day and cannot make it back (snow related once again) for school. Hence, Emily is suppose to sub again today.
10:35am- Some students are let out for the "women in science" trip planned for today- which Emily was also suppose to chaperone- to Rapid.
10:35-10:45am- Emily frantically pulls her things together, confirms she cannot sub, and tries finding the van to leave for Rapid.
10:45am- Emily returns unsuccessful from multiple trips outside looking for the van. Hmm, seems to have left without her.
11:16am- Emily begins subbing today...
12:30am- Returning to sub once again, Emily finds the ART ROOM FLOODED (with snow run-off).... The rest of the subbing is chaotic, in trying to find places for the students to go, things to occupy their time, and workable TV systems to watch an Art video.

Relatively unsuccessful on all accounts, Emily resigns to her office after school and celebrates the fact that she has sold over 40 Crush-0-Grams for Valentine's day in the midst of the chaos.

Ha, quite the day (or quite the 4 1/2 hours, that is!)- yet somehow wonderfully satisfying as well; when I'm not in control, I can choose to realize that, or fight it, and I think I did a little of both today....

Gosh, so much more to say (and bus #3 awaiting my keys), but basically this past weekend I had a volunteer retreat, during which I announced to the group that I have plans to stay on another year- more thoughts on this later.

Overall, a relatively splendid week, and tomorrow will be full as well, with Custer HS coming to visit, and my very first Lakota Language quiz! (need I mention I haven't studied yet?)

Alright, I shall be posting new pictures soon, of my students dancing at a Pow Wow and of various other things... However, they have yet to be put onto the computer.

One wonderful note... my office currently (WHAT?)...sorry, couldn't hear myself over the sound of the extractor!!! That's right, the snow run-off also seeped into my office, even though I am not by the outside, weird! My office is essentially 'room-locked' yet I still have a flooded carpet? Strange engineering!

Okay, I really must go, although I hate leaving a post feeling that so much is yet to be said. Perhaps my pictures will appear sooner than a week. I'd really like that, and maybe you would too! (and I've been told a picture is worth a thousand words) :)

Until my words meet your eyes once again,

Emily

February comes at last...

It's February- actually, 5 days into February, which honestly is a little difficult to believe.

However, accepting this in faith, I shall proceed to explain the continual excitement which my past week here at Red Cloud involves...

I spoke last of anticipation regarding my Lakota Language course, and I am pleased to report that my mood upon returning from class was one of invigoration and excitement at the prospect of learning this difficult language! One reason I find this endeavor useful is the Lakota Language is the foundation of the culture- and by learning the various speech patterns, I shall hopefully also learn important aspects of the culture! :) Wish me luck!

I would like to introduce myself now... 'Emily Fischer emaciyapi ye' & the translation for Red Cloud Indian School is 'Mahpiya Luta Owayawa,' but I cannot remember how to put it together.... I'll work on that. I've basically learned some of the correct pronunciations and a few general grammatical rules, but it was an intense 2 1/2 hours of Lakhota, so basically I really don't know how much I've retained. I did review last night, however, and I really want to get pronunciation correct, that's my most immediate concern.

Oh yes, well- we have a changed situation here at Red Cloud- our volunteer coordinator recently resigned, and now Paddy will be taking over his position- which means our current full-time sub will be taking over Paddy's classes... leaving the rest of us (and me at a definite disadvantage w/ only 2 structured periods of the day) to fill more subbing positions. Ah, a bit frustrating yesterday (with a surprise day full of subbing- and a long list of items which remained un-accomplished), but the prospect seems more promising after a day of only subbing 2 periods... yes, my job has become a bit more hectic, yet entirely manageable- thus far!

I also received a surprise bus run this weekend, taking the wrestling team to Pierre and Fort Pierre for a tournament (Fri- Sat). The entire trip was fine- although the arrival back to campus was much later than expected... however I will forever count my blessings with a successful bus run after the recent bus-trauma we have been experiencing as a community! :)

A few blessed points of my bus driving this weekend involved the genuine appreciation and joy I sensed from the wrestlers. They are a wonderful group of guys, and in their own way, they all show me that they appreciate not only my (fabulous) bus driving skills, but also my (occasionally over-zealous) enthusiasm and support of the team. On the way to Pierre, we were jamming out to some tunes on the radio, and a commercial came on about sobriety checks, following which they all checked in with me to make sure- as the driver- I was doing okay! :)

One guy came up to help change the radio station, and in leaving he says, "Emily, you're doing a GREAT job of bus driving!" Awe, how wonderful to hear these much sought-after words! Another guy came up to talk a bit and give me a tootsie roll for my efforts. Still another gave me a hug on the way out, thanking me for driving. It's in these little moments that I do experience the grace of God- and I become consumed with an immense feeling of peaceful joy and reassurance that God is truly present in all my interaction with these (have I mentioned wonderful?) students! :):)

Speaking of wonderful students, one came into my office at this very moment, and just asked me "Hey, do you know I am a really great cook?" Well, no- I didn't, Jesse. "Yep, I'm one of the best cooks in my house- macaroni and cheeze, goulosh, spaghetti, taco salad, and gravy- gravy's easy!" ...Ha- thought you'd appreciate a tidbit of the many conversations which occur in this office daily.... Oh, he also just informed me he WILL be an 'Iron-Chef' someday (evidently it's a TV show)- and proceeds to explain that he would rather cook beef than seafood (because you don't see the cow's head, you only see the live lobsters and such)- and he challenged me to a cooking competition.

I hope that explains a bit why I love conversing with these brilliant-minded students, who despite their (at times) difficult situations, still aspire to the best... like cooking spaghetti on a TV show! :)

Sunday I enjoyed a nice run through the masses of snow which still cover the cross-country trail, but it was such a nice day- I couldn't help but feel invigorated by trudging through the shin-high snow! After what was a surprisingly relaxing weekend (w/ factoring in the bus driving and all)... I had a good Monday- well, for the most part good.... yet I suppose you know by now that I tend to find the good in all situations, so you can assume that Monday wasn't a GREAT day- but most likely an ordinary day.

The girls' b-ball team won a 70-30 victory over Hill City last night, and for once I was able to go simply as a spectator and fan, rather than a 'faculty on duty' person. I enjoy sitting in the student section and cheering really loudly, drawing several strange glances from younger kids who don't know me and my enthusiasm yet. The high schoolers do, evidently, b/c it doesn't faze them... :) I was able to convince some freshman girls to stand up with me for a cheer, though- and it gave me the impression that enthusiasm simply waits for a confident owner before it can spread.

Tonight I am planning to play b-ball in a scrimmage with the Oglala Lakota College girl's team. YIKES! To give you a preview of the quality play our team (of eclectic talent) will produce... some played b-ball in 4th grade, some in high school, and perhaps some none at all! :) YES! I'll let you know how it goes.

Okay, that's all for now, and good timing too, since #15 bus is calling my name! "Coming, oh sovereign activity run, coming!" Gosh, sometimes that's just how it is!

May much peace me yours as you also trudge through the snows of winter (although perhaps yours will not be for sheer enjoyment/exercise) :):)

Until my Lakota improves and I make this a bi-lingual site, Good-bye!
Emily

PS- I don't intent to suggest the aforementioned bi-lingualism shall occur ANY time soon. :)