Tuesday

Another slow start to the day, but as everyone gathered in the parish hall to enjoy breakfast, the excitement began to emerge. The breakfast casserole's aroma filled the room and people were ready to eat. One minor problem, the casseroles were not ready when the schedule said they were supposed to be. Instead of grumbling, teams got up and did the morning chores they could while they waited. When the breakfast was served, it got very quiet as folks enjoyed their meal (well as quiet as a room full of teenagers can be).

With a quick stop at the Dollar General, we were on our way. It was another beautiful morning. Comfortable temperature, clear skies, and time for a short nap while we made our way to the church. Once everything was unpacked, our teams got busy painting and preparing the day's crafts. This morning flew by and the next thing we knew it was time to pick up our guests. The number who joined us was even higher than yesterday. But with our team remembering their names, and our guests remembering ours, when they hoped out of the vans, there were high fives, hugs, and big, big smiles.

Today's Bible story was about Joshua and the risk he took walking around the town of Jericho unarmed, and by trusting in God to keep him, and all of Israel safe from harm. The team must have been good because our guests were really attentive, or maybe they just watching a group of people walk in a circle over and over again. When it came time to sing a few songs, many of our guests joined in and we had kids of all ages touching their heads, their toes, and reaching for the sky.

The next 90 minutes went pretty much like yesterday. With the addition of another 8 guests who were not with us yesterday, the tie dye team was hard at work. This was the most popular craft so far, on both Monday and Tuesday. Inside, and out, our painting teams were hard at work finishing the exterior wall of the community center. The kitchen got a solid first coat and edging was accomplished with more paint on the walls than on our youth. When it came time to say good bye for the day, it was hard to get everyone into the vans. They had enjoyed themselves and were continuing to do so after their snack time. Still, everyone got home safe and sound.

While our van drivers returned our guests to their home, the team cleaned up the place and loaded up the trailer. With the threat of weather later this week, Keith and Greg decided it was best to remain on the reservation when our team headed back to Valentine to stain the handicap ramp that leads into the Church of Jesus. Back in Valentine, the teams changed clothes and we headed out to visit Smith Falls. For nine summers, we have taken a picture of our team in front of the falls, regardless of the weather. Today, the cold water felt really good and a long held tradition was upheld as the newest members of our team sat on the 'rock of initiation'. Sitting on the 'rock, left one with a large amount of water cascading over them. Now this is not just for the newbie, many of our old timers did it too, just as they do every year. As always, Fr. Tom was invited to join them, and as always he opted for the much smaller flow to use as a shower. With our pictures taken, it was off to the Smith Falls landing where many of our team enjoyed the warmer water of the Niobrara River.

Back in Valentine, most of the team headed to the pool to enjoy a little more time in the water and to take a shower. Unfortunately, most found out the water in the shower was closer to the temperature of the water over the falls than the river. So showers were rather quick. After dinner, which again was delayed by food not cooperating and cooking according to our time schedule, some of our youth headed off for some ice cream, some played cards, and some rested before beginning the evening bible study. Tomorrow's story is centered around Daniel. The discussions got deep and heated as each team tried to build consensus on an answer to the Bible study questions. Instead of preparing for tomorrow's skit, we invited Keith to share a story of a young man with a bright future who saw it all turn rather dark after sexting with his girlfriend. Our team learned rather quickly this was not a risk worth taking.

With big yawns and tired eyes, Compline did not come too soon. Before we knew it, folks were in bed, lights were out, and despite the higher than normal energy beforehand, quiet quickly filled the church.