The morning walking crowd increased to 4 this am, as we headed up the hill, the prairie dogs were very enthusiastic about our arrival. The clear, cool air was a pleasant reprieve from yesterday's heat. On return to the Head Start building we found a high level of energy, and some anxiety about what our first work day would bring. The Head Start workers began arriving, and prepping the kitchen to be painted. Roger installed the air conditioners!!!
We headed off to the Little Bighorn College for orientation with the president of the college and the dean of administration. We learned about the history of this 2 year college, the challenges of small college life and some of the successes. We had tour of the small but lovely campus, and were stunned by the beauty of the library which combines traditional architecture and art, with high tech facilities. The lab space in the classroom building is also impressive. The college would like to double its enrollment over the next several years.
All of a sudden, we were desired all over:
- paint the kitchen
- clean out the shed
- work on the grounds at the college
- paint the college
- help with the healing garden
- help in the reading program
Choice and abundance of great projects is a team leader's dream and dilemma. We had a plan in place, divided the team for the afternoon activities, everyone working. I was off for errands, at the gas station, when I was informed that the CEO of the Crow Tribe wanted to visited with us(quite an honor, I never met him last year). So invoking the F word, I turned around, headed back to Head Start, where we were treated to an hour with the CEO , Luke Enemy Hunter, He discussed far reaching issues including the history of his people, their love and protection of family, their current challenges and the severity of the drug and alcohol issues on the reservation. He was very interested in Global Volunteers, as well as my group of Native youth volunteers. All around an engaging and educational hour.
Back to work to finish the shed, the kitchen and the weeding. Tomorrow brings a trip to a mountain youth camp for end of season cleanup, the healing garden, and the children' s reading program. In between we will try to fit in a Sweat Ceremony and maybe a fishing trip.
Exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. This is a fabulous team, with high energy and wonderful intent,
With love from Big Sky Country,
Barbara
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