Fr. Steve’s updates

At our Child Services Team meeting, we looked back to review the year. We’ve also dealt with my illness and absences. There have been so many learning opportunities in these challenges.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

At our Child Services Team meeting, we looked back to review the year.

We began in August with the tragedy of losing Ryan, one of our houseparents. He died suddenly and unexpectedly from an aneurysm. We’ve also dealt with my illness and absences. There have been so many learning opportunities in these challenges.

Of course, this winter was also long and cold. In short, it’s been a tough year.

But, we highlighted progress with staff training, ongoing renovations and improvements that we’ve all pitched in to make happen. Even through the tough times, it’s important to look at the successes. In retrospect, we’re blessed to say there have been many successes!

After school, I umpired the last Tee Ball game of the season. With the youngest grades, you do lots of coaching and encouraging as well.

Some children needed the reminder to pay attention instead of rolling in the grass or looking for insects. Some needed to be told where to throw the ball or when it was time to run. It’s all part of the learning process, and it’s just fun watching the littlest ones play.

The high school girls at the Morningstar Home invited me for supper. We had goulash, and the girls teased that it didn’t seem right … every time I’ve visited this year, my company has fallen on Tater Tot Casserole night!

The high school students have just two weeks of school left, and everyone is working on end of the year projects and term papers. Final exams are coming up quickly. It’s a busy, and somewhat stressful, time for them, but with encouragement from houseparents and counselors, they’ll make it through.

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

One thought on “Fr. Steve’s updates”

  1. It’s soooo much fun to read about the kids ! It all sounds so typical. I bet the goulash was good..and again, you are making us hungry..!
    Love, Hugs and prayers to all of you..
    Mia and Bob

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *