Fr. Steve’s updates

Thursday, March 4, 2010

A doctor came to see me today – but not because anything was wrong.

Doctor C from North Dakota is one of our donors who was passing through and stopped at our Museum to pick up some books on Native American culture. He wanted to say hi and see how I’m doing.

I’d just finished a meeting and had some time, so I was delighted to be able to meet him, chat for a while and thank him for his many years of generosity to the school. We get lots of donors stopping by over the summer months, but not so many while the snow is still flying. When I’m available, I enjoy showing folks the campus and programs they help make possible.

I’ve heard from many other donors as the get well cards come flooding in. I’m not attempting to answer them all, but I have read each one, and the thoughts and prayers are heartfelt and touching. One 87 year old woman sent along a lap rug that came with “a prayer for every stitch.” One man thanked me for the “honor of asking me to pray for you.”

Today was a busy day with staff birthdays – four sharing the same day. I visited Marina and Jona in the Development Office during break time, and co-workers provided treats to celebrate. I stopped in the classroom to wish our Special Ed teacher Erin a good day. Robb, a houseparent, wasn’t  on duty until evening, and I didn’t make it to see him.

The sun was out, snow continues to melt and it’s good just to get around campus and check on projects and people. Somebody told me that I belong to the “management by walking around” school of thought.

It’s true – I find out both what’s going well and what needs attention when I’m not bound by my office walls.

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. View all posts by St. Joseph's Indian School