St. Joseph's Indian School

I can hardly believe it’s already been more than a week since our 34^th annual wacipi – powwow!

Last week, we were all still basking in the glow of another successful event. But, we didn’t bask long. As quick as we could, we all jumped right back in to the work at hand.

Weekend Solitude and Reflections
Since last weekend was so busy with the powwow, this past weekend was more on the veg out/caveman side! The house was very quiet.

Fr. Anthony was away for his nephew’s confirmation, and Brother Clay was gone for an overnight spiritual direction.

I do very well around crowds and people, but I do have an introverted side that has no problem with time spent alone!

Fr. Bernie did drop in from Lower Brule on Saturday. We caught up on the work in the outlying missions. All of that is an important part of what we do here at St. Joseph’s, even if we do have less staff working in those areas than we do right here at the school.

“Football Fellowship” – as Fr. Mark, who is helping at St. James downtown, calls it – was also a welcome time of solitude and normalcy for me!

At Sunday morning Mass, I had the special privilege of welcoming Jana and Thekla, two high school students from Germany, and their chaperone Katrin.

We have a sister school also run by the SCJs in Handrup, Germany, and for the past four years, we have sponsored student exchanges.

The gals will be here for a little over two weeks as they try to experience as many different tastes of Lakota culture and South Dakota life as possible! Even before they could adjust to the time change, they were headed west to the Black Hills and the Buffalo Roundup at Custer State Park.

Hopefully, we’ll be able to send two more of our students overseas to the school in Handrup next June.

With no particular agenda or hurry, I made my way around campus for a lazy Sunday afternoon. It was an absolutely lovely day – 75 degrees, sunny and just a light breeze!

Life is fuller and more satisfying when I don’t feel rushed. And, the walking was good for me to boot!

Working with Families
A week ago, we met with our Parents Advisory Council. Twice a year, we invite a group of parents to an all-day meeting where we seek their feedback on how we can better meet the needs of the children.

One of the more emotional discussions came during the time we spent talking about grief and abandonment issues. Even when coming to St. Joseph’s is in a child’s best interest, it is emotionally tough for both the student and the family.

One of our council members shared how hard it was for her to be raised by her grandmother. A grandmother on our council – who has raised her grandchild since birth – talked of the struggle she faced to keep her granddaughter in our care when the child wanted to come home.

We also had honest and insightful conversation about racial issues our students face. The parents recalled how hard that was in their own lives. They stressed the need to build up self-confidence and esteem so our students can hold their head high and not be devastated when others make biting or cruel remarks.

This Parent Advisory Council meeting was compelling for all of us!

Looking Back to Improve the Future
We also spent time last week reviewing our powwow weekend activities.

Our powwow committee consists of almost 20 members. It takes the coordination of every department on campus to make this annual event a success. From the first invitations we mail through the drumming and dancing and right up until the last piece of garbage has been picked up and the thank yous have been sent, all of us must work together.

When we sat down to review how the weekend went. We realized, even though we’ve been doing this for 34 years, there are still changes we can make to help it all go more smoothly.

Of course, we also made sure to give praise where it was due for the many things that went well. Then, we dug in to the constructive criticisms and suggestions, which led us to some great problem-solving. With many different perspectives, we’re fortunate to cover all bases; we’re already looking forward to next year!

Getting Back to the Routine
Because of our September 18 powwow, I’ve spent little time in the office, and I paid the price early last week with lots of paperwork, phone calls and meetings. Fortunately, I was able to cap such a long day with a picnic for our mentor program.

It was such a lovely celebration, especially considering that only three days before we were all in coats and gloves at the powwow! During the picnic, I wore shorts and basked in the warm sunshine. After sharing great food, we brought out lawn games and just enjoyed time together.

In addition to sharing time with our mentor program participants, I took time last week to check up on things in Central Receiving. During our powwow, many friends brought needed items for our students, so we’re well-stocked for the kids.

When I was there last week, one of our junior high boys’ homes was there on a shopping expedition. Each boy had a small bag in hand and was picking up what they needed.

Teenage boys are hardest on socks and the knees in their pants! Some are also growing so fast that they will go through several different sizes during the course of the year.

The boys were appreciative of all the toiletries and clothing that had been so generously given for their needs!

Quality Time with the Children
Since I try to spend time with the children whenever possible, I ate supper with the girls in Matthias Home last Wednesday evening. Afterwards, a few of them wanted to go outside to Fisher Field and play a bit before homework time. We tossed a Frisbee back and forth.

Playing with the students keeps me young and is good for my rehab. When I tried to catch the disk in flight, my vertical leap was almost non-existent! It will be awhile before I play basketball again, but this gives me a goal to work on.

After our Frisbee playing, I stopped by the Rec Center to check out the enrichment activity for our primary grades. Each of the children had a foam noodle – like you use in the swimming pool – and were giggling as they tried to balance them, run around them and jump back and forth. They sure have lots of energy!

When 71-year-old Jerry came in to the gym, the kids sang “Happy Birthday” to him. We all laughed afterward as they started, “Are you one? Are you two? Are you three …” Lest we be there all night, Jerry stopped them at 29 and said he was holding there.

Jerry has been a wonderful part of our sports and recreation program for so many years! We’re glad to have long-term staff members like him and many others on our team!!

My evening in the William Home (4-5 grade girls) was also a fun way to get back in my routine last week! The girls are fun, energetic and chatty! I don’t have to do much more than sit down, and they are telling me all sorts of tales about themselves and the events around their home and school.

Yesterday (Sunday, September 26), as I enjoyed the lovely weather, first grader Dora showed me her sidewalk chalk drawing. Then, a group of fourth graders had me look at a turtle they’d found. I also stopped off to see the painted T-shirt projects our Girl Scouts were creating.

I checked in with staff who talked about children who are having a hard time or friends and relatives in need of prayer.

I purposely try to slow down and be present to the folks I meet whenever I can.

Sharing and Teaching Pasttimes
One of my favorite activities last week was fitting in a guitar lesson with Nate, one of our houseparents. Nate is learning to play more often for Mass.

I miss doing that more myself! Ever since I became a priest, my time behind the altar has lessened the time I spend behind the guitar.

If you’re wondering, be assured my physical therapy continues! Last week, I met up with a therapist I had not seen yet. I tried a few new exercises and realized I definitely have room for impromvement.

Sunday, September 19, 2010
 
We finished up our powwow weekend with our regular Sunday morning mass. We were joined by a lot of visitors who were able to stay and take part. With our students and circle of supporters together in one place, in prayer, I felt very uplifted. Shaking hands after church I also got loads of hugs and support as people said goodbye. I stayed quite a while afterwards to take pictures and answer questions.

After all the activity I felt tired and took it easy the rest of the day. The last few days I haven’t kept up too much on reading, and I went through the accumulated stack of newspapers and periodicals that were on the coffee table. There’s so much I don’t know, which is humbling. But it encourages me, and I encourage others, to be lifelong learners.

Saturday, September 18, 2010
 
Rain overnight and temperatures in the 40’s when we lined up for the Grand Entry made for a cold day. But it couldn’t dampen people’s spirits as our 34th annual powwow went forward. But at least it stayed dry and allowed the dancers to demonstrate their skill and commitment. We have a wonderful video recap that can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59wKfWH_amw .

I was blessed with seven members of my family present to share in the day. I only saw them for brief periods of time, as I tried to visit with donors, students and their families. I also tried to check in with staff to make sure things were going ok. We’re good at improvising to meet needs. Someone even went up to Central Receiving and came back loaded with blankets and gloves to people who were caught unexpected by the cold. My sister Mary had earlier gone through every coat and jacket in my closet digging out gloves to ensure warmth for all my family.

I just enjoy watching our students and area youth dance with such joy and enthusiasm. One of our new 7th graders was so filled with energy and excitement she even danced on the sidelines when the boys were competing. The smiles as kids come out for the Grand Entry are infectious.

Our St. Joseph’s Drum Group, the Chalk Hills Singers, made their debut. They only learned one song, but sang it with great gusto during an inter tribal dance. One student commented afterward “that was fun – I can’t wait to do it again!” That’s what we hope for – that learning about culture can be fun and meaningful. I stood by the drum in support and got quite choked up a couple of times.

When we handed out the awards at the end of the day, I was happy for not just those students who won, but by all who were winners because they are dancers. I’m grateful for our visitors who shared in the experience with us.

Friday, September 17, 2010

The festivities for our 34th annual powwow kicked off today. This morning we hosted a series of four cultural activities at the Rec. Center. Donors learned how to build their own dreamcatcher, play some traditional Lakota games, learn some drum songs, or spend time with our Child Services Staff for questions and answers.

Since standing for long periods still hurts the nerves in my leg, I grabbed a high backed stool and sat in the museum by the reception desk so I could greet folks as they came in. The stream was steady, but with a little time between guests, I got to visit and say hello. Some people are regulars year after year. One woman from Connecticut has been helping for 43 years and this was her first actual visit to St. Joseph’s. She was very excited.

Our students led groups on tours of the school in the afternoon. I’m sure folks got a different perspective than if our staff had given the tour.After school we gathered in the Rec. Center for the crowning of our Royalty for the powwow. These students represent the school for the coming year, and are all active dancers. They are chosen for their good attitudes and commitment to Lakota and St. Joseph’s values.

Jasmine Pickner, a world champion Hope Dancer gave a stirring performance for the assembly. She taught our students not just Hoop Dancing, but traditional values. She had a wonderful way with the young people and visitors alike.

We ended the evening with a banquet across the river at Cedar Shores Resort. Different groups we do business with donate each year to allow us to treat our guests to a festive meal. We had over 300 gather for hors d’oeuvres, a meal, and a presentation on dance styles and regalia for the powwow.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

 Before my family headed west to see Mount Rushmore, I gave them a campus tour. Upon seeing many buildings and learning of our many different programs my Uncle Mick asked what went through my mind when I was asked to consider the director’s job. There is a lot that goes into understanding the different departments and coordinating staff so they work together to achieve common goals. While it can get complicated, the staff here is each good in their areas. I don’t know much about plumbing, accounting, or even teaching. But we have plenty of people who do. What I try to provide is leadership and inspiration. As I look back over the past 6 years, I have learned a lot.

I went to the museum and people were already coming in to register. In the first few minutes my arms were full with a jar of homemade jam, a Red Sox shirt from two feisty donors who know I’m a White Sox fan, pictures, and a couple of books on surviving cancer.

My cousin Fiona and husband Larry were the next wave of relatives to arrive. Word has spread around family that people have a great time during the powwow and it’s become a fun time for me to see different relatives. We had supper at Cyr home and they got a tour from two lively 5^th grade boys.

After the girls volleyball game we had a dance troupe presentation. Delwin Fiddler, one of our alumni, and his wife has been working with our students all week teaching dance moves and hoop dancing. We got a demonstration from him, and then many of our kids got out on the gym floor and showed off moves they’ve learned this week. It was real treat.

 Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Every four months we pull together all the efforts in achieving the goals for our Vision 2012 Strategic Plan. Since the last update in May, I haven’t been able to contribute so much, but everyone else has. Working at our goals slowly and surely, when you look back at all that’s been done, there is good progress.

I had supper tonight in the Dennis Home (1^st-3^rd grade girls). For tonight’s enrichment lesson the girls were learning social skills – how to answer questions and have a conversation when they meet new people. I got to be their practice partner, and pretend not to know them at all. (It also helped me reinforce the names of the new students, since I still don’t have all of the names matched with the right children). Some are shy and can only give one word answers. Some are chatty and a question serves to let them tell you all kinds of things. The homes frequently work on social skills that our children need to give them self confidence and be able to make their way in the world.

 After a 12 hour drive mom and dad, Uncle Mick and Aunt Betty arrived for the powwow. The car was all loaded up with items they were donating, so we stopped and Central Receiving and unloaded. When they got to the winter coats, they reconsidered. With the unseasonably cool and wet weather they thought they might need the coats themselves. When they leave in a few days, they’ll return them “gently used”.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

 Our meetings today were more updates than any decisions. Everyone on campus is working towards a successful powwow weekend and we’re mostly making sure things are on track.

Tonight was our first Football game of the season. After a defensive struggle and scoreless first half, the Braves got three touchdowns against Crow Creek and won 18 – 0. I usually stand on the sidelines with the team. My foot was hurting, so I sat in the bleachers instead. I enjoyed talking to families who live close enough to come and see their sons on the field. Two of our former students were playing for Crow Creek, so I made sure to say hi to them.

 The team celebrated their win in picnic style after the game with houseparent’s grilled hamburgers and hot dogs in the pavilion.

 Our Jr. High girls hosted Todd County in the first home Volleyball match of the season. Our 6^th 7^th and 8^th grade teams all swept their matches. During the games I sat in the stands where kids plopped down for a few minutes to tell me about their activities. In between games I helped out at the concession stand. The staff appreciates the help, but mostly it’s a nice way to see people.

 After Mass I had brunch in the Speyer Home (6^th-8^th grade boys). The real Speyer home is being remodeled, and the guys are spending the year in the David Home, which was designed for 1^st – 3^rd grade girls. The quarters are smaller, but they’re adjusting OK. They’ll have far more memories about the activities that go on in the home than how the living space is arranged anyway.

Mark, one of the houseparent’s, is working with our drum group. He’s had a lot of enthusiastic newcomers turning out to learn Lakota drum songs. Such learning provides a good and strong connection to the students’ culture. 

 Some of our older Cottonwood trees in Wisdom Circle have become too big for our students’ safety and will have to be cut down. Mark and a group of the boys want to find the right sized trunk to build their own drum by hand. While we hate to see any tree on the Prairie come down, I admire how they’re making the most of the opportunity.
 
Each of our homes is required to do service projects during the year. Many homes do outreach to the elderly in town or nearby reservations. The Speyer Home is going to help build a new sweat lodge (inipi) and improve the grounds where the inipi is held, so that students can make use of it for many years to come.

 Our 7^th and 8^th grade girls played in an all day volleyball tournament downtown at the armory. Five schools participated in a round robin, so there were plenty of games. I couldn’t stay all day, but made it for the early morning matches. Our 8^th graders played hard, and won a few of their games and one match. The 7^th graders were in great form and went through the day undefeated. There’s not a big crowd at a Jr. High game, so every voice in the stands yelling out encouragement is appreciated. When there are lots of games like that, and waiting around times, it also gives a good chance to visit with the team members and any family that’s visiting.

Our fall FAST (Families and Schools Together) cycle entered its 2^nd weekend with 8 families coming to campus and participating in activities with their children. I stopped in to check on the artwork projects they are involved in, and to meet the parents or relatives I haven’t yet met. I’ve met some families when they’ve check out their students for breaks, or come for a ballgame or case service plan meeting. Here was a chance to meet or reconnect and try to make sure they feel welcome on campus.

One of our counselors had a session for the adults Friday night. The sharing was somewhat intense, with honest sharing of some difficult family issues that folks are dealing with. Hopefully doing that in a supportive group can help people get through life’s rougher patches.

 As I walked through the school on the way back to the office, I ran into one of our teachers running off coloring sheets for a lesson coming up next week. It’s not unusual for me to see staff coming in on their own time to do a little extra to make sure our students get a top notch education. Besides the skills our teachers bring, I also know that they put a good dose of tender loving care into the mix which makes a real difference.

 Friday, September 10, 2010

Today was my day off – a chance to sleep in and be lazy.

Mid morning I did have a session of physical therapy. Today they put me through more of a workout. As I watched another patient lying on a table and having his leg stretched, it looked like it would feel good. But when it was my turn I found out that my underused muscles ache even in the caring hands of a good therapist. It will take some time to really loosen up my hamstrings and tendons. I warmed up on a reclining bicycle. I stood on a disk with a ball attached underneath and tried to balance. I stretched my foot against elastic bands. I marched on a trampoline. I kept at it for a good 45 minutes and feel sore, but in a good and productive way. 

The grade school students were a little more tired than usual today. They had a 6:00 a.m. fire drill which got them up a little earlier than normal. One first grade was scared and cried a bit before the houseparent’s were able to assure her that everything was going to be OK. We hate to startle kids, but we have to take those drills seriously. We can’t just do them during the school day. We also have to take into consideration how to handle an emergency in the homes. With the one exception all the children handled it very well and got to where they needed to go.

We met with the architect for the next round of planning for the museum addition and alumni center. She incorporated our last suggestions well, and presented two good options. Of course we again took elements for each and will have one more draft by October so our Board of Directors can look it over.

I signed the approval forms for our college students who will receive our grants for higher education. 20 alumni are in college right now. Some are older students who are back in school after working for a few years or who are returning after starting a family. It is especially gratifying to see students who have graduated since I arrived six years ago continuing their studies. While our scholarships only cover a portion of the costs, it does help. Some of the application letters are brief and to the point. Others share touching personal aspects about struggles overcome and lessons learned about them as they find the motivation to stay in school. 

Our management team covered a wide range of topics today – Mission Awareness, supervisor training, strategic planning, employee turnover rates and succession planning for upcoming years when large groups of staff reach retirement age over the next 10 years. Some meetings deal with immediate problems. It’s just as important to have time to look toward the future and set things in motion now that will help down the road.

This afternoon was my first physical therapy session to improve strength, flexibility and balance in my right foot. Today was mostly for evaluation as the therapist took me through a series of exercises that seemed gentle at first, but in the long will push me in the right direction.  My hamstrings are very tight, as I’ve not been able to exercise as much as I’d like due to the pain from the nerves. But I’m starting to feel less nerve pain, so it’s time for some good old fashioned sore-muscles- due- to- exercise pain.

Monday, September 6, 2010
 
Rain changed our cook out plans with the students, but in the primary grade homes we still enjoyed the burgers and other picnic foods downstairs in the skate room.

 Just as we were sitting down to eat, two alumni who attended school here in the 70’s stopped in. Life had taken them many miles away, but they had traveled home for a family reunion. It had been over 30 years since they visited the campus and wanted that trip down memory lane.

 I invited them to have lunch with us, and then we started walking around campus. The dining hall and the old boy’s dorm evoked a flood of stories. The favorite spot for them was the system of tunnels that runs underground. They used to have Halloween spook houses there many years ago. Sometimes, they even found a way to sneak in and use it as a hiding place.

 Two of our current staff, Andy and Mary Jane, have been here over 30 years, and they remembered each other, even though these two grown men didn’t look anything like the 4^th graders they remembered. Our staff enjoys these visits and catching up as much as our former students do.

 A third brother showed up later. His memories weren’t as pleasant. Life in the dorm days was often regimented. Violating rules could bring spankings and punishment we would no longer use today.

 I know in the past the boarding school experience was painful for a good number of students. When I hear the sad stories it makes me work toward reconciliation and healing. Sometimes you just have to listen and acknowledge the pain.

This afternoon we loaded up the bus and took the students downtown to see the movie Ramona and Beezus. It portrayed the combination of sibling rivalry and mutual affection between two sisters in a delightful way. One of the 4^th grade boys sitting in front of me wanted more action. “This is a Girl movie!” he sighed. Hopefully he learned something about relationships and life. But by the end he enjoyed it too.

 Tuesday, September 7, 2010 

Having offices closed yesterday for Labor Day compressed two days worth of meetings into one, so I did a lot of sitting today. The most engaging meeting for me was our group discussion of our High School program. We complimented the strong parts of the program, and were honest about what we need to work on. Our students still struggle to stay in college once they leave here, and we see continued emphasis on independent living skills as crucial to their success.

 In the discussion about what are our goals for the High School program, I believe that it’s not enough to educate someone to be skilled and competent. Our goal is to have our young people become virtuous people. We are trying to form students who will use their talents to benefit their family and tribe and our needy world. We hope that our students will be seen as good and kind and fair.

This evening I stopped by the Carola home for supper with our High School Freshmen. There the realities of homework and grade concerns re-emphasized the need to continue the support and encouragement. Several freshmen are struggling with the adjustment to the Chamberlain Public High School. It takes time to make new friends and feel at home. It was also a night for a JV football game, so that took some of the pressure off and allowed for a little fun.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

 There were fewer students on campus this weekend as many got checked out to be with their families over the long weekend. For those students still on campus, many of the homes took advantage of the activities all around us for Home Trips on Saturday. After mass today I heard about all the adventures.

One of our High School homes went to Sioux Falls for the Lifelight Christian music festival. Another home drove to Huron to take in the State Fair. The 4^th and 5^th grade boys went to Pierre and took in the Drag races. We give each of the homes a budget to let their kids experience activities outside of St. Joseph’s. Each age group has different interests, but houseparent’s give them a variety of choices.

 Tonight I went to a wake in Fort Thompson. A 47 year old mother of five died suddenly of a heart attack. She was very active in church when I was pastor there and wanted to be of support to her husband and children.

 Wakes are filled with different people who say a few words of remembering, tell stories, pray, and share words of support for the family. I was struck by one man who is studying for ministry in the Episcopal Church. He lives 60 miles away and has no car. Reliable transportation is a real issue for many families on reservations. He wanted to be here, so just started walking. He didn’t put his thumb out as a hitchhiker would, but trusted for someone to pick him up and help him along the journey. He obviously made it, thanks to a trucker passing by.

I remembered Jesus’ words about taking nothing for the journey, and just going out to try to do the will of God. I can’t imagine myself making such a journey. It was a call for me to have more trust and faith.

Friday, September 3

Chamberlain High School opened up their football season tonight. Three of our St. Joseph students are on the football team, and two of our students are cheerleaders for the Cubs, so I was in the stands to cheer them all on. Our staff has sons on the team as well, so I worked the bleachers and talked to lots of folks. Even as a parish priest I found out a lot more about what’s going on in people lives on the sidelines than I ever did at church.

 For many years Chamberlain has struggled in football, and tonight didn’t break the streak. Valentine Nebraska got ahead by a score of 38-0. The Cubs put a few good drives together, but turned the ball over several times. On the final play of the game we finally got a touchdown to avoid the shutout. 38-6 was the final score.

 Our students are new to the team and saw little playing time. But I find it important to support kids even when they aren’t the stars of the team. I encourage them to work hard, and not quit. When I played basketball in High School, at one point we lost 38 games in a row. I think it built some character in me not to give up. And when that win to break the streak did come, it sure felt extra special! Go Cubs!

 Saturday, September 4

The old cliché is that ignorance is bliss. On a Saturday where absolutely no one was around the office I took advantage of the quiet and went through the mail on my desk and the 200 or so emails that have accumulated over the past couple of weeks of travel. I didn’t feel much bliss as I began to realize all the work involved in handling the calls and requests right. Maybe that’s a sign of job security! It’s easier to spend time on the quickly answered notes, and since this Labor Day weekend won’t bring in many more, I made a good dent in the piles. Some ideas will take far more discussion and planning. But neither Rome, nor a good program, is built in a day, and I have to keep steadily after it.

 The afternoon was dedicated to College football – especially Notre Dame’s home opener – on TV. Some donors from Indiana sent me a new ND t-shirt, and I wore my colors and was pleased with what I saw. Fr. Anthony and Brother Clay are also big sports fans, so it was nice to have a running commentary going on during the game.  I spent the evening reading and with more solitary pursuits.

I just got back from my 3 month check up at Mayo Clinic, with good and encouraging results. The doctors found no signs of the cancer’s return, and I don’t need any further treatments at this time. There was some clotting in the graft they put in the iliac vein, so we’ll try to get the blood a little thinner and monitor that over the next few weeks from home.  They now recommend some physical therapy to see if I can strengthen my foot and increase mobility. But overall they’re very happy with the progress I’ve made. I go back in another 3 months.

 I got back home from the Tennessee trip on Monday, and hit the road again Tuesday – barely enough time to do laundry and check on mail and messages. Our provincial superior, Fr. Tom, is making his annual visitation, so I also squeezed time with him in as well. He and my whole community have been most supportive through the whole illness. The cancer has truly colored and shaped my life in ways that are dramatic and ongoing. I don’t know yet how it will affect the way I pray or look at life or live each day. I do know that I am grateful to God for seeing me through the rough patches, and hope I can be of help to others along their way.

Yesterday I started with a blood test at 7 am, and had two other tests and four consultations with different doctors. I finished around 5, but did have a break for lunch. They cram a lot into each day, but it beats having to wait around for results or seeing specialists. The quality of the care and their patience with my questions has been outstanding.

Because I’ve been feeling more energy and less pain as the weeks have gone by, I hoped for, prayed for, and actually expected good results. But there is still that element of worry, what if??? Now it feels like I can go on with life without thinking about the cancer so much. Now I can focus on things like the upcoming Powwow.

Speaking of our Powwow, when I stopped in after school today the younger girls were practicing their dance steps in the gym. I was heartened to see some of our seasoned dancers showing the younger ones some of their moves.

 I ate supper tonight in the Summerlee home, with our 4^th and 5^th grade girls. A couple of the girls whose families aren’t able to provide them with dance Regalia were issued some of the St. Joseph’s Regalia that we’ve made or bought over the years. They were proud to show off what they’ll be wearing in two weeks.

 After supper the night was pleasant and everyone went outside to play before homework time. I grabbed a soccer ball out of the bin and 6 of us started kicking and passing it back and forth. My motion is still limited, but I’ll try to do those gentle games and activities as I’m able. It’s just a fun way to hang out with the students and build rapport.