SPRING!!

Today is the first day of spring-the day we have been looking forward to welcoming for the last two months. It gives us hope that the hurting, crippling cold and the imprisoning snow will soon be gone and the days will be warm and inviting. Life feels like it has been infused with new vigor, and the body and mind feel fresh and happy. The beginning days of spring offer the damp, foggy feel that today has held; but the dampness and mud hold promise of new green grass and flowers. I buried some spring bulbs late in the fall and I have been anxiously awaiting the appearance of the first little spears that break the damp ground. The signs of spring are appearing here in Lower Brule, too; as more people are turning out on Sunday mornings to worship with us. We had more worshippers this morning than we have had for many months. Ray has been speaking to us from the book of Galatians, and he had handouts of maps that show the geographical location of Galatia. It helps the book to come to life as we study the demographics of the churches that Paul was addressing in his letter. One of the things that I have particularly admired is the simple faith that is exhibited when someone requests prayer for someone in the community who is sick or suffering. It is good to know that God cares and He hears when we pray. We had a lively group of children this afternoon who are feeling the effects of spring and they are responding to them. It keeps me 'on my toes' to get a lesson to them. They are a special group of children, and we are happy for the relationship that they have allowed us to build with them.

I hope and pray that you have a good week, and may God bless you!

HAPPY AND UNHAPPY HAPPENINGS

It has been a few weeks since we have reported what is happening here at Lower Brule. Both happy and unhappy things have been happening here.

First, the Happy: We are Happy that the children are continuing to come to Sunday School. I believe that they are feeling a little cabin fever, and they are sometimes a little fussy between themselves or a little noisy. They still love when we can sit and do crafts; and they really get involved when we tell them the Bible stories about Jesus and His time here on earth. They often give me a detailed account of the story from the week before, and this is Happy.

We are also Happy that many more adults from the community have been coming to worship with us on Sunday mornings. Some of the mornings are extremely cold and miserable, but they come quietly in and sit down while we worship. Happy!

English classes are going quite well, though I had a discouraging time for a week or so because I want to make the class interesting, and sometimes English is not fun and interesting. Unhappy! I keep thinking about things to make it more interesting, but maybe my imagination doesn't go far enough. Oh, well! The students are respectful and seem to like the class. Happy!A very Unhappy happening was on the week that the Tribal Chairman's wife passed away suddenly. She was respected and loved in the community, and the community grieved deeply. Ray and I attended her wake and funeral.

Thank you for your interest in Lower Brule. We are Happy that you read our posts and pray for us.