Policy About Fireworks

Every so often the issue of fire comes us. The first year we went to the Rez it was the 4th of July and several of our crew wanted to take fireworks. Since then several people have suggested that we have a bonfire or campfire in the evenings while on the trip. I admit, that I would really love to have both fireworks and a bonfire BUT, its not a good idea. The weather is very hot and dry and the Reservation is made up of a lot of prairie (dry grass). You get the idea - fires can be a real problem. See this video for a view of a fire in 2007 that shut down Hwy 18 and burned over 36 square miles of the Reservation. The fire was from the careless use of fireworks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs9kSRiMles So if you were wondering ........ that is why we don't allow fire of any kind.

We're Home

We are back and we survived. All in all, it was a great trip - thanks to a fantastic crew and the good Grace of God.

We are exhausted! We gave up vacation time. We've traveled many hours, worked hard, put in long days and short nights. We averaged 4 hours sleep a night. Some of us were sick. Others got sick. Some of us were bitten, slapped, and snotted on. Some of us had our hearts completely broken.

We've delivered food to people who had none. We delivered water to people who didn't have water. We've put in electricity to someone's home. We took a truckload of product that can be given out to the people as needed. We took life-saving heaters for the winter. We visited in homes. We bandaged a drunk Indian who had been stabbed. We were given the honor of being invited to join in one of the Lakota sacred ceremonies of a sweat lodge. We ate a lot of dirt on rez roads. We painted over gang graffiti in the village - and added some positive graffiti of our own. Physically, we were miserable. Emotionally we were drained. Spiritually we were enriched. Jesus walked with us in unexpected places. None of us will ever be the same again.

Unloading the truck - all 7 tons of it, by hand

We filled their room

Giving out Backpacks with school supplies - the kids get so excited it's like Christmas in July

Some can't wait to get home to open them

Phayth did a rap concert in the village

And did some graffiti art on the trailers

The water fight!

Going to visit Melda Runs Around the Edge Red Bear Trejo

A Holy moment at Wounded Knee

Faith, Hope, and Love and the greatest of these, is love

Something To Keep In Mind

I"m not sure how the knowledge escaped me all these years - maybe I should read more travel books, namely the Custer State Park guide. Apparently Custer State Park is mountain lion territory. They give the following tips for what to do if you encounter one of these kitties.

• When hiking, walk with others. A walking stick can be used for defense.
  
  


• If you come upon one, shout, wave and hold your jacket open. Try to look as large and threatening as possible.
  
  


• Maintain eye contact with the cat at all times.
  
  


• DO NOT crouch down.
  
  


• DO NOT run.
  
  


• DO NOT approach the cat (who would do that??)
  
  


• Throw sticks or stones that you can easily reach without crouching or taking your eyes off the cat.
  
  


• If the lion attacks, fight back

Good luck!

On the Rez: Pranks

Pranks are fun. While our mission is serious, I am a firm believer in having as much fun as possilbe so have at it!

BUT remember that there are some pranks that will not be tolerated and will have consequences. Use these as a guidline for your pranks.

Do NOT harm people.

Do NOT harm property. (you will be held responsible for paying for any damages done)

No fake creepy crawly things. There are some team members who are deathly afraid of snakes/bugs, spiders and they will not find it amusing to find these in their bedding.

On The Rez: Travel Into The Village

There will be several opportunitites each day to go into the village. We do a Kool Aide Run and Pick Up and Drop Off each day. The first day we are there all of the newbies will also have an opportunity to drive into the village to see it.

At no time shoud any team member travel into the village alone. ALWAYS take at least one person with you. Minors must have an adult with them when they go into the village.

Do not walk into the village. Drive the van.

When you are in the village please keep in mind that we are uninvited guests there. Be respectful. If at any time you feel unwelcome by the residentes - leave.

On The Rez: Electronics

You are welcome to bring along your iPods, CD Players, Portable DVD players, etc. You will need them in the vans since there is a LOT of windshield time.

Once we are on the rez, please put them away and do not use them at all. Our primary mission there is to build relationships (with the Lakota people and each other) and you simply cannot do that if you're plugged in.

On The Rez: Meals

What is included in the cost:
All of your meals on the reservation are included in the cost of the trip. There are aproximately 9 meals on the road which you are responsible to pay for.

Meal Times
Be at the dining hall at the time the meal is served. No meals will be served after the scheduled time.

Children
When the children come to lunch, they will be served first. Everyone will need to help serve them and get them settled. Some will need help opening packages or cutting things up. They come first - we eat as we can. You may eat before they arrive if you have time or after they are served.



Special Diets
If you are on a medically restricted diet, please bring your own food for the week. You may eat what we have as well but we cannot accomodate special diet needs. Out of courtesy please talk to the cook about storage of your food.

Snacks
It is not necessary to bring snacks along for the road. They take up precious space in the vans and are not necessary since we stop for gas and restroom breaks every 2 hours and there is always an opportunity to purchsase snacks.

You may bring snacks in your suitcase for the week we are on the rez but please do not get them out when the children are there unless you've brought enough for all 150 children. Keeping them in sealed plastic bags is a good idea to keep critters out of your sleeping area.

On The Rez: Smoking

Smokers are welcome on our trips.

Please be courtous by NOT smoking in the vans.

Please do not smoke when the children are with us.

Please keep a container for your cigarette butts. Do not throw them on the ground.

Under no circumstances should a smoker share cigarettes with a minor.