HANGIN' EM UP

The last two Sundays have been very encouraging to us. The children who are coming to church have been so precious and loving, and we feel that we have established a strong relationship with them. I expect some of these relationships to become lasting. These children face life challenges that would make an adult shudder, but they are brave and cheerful most of the time.
We were so happy to bring the bus out, and the kids were happy. I will give the proof for that statement in the pictures that follow. :)
We do not hang the kids, but they love the bar at the top of the van. Somehow, I knew what would happen when I saw the rail up at the top. After we pick them up, we end up spending a little time getting everyone sitting down, as they would rather sit anywhere than in the seats (how boring!!). They are compliant, though, when we get serious about it.
This is harvest time here as well as other places in South Dakota. Lower Brule is situated on a big bend in the Missouri River, and there is rich and fertile farmland on the banks of the river in this area. Ray and I took a drive between the fields, and found some impressive crops. We also found some wild flowers and pretty grasses, along with some deer and wildlife. We find Lower Brule to be many-faceted with surprises around every corner.
The Monday classes are moving right along--we are nearing the midterm 'crisis.' I am very impressed with my students. I find them to be artful and meaningful writers. Some of the writings reflect such deep thoughts and life lessons, though they are 'writers in the raw.' Most of them are open and friendly, and I am honored to be a part of their lives at this juncture.

DEVELOPMENTS

This Sunday dawned bright and cheerful. The temperature was a perfect 72 degrees, and the river was a sapphire blue. Ray and I started out for Lower Brule with the 'new' van that was purchased by the FMA for the mission. Before we left town, Ray noticed a flat tire on one of the back duals. He tried to fix it, but time was against us, and too much had to be done before we left. We left town a little sad, as we were excited to take the van out for the kids. Oh well, next week...
We had a nice Sunday morning service, and our attendance was up a little. The afternoon Sunday School was enjoyable. The children are refreshing and fun to teach. It takes so little to make them happy. We feel that we have established a relationship with them. We were happy when a mother brought a three new children who were wanting to come to Sunday School, and they showed us where they live so we can regularly pick them up. On the way home, one of the children informed me that 'this van is too little.' I promised her to try to have a big van by next week. :) :)
We're so thankful for the van (have I mentioned this before?). Someone loaned the $3000.00 for the van for the mission. We are praying that the Lord will move some people to help pay this person the money owed.
Monday was a beautiful day as well, and I held the two classes that I teach at the Lower Brule Community College. I find the students to be warm, enjoyable, and mentally stimulating. I have included a picture of the classroom that I use for the classes. I spend a minimum of 7 hours in this room every Monday. Ray uses the time that I am in the classroom to visit and get acquainted around the area. This week he went and had a nice visit with the tribal chairman.

May God bless you for your interest in the work in Lower Brule.

OLD FRIENDS; NEW FACES

We are stepping through 'the gate' into the unknown in some areas of our lives, and especially in the area of the work in Lower Brule. I have taken the responsibility of teaching two classes-EN 101 and EN 102- at the Lower Brule Community College. I have been thoroughly enjoying this experience in my life. I find the students to be bright and eager to learn, for the most part. They are respectful and cooperative. While I am teaching, Ray has time in which he has been visiting the men who come to church. We stay over on Sunday nights and teach the classes on Mondays, and return to Mitchell after classes on Monday night. This seems to be working well.

We were thrilled to entertain Mike and Vivian Pile, friends who have been with us through 'thick and thin' since college. We had some wonderful times together during the week that they stayed with us. They came with us over to Lower Brule on Sunday, and it was an encouragement to have them with us. They took several pictures and we will share them with you. The above picture was taken at Shakespeare Gardens in Wessington Springs where we stopped on our way home from the mission.

Did I mention that it was a hot day that Sunday? It registered 104 degrees on the car thermometer.

This is a building that is in Lower Brule that was decorated by teen boys from the village. The people are often very artistic and talented.

The kids are usually and interested audience.

They love to lead the singing.

We were very happy when the Faith Missionary Council voted to help buy a van to haul the kids in to Sunday School. This is a $3000.00 expense with which they need help from those who are interested in the work there. This van will relieve a heavy burden on us when we transport them to and from church.