Ohh baby jesus....

I just want to say that weather is great, kinda of bipolar but such a change from the Texas heat!

This past week has been a little slow start but many things have happened.
Last week we start with orientation with included Brother Pat and Fr.Steve driving us around showing us around the different cities, churches, and religious ed building we will be working with.   After driving us around, the priest that is in charge Fr.Hatcher comes in and starts us with some talks and presentation about life on the reservation.  We had a talk about St.Francis Mission, the recovery program ( addictions to alcohol and drugs is a big problem on the reservation), religious ed program, radio station, and finally the lakota culture.  Lakota culture is so interesting and ofcourse sad, but the traditions are so unique. Sam High Crane came and spoke to us about his experience as an Indian and even sang a prayer for us..yes I said sang. He came out with his drum and sang in the Lakota language, what we found out is that when ever someone is praying like that, it is respectful to stand up.
THEN thursday August 19 was my birthday woohoo finally 22yrs.  Well i got to admit very different, I really missed home that day-- but my awesome housemates made breakfast! This was pretty cool because we were able to use our stove so they found a hot plate to make some eggs and bacon! YUMMMY. Through out the day people congratulated me on my birthday was really meaningful because it made me feel welcomed and apprecitated :) THEN we had a cookout that day to welcome us JVs into the local community, we had some good burger and hotdogs && a birthday cake for me! They even sang happy birthday :) I recieved a present from the Jesuit Community which was a keychain.. I totally needed a keychain, it was the perfect gift! YAY...
Friday we went kayaking!! Nice outside but the sun was a little strong, we spent 6 hours on the river...LOONNG day!

Things to know:

- we are 15min away from a gas station
- 30 min drive from a grocery store
- a 3 min walk to our main office (St.Francis Mission) and the religious building I will be working at
- our backyard is a place where drunk people like to hang out/passed out
- we still dont have our washer and dryer ( hopefully by next week)
- my roommates and fun,crazy, and random!
- our water works now ( hot water works too)
- we need a new stove ( our oven doesnt work)


I dont officially start till Sept 13 sooo meanwhile i will be helping organize and set up classrooms and stuff...

Well we off to our spirituality night! Mikes turn this weeek.

Hasta Luego.

P.S.  The title is from ricky bobby :) we watched it on sunday..good community night