Back to Blackfeet: July 2017

July 12, 2017 Cool weather and a stunning blue sky welcomed me for my morning walk, as did my now neighborhood pack of protectors(the dogs).  Returning to the church, the air was filled with the tantalizing smell of bacon and potato mash; even I couldn't resist such a treat.  The teams formed up and headed out in different directions.  One team agreeing to help out Tom and Floy with a major shed clean up project.  Others returned to the carpet project, day camp, Eagle Shield, the nursing home and the nurturing center.  Plans were laid for a whole day of work which quickly evaporated when there was little work at the nursing home, the Tom and Floy project wrapped up quickly, the care center casino trip was a bust, and there was no work to be had at the food bank.   Deciding I couldn't manufacture work projects out of thin air, I sent the team back to Heart Butte for an early end to the day for rest and relaxation.  Meantime, I visited with the directo...

A Gift:  Going to the Sun Road Since it was a holiday in town with essentially all project sites closed for the day I gave the team a gift:  a full day in Glacier, instead of our usual rushed, half day trip.  The morning started with great news:  the van is ready, you can pick it up any time.  Five minutes later:  the van isn't ready, don't pick it up till later.  we decided to keep with our original plan and make use of the volunteers rental cars ...... A gorgeous sky and view of the mountains greeted us as we headed north out of Browning, the wildflowers in glorious bloom.  As we headed into the park the views of St Mary's Lake and all the rushing water were breathtaking.  Up to Logan's Pass where we had spectacular views and thousands of glacier lilies. A short hike and visit to the visitor center ensued. On the way down, we indulged my agenda item, stopping at Rising Sun for a bracing dip in the glacier melt water(yes, freezi...

Orientation, more dancing, and rebuilding the fridge All slept late, recovering from the long day of travel, the broken bus and the excitement of the Indian Days festivities.  Orientation proceeded well, with team, including the youth corps developing common goals very quickly.  After reviewing the usual Global philosophy of service, logistics, health and safety issues, 3 teams set off to work on their assignments.  Although I don't usually include photos in these blogs, I have to show you what the Youth Corps did in 25 minutes!  Their assignment: plan the games and activities you will use at the Summer Camp program, And, they were easily able to rattle off what they felt to be the important characteristics of an effective team.  My favorite:  consider other peoples feelings. The adults complete their assignments as well, but with decidedly less artistry. After lunch and multiple phone calls regarding the still missing church van(he's workin...

Early this morning while Jeff's team was packing up, I enjoyed a long walk up the hill, around t he bend, with views of the mountains in the distance.  The local dogs have recognized my arrival, and accompanied until they grew tired and turned around.  The drive back to Great Falls was remarkably easy, with the Yellow Bus driving well on the long open stretches of road.  In the back, several of Jeff's team reminisced about their week, and what was in store for them on returning home. My team, including old friends and new, arrived in quick succession.  The waiting area of the Great Falls airport served as a comfortable and welcoming place for teammates to renew old acquaintances, and start making new friends.  Soon enough we bid goodbye to Jeff(thanks for feeding us before you left!), and headed off to Heart Butte.  An hour into the trip, a rest stop seemed like a good idea and we found just the right spot off I15 in Conrad.  Loaded back up, we head...

Tipis and RVs Strange how each day in Blackfeet country seems like so many more.  Clear, cool air greeted me for my early morning walk while everyone from Jeff's team was still asleep.  Even Heart Butte was at it's most quiet:  my walking pals(dogs)from last year were nowhere to be seen.  Return to the church found a bustling team getting ready for a busy day.   The team helped fix 200 bag lunches to be given out at the PowWoW, moved chairs, and provided assistance at the 5K "Mustache" run: this included elders, babies, twins, strollers, and athletes,  enjoying an early morning competition.  Arriving at the campgrounds, the site of the North American Indian Days activities, the scene was striking for its abundance of campers, RVs, tents, shanties, and the rarity of tipis.  Families literally move out of their homes for 5 days, and camp onsite on the fair grounds:  this includes chairs, trucks, propane stoves, cots, food, and more food. We...

Return to Blackfeet:  Big Sky Country With the usual pre team jitters, I packed my red duffle and backpack, stopped by Balfour for a quick visit with my mom, and headed back to Heart Butte and the Blackfeet reservation.  You may recall my week here last year, when I brought a team of youth from Sandy Hook with their chaperones.  We had an paralleled week of cultural immersion and healing rituals as well as some surprises(remember the butchering of the dead sheep?).  This year I look forward to hosting a team of 18:  ages 7 to 92.  I will be welcoming some old friends as well as new volunteers. Landing in Great Falls I was greeted by Jeff, the outgoing volunteer team leader.  The two hour drive to Heart Butte went quickly as we caught up on news of the reservations, the Indian Days Festival, and the usual team leader challenges:  no, the day camp can't take so many volunteers, the food bank is great, guess what?  it's a holiday on ...