State bound...

Hello from the happenin' desk of Red Cloud Student Activities!!!

I'm smiling now, as I type this during the final period of the day, the anpetu topa (4th day) of the week. (I imagine you think I am always smiling... and this is actually not true. In fact, I am smiling NOW, since I wasn't smiling EARLIER when I felt a bit overwhelmed- but you're right, I do smile a lot). It has been a full past few weeks... and my soul has both rejoiced and retreated during the plentiful activities. It has been quite the week for basketball, as our girls lost a close game at regions last week Tuesday, and our boys won two games last week to advance into regions- this past Tuesday. The boys won- thus, they are headed to state next weekend! Once again, going back to state in hopes of claiming the championship title they missed out on last year.

Two words come to mind when I think about region basketball games. Fan Busses. Yep. We had them. Yep. They were crazy. Yep. I always find reason to rejoice and retreat when I'm in the midst of the cheering student section, when I'm driving bus in downtown Rapid (asking kids to keep their arms inside the bus), and when I'm asked a million questions about the (seemingly simple) concept of turning in a signed permission slip with $5.00. And I say rejoice and retreat both, because often I feel the need for simultaneous thoughts of gratitude and need for santuary. I love the students. I love giving them opportunity to bond together for the sake of school unity. I love the exuberance they bring with them to the game. I love the positive attitudes a few students naturally display. I do not, however, love the occasional outbursts of rude adolescent immaturity, or the disciplinary actions which I must administer post- outburst. :) On the whole. I love fan busses. But not as much as I love the students individually. :)

The following pictures are all fan bus participants... what a crew!!

Above: NOT fan bus participants...lovely cheerleaders with random baby.

Okay.... so now you have a few faces of the fans... the fans which readily cheered on both boys and girls BB teams throughoug the season. As much fun as BB season is around here (and believe me, I was thoroughly awaiting its arrival)... I can say that I will breathe a sign of relief when the craziness has ended. Not to short the festivities, because I am still all about cheering the boys on at state. (I just found out I won't be driving the team, as originally anticipated...) So, fan bus anyone? :)

This week we have also been hosting a number of students from Creighton University. 5 undergrad students interested in volunteering after college (not necessarily here) have been staying at our humble abode- the gray house! It has been a burst of energy for us, especially for my elementary housemates (who aren't as immediately involved in the basketball hoopla and have been experiencing a long 'marchuary' season).

The weather is still pretty cold here, but next week is looking up! Finally, some spring weather headed our way... just in time to give me a boost in my running routine! :) Hopefully. The treadmill scene takes its toll on my motivation during the winter.

I feel as if I should have so many good stories from the students, and I'm sure I do- but when I'm in the midst of the chaos, its difficult to reflect, you know? I do know that I'm excited to actually do a bit of retreating this weekend, as the volunteer crew and I are all headed up to Storm Mountain for a discernment retreat! Yeah. Yeah. (I'm excited).

Well, on to the after-school entertainment portion of my daily Red Cloud show. I'm signing out now, because when dealing with the students after school- there is definitely NOT room for blogging. My sincere apologies for not giving you a live news feed or something- because I KNOW you'd find it entertaining too! :)

Sending much love to a continually known yet expanding audience!

Until the next time our good Lord inspires my little fingers.... :):)

Em

Ushering in March...

Hello my lovely flock of friends!

I decided to use this reference to birds today, since the birds are ushering in March (which conveniently coincides with the warm weather), giving me hope of more pleasant days to come.

Actually, recent days have already been pleasant, yet with the added bonus of nice weather, I become nearly estatic in this place! :) Today I am full of sunshine. Literally- I did receive my daily dosage of Vitamin D during lunch as I prefected outside. And Figuratively- since I am quite happy and at peace with my life and with God. It is a theme I am striving for during this Lenten season- becoming more in tune with my relationship with God by journaling and praying consistently. Thus far- all positive.

Last week was a bit of a whirlwind, with Pennies for Patients finishing up... we announced the winning class this week- the FRESHMEN! It was really cute, just a few minutes ago a freshman who happened to be a major contributer to the coin jar came in to confirm (and secretly celebrate) the fact that the Freshmen had won. He smirks as I congratulate him and give him a high-five... then he says with a smile, "Well, at least the freshmen won something, huh?" Such a humble remark made with the best of intentions. I am really happy they won, actually- even though it means baking more brownies for Wednesday!

We decided early Friday morning to take a Fan bus to Rapid City tomorrow (Tues.) for the Girls' basketball Regional championship game- and as haphazard as fan busses can occasionally be, I am thoroughly excited for this! This means the girls are one victory away from attending the State Tournament in Watertown, SD once again this year. We shall see! And the fan bus is the first of the year! Crazy, I know... Get ready, folks, because last year my several fan bus experiences often elicited some pretty funny tales, to be sure!

Our after-school program is going pretty well. Numbers are down this semester from last semester, but it really doesn't mean much, since we have a large number of students involved in other sports and such, which are not counted in my A. S. P. numbers. And a few of the clubs are just getting under way once again...so have no fear- March madness will become a phrase pertaining to more than just basketball... it will carry over to our A. S. P. as well! :) I wish that if you could experience any part of my job here, you would come and see the chaos which ensues from appx. 3:08-3:30pm every day. It's exhilerating!

I believe it's about time to compile a list of the students interested in taking the fan bus tomorrow. If you feel like cheering for Red Cloud, this is a good week to begin- the boys play two district games on Mon. and Thurs., and the girls play regions tomorrow. Basketball updates will surely be in store here- considering it is now post-season play! The 'big times' around here. Hmmm, random note to self (which I, for some reason, assume you'll be interested in) ... I need to start taking more pictures of the kids! I will get on that soon, and post for your viewing pleasure!

I hope this little blurp is finding you all well and well-cared for by our loving God. Until the next time my little fingers fly across the keyboard.....

Sending my love and appreciation for life,

Emily

A fast month...

Good Morning dear souls!!!

If you haven't noticed, I tend to choose titles for my posts which are slightly descriptive, but mostly mundane. "A fast month" isn't poetic or intriguing. I don't know why I choose to do this, but it's a trend, and I might as well stick with it for now! (I was never good at titling papers in college either) :)

Wow, it has been two weeks already since I last posted. I believe this is what prompted my title. February is generally a fast month to begin with, and I have felt really present here at Red Cloud, so I guess that makes time go quickly. I shall highlight a few particularly exciting events in the past two weeks, both school-related and personal.

So, the highly-anticipated Crush-gram sale went really well; I believe I sold around 135 bottles of crush pop (with which the recipients were extremely pleased). Granted, it made for a really chaotic Friday the 13th, especially with the talent show the same day, but overall I experienced one of those, "Wow, I love my job" moments after it was all over. The talent show in particular was SO MUCH FUN. Every student who participated did so solely out of intrinsic motivation (I didn't even offer prizes or competition)... and honestly I think that's what made it beautiful! Two original songs, three instrumentals, two lip syncs, and a few "jam with the music" entries made it well-rounded and entertaining. Our student body also makes a great audience for the students who participated...cheering them on, even when a little off-tune. :) Ah, the beauty of peer encouragement. It doesn't get much better than that!

We also had a successful student council meeting last week (even pulling together a fabulous lip sync for the talent show)! I bought them pizza, and that seems to make me quite popular (not to mention increases the involvement) with the Stu. Co! A bit of reflection on my college days would teach me that at one point in time I was quite cynical of the "eat pizza, hang out" mentality of youth work... but now I would venture to say the concept actually has much more merit than I could have envisioned in my Ymin classes! :) Okay, maybe Stu. Co. is a bit different than a traditional youth group, but I suppose a similar concept could still apply across the board. Kids do love pizza!

Yesterday we had a prom meeting with the juniors, and I believe they have finally decided on a prom theme. I don't want to speak too soon regarding these delicate details (which have inspired so much drama)... but I will take the risk and tell you... they are going to decorate as "Above the City Lights," which has quite a resemblance to my junior prom theme: "City Nights." I told them this, and of course that excited them even more, because I said I would love to help with ideas and such. I am also in charge of ordering everything for prom, from invitations, to memorabilia, to decorations. It will be different than last year (I had no such duties with prom)... but I am glad to be involved in this way, especially since I cannot actually be at prom. :( (a college friend's wedding coincides).

Alright, so that's life here at Red Cloud. Happening, for sure- with the continued one-on-one interaction with students being my primary source of joy and discouragement-Excitement and sadness. Regardless of the activities going on here at Red Cloud, the students have very real (and often disheartening) lives outside of school; I believe I only grasp a small portion of their reality, but it's enough to make me aware of the deep inner-struggles many of them face daily.

Onto personal life...This past weekend I spent a wonderful Valentine's Day with my Valentine, AJ. :) On Saturday we headed up to a bit of the Red Cloud b-ball games in Rapid, then to a Rapid City Rush hockey game. Neither AJ nor I had ever been to a hockey game before, and we were fortunate to receive (complimentary) tickets from our telecommunications provider here at Red Cloud... front row! We were 'on the ice' I guess, if that's how you say it... able to flinch every time a puck or a few intense players would crash into the Plexiglas! We had a great time- and 4 students were suppose to join us, but for a variety of reasons, only one ended up coming. Tiarra Little, a superb freshman, joined us for the excitement!

Tiarra & I at the Hockey game (the strange angle is due to the fact that we were sitting so close to the rink!) :)

AJ & I enjoying the hockey game together. He loved the fight, even though he calls himself peace-loving. :)

On Sunday AJ and I went skiing with a group from my church back home. It was really great, getting to spend some time on the slopes (for me, a little personal interaction with the snow- more than the others). Okay, I'll be direct. I fell. A lot. And sometimes it hurt (I suppose that has something to do with the fact that I was going speeds I have no business going... especially with only an elementary skiing skill set). But I still had a great time, I want to emphasize the fun over the fact that I came home with several bruises, a sore calf, knee, and elbow, and a confirmed understanding that I need to take lessons before I venture again!

AJ & I posing after the excitement had ended... still smiling, of course! :)

This will conclude my post for today. Oh, before I end- I want to mention that Stu. Co. is hosting a Pennies for Patients drive once again (we did during Homecoming as well)... and it thrills me to see the students bring it what little they have to further the cause of Leukemia research. I'll let you know grand totals once we are finished!

Much love, coming from a heart full of life, full of love, and full of spirit,

Emily

Love, Crushes, and Drama...

Hello Faithful and New Friends alike,

I initially tried to post this several days ago, and it wasn't until I decided to check out my blog for comments did I realize that it never posted, and much of what I had written didn't save either... so here's to my love/hate relationship with technology. :)


I have picked a title for this blog which reflects the feelings currently permeating the air of Red Cloud High School. I tell you what... even though I sometimes feel as if life directs me to dramatic moments at times... I have to admit that I hate drama. Especially when it causes fractions between students (all of whom I know are precious in their own state of being)...


Love. Well, this is an interesting concept here... since it is Valentine's day soon, and I have the great pleasure of listening to the relationship episodes in many of the students' lives. So, this is what "Love" means in the lives of my darling students...are you ready for this tragic but true analysis? The perceived "love" of high schoolers (one for another) often translates to... I'll like/love you when it's convenient, but I always keep my options open. (I've heard one student say, "Play them before they play you- that's what it's like here on the Rez, idnit?") Keeping options open at a young age isn't inherently a bad idea, but the reality of how this takes place, and the emotional destruction which occurs, is a horrible consequence. Students feel extremely committed (more so than I sometimes give them credit for) and their vulnerable identities long for a sense of stability...which they will not and cannot find in this environment of dating infidelity. It's similar to the trend of infidelity so commonly seen across the nation.. in real homes and homes on the big screen. My response is- why? why does it have to be this way? where does the cycle begin again in a healthy fashion? I have yet to find the answers. Even so, some students give me hope.


Crushes. Speaking of those students, crush-grams have provided endless amounts of entertainment for me this week. Several students have stopped in to order them- and the stack of order forms is piling high! I am in awe of the sweetness which many students have exhibited toward one another, both in the sending of crush grams to friends, and in the grams sent anonymously to secret crushes. It is these moments and sincere acts of kindness which instill a sense of hope, even amidst the reality of the tragic relationship situations which exist here and everywhere.


Prom. Its like any big event of which I inevitably am forced to ask this question : "Do the ends really outweigh the means?" SO MUCH DRAMA exists in the realm of prom preparation. Even students I deeply admire for their ability to reflect on situations thoughtfully- are coming to me with horrible gripes and nasty comments about "the junior class" in general. As if they all get together at their junior class meetings and say, "Hey, how can we make the senior class think we're absolutely horrible and don't care at all about prom?" I have reflected with the students on both sides of the divide, and I have come to realize that effective communication would dissipate drama nearly entirely! Yet it is easier to gripe and complain rather than address issues with appropriate conversations. Ah, the joys and struggles of working with high schoolers. :)

My Life. I am actually sensing many transitions in my life right now- and while I still thoroughly enjoy my position here, I also know it's time to move on, and so I can feel myself beginning even now to deal with the separation I will encounter when I leave Red Cloud. It does not have to be a negative thing, since I hope to leave my mark in a good way- and say goodbye with sincerity and with intention of continuing a relationship with the place and people of Red Cloud. However, I must (partially for my own sanity) continue to separate myself in a subtle and gradual way from my identity being 'a part of' Red Cloud. Now Red Cloud will be a part of my identity, but only a part. My time here has certainly shaped many of my current perspectives, but I know that it is not enough to let myself be changed for a time; I must always be adapting my perspectives according to my many life experiences- the next of which will involve studying at Princeton Seminary!

Okay- it is now time to see if my publishing skills are still intact (i.e. posting a blog), as I try once again to charm my way into the loving world of technology. As AJ says, though, computers rarely make mistakes. It's generally the person operating who is in error. Good thing my situation is an exception to that rule! :):)

Sending my love on this rainy Monday morning,

Emily

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