As I get to talk to people out here, the more and more I like their overall quiet ways. A lot can be said without words. Communication without words takes some effort at first but slowly can become natural. We all have the opportunity to communicate the gospel to others, never saying a word. When others realize that I am Christian, all that I do may be considered in light of the gospel. If I take this to the extreme then also the things I should not do or be reflect badly and are not worthy of the gospel but in need of. Doing this shows a bad light in the gospel and others can see that as well. Even non Christians understand the basics of behavior that should be portrayed by a Christian.
Myself and a three others had the opportunity to help serve with our gifts. There is a house that has been purchased by a local organization through foreclosure. This house was built some time ago by the U.S. Army, not as prefab but as stick. It is a nicely built house about 1,100 square feet. Has three bedrooms and two full baths. While the house was on foreclosure, unfortunately the pipes froze, all the windows broken and much damage was done to the interior of the house. So much money was spent get the basics back in order, that there is little money to work on cleaning and painting and some minor plumbing. This is where we got to come in.
While working with the the organization, we were able to provide some free labor. Much needed cleaning was done and more needs to be done. Painting and light plates were replaced. I have to give a shout out to my sister Jamie for having a party all those years ago. Had it not been for her, I may not have learned how to do wall repair so well. Thanks sis! So you guessed it, I fixed a few walls. The tools available were minimal. So I ran to a local building supply and purchased some joint compound, a wide metal mud knife and then also some tube and tile caulk….for a sink I was installing. Yes my plumber friends, I did did install the water lines with no issues! No my fine wife, I do not do this at home.
While working, I spoke with two others there doing work. Both of them were Lakota and our speaking or conversations were very brief. Much of he time was in silence, not one of awkwardness but of doing work together and communication of expectations and needs. It was a pleasant time and I look forward to going back to the house to do more work.
Later that evening we had an artist who works with porcupine quills, come to the retreat. She spent nearly two hours demonstrating how to make jewelry. Here was someone that spoke more without being asked questions so much. Most of the speaking was about life on and off of the Rez. Valery BrownEyes has lived both on and off of the Rez. She has chosen the “pathway” of the Rez. She has siblings who live off the Rez., that tell her to leave but she finds peace here. It was finding her way I believe, that guides her in staying sober now for 16 years. I believe that Valery spoke a lot, not for her benefit but ours. She took an opportunity to provide us with education not only about her craft but about a way of life on the Rez.
She does wonderful work. If you would like to see and even purchase her work, check out:
Lakota Creations
Plumbing? Last I heard you were to stay as far away from that as possible. Hmm I guess the talent is for the times it’s truly needed. Who’s the house for? As for silent communication, much can be said should you pay attention. Glad to hear its a good expierance so far.
Oh and earrings are beautiful.
Okay, pick what you want Kris and let me know via email, which ones. As for who is the house for? There is an Elderly woman on public housing. She qualifies for this house and will be moving in, maybe Monday. This will allow her to get off public hosing and have a house she can own. She is on oxygen and really needs a clean house and cannot do to much work on her own. The house looks very close to the Carol Stream house, minus the added family room and having a master bath. The master bedroom is where Becky’s room was. These were so close, I felt at home.
I hope your experience at Pine Ridge will give you a very firm positive outlook on Native Peoples throughout the continent.
I’m wondering if you had the pleasure of meeting Pastor Andy Utecht out there. His father Robert was also a pastor in ELCA. Robert just passed on the 23rd of November. A very kind and gentle man.
My association with the Lakota People goes back to 1958, when I was sent to South Dakota and stationed at a radar site in Gettysburg, Potter County. (USAF).
I have been an associate of Saint Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain for at least a quarter century and had the privilege of building them a pipe organ in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Sioux, back in 1997-98. (I am a pipe organ builder by trade.)
My involvement with the People gave me a Lakota “brother”, Ruben Fast Horse from the Standing Rock Reserve. Through him I was adopted (accepted) into an extended family including our Sundance Family at Fort Yates, on Standing Rock, in North Dakota. Many years ago I became a Traditional dancer. About eleven years ago I was made a Pipe Carrier at the High Ground Pow Wow, in Neilsville, Wisconsin. This was a Native veterans Pow Wow and they accepted me as one of their own. For a few years I was the Pipe carrier for the V.A. Hospital in Milwaukee, and I did Sweat Lodge and Pipe for inmates at three Wisconsin prisons.
My “interest” in Native Peoples is much more than casual or a hobby. Albeit I live in a large city I still follow Native ways and Native Spirituality as I am able. Yes, I consider myself a Slavic Lakota and have about 2% only Native in me, but my heart is 100% Lakota. I am most at home when I am in the Dakotas. To me the land west of the Missouri is the Holy Land. I could honestly say: “bury my heart at Wounded Knee”.
I don’t believe that Gus Barnes, and others that I know and live with, realize just how much of me is Lakota, if not in blood, then by Spirit and acceptance.
Pilamaya Kola. Wakan Tanka Kici Un!
Joseph
This is very cool. I am so happy that Gus told you about my posts. I really like it here a bunch to say the least. I do not recall meeting Pastor Andy as of yet. We will be here until the 12th. I am going to pass this info on to the pastor here. I hope to have some of the experiences you have had, someday.
Ah, glad my shenanigans provided you skills to make a home for a woman in need. You just never know where life will take you