Thursday

Today is our last day on the reservation. As we have seen in years past, the excitement of the day and the curiosity about who will come, is balanced by the realization we will not see friends we have made again until next year. Add to this, as we traveled north, the temperature was dropping and immediately, people began to ask if rain might become an issue that would keep youth away. Fortunately, weather radar showed we should have nothing to fear, and the cooler temps were soon replaced with much more moderate weather than yesterday.

Our service project team finished off the kitchen, our VBS team made final preparations, and our kitchen team helped them both as lunch was cooking in a crock pot. This morning seemed to fly by and when it came time to pick up our guests, the energy level went through the roof. When the first van pulled in with horn beeping, our teams were there to meet it one last time and to welcome the youth attending. When the second van arrived, there was equal enthusiasm. Lunch was a big hit, as were the giant bubble makers the littler children played with after they had eaten.

After worship, we split the group into two teams again. With the milder temperatures, we had a number of guests anxious about playing outside. It was not the usual kick ball, but hula hoops, some soccer, and just plain fun. As is typical, our guests quickly began trading name tags, taking on the persona of the person's nametag they wore. Some even went around collecting nametags from our team members. When it came time for our final worship, we asked our guests who would like to help lead the singing. Out of a crowd of 40 (today's number of guests) more than 20 came forward to stand with our worship team.

After worship, we gathered outside the church and took our traditional group picture. The smiles were everywhere and it was interesting to watch our guests jockey for position so they could stand next to the team member they enjoyed being with. As we loaded the vans, the farewells were said, and hands waved goodbye, there was a moment of awe with regards to the week's experience. This lasted only a little bit as our teams began cleaning the building so that it would be cleaner than we arrived. Our service project team took off to put the final coat of stain on the handicap ramp; and before we knew it, we were ready to go. Only one last thing to do, lock up, return the keys, and drop off the garbage before heading back to Valentine.

Back in Valentine, the trailer was very quickly unloaded and people changed unto their swimsuits for two hours at the city pool. When everyone was back at St. John's, we enjoyed a feast of hamburgers and hot dogs cooked on the grill (thanks Keith), some baked beans, pasta salad, and potato chips. That was not an end to the activities, next came the games. This year we did water balloon volley ball and had a water balloon fight. However, one round of balloons were held back for target practice on Keith, Mother Karen, Sharon, and Fr. Tom. Needless to say, they were just a little wet when it was all over.

Games aside, we had to wash the window paint from the windows on the vans. Some was harder to get off than was expected. Next came dessert. It was the night of leftovers and some yummy ones they were. Besides cookies, we had some cobbler, brownies, and ice cream. Once everyone's sweet tooth was satisfied, we began to talk about our mission experience. I find it no surprise that our teams became attached to the youth we served. While our team was proud of our accomplishments (the kitchen, the outside wall, and the handicap ramp), what they will most remember, are the children; and that's the way it should be.

On the Rosebud, our service projects, while important, are not the focus. At the heart of our time here is the building of relationships and understanding. To hear the stories our youth shared about the connections they made are truly moving. Maybe this is why they come back year after year. Compline is over and the place is settling in for the night.