Wisdom and dedication

Our school bus was sitting in the parking lot, hood open and a group of people were gathered around looking at the engine. There wasn’t any trouble, just several of our St. Joseph’s Indian School staff members taking part in CDL training so they could get certified to drive the bus. Jerry  Vaad had been our mainstay behind the wheel, transporting several generations of sports teams and classrooms bound on field trips. But Jerry died toward the end of last school year. I’m grateful that six members of our staff heeded the call for help. Alice, one of our houseparents, was the only woman to sign up, but she said that if she could do it, anyone can, and she was going to encourage more women to sign up next time.

These last days of summer are a bit quieter and more relaxed. I have longer periods of time uninterrupted by meetings or phone calls, which lends itself to reading and preparation.  Today I worked on talks for the upcoming orientation and strategic planning, and got started on a homily. The time also lends itself to prayer and reflection. Walking by the Missouri River, I held up our students and staff in prayer, asking God for wisdom and dedication to make this another good year.

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.

2 thoughts on “Wisdom and dedication”

  1. Hi Fr. Steve,

    Sorry to hear that your schoolbus driver died. I used to drive a schoolbus. It was alot of dfun. I miss it and the kids but, I went blind with cataracts and had to stop. Had corrective surgery to replace the lenses with artificil lenses and can see again. Unfortunately they wouldn’t let me drive schoolbusses again. Wiosh I lived closer to where you are because then I’d come drive your schoolbus for you. I’d have to be proficiencied again but I could do it. If I didn’t have all these health problems and lived closer that is. Oh well, good luck with your staff getting their CDL’s. Hope they all pass with flying colors.

    Nancy & Kenny

    P.s. Kenny sends his love to you, the staff and especially the kids. We both wish them to have a great school year.

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