We arrived safely

We arrived to Pine Ridge safely. En route, we dropped off Amy and Kayla Peterson's swing-set in Porcupine. Part of the team will install the set on Wednesday or Thursday.

We experienced our first grace moment today: When we arrived in Pine Ridge, we noticed that a tire on one of the trailers was in bad shape. The wheel had grown a tumor, yet withstood failure throughout our journey. We are thankful, for a blown trailer wheel could have caused significant danger to the van and team members. God is good.

We enjoyed fine cuisine from Pizza Hut for dinner. Ben Harvey and Kyle picked up the pizzas. Immediately, a young man named Jared, recognized Ben and was asking about other team members including Scott Peterson, Dennis, and Robyn. I am constantly amazed at how connected we are with people here. It is a gift of the Lakota people to welcome us with hospitality into their space.

We ended the evening with conversation regarding what we anticipate for the week. Responses ranged from fellowship with team members, working with our hands, making new friends at Pine Ridge and surrounding neighborhoods, learning more about the culture, and the immediate need to go to bed.

Regarding the facility: We are staying in the Frankie Martinez Hall (FMH) that belongs to the Sacred Heart Church and Red Cloud School. IT is the same building that was utilized by Vashti and Andy. However, the building has been cleaned and organized for the team this summer. The Sacred Heart Church has generously allowed us to stay here in this very comfortable place (I will try to post pictures tomorrow). People are sleeping in every corner, but the best part is the lounge. When the team came in the Spring to prepare the place, couches were part of the preparation. In the same vein of the Youth Room, couches and tables with indirect lighting make a cozy space for fellowship and devotions. This place is perfect.

Finally, we had several visitors today. Within minutes, Larry Peterson was informed that some groupd of people had moved into the FMH. Charles McGaw, a lay minister at Sacred Heart welcomed us, as well as his beautiful 5-year-old daughter. Several people offering crafts also stopped by (we decided that we would ask all vendors to come by on Thursday from 5-6 in order to get the attention of the full team).

We look forward to a relaxing day tomorrow. We leave for church at 10 am, and spend the rest of the day enjoying God's creation in South Dakota.

Please keep Tom Beukhof in your prayers. The doctors gave him the go to come, and we just pray that he is both able to participate, as well as being aware of his limits. Pray that the children from Geraldine's block are able to attend the children's program at Larry Peterson's during this week as well as in the future.