SUNDAY -- We arrived safely last night after our initial plans shifted due to storms on Saturday throughout the middle of the country, an early lesson about the connections between all things. Wake-up came early - prior to 4 AM - in order to get us started on a full day of travel. It was a great relief to land in Rapid City, to get our feet back on the ground - but more than anything, to finally be here in South Dakota. As we drove northeast toward La Plant and could see glimpses of the Badlands to the south, I kept imagining much of what I'd been reading in "Black Elk Speaks" about the genocide of Sioux tribes on this very land: sweeping, systemic efforts by the U.S. government designed to eradicate the people who were here first. After a few stops, including one for dinner at the famous Wall Drug, we made it to the Cheyenne River Reservation and Simply Smiles.
MONDAY -- This morning after breakfast we were led through an eye-opening orientation that quickly anchored us in this place and some of the experiences of the Lakota. One such experience was the abduction of children and their forced enrollment in boarding schools where they had their hair cut short and were severely punished for speaking in their native language. Tina and I are here with two of our three kids. I simply can't imagine what it would have been like to have them stolen away from us as toddlers - a potent mix of anger and deep sadness quickly bring tears to my eyes at such thoughts. After lunch, we quickly prepped for an afternoon of summer camp for 40-60 reservation children. Our time was devoted to making it possible for these kids to smile, these kids who likely have experienced countless trauma and may have rare chances to smile, laugh, or play at home. Piggy-back rides,making "play dough," and a hill-top hike with the youngest kids - these filled our day. Now, over dinner, we are watching a 2018 film entitled "Warrior Women" about Madonna Thunder Hawk and among others her daughter Marcella Gilbert, and their activism against the genocide that has been perpetrated against indigenous people. It is a profound honor to have the chance to be here even if only for this week, helping to touch lives with love and help empower these amazing new friends. I am humbled and grateful for your support in dollars and prayers, and I trust that you know we are working and playing hard to share your love.
MONDAY -- This morning after breakfast we were led through an eye-opening orientation that quickly anchored us in this place and some of the experiences of the Lakota. One such experience was the abduction of children and their forced enrollment in boarding schools where they had their hair cut short and were severely punished for speaking in their native language. Tina and I are here with two of our three kids. I simply can't imagine what it would have been like to have them stolen away from us as toddlers - a potent mix of anger and deep sadness quickly bring tears to my eyes at such thoughts. After lunch, we quickly prepped for an afternoon of summer camp for 40-60 reservation children. Our time was devoted to making it possible for these kids to smile, these kids who likely have experienced countless trauma and may have rare chances to smile, laugh, or play at home. Piggy-back rides,making "play dough," and a hill-top hike with the youngest kids - these filled our day. Now, over dinner, we are watching a 2018 film entitled "Warrior Women" about Madonna Thunder Hawk and among others her daughter Marcella Gilbert, and their activism against the genocide that has been perpetrated against indigenous people. It is a profound honor to have the chance to be here even if only for this week, helping to touch lives with love and help empower these amazing new friends. I am humbled and grateful for your support in dollars and prayers, and I trust that you know we are working and playing hard to share your love.
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