Keeping up during busy times

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

I had more than the usual amount of computer messages waiting for me when I came into the office today. No sooner would I take care of one than another would pop up. It felt like treading water all day. I start the day with big plans and end up doing what’s asked of me ten and fifteen minutes at a time. But it’s the little things done well and with care that God asks of us.

With meetings and projects the past two days I haven’t gotten in a lot of quality time with the students, but one remedy when that happens is at least going to the school at the end of the day. I can say hello to all the kids as they make their way from the classrooms to the homes. It helps me make sure I remember names, and work on the children’s names that still escape my memory.

 Monday, September 27, 2010

 For the past 17 years, Karla has been cleaning our business office for a few hours each day. Karla participates in Dakota Milestones, a program which helps adults with developmental disabilities be an active part of the community. Today we gathered in the break room for cake and festivities as she finishes up her time at St. Joseph’s. She was tickled with the cake, balloons and cards.

I met with our director of development about finances. The time between the start of the school year until Christmas is our busy mail season. While many cards and letters are coming in, our mailing costs are high. We just have to stay the course and trust that the money coming in covers the bills now and gets us through the slower months. People have been very generous to St. Joseph’s Indian School and for all the help and support I am grateful.

I played a 15 minute round of cards with the facilities crew during afternoon break. Afterwards one of the guys shared part of his personal story that led me to understand him in a whole new light. When others face illness and suffering and overcome it, sometimes heroically that sure inspires me to keep going.

I ended the day at the girl’s volleyball game. We played Chamberlain. With some of our staff’s children playing against us, I ended up cheering for both sides, but certainly louder for St. Joseph’s. Our 7^th graders are a powerhouse and continued to roll. The 8^th graders took one game but lost the match. They hustled and tried hard, which is what we ask and expect of all our students.

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