St. Joseph's Indian School

 I’ve just returned from a week on the road. We held donor appreciation luncheons in three cities in Tennessee. I took advantage of the travel to that part of the country to add on a few days to visit friends and family. This was my first flight since I started treatment in January. I figured this trip would be a test of my stamina and overall it worked out well.

I first flew into Memphis. Several members of my fellow Priests of the Sacred Heart work just across the State line in Northern Mississippi, and I spent two days catching up with their work. As the area has grown from small country towns into good sized cities, they have built new churches and expanded their services. I appreciated the hospitable way the priests and brothers sat long and talked much over supper at the community house.

I joined Steve, a good friend I first met in college, and his wife Susan for lunch on Tuesday. Then I visited family friends, Buck and Carolyn and their son Jeffrey who live in the area. I capped off the evening when Fr. Ed took me to see our mutual friend Lyle. The two of them helped me enter into their Holy Land pilgrimage via their pictures and stories.

Fr. Tim said, “We’ve been praying for you all these months and now here you are with us, looking just like your old self – you seem like a walking miracle!” When I get impatient with my own recovery, others remind me just how far I have come.

I drove on to Nashville, a little over 200 miles, and stayed with my cousin Mick, his wife Christine and family. I stopped first at his shop where he builds kitchen cabinets, then went to their home. After supper two of their children asked about playing a game of password, and the fun and laughter we had made the night so memorable.

I enjoy learning about history, and on my way to Knoxville first stopped at the Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson’s home and plantation. The exhibit highlighted his many political and military achievements, but minced no words about his staunch support of slavery, and his Indian removal policy. His forcing the Eastern tribes to relocate west of the Mississippi led to the tragic Trail of Tears.

Andrew Jackson’s house saw so much history. The grounds were spacious and beautiful. I felt my limitation as I had to walk so slowly and couldn’t cover the ground I usually do. I had to leave a lot unseen.

I met our St. Joseph’s crew at the Knoxville airport. The Hills of Eastern Tennessee are gorgeous. I’d love to see the fall colors, which must surely be amazing. Henry, one of our donors, met us at the airport, treated us to supper, and made sure we found our way to the hotel. We were right next to a 60 foot basketball outside the Women’s Basketball Hall of fame, which made quite an impression on our two girls.

Devona and Irene are our two 7^th graders who were selected to make the trip. They represented St. Joseph’s well. Of course they were most nervous the first time in Knoxville, but our kind and gracious donors made them feel appreciated, and that their words were worth listening to. By the luncheons Saturday and Sunday, they were more relaxed and able to be themselves.

Our donors come from such a wide variety of backgrounds and careers. They like putting a real face to a picture in the mail. Yet it’s just as important for us to realize the kind and caring people behind a signature on a check or an email typed to our web site. The luncheons are a chance to say thank you, and give people who may never get to actually visit St. Joseph’s a chance to find out more about us. At all three luncheons I so appreciated meeting the folks who came.

We drove on to Nashville and arrived in the midst of a riverfront festival and the regular crowds that pour into the heart of downtown on a Friday night. Usually I’m the one in front leading the way on walks, but touring the streets of downtown Nashville, past the Ryman theater and the music venues on Broadway I brought up the rear as I limped along. My leg isn’t so much in pain as it is weak, and I just can’t move as fast as I want. We ate BBQ for supper, found the souvenir shops, and listened to some Country Music.

After the Memphis luncheon, we hopped on the Trolley that made a loop around downtown. I made sure to point out the Lorraine Motel, which is now the National Civil Rights Museum, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed. History seems more real when you get to see and experience the places you read about in books. Maybe the significance will click for Irene and Devona years in the future. We didn’t get to Graceland, but Devona sat at table with a donor who went to school with Elvis when she was in 7^th grade, and told a few stories about the King.

We did some touristy things. The girls delighted in seeing the Ducks board the elevator at the Peabody Hotel. We hunted for souvenir shirts and key chains and coffee mugs on Beale Street, and while eating supper listened to Blind Mississippi Morris sing the Blues. Neither girl had ever heard Blues before, and weren’t quite sure what to make of it. But the music sure had my toes a tapping.

Wow – what a whirlwind of activity we’ve been living these last couple weeks! Last week was full of home visits, fellowship and learning for all of us here at St. Joseph’s.

Times of fellowship are especially enjoyable for me. From brunch after Mass with the freshman girls in our Crane Home to supper with the 1^st-3^rd grade boys in the Ambrose Home, I find time getting to know our students and staff refreshing and exciting.

Of course, visiting in each home gives me pretty unique perspectives on our children and their houseparents as well. While brunching with the freshmen girls, our new houseparents discovered a weakness in our electrical system when all the kitchen appliances needed to prepare a meal for 15 people caused the circuit to break! It was quite an adventure for them to find the fuse box, but the students and I got in some great visiting time, and in the end, the food was delicious and worth the wait!

Equally unique was my time with our students in the Ambrose Home. Before supper, three of the boys were watching a TV show about Arctic Wildlife like polar bears and caribou.

As quick as I joined them, they started in with many questions about the animals and the landscape. I didn’t know all the answers but appreciated their questions. Their inquisitive nature showed such a thirst for knowledge, which is even more important to teach than content.

An all-school beginning of the year picnic was another special time last week. It just feels good when our whole group gathers together for prayer and community! After leading grace, I grabbed a chair and a spot at the end of the serving line. My job was to pass out popsicles.

I got the chance to greet all of the students I already know, and when new student came through the line, I stopped to ask their name. It will take awhile to get to know everyone, but I keep working on it!

Last week was also a moving time of awareness for all of us.

We hosted a speaker whose mother survived Auschwitz and father survived a work camp in Czechoslovakia. He spoke to our older students about the horrible realities of the Holocaust.

His main message was that people are capable of anything – from murder to love. We have to learn not to hate, and not to stand idly by when any group is persecuted because that’s how evil grows and spreads.

So you all know, I continue healing as well! My foot still gets sore and standing for long periods of time is a challenge, but I’m healing.

Proof of this came when I did a bit of back-to-school shopping! I purchased a new pair of black shoes. With the nerve pains, my normal shoes pinch and hurt my feet, so I’m constantly kicking my shoes off when I get the chance.

But, while shopping, I got my normal size – except in wide width – and I can already tell a positive difference!

Little by little my foot is getting better. I’m hoping and praying the rest of me inside is following that healing path as well.

I’ll be posting again this afternoon since we’ve been so busy – thanks and God bless to all of you who continue following us on this journey!

Wow – what a busy week we’ve had!

Monday was our first day of school. Most of our students are back, and we’re off to a good start. But, there’s still some scrambling as we work to figure out if students haven’t arrived yet are just late or will be going to school elsewhere.

Because of our waiting list, we prioritize alternates and make sure to let the children and their families know right away if a spot becomes available.

Prayers for Guidance
Our week began with an all-school prayer service; we asked God’s gudance over each of us as we begin anew. I felt a little sorry for the first graders since they haven’t learned to read yet. The prayer sheets and songbooks were an incomprehensible mystery to them! But, overall, the service was a fitting and wonderful way to start the year.

Between meetings, I’ve made sure to duck into classrooms to say hello and make sure I meet our newest students especially. I have 42 new names and faces to learn scattered throughout the school.

On our first day back, I stopped in to see the first graders at 3:00. All of the children are new and none of them knew my name. But, I didn’t feel too bad, especially when I overheard one little boy as the teacher – who’d been with them all day – “What was your name again?”! As the year progresses, we’ll all get to know each other and become quite a family.

Planning for the Future
Tuesday, our second day of school, found about 20 of us from around campus gathered together to have our first powwow meeting. Our annual event will be September 17-18, right here on our campus. There is so much to be done before then!

Mike, one of our facilities crew who has been through this many times, put it in this perspective. “It’s just like a wedding,” he said. “Everyone is real nervous and worried beforehand, but once it starts, everything falls into place.”

Our worries and nervousness do translate into taking care of a lot of details before our signature event, and our various departments collaborating on this special event help it run smoothly.

Another of my meetings was with the director of child services. When we finished business, we talked about my participation in the life of the school. I feel great energy being able to be back full-time and participate in more of what goes on here. It is so good to be back!

I’ve quickly realized this week that being back in the regular routine means lots more meetings than over the summer. I can grumble about meetings as much as anyone, but talking over issues and coming up with action plans really is essential for long-term success.

One of my meetings was with human resources just to get an update on the ups and downs we may be having with relation to our team. We’ve spoken at our managment meetings about possible training sessions for supervisors to help them better deal with problems, issues and opportunities as they arise. Having a strong team is crucial to our children’s success!

Focusing on the Children
My highlights throughout the week so far have all centered on the children. Each evening, I’ve enjoyed supper with different groups of students. The Stevens Home girls, in grades six through eight, are all returning students with the exception of one. I enjoyed the time we had over a meal getting caught up.

Our six, seven and eight year old boys in the Raphael Home also kept me entertained this week. There sure is lots of life and energy in a group of 12 first through third grade boys! Seven of the boys are new to St. Joseph’s and the home. I was so impressed by this group of children. When it came time to set the table, so many wanted to help right away. I pray we can keep nurturing that desire to be a part of a family and contribute.

The high school homes kicked off the year with a picnic in the spacious and lovely backyard of our Kateri Homes. All of the coaches from Chamberlain High School were also invited to attend so they could meet houseparents and get to know their student athletes in a relaxed setting away from school and the fields.

We have a few new students in the high school program, so I made a special point to meet each of them. Some of our returning students have been here all nine, 10, 11, even 12, years. I have so many memories of them. It was wonderful to sit around picnic tables and catch up with these students.

As I reflect, I think it’s easier to get to know students here at St. Joseph’s because we get to see them in so many different places and circumstances – in the classrooms and homes, on the playground, at church and even on the powwow grounds. I’ll have the opportunity to watch them grow and develop in so many ways during this new school year. Oh what excitement lies ahead!

Friday, August 13, 2010

I drove 2 ½ hours to St. Francis on the Rosebud Reservation to talk to Fr. John, who has been my spiritual director for all 19 of the years I’ve worked in South Dakota. Though I’ve talked to John on the phone several times, I haven’t actually seen him since before Christmas, when the cancer was discovered and treatments began.

After recounting the ordeal from start to finish, John asked, “What kind of toll did it take?”

I have to say, the emotional toll was highest during the chemo and radiation phase. The physical toll was highest after the surgery. I’m only recently getting my energy and spark back. But, considering all I’ve been through, I’m doing OK. And, in that, I know God has seen me through.

Perhaps I’ve grown in compassion, and I certainly have a better understanding of the fears and struggles people with serious illness face. My brush with mortality certainly makes me less likely to sweat the small stuff. Like many important events that shape our lives, we often don’t realize the grace that comes with them until long after the fact.

After our talk, I was treated to supper at the Buffalo Jump Coffee House. It’s a new place in Mission that benefits the downtown Youth Project. Buffalo Jump provides both employment opportunities and activities for the Youth in the community. That alone is so needed in a community with such high dropout and suicide rates.  The food was scrumptious, and the hospitality of the Jesuits and stimulating conversation made it a great evening.

 Saturday, August 14, 2010

Lower Brule Fair and Powwow lasted all weekend. I spent time there today at the rodeo, softball tourney, and of course, the powwow. The best part for me is that it’s like a big family reunion, where you keep running into people you know, not just from the Lower Brule community, but from all over. A stroll around the powwow grounds that would normally take just a few minutes might take an hour, as you see people and stop and talk.

I saw one of our St. Joseph’s sixth grade girls taking care of her 5 younger siblings. Some of our girls have a lot of responsibility thrust on them at an early age.

Tia, one of our new houseparents, sat next to me while the Grand Entry of the dancers was taking place. I explained what we saw, as this was her very first powwow. When you’ve taken part in many powwows, it can become somewhat routine. But, not for a first-timer!

Tia’s eyes were wide with wonder and enjoyment at all the color and pageantry. As the drummers in front of us raised their voices in song, and beat the drum in unison, seeing it through her eyes helped me reconnect with that initial thrill and inspiration.

Our annual powwow and cultural celebration is just around the corner. We host our signature event here on campus September 17-18. Everyone is welcome, and we’re all excited to see share such a joyous occasion with so many friends!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

At noon today all of our 19 homes opened, and I spent much of the day welcoming students back. I generally start my rounds at the health center. All of the students have to check in there, so I ran into many students getting their eyes and other basics checked.

Only a few students trickled in during the first hours, but that gave me plenty of time for visiting and checking.

Then, I made my way to each of the homes. The most popular food on the stove was chili since it could simmer all day and be ready any time someone new rolled in. All the clothes and possessions needed to be catalogued and initialed, paperwork and permission slips had to be signed, and many other tasks were on lists that keep the houseparents very busy.

At one home, the father of a student saw a staff member wearing a T-shirt from our last sobriety walk. He talked freely about his 14 years of sobriety, but also the difficulties he put his family through in his days of hard drinking. It’s a sad reality in too many families, especially the families we serve.

Since I last saw many of the students in May while I was still going through treatments, at least four children blurted out, “Your hair grew back!” Indeed, I’ve made a lot of progress since May. The hugs and smiles and talks with families make this a great day and a great place to be.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

It’s the hottest part of the summer, and today, I was asked to write a few words for the Christmas cards! I had a hard time thinking about snow and long cold nights!

Since our own Tipi Press Printing office designs and prints the materials we need on campus, we have to give them some good lead time. They produce great materials from cards and notepads to newsletters and bookmarks.

But, I did feel like Santa Claus in another way.

St. Joseph’s makes several trips across the country each year for donor appreciation luncheons. Our students are very excited when they are selected to see a place they’ve never been and talk about their experience at St. Joseph’s.

Today, I lined up chaperones for future donor events. When I asked staff if they’d be willing to go, they got just as excited as the kids. Asking people to do something they’re tickled about felt like I was passing out presents.

 Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Besides staff training and orientation, there is a blur of activity around campus. Time is given each day for teachers to work on setting up their classrooms, and houseparents to make sure everything in their homes is student ready.

Another by-product of the blur as everyone returns is a huge increase in the amount of work orders (RQs) our maintenance department has to handle. The facilities crew is scurrying about campus trying to fix and help. But, they also have to set priorities and know that hanging a bulletin board may need to take a backseat to fixing an old pipe that is leaking through to the ceiling tiles on the floor below.

As everyone comes together and there are competing demands for time and resources, tensions and stress can arise. Some days we all battle impatience and can have misunderstandings and personality clashes. It’s part of our human nature. We try to handle those as they arise, and be good models to the children we serve.

For me, it’s the quiet times of prayer and reflection that give me the strength to handle the stress and keep on the right path.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

This afternoon, I stopped at Central Receiving to say hello to  Lucy, whom I met at Hope Lodge.

She dropped off a load of children’s bikes she had refurbished. Lucy caringly matched helmets that she thought would go with each of the bikes.

Since the houseparents are wearing a path to the door of Central to stock up on supplies for the new year, we left the bikes outside. In short order, they had all found new homes in one of our 19 homes on campus. They  will surely already be in use Sunday afternoon when the students arrive!

At Central, Cathy and Glenda sort and organize all the donations that arrive on campus. Some come through the mail, while others come when friends load up their car or camper and drop them off when they visit campus. The work can be taxing over the summer months, but seeing the houseparents’ appreciation in finding so much of what they need in our own on campus “store” it makes it worth the effort.

Tonight, was our beginning of the year staff picnic at the pavilion on campus. The weather didn’t cooperate with us as the temperatures were in the high 90’s, which kept some of the crowd down.

Still, many spouses, children and relatives of staff joined us to break bread (at least hot dog buns) and share companionship.  Besides working hard, there’s such value in just coming together for a shared meal and some fun.

At events like this, I visit all the picnic tables and say hello and get to know the families. My leg forced me to do that in much shorter time periods this evening. It’s actually easier for me to walk than stand around. I hadn’t seen some of the staff’s children for a year and hardly recognized them as they’ve changed so much! Getting to know families of our new staff is a special pleasure during events like this.

I enjoyed the evening and feel like we are already on our way to a successful school year!

Monday, August 09, 2010

Today, all our Child Services Staff returned to campus to begin preparing for the start of a new school year. We met in the chapel mid-morning to start our year off with prayer.

There’s a real excitement and energy when people return from summer break, refreshed and rearing to go. I enjoyed shaking hands and greeting folks outside the chapel entrance as they arrived.

Besides the Child Services Staff, there are many on our team who work year-round to take care of maintenance, fundraising, admissions and planning. We all gathered together. It takes such a diverse crew to keep St. Joseph’s going, and today was a day to celebrate and appreciate what each team member adds to the school.

During our prayer service, I acknowledged all the different work groups on campus and filled people in on the highlights of what has happened here over the summer.

I also gave everyone a health update, so I could say it once rather than 90 times. While I still have some healing to go, I think I’ll heal best by getting involved in this community of staff and students and the work I love. I got a huge hand when I simply said, “It so good to be back.”

 While dropping off some items at the school, I stopped in at third grade teacher Kim’s classroom. She told me about finishing her Master’s degree over the summer, specializing in reading and math. She was happy to report that we’re already doing many of the practices the schools are recommending in those areas.

We try hard to keep up on best practices and implement them when possible.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Most of the year, the traffic on our South Dakota highways is light, and the driving is relaxing and easy. But this time of year, the Harleys are roaring through town making their annual pilgrimage to Sturgis. When I went to the post office, I saw many Hogs parked on the downtown streets.

A good number of riders also stop in to visit our campus. Today, as I strolled by the museum, some visitors asked me to say a prayer of blessing for safe travel. That’s good to do for any travel, but especially facing summer’s crowded highways.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

I had big plans for accomplishing so many things in the office today, but my tired body talked me into lying down on the office couch for just 10 minutes after lunch. Three hours later I woke up, so I must have really needed that one!

Before and after resting, I made some good progress on the pile of letters on my desk, which was my main goal.

In this age of email, letter writing is becoming a lost art. I probably keep my notes too brief, but I still like to drop people a personal line, especially when they’ve taken the time to send me a card or letter.

I got down to the last five notes that sit unanswered in my basket. The challenge will come Monday to see if I can keep up from here given all the day-to-day happenings.

Cards and letters have provided me great encouragement through this illness. And, in my daily prayers, it’s certainly increased my awareness of people’s fears and anxieties and need during their particular illnesses.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

I concelebrated mass downtown at St. James parish.

In the communion line, I got one big bear hug from a four year old that wouldn’t let go until I’d given the rest of his family communion. I also had to deftly maneuver the hosts out of the reach of an inquisitive two year old in her mother’s arms!

Many of the folks in town greeted me afterwards with a hug or hearty handshake. “It’s good to see you out and about!” was heard often. It is so good for me to get out into the community more and more.

Markus is a cultural anthropologist and museum curator from Germany who helped evaluate our museum collection a year or so ago. He is back in the States taking pictures of some of our paintings that he hopes to put together into a traveling exhibition of Lakota art that can be displayed at three cities in Germany. There is great interest in Plains Indian culture overseas. But also, for a small museum, we are developing a nice collection with good variety and perspective.  

We had our monthly SCJ gathering for prayer and fellowship. We elected a new leadership team in June. Now we’re beginning discussion of ways to strengthen and improve our Religious Life. It obviously starts with a deeper commitment by each individual to prayer. But, we have to also promote programs and activities that support people in their struggles, and give us a vision of where we want to go in the future.