This past week, I had the opportunity to go with 15 others from my school to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, SD. The Lakota people who inhabit Pine Ridge radiate beauty and life. But they are stuck in some of the nation's worst poverty, with 85-90% unemployment, and a high case of alcoholism. But God is there too, in their midst. I can feel it, within the hearts of the people that live there.
Throughout the week, I think a big thing that me and my friends learned was that we were not there to make a gigantic impact. We did not come to turn the tables, bring righteousness to the poverty, and change the lives of the people there. As my good friend Luke said, "they've been making it this long without us." We were there to serve, to do whatever small help we could, in the name of Jesus. I'd say it's safe to say that the people of Pine Ridge taught us more than we taught them. The Lakota people taught me resilience, beauty, and how to cling to my God in the best way.
Throughout the week, I think a big thing that me and my friends learned was that we were not there to make a gigantic impact. We did not come to turn the tables, bring righteousness to the poverty, and change the lives of the people there. As my good friend Luke said, "they've been making it this long without us." We were there to serve, to do whatever small help we could, in the name of Jesus. I'd say it's safe to say that the people of Pine Ridge taught us more than we taught them. The Lakota people taught me resilience, beauty, and how to cling to my God in the best way.
We returned home from Pine Ridge on Friday, and since then, each morning I wake up and feel a little sense of sadness, just a reminder that I'm not in Pine Ridge anymore, and that I'm back to the old grind. Because life there is so much simpler-- it has to be. What's funny, and something I seem to keep forgetting, is that I really didn't want to go at the beginning. But my good friend Justin has a way of convincing people to do things outside of their comfort zones, and it sure did work. Now I can't imagine not having gone, and I wish I had never left. But I think what God has been showing me through that is that he has me where he needs me.
He brought me to Pine Ridge with purpose, and he brought me back here with purpose. So my prayer is for God to show me my purpose each day. To not forget the Lakota people, but rather remember who they are and how they live their lives. Because why should location matter?
God is God, no matter where I am.
also- we took a picture by a giant cow. oh, my heart. ⤴
disclaimer: this is not even half of all of my musings about Pine Ridge, so you can expect more. I apologize for any jumbled thoughts or things that don't make sense... I'm still processing through the week. thanks friends!
disclaimer: this is not even half of all of my musings about Pine Ridge, so you can expect more. I apologize for any jumbled thoughts or things that don't make sense... I'm still processing through the week. thanks friends!