This weekend I had the opportunity to go to two ceremonies, one on Friday night and the other last night. There was a small group of us went on Friday even though our friend Rosa didn't go. It was exactly what I found out that I needed and especially last night's ceremony. Last night I noticed that the rattle was right above me from the noise and felt a hand on my shoulder. It was what the Lakota people call a spirit. The spirit gave me a sense of relief.
On Saturday during the morning and afternoon, we celebrated my friends birthday. We went to an awesome coffee shop and then to a park with huge ceramic dinosaurs. This weekend was amazing with being in the local community from the ceremonies to Rosa's brother's birthday and then hanging out with the volunteers. I'll fill you guys in on school stuff sometime this week when I have time.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Frustration Meets Results
The end of January left me frustrated with school and community. I didn't feel comfortable with certain things that were amidst. Now, I've put myself in uncomfortable situations where I have had to be a grown up about things and face my fears head on. Due to numerous serious conversations with two particular friends here I have seen a drastic change in the way that I view my life here.
Last weekend a few of us went to a Lakota sweat over at a medicine man's house. We were invited by the family that we prayed for. Never have I ever felt so a part of a family like this. The next day we went to one of the girls birthday parties. I have two of her cousins and all of the aunts were there. It was awesome because I had never been to a little kid party as an adult. I'm finally being supported by the administration about one of my students. It makes me feel like the rest of this year will be okay.
Tomorrow we leave for retreat with all of the volunteers, all 20 of us. A couple of weeks ago, I did NOT want to go. But now, I feel a lot more comfortable with my own house community and other friendships. I feel like I'm a part of the bigger community-the Lakota community. Now I can teach better, relax in my house, and pour my heart into what I came here to do. Maybe part of this is because I finally had my camp interview with very good results. We'll just have to wait and see what God has in store :)
Last weekend a few of us went to a Lakota sweat over at a medicine man's house. We were invited by the family that we prayed for. Never have I ever felt so a part of a family like this. The next day we went to one of the girls birthday parties. I have two of her cousins and all of the aunts were there. It was awesome because I had never been to a little kid party as an adult. I'm finally being supported by the administration about one of my students. It makes me feel like the rest of this year will be okay.
Tomorrow we leave for retreat with all of the volunteers, all 20 of us. A couple of weeks ago, I did NOT want to go. But now, I feel a lot more comfortable with my own house community and other friendships. I feel like I'm a part of the bigger community-the Lakota community. Now I can teach better, relax in my house, and pour my heart into what I came here to do. Maybe part of this is because I finally had my camp interview with very good results. We'll just have to wait and see what God has in store :)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
God Works Part II
God does Work.
It's been awhile but here are some blessings in my life lately:
-Being invited to two Lakota ceremonies by a local family
-Getting a package from my parents today which included cookies from my dad and silly song cd's from my mom for my kids
-Getting an email from a student's parent which said, " Abby, I know that this is your first year teaching kindergarten, and I know that dealing with my son has taught you a lot this year especially as your first year, but I wanted to say thank you for all that you do." It's amazing how a year long struggle can be so prosperous. This is why I am here.
-After getting this email, one of my kids came over during nap time, put his head on my lap and promptly fell asleep for a whole 25 minutes
-Getting an email from camp saying thanks for donating money to a scholarship camper and being able to express how much I love Camp T
-Truly intentional talks with people in my community that make my heart happy
The last month I've realized more and more how God has shown himself in my life. I have people that truly and deeply care about my well being. My kids talk about God a lot and it's amazing how beautiful our "God talks" continue to be. One of the student's parents invited me to be a part of a local Lakota ceremony this weekend. I'm excited to get myself out of my comfort zone and explore the Lakota culture. Camp has come back into my life with completing my application for my fourth summer and being able to help send a child to camp for the first year ever. In that way my life has come full circle. I continue to be amazed at how fruitful my life here as a single person has become. This semester so far has brought healing, a new confidence in my abilities, and my love for teaching constantly growing until I think that I will burst.
It's been awhile but here are some blessings in my life lately:
-Being invited to two Lakota ceremonies by a local family
-Getting a package from my parents today which included cookies from my dad and silly song cd's from my mom for my kids
-Getting an email from a student's parent which said, " Abby, I know that this is your first year teaching kindergarten, and I know that dealing with my son has taught you a lot this year especially as your first year, but I wanted to say thank you for all that you do." It's amazing how a year long struggle can be so prosperous. This is why I am here.
-After getting this email, one of my kids came over during nap time, put his head on my lap and promptly fell asleep for a whole 25 minutes
-Getting an email from camp saying thanks for donating money to a scholarship camper and being able to express how much I love Camp T
-Truly intentional talks with people in my community that make my heart happy
The last month I've realized more and more how God has shown himself in my life. I have people that truly and deeply care about my well being. My kids talk about God a lot and it's amazing how beautiful our "God talks" continue to be. One of the student's parents invited me to be a part of a local Lakota ceremony this weekend. I'm excited to get myself out of my comfort zone and explore the Lakota culture. Camp has come back into my life with completing my application for my fourth summer and being able to help send a child to camp for the first year ever. In that way my life has come full circle. I continue to be amazed at how fruitful my life here as a single person has become. This semester so far has brought healing, a new confidence in my abilities, and my love for teaching constantly growing until I think that I will burst.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)