Fr. Steve’s updates

I filled my new prescriptions downtown at Casey’s drugstore, and met with Jim, the pharmacist, to learn more about possible side effects. Like so many other townsfolk, he asked for the latest update and assured me of his ongoing prayers.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

First time I’ve blogged in a few days.

My digestive system is in a bit of disarray, but other than that I’m feeling pretty good.

I filled my new prescriptions downtown at Casey’s drugstore, and met with Jim, the pharmacist, to learn more about possible side effects. Like so many other townsfolk, he asked for the latest update and assured me of his ongoing prayers.

I’ve gone back to my regular schedule of meetings. Finances are in good shape for now. Child Services are busy planning for graduation and all the end of the year activities that makes May one busy month. In Human Resources, we hired one new houseparent for next year and are checking references for others we’re interested in interviewing.

In between meetings, I’ve tried to make up for time away by making campus rounds and checking up on people and projects.

I ran across the 4th and 5th grade girls taking part in their Red Path group. The program tries to address the stresses of drug and alcohol abuse within their lives.

We have two new staff since I’ve been gone. Becky helps in the production room with sending out mail. Amanda is our new Family Service Counselor and will be working with our older girls and their families. I looked them both up and welcomed them.

On a rainy Monday, the Maintenance crew was looking for a fourth person to play a quick game of pitch during break. I never played before, but they quickly ran through the rules and gave me my cards. Through sheer luck Roger and I won, which drew both teasing and praise.

Then, we caught up on all that’s in the works on campus. I checked the progress of the Carola Home remodeling. The demolition is finished and workers are now dry walling.

A group of High School Junior ROTC Thunderbirds Drill Team from Flandreau Indian School paid us a visit and did an after lunch performance for our student body. Their program emphasized discipline to achieve goals in life, and living by a creed which makes you and the creator proud.

Our mentor program had the last group event of the year – Bingo and finger food supper at the Dining Hall.

I’ve never really liked Bingo ( I must not be a good Catholic!) but enjoyed the company of those around me as we played for prizes. I never came close to winning, but our team made sure everyone got at least a consolation prize. I took home a new dish towel since you can always use those upgrades in the kitchen.

On my way to the business office, I came across a group of staff enjoying lovely spring weather during break. Jean carried a lovely bundle of lilac blossoms from our trees. She was planning to arrange them in a vase in the work room. Little touches of beauty and thoughtfulness add a lot to a workplace.

Yes, it feels great to be back.

Yes, it feels great to be back.

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.

6 thoughts on “Fr. Steve’s updates”

  1. You are so very much in thoughts and prayers. I am glad you are recovery so well. I am certian it is wonderful to home. Everyday you will grow just a little stronger now. Take care to go slowly and not to expect to much of yourself. Your doing awesome!

    God bless you!

  2. Lilacs..! We have not seen any of those yet this year..LUCKY you.!
    It sounds like you are truly “on the beam”…ansd headed for your first step to full recovery..Just relax, Max, now…and take the time to smell those flowers..!
    Our Love and Prayers are with you..
    Hugs..
    Mia and Bob

  3. AS the saying goes,”There’s no place like home!”Sounds like you’re back in the swing of things-don’t push yourself too hard .No setbacks needed.
    Continuing to pray for a full recovery in God’s time.
    Teddy and Marty Brennan

  4. Our Dear Friar Steve. I was so disheartened when I read of your current condition. Of course, you have my prayers for a full recovery, and a little extra gift this month of memorials to thank you for the tremendous good you are doing for our Native American children. Keep following doctor’s orders and don’t push yourself. Listen to your body and rest when it tells you to. God be with you always, Marilyn

  5. Fr.Steve, you are in our prayers at St.Athanasius in Claymont, DE. God bless you and the work you do. One day I hope to be out that way (again) and would like to stop by to see you and the school. God bless you. (we are Orthodox Christians, but that is ok-prayer is prayer!:)

  6. Dear Father Steve: Glad to hear that you are back home. Does this mean that you are well now, I sure hope so? I hope you have a very good year, just becareful not to over do it for awhile. My prayers go with you. Patty ann

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