Sitting around – swapping stories

Sandy, our newest Board of Director member was in town and stopped by for some orientation. I gave her a more detailed tour of campus and overview of our programs than she’s had in the past. Sandy herself attended an Indian boarding school some years ago, and was most impressed by our home style of living for the students – much different from the dorms associated with the past. I look forward to her insights about how we can better meet the needs of our students and their families.

With all of our elementary students gone for spring break (except two students, who will be staying in the high school home where their sister lives), we didn’t schedule weekend mass on campus. I went downtown to St. James to concelebrate, where I enjoy spending a little time with folks from town. All of our high school homes came to church tonight because that means they can sleep in Sunday morning. And given the chance, our students love to sleep in.

Each of the homes has some money in their recreation budget, so they can go out to eat every once in a while. After mass the Giles Home girls had an outing to Pizza Hut planned and invited me and Fr. Dominic to join them. On week nights when there is homework, ballgames, tutoring and countless other pressures, time together at the table can be rushed. But on a Saturday night with no other priorities, it was fun just sitting around swapping stories in a relaxed and leisurely manner. It gave me a chance to get to know this group of girls better, which I always appreciate.

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 “Sitting around – swapping stories”

  1. Dear Fr. Steve,

    The story of everyone sitting around swapping stories and enjoying the meal together reminds us of the old family gatherings, of the old days with the elders and all enjoying a meal around a campfire and swapping stories of the day’s activities with one another, joking around just having family fun time.

    Looks like the old traditions are still alive after all. Just modernized with a pizza etc. 🙂

    It sounds like everyone had a great time. So happy to hear that.

    God Bless everyone there,

    Nancy &^ Kenny

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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