Helping children and youth flourish

Thursday, July 22, 2010

I drove to mass this morning with the windows rolled down; the land smelled fresh and new after a heavy night’s rain. I used to walk to church every day, but now it takes too long, and I miss not being about to leisurely soak in the break of morn. I also mourn the limits of not walking as well as I would like.

I only had one meeting today. I spent a lot of time in the office to begin working on schedules and calendar events. The new school year isn’t that far away.

For the last 6 months, it really has been one day at a time. But I’m starting to think long term again – in a good and healthy way. When I’m aware of important events coming down the road, I am more likely to do the preparation that makes them more successful.

This evening the folks in our dining hall held a baby shower for a couple on staff who recently had twins. Karla works in the kitchen; Brenton in our Rec Center. The girls were born two months early, spending their first five weeks in the hospital. They’re tiny, but lovely. I think of babies as one of God’s greatest miracles. Yet I also see their dependence and remember the responsibility it puts on all of us to build a society where all children (and adults, too!) can flourish.

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