One of the joys of working here on the reservation is the gentleness and toughness of the people we work with. We witness a resilience in the people that surpasses what we have seen otherwise in our lives. A couple of weeks ago, Willard and Carl told Ray right after church that they would like a Communion Service, as it has been awhile since they have attended one. We promised them to have a Communion Service on this Sunday, and we would put out fliers and notify others of the service. 
Our hearts sank a little early Sunday morning when we stepped out the door to come to Lower Brule, as we discovered ice on the windshield of the car. Happily, the interstate was not too bad if we drove steadily and at a decent rate of speed, though we did encounter two pickups that were turned over in the ditch as we drove. We arrived safely, and the gentlemen were waiting for us. Ray talked to us about Jesus, and we had communion at the end of the service. It was such a tender and special time for all of us. The men commented after the service how the service strengthened them to face their responsibilities.
The English classes are winding down, as we have three classes left. I am working closely with the one class on their ten page research paper and the documentation on that paper. The college is working on building a library, and we are presently using the South Dakota Library through the web for research. This can present challenges for us, but the students are resourceful and they get the job done. :) I love this job. The college has asked me to teach again next semester, and I was thrilled to accept another time.
Thank you for your interest in Lower Brule and the work here. May God bless you!!
My mind has been processing the idea of God's Kingdom vs Our Kingdoms for many years (I process slowly). Since I am not a theologian nor a Bible scholar, I will just share some of my thoughts and how they relate to Ray and I. Hopefully, you can glean a little for yourself from my thoughts.
I am sitting above Lower Brule at an outlook that overlooks the Big Bend where LB is nestled against the bend in the river. The view is spectacular this evening. I have taken pictures from this area before, but my camera is 'on the blink.' The sun is setting, and the golden bluffs across the river are mirrored perfectly in the still water. Buffalo wander in the buttes below, and the pink clouds are flung across the multi- blue sky. The river is reflecting the pink light of the sky at the bend, and the rose fades into a deeper blue as it progresses down the river. Lights are beginning to sparkle in LB as people are beginning their supper. This could be one of the last days left this fall when I can sit up here in the car with the window down and wearing a sweater enjoying the evening. I cannot express how much I love our time here at LB on the weekends, and how much we love the work.
Here at the mission, the kids seem to find comfort in odd positions. We allow them a little play time in the bus while we are in housing, but when we get on the road, they have to sit down.
and a table with coffee and donuts.
What more do we need? 
I never knew the day would come when I would be 
Monday classes are going well. I thoroughly enjoy working in this capacity, and I am thankful for this opening. I have met many nice people. I take pleasure in the opportunities to get more acquainted with my students. They often linger during breaks or after class to talk, and we have nice conversations. My students are people who are trying to better their own lives and the lives of their families and their tribe. These students are balancing a grueling schedule and financial load to accomplish what they have a vision to accomplish. I feel honored to be a part of their lives.
Thank you for your interest in Lower Brule. Please continue to pray that we will be wise in the work, that money will be raised to pay the loaner back for the van, and that Ray will be able to accomplish the work on the basement that he has been pursuing for a couple of months now.
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.
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.
