Reno and beyond...

Hello wonderful friends who span the globe...

Here begins what I think is a pretty spectacular blog entry... :)

First, a few pictures from Reno, NV. My first (and last?) time visiting...

A. J. and I playing Skee Ball... we both won prizes, but didn't claim them. Shoot.

We look pretty cute- even though some students think we look like siblings...yikes!

A. J.'s booth at the Safari Club International convention.

Okay, on to other elements of life....

I am writing here once again about my Pine Ridge life. Sometimes it feels so much like home that I forget what info might be novel to my faithful few... but I suppose I shall type what I think about, what I do, since that's what I know best...

I returned late Monday night from Reno....well, from a frigid Rapid City... 2 hours later than planned. Yet I was in high spirits, since my time in Reno was well spent with A. J. I suppose I should clarify for those who are not in close personal contact with me... A. J. is my boyfriend. I normally refrain from sharing too much personal information via 'this blog'- but in the chance that I mention his name a time or two, I think it's only fair that I explain who he is.

So- in short, A. J. and my brother played football together at University Sioux Falls, and this fall Clint (my brother) worked at A. J.'s hunting lodge as a guide... so they spent some quality time together, occasionally mentioning my name and single status. After ignoring hints all fall, I agreed to go on a date with 'this boy.' (and it was blind... with the only knowledge about him from Clint being something like, "Well, he's not ugly") :) Neither of us realized how much we would have in common- and now we enjoy each other's company when we can- being 4 hours apart.

Yes, well, I took off two days of school to travel to Reno, which happened to only be one day, since Monday we had a snow day! Tuesday I was blessed with a late start, and considering my tired travel mode, I used the extra sleep well. Back in the bitter cold, it took a few hours before my spirit warmed up at school on Tuesday- just in time to drive the GBB team to Mission for the night. The girls played pretty well but lost in the final seconds, which was disappointing for everyone. Their team is struggling a bit to pull together, but hopefully that can still happen as the season is not over. The boys team continues to do well. I don't think they have quite the same record or ranking as last year, but honestly I'm not even sure what they're ranked. None-the-less, it is still fun to support all the teams, since they are wonderful people!

I have been working a bunch on various little projects this week- promoting our Crush gram sale and talent show, entertaining and carefully responding to a plethora of non-feasible activity ideas from the students, and trying to pull together information for a 21st Century grant meeting tomorrow. The cumulative binder is in progress...well... at least in my mind! :)

Oh, and parent/teacher conferences went swell yesterday (or so I hear). :) See, I don't actually have much business when it comes to conferences. One class. Three students. Weight lifting. Need I say more?

I would like to reflect briefly on my travel to Reno from the perspective of an outsider looking in on my time here on the Reservation. I am inspired to do this based on the conversations I had with several people while en route to Reno. Generally speaking, the response I typically receive after explaining my choice to be here on the Rez is one of ambivalent surprise. For example, a normal response would be, "Oh, wow, now that's interesting!" or "Well, good for you. You really don't get paid?" Honestly though, I don't think most people actually believe it's interesting at all- or care whether or not I get paid, since they fail to provide any follow-up questions. But I take people at their word ;) and begin to briefly explain my position, my struggles and hopes, my life passions (okay, I read the audience before delving in too far, don't worry) :).

My point is, I really feel as if I have become an advocate for this place (which is a second home) and these people (who are my friends, my sisters, my brothers, my second family). I am able to cross bridges between 'the elite' and 'the forgotten,' between 'the privileged' and 'the not-so-privileged.' And this is exactly where I want to be; regardless of other life endeavors, I will always seek to be an advocate for those without a strong voice.

That is all for now. I shall resume daily life here at Red Cloud... driving school bus, laughing at the hilarious comments students (never fail to) make, and enjoying the gifts God has given me. Which also includes all of you. :)

Much love,

Emily

A beautiful time...

Hello beautiful friends!!!

I have posted exactly three pictures for three reasons. 1. I think a blog is immediately more interesting when photos are involved. 2. I want to express how I feel in beautiful colors. 3. It is always my joy to share photos of students I love.

This scene is NOT what it looks like here, but it's how I feel inside. :)

These fabulous girls are a part of the student council...did I mention they are fabulous?

Our Stu. Co. Representatives at the Inauguration of Theresa Two Bulls

(hopefully I haven't posted this one already)

Hello from the West...

I have always felt strange claiming that I live in the West now, since East River SD would NEVER consider themselves 'the West.' Hence, I grew up with an assumption that all of SD is a part of the Midwest... when in reality, the state divide (Missouri River) is actually greater than I ever expected. It not only separates the state, it is evidently the separation line for the Midwest and West. Betcha didn't know that! :)

I have some good news and some bad news. Which would you like to read first? Well, I'll begin with the bad news, but if you're more inclined to hear good news first, read the second paragraph and jump back to the first.

The bad news is... I will not be returning for a third year here. I recently turned in my official 'letter of intent' which was a difficult yet necessary step. Most likely everyone following my blog knows this is my final year, but I am beginning to think my audience is a bit greater than anticipated (considering the 8000+ views of my profile, I just noticed today). So I must give ample reasoning and warning- that this blog will only be mindfully tended for the next 5 months... and hopefully revisited time and again, but that's hard to predict. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, being enriched by the lives of the high schoolers I work with, the faculty members I work alongside, the culture I have fallen in love with, and the housemates and community members I live among. I have realized this year that I haven't spoken so much about the traditional Lakota Culture, I suppose since it has become an integrated part of my experience rather than a 'new phenomenon.' And I rather enjoy this realization. So- here's to five more months of solid, dedicated, Pine Ridge reflecting....

The goods news is... I will be attending Princeton Seminary in the fall! Also, most likely everyone following this also knows that, but I shall add a bit of detail. I have not yet received my financial aid package, which is the next step, considering I have been accepted and confirmed with my housing deposit. Once I file my taxes and FAFSA I anticipate hearing back relatively soon- enough time to possibly schedule a visit or whatever needs to happen next... I look forward to this journey- which will take me to NJ for three years, but it is a bit nerve-wracking as well, knowing the culture will be quite an adjustment. Honestly I'm not sure what could be more drastic than "The Rez" to "Princeton." I suppose my excitement over this upcoming experience only highlights my love for adventure and meeting new people- discovering a new culture!

But for now, I am here. And I am of course thrilled to continue on into this final semester. The new classes begin today, and lucky for me I get to substitute teach two of them today! U.S. History and Ethics. I know, pulling out all the big guns with me as the teacher! :) This week is a short week, as I only have two days of school (teacher inservice yesterday- fun fun!)... and then I will leave for Reno for a few days. Perhaps I'll meet up with a certain boy while I'm in Reno.... who knows! :) Alright, I guess I do know... AJ (and his father) will be there to greet me!

Last week we had some excitement with a fabulous student council meeting, some planning for Valentine's Day (We are having a talent show and Crush-gram fundraiser!), and my friend Emily (great name, I know) from NW College was here for a visit and was able to meet several of my students and see me in my daily routine. I especially appreciated her visit and interest in my life here...I do love visitors!

Today I am planning on going to a Sweat (inipi) after school today. I believe the wrestling team is hosting. It has been a little while since I've been able to sweat (remember women's participation is subject to their moon cycle)... so I am excited to be able to pray with the students in this way. I am also working on planning for next year- with the after-school program grant coming due soon, and a looming project of creating a binder for my predecessor. :)

All in all, it is truly a beautiful time- with temperatures rising enough for me to enjoy running outside- giving me hope that sometime spring will come....spring will come... :)

As always, thanks for reading this post. I appreciate the interest in the Rez... or interest in me... :) Ha, either way, your readership is well received. :)

Much love, Emily

Catching up...

Hello my faithful few!

I know it has been another 1 1/2 weeks since I've written to you... or posted... or whatever terminology best suits you, but here I am once again. :)

This past week has been full of catching up - with the students, with my work, and with my volunteer community. I was reminded upon returning of how much I really do love my life here, and hearing the stories from the students was uplifting as we got into the swing of being at school once again. (It teaches me that time away doesn't mean relationships are any less significant).

One positive bit about the student council... last year around this time the student council sort of took a turn for the 'less than enthusiastic'- but this year, several of the girls have been asking, "what happened to student council?" (which the obvious answer would be- we've been on break, silly!)... but my internal response was of great joy, because their questions suggest that they actually miss student council! We have a meeting tomorrow to discuss our upcoming projects, and I have to remind myself to be as positive about this as they are (since there is the temptation for me to say- we had a great semester, that's good enough). But it's not, and I know they still need my encouragement to continue strong. So, let the Valentine's festivities begin! :)

I will show you a few random pictures from the previous weeks....

Our New Year's Eve group- what fun!

A. J. and I at New Year's Eve (he was introduced to the group as my

brother's friend and my "friend") :)

Past volunteer katie and I at LNI this year.

My college friends and I holding a few of my Dad's newly-hatched chicks (this smile was before the chick 'oopsed' on me!)

The wrestling team at LNI- way to go, boys!

Okay, that's all for now. I can't find the winter formal pictures, otherwise I would have posted those lovely shots as well.

I am currently starting another full week- and let me tell you, having two full 5 day weeks in a row can be a bit daunting. I know that perhaps sounds pretty funny- like... well, aren't you suppose to always have 5 days weeks, Emily? Well, yes- generally speaking, but rarely in fact do we actually have them. So then the irregular becomes common, and we all get spoiled and start complaining about a full week. It is a bit strange, I admit.

This is finals week, and everyone is stressed and ready for the week to be over. Well, everyone is stressed that has anything to do with finals, and that does not include me (said with a sheepish smile). I actually love finals week, because I have relatively little to do. I must clarify- I actually have a busy after-school program during finals week, since everyone stays after for study hall- but that's all, really. Just the after-school program. And my girls in weight lifting are maxing out this week.

Speaking of which, I'd best be on my way toward making those sheets for the girls.

It has been lovely updating you all, (however many or few happen to read). :) It's the mystery of my readership which keeps me writing- so I imagine dozens of eager souls reading these posts, even if it's just a few. :) Imagination is key.

Sending warm wishes on this bitterly cold and windy day,

Emily