4 months in...

And time continues to tick away....

Oh wait, that's the new clock I recently hung in my office, letting me know that I am clearly on a schedule- a rather relaxed, come in and chat awhile, definitely not hectic, schedule today. :)

And so I write, another blog entry, to appease myself, my friends reading periodically, and my family who takes an interest in my life events....

This past week has been one of most definite learning- I have learned that rules are a good and constructive component to a class, that cleaning the cottage makes my heart at peace, and that laundry is a bittersweet experience. Okay, the laundry wasn't that profound, but my other learning really has been. For instance, yesterday was the first day I seriously imposed certain policies in the weight room (although I must add it was not complete anarchy in prior weeks). The guys who were not in the room when the appropriate time came were marked unexcused tardy... I only allowed one person to the restroom at a time, meaning the line-up was long and impatient, thus hopefully provoking a more immediate return to class (for each student relieving himself).... they all lifted more diligently than most days, considering I threatened to write up those not lifting...and the best part of this excellent class period was the cleaning up afterward. One policy I also enforced is this: they must help with cleaning jobs once they are done with their lifting routines, so they were vacuuming, picking up weights, etc.... a truly beautiful sight. I haven't mentioned that I also spent last Thurs. and Fri. vacuuming the carpet, hoping to display my respect for the weight room and my hope for their additional respect.

So, now that I have a handle on the concept of enforcing rules- and I think the guys realize I'm serious, I have to work on being consistent the rest of the semester. In giving myself a little grace, I've realized that this is my very first time truly needing to create, implement, and enforce rules in a class setting, so I guess my learning is definitely more of the experiential kind, you know- three months into the time, I realize the necessity of certain policies. :) I'd assert that it's not a bad time frame, especially now since I can truthfully say I understand a bit more of the mentality of Red Cloud HS, including students, faculty, and administration. In any case, the learning of last week was not always pleasant, but as I'm learning time and again... worthwhile experiences are not always pleasant.

What else is happening- I baked and cleaned all weekend- which means that really I am becoming more domesticated than I would have previously admitted. However, when circumstances necessitate cleaning- and when desire necessitates baking.... those things come quite naturally to me... and it makes me excited to return home for the holidays!

Speaking of home, I've realized that it has been just over 4 months since I've been here, which means this is also the most time I've ever spent away from home in one stretch... even my study abroad experience lasted only 4 months... but I must say this is a bit different, since I have seen my family in Sioux Falls and that wasn't a possibility from England. (Side Note: Almost 2 years ago now would have been the approaching time of my departure to England... which seems so strange to comprehend!)

Last night I was editing my housemate Katie's resume for her, and I realized that in many ways I feel as if college happened so long ago... all the tutoring, late nights spent writing papers, random meetings to attend, dinner dates to plan and enjoy, and all the walking around campus, attending classes and chapel.... Gosh.... while I do miss certain aspects of my time at college, I am realizing that I have been well prepared to encounter this new environment of Pine Ridge- and have been embracing my time here as a result of the many experiences I have been given in the past.... so I guess I might say that my past has given me the capability of fully appreciating my present. And all thanks be to God for this time now in Pine Ridge.

Thus shall end my reflections today. I look forward to only two more weeks of class before I take off for the Lakota Nation Invitational...and then HOME for Xmas! If you're reading this and plan to be in the Brookings/Arlington area over break, I would most definitely like to meet up with you!

Sending my smiles from this humble office in this fantastic school on this complicated Reservation.

LOVE, Em