The Yellow Bus breaks down and a new opportunity results
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 headed out, well, actually, we tried to head out but the Yellow Bus wasn't having any of it. Nice sound when I put my foot on the gas, but no acceleration. OK, so this is when the team leader counts to 10, then suggests that everyone get out of the bus and sit in the shade while she figures out what to do. The first attempt to reach Pastor Hill resulted in voicemail, the call to Joe elicited sympathy but no assistance. While several of the team offered to look for a mechanic, check the transmission oil, or call AAA, Pastor Hill called back. "everyone is ok"....I start the conversation, but we are stuck in Conrad. After several phone calls, a trip down the road by foot for cold drinks, Pastor Hill calls back and reports "help is on the way". Knowing we are in Blackfeet country, and Indian time, I settle the team in for a potentially long wait. Meantime, the team is high spirited and optimistic. Games and conversation pass the time, and before I know it, and well before I would have predicted, a pickup and Mercedes van arrive in the parking lot. Brian, owner of the Trading Post, with Cheri and John(from a Methodist Church in Alabama) greet us with good cheer and friendship and we are on our way. Cherie reports that she is starting a carpeting project this week and sure could use some help, and youth are welcome. Opportunity arrives.
We are greeted in Heart Butte by the rest of our team, who have settled in, helped with dinner, and are happy and energetic. The kids(hereafter to be called the youth corps), made up of kids 7 to 13, immediately headed outside, and quickly had a softball game in progress. Only to be interrupted by , yes, you guessed it, spaghetti dinner.
Believe it or not, after dinner, there was energy to head into Browning to experience Saturday evening at Indian Days. The campgrounds were packed, food and drink all over, dancing and drumming. I think it would be no exaggeration to report that the youth corps found the "open feed"(when tons of candy is dropped in the arena and the kids rush in) to be their favorite part of the evening!
Back in Heart Butte, all is quiet. The team has settled in quickly and with great spirit and attitude. No doubt that we will have a great week together.
In other news from home, for those of you wondering, Phil walked 3 miles today in Genesee(of course a nap followed) and is recovering well. Thanks to all of you who are bringing him food, and keeping him company.
Hoping that all of you are safe and well,
with love from Heart Butte,
Barbara
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 headed out, well, actually, we tried to head out but the Yellow Bus wasn't having any of it. Nice sound when I put my foot on the gas, but no acceleration. OK, so this is when the team leader counts to 10, then suggests that everyone get out of the bus and sit in the shade while she figures out what to do. The first attempt to reach Pastor Hill resulted in voicemail, the call to Joe elicited sympathy but no assistance. While several of the team offered to look for a mechanic, check the transmission oil, or call AAA, Pastor Hill called back. "everyone is ok"....I start the conversation, but we are stuck in Conrad. After several phone calls, a trip down the road by foot for cold drinks, Pastor Hill calls back and reports "help is on the way". Knowing we are in Blackfeet country, and Indian time, I settle the team in for a potentially long wait. Meantime, the team is high spirited and optimistic. Games and conversation pass the time, and before I know it, and well before I would have predicted, a pickup and Mercedes van arrive in the parking lot. Brian, owner of the Trading Post, with Cheri and John(from a Methodist Church in Alabama) greet us with good cheer and friendship and we are on our way. Cherie reports that she is starting a carpeting project this week and sure could use some help, and youth are welcome. Opportunity arrives.
We are greeted in Heart Butte by the rest of our team, who have settled in, helped with dinner, and are happy and energetic. The kids(hereafter to be called the youth corps), made up of kids 7 to 13, immediately headed outside, and quickly had a softball game in progress. Only to be interrupted by , yes, you guessed it, spaghetti dinner.
Believe it or not, after dinner, there was energy to head into Browning to experience Saturday evening at Indian Days. The campgrounds were packed, food and drink all over, dancing and drumming. I think it would be no exaggeration to report that the youth corps found the "open feed"(when tons of candy is dropped in the arena and the kids rush in) to be their favorite part of the evening!
Back in Heart Butte, all is quiet. The team has settled in quickly and with great spirit and attitude. No doubt that we will have a great week together.
In other news from home, for those of you wondering, Phil walked 3 miles today in Genesee(of course a nap followed) and is recovering well. Thanks to all of you who are bringing him food, and keeping him company.
Hoping that all of you are safe and well,
with love from Heart Butte,
Barbara
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