The service project for my particular group consisted of building a set of stairs for a family's house out in the middle of the rolling plains. The previous steps had been a set of cement blocks stacked up. This was not safe for the elderly, and that's where we came in.
I worked with people I've never met before and smiled/laughed a ton! The stairs were done in what seemed like less than in hour. Everyone tried all the jobs that were available like drilling, cutting, and moving wood. Oh and this all happened in the middle of maybe 50-60 mph winds. There's not exactly anything to stop the wind in South Dakota other than more wind. I had "sunshine on a cloudy day."
Once we returned to the headquarters, we ate lunch, had a dance party in the kitchen to songs such as "My Girl", and moved about a thousand 2x4's from one trailer to a new one. The amazing thing is I'm having an amazing time here at Re-Member, the organization helping the Oglala people here in Pine Ridge. Every moment, I'm interacting with great people from all around the U.S. who wanted to serve here. Smiles galore.
We had another speaker tonight, Uncle Will. The coolest guy ever rocking a Bob Marley cut off. He spoke about the history of the Lakota people, but specifically the times now. Uncle Will is a part-time teacher at the school teaching Lakota culture. I know I wouldn't mind being in his class and perhaps Buena Vista could offer him to come speak at campus. I was very inspired by him (to be a man) and I have so much heart for Native Americans after the first two speakers.
By the way, the first illegal immigrants were probably the Spanish I think, but they gave the Natives horses. The French came and gave away tobacco, alcohol, and fun. But the future Americans came and warred with the Native Americans. My mind has been opened to what the history books skipped over.
I will look into this deception after my trip.
Also, I'm looking to have more dance parties. Cheers to anyone who connected the quote with "My Girl."
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