Metairie, Louisiana  

Twelve Country Club Christian Church members and guests made the 15-hour trek to New Orleans on Sunday, October 19, to be joined by five lucky air travelers on Monday.  The group leaders are Kelly Ingersoll, staff representative, and Kelly Quinn, leader. Other members are Jodi Sullivan, Carty and Peggy Johannson, Susan Garner, Justin Sillix, Dawn Murphy, Jackie Cunningham, Scott Weyrauch, Alison Bond, Richard Perkins, Scott Fuller, Jill Reynolds, Linda McDandel, Ruth Bradshaw, and Laura Tyler. 

The long road trip was smooth, uneventful except for gales of laughter as repeat mission members regaled the novices with merry tales of missions past. On our arrival at Metairie, we set up camp at the First Christian Church gym, our home for the week. 

Monday morning found us at the headquarters of the St. Bernard Project, a nonprofit organization working since 2006 in the Parish. With the help of AmeriCorps volunteers and countless volunteers from across the nation, 155 families have been resettled in St. Bernard Parish. We learned at morning orientation that most of the work has been done by church volunteers such as those in our group. 

Our group assignments split us into two vans, headed for separate houses in the Parish. Each jobsite is supervised by a young capable AmeriCorps volunteer, who directs the work.  Both groups spent the day dry walling, learning “mudding,” and sanding all day. We returned to the church covered in white grit, looking like refugees from some furious desert sandstorm. Both groups had met the homeowners, whose warm appreciation already gratified our early efforts.       

Kelly led our evening worship, presenting the theme of “stories” to tell-each of us learning the others’ stories, and all of us learning the story of Katrina.  If we hadn’t realized that we would emerge from this experience full of stories, our earlier sojourn to dinner should have clued us in.

 The outing started innocently enough, with Kelley and Scott Fuller each driving a van. Confidence reigned, as both drivers had previous road experience, and Scott had researched area restaurants from the folder of information left for us at the church.  We had been blithely underway for some time, expecting to arrive at a local seafood restaurant. With Scott in the lead, we made a few route “corrections,” finally arriving at the destination to learn that that restaurant was closed on Monday. Not a problem. We’ll find some other place.  

We find ourselves on an access road, trying to reverse course to find another option for dinner. We hear sirens, and realize that half the parish fire brigade is following Scott, who is valiantly trying to turn around. One fire truck passes. Scott circles our van so we can reconnoiter. Another fire truck moves in behind.  Kelley, driving the other van, waits patiently. Soon we are surrounded by fire trucks, who seem to be hopelessly lost, as are we.  

Finally, after escaping the Key Stone Cop fire squad, we head out in search of another spot to dine. Scott makes several forays into residential areas, weaving in and out of the causeway, back onto the road, u-turning several times as we realize we’re on residential dead ends, forcing Kelley (who remains patient) to back the van several times.  After losing each other at least twice, we finally regroup at a Bennigan’s, where we have a lovely dinner. 

By this time, back at the ranch, we’re ready for the quiet of worship. Kelly’s “story” theme seems highly appropriate.  He asks us to tell our stories, and challenges us to explain why we’re here.  Justin’s reply “I’m here to be an extra set of hands for God” gives us all pause, and Scott F. remarks that he understands that part of our job is to be witness to the story of Katrina, a huge and terrible non-fiction that too many Americans have forgotten, or are ignoring as we attend to the routines of our daily lives.  

As we drive through the miles and miles of the destruction wrought by the terrible storm, the few shops and residences that are alive again shine out as the story of determination and will. Our efforts, though small, are not in vain, and our mission’s story will touch the lives of others, and especially our own, for as long as we live.

We woke with the dawn and the mosquitoes…everyone packed up and pulled out between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. with the Schlatters and Commorfords in the lead. The truth about our teepee night became clearer with the anecdotes shared on the way home. Parker found a frog on his bed and scooped it up in his Croc. Tim went around growling and scratching outside some of the teepees causing several children to scream. Reports of dogs visiting inside the teepees came from several quarters.  Other dogs “protected” the camp by barking whenever someone went to the bathroom. Late in the night, the dogs sporadically barked off and on, maybe at the lifelike deer target still set up in the yard or maybe they were barking at coyotes we heard howling far off.  Some families found out after everyone had settled in for the night that the best sleep was probably better had if they slept in their vans.

As the teams took off, everyone was anxious to get home. Unfortunately, crews were working on the road south to I-90, so we were treated to about 30 minutes of waiting for the “Pilot Car” to lead us past the construction on this rural two-lane highway. We had to wait for the pilot car to lead us down the only open lane as the other opposing traffic waited for us. While we waited we listened to the birds, waved at the woman holding the stop sign, and waited, waited, waited…then GO!  We’re on our way straight home. We would meet up with one of the vans in Mitchell, SD, for gas and a late breakfast/early lunch. Then, it was a beeline to go from I-90 eastbound, to I-29 southbound, from South Dakota, to Iowa, past Omaha, Nebraska, before arriving in Missouri (and some to Kansas)-all safe and sound and full of stories to share with anyone that would listen.

In the morning, we split into two groups. One group baked cookies and brownies for the bake sale and the other group set up for the rummage sale for the next day. It took longer to set up the rummage sale than it took to bake, so the people who were baking made signs to promote the bake sale and rummage sale. After that, we went across the street to the senior nutrition program for lunch. We had some time to relax before we went back to Red Scaffold for the pow-wow that night. So some people split into smaller groups and drove around the area. We then left for the hour and a half drive to the pow-wow. There was sort of a “pot luck” type meal served that was delicious when we arrived. The weather was windy and beginning to get cloudy like it was going to rain, but luckily it didn’t. The pow-wow consisted of awards and group dancing. People that we met in red Scaffold were all there. It was a great time.

It’s Friday and our last day in Eagle Butte. We appreciated sleeping in and eating a late breakfast after a week of getting started before 8:30 a.m.  

During the day we had several teams involved in a number of activities. Some baked cookies and brownies for the bake sale while others prepared for the start of the rummage sale.

Soon a group took the first batch of baked goodies and went up and down Main Street asking for free will donations to help support the children’s center, The Main.  Others stayed at the rummage sale, while still others baked more goods for sale. It was a good thing we made more baked goods. The group that went to Main Street was back for a second batch to sell. People were typically offering a $1, but one gave $12 even though cash is scarce when it’s not pay day.

Another group went to put a coat of paint on the home of Toni and Byron Buffalo’s daughter, Jackie.  These troopers put up with the heat and tackled the job with paint brushes and rollers.

Most of us had lunch at the senior nutritional center which was delicious potato salad, a healthy green salad and hot turkey.  Anne delivered lunch to the painters…they improvised potato chips for silverware.  After lunch, it was time to wrap up the rummage sale (boxing up remaining items) and play with the children on the playground (they enjoyed us pushing them on the swings and talking with them as they climbed all over the playground equipment). Once the painters returned and washed up it was 4:30 p.m. and time to leave Eagle Butte. We headed to Faith (population 469 and about one hour away)for dinner at the “Chances R” restaurant.  The ½ pound burgers and chicken fried steak dinners were big hits.

Then, it was time to move on to hour drive to Bridger for our night at the Lakota Tipi Bed & Breakfast (www.thebridgerproject.com). It is located up from the banks of the Cheyenne River at the site where the survivors of Wounded Knee relocated. Even though evening was falling, there was still time to squeeze in a number of fun activities with some of the families from Bridger before turning in for the night.

Bow hunting is important to Byron Buffalo and he provided several bows and arrows to let us all have a turn.  Everyone enjoyed aiming for the lifelike deer target and trying to retrieve wayward arrows. (They said that if there’s anything we were planning to bring on our next trip, arrows would be much appreciated. Because of the open space and tall grassland, arrows constantly need to be replenished.)

As evening fell, the weather was beautiful and the mosquito population, as we came to find out, very healthy.  Despite the bug spray, a number of us sported the tell-tale signs of the healthy mosquito population.

But now as the campfire was burning, a circle of us had gathered attracted by the promise of S’mores. Catherine improvised tools to roast our marshmallows.  The campfire setting drew several comments and prayers from the group.  We appreciate learning about the Lakota dependence on family and prayer as the twin keys to their survival.  We noticed that every gathering included thanks for what they have received.  As we wrapped up our stay we reviewed the Lakota words we had learned during the week:  unci = grandma; wopila = thanks from the bottom of our hearts; takini=survivor;  ducsha= see you later.

This morning we awoke to a beautiful sunny and hot day after last night’s storm.  We had our community breakfast at the Teen Center and divided into two groups.  Our main tasks for the day were to set up for Friday’s rummage sale and to bake items for the bake sale.  The Cheyenne River Youth Project, also referred to as “The Main” has volunteers conduct these sales to help with the expenses of the youth programs and the building costs.  It also allows the local community to find affordable clothing, toys, etc.  In Eagle Butte, which is the tribal headquarters for the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, there are few stores.  There are only two restaurants and two gas stations.  Yet, they have so much more than the smaller communities like Red Scaffold  that have nothing but homes.

We were able to have lunch today at the Nutrition Center and visit with many of the elders of the community.  It was a great opportunity to hear their stories!  Michelle Schlatter has many male admirers throughout the reservation! (Jealous, Rod?) 

We had a little down time in the afternoon, since we might have a busy, late evening.  We have been asked by our friends in Red Scaffold to come to a mini pow-wow and potluck dinner.  We felt it was extremely important to make this happen, so we’ll be on the road again tonight (three hours roundtrip).  We are lucky, however, that we can afford the gas for all our travels.  Many of the people here are not as fortunate! 

Anne Hoffman

 P.S.  I’m so proud to be part of this amazing group of members from CCCC;  Kids and adults are working together so well and are building meaningful relationships with our South Dakota communities!

Our day began early at 8:15 a.m. for breakfast at the C.R.Y.P. (Cheyenne River Youth Project). Rain scattered around us and the storm we heard the night before was still lingering so orientation followed and we split into groups to begin sorting boxes of donations in the warehouse for the upcoming rummage sale. We had lunch, began preparing for the children and teens to arrive for “hanging out” time.  Most of us spent the afternoon at the children’s center playing games, doing crafts and basically just being with them. Most kids just come and go without an adult—not sure if the adult even knows they’re here!  Took some getting used to since signing your child “in” and “out” almost everywhere you go in KC is the norm! By afternoon the hot sun had done its job and the center’s garden was dry enough to work in. Several of the adults and kids put on work gloves and pulled weeds and such for several hours

Our day has ended with the region’s famous “Indian Tacos” which were prepared for the teens that come to the center at night.  It consists of wheat flour bread that is flattened and then put in hot oil and very quickly fried—surprisingly not greasy or heavy tasting. It is then topped with all the traditional taco ingredients and a wonderful home-made salsa that is sold right here in the centers store. We are preparing to leave the center now at 8 p.m. and make our nightly run to the Dairy Queen before heading back to the motel for a community gathering in the 20×20 lobby with one 19” TV and several couches! We all seem to be having different levels of withdrawal from the communal living at the Red Scaffold Community Center!

-Tim Reddin

“Became one with the earth”.

After another long day of travel, the mission team returned home late Sunday evening. My experience in Aguas Frias has once again opened my heart and mind to the trials faced by those in countries without the luxuries of the U.S. The transition back into everyday life is part of the journey — issues like air conditioning not working and $4/gallon gasoline seem so trivial after the hardships we witnessed in Nicaragua. Here are a few highlights of our time in the village of Aguas Frias.

We arrived in Aguas Frias late Tuesday evening after nearly twelve hours of travel including some very difficult and muddy terrain. I’m thankful it was dark so I couldn’t see the foot deep ruts or the steep dropoff on the side of the road. The truck did get stuck once and I thought we were destined to walk the rest of the way. Our talented and dedicated drivers’ persistence finally got us to the village where we were graciously welcomed by some of the locals. Wednesday we settled into the clinic and began exploring the beauty of the area. Since we still had not received our supplies, part of the group took an eco-tour hike to a beautiful waterfall. We had been encouraged to bring mud boots for this hike but, after much discussion, decided that hiking in mud boots sounded really uncomfortable and we didn’t want to take up space in our luggage for an extra pair of boots we would only use one day of the trip. This could be the biggest packing error I’ve ever made. The mud was everywhere and very deep, making for a difficult hike up the mountain. The effort was worth it when we arrived at this:

We finally received all of our medical and dental supplies early Wednesday evening. Even with all of the delays, over the next two days we were able to put together and distribute nearly 400 home health kits to families who traveled long distances by foot through rain and mud. One member of each family attended a class explaining the contents of the bag and how to use each item. Their keen attentiveness was a testament to their desire to improve their quality of life through the information and supplies we were distributing.

The dental clinic provided much needed care to many individuals as well. Our team dentist, Dr. Jim Stanford, performed procedures that he admitted he would never attempt in his clinic at home and extracted ten times more teeth in two days than he averages in a normal year. His faithful assistants, Carty and Anne, deserve so much respect and gratitude. Their willingness to suffer through many intense and gruesome dental procedures to serve the people of Aguas Frias will always be an inspiration to me.

There are so many stories to share but the hour is getting late and my body is still recovering from the stress of traveling. I was touched by the beauty of the land, the strength and kindness of the people we were able to serve, and I hope to share many more stories over the coming months in an effort to increase awareness of the needs of this region as well as sharing the lessons I learned from these beautiful people. The difficulties we faced during one week are so small in comparison to the daily trials they face, yet they find joy and love amidst it all. I am so thankful to be home with my family, but I already miss our new friends who are so far away. 

Thanks to all who have been keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. Your comments and encouragement on the blog uplifted our spirits during the frustrating early days of the trip and were a nice connection to home. 

Dios les Bendiga,

Lori

Of all the pharmaceuticals the team traveled with, this is how many they arrived with after customs held part of the team’s bags until Wednesday.

We are thrilled to report that Raul, the boy with the terrible skin disease who we’ve seen on the last couple of mission trips, is improving! He is half way through his eight-month treatment regimen which includes various medicines and monthly doctor visits.  I left money for the remaining four months of treatment. The doctor says that after the fungus clears he will begin to grow again. Also, he still needs surgery to remove what remains on the eye. I will follow up on that to see that he fully recovers. Hopefully, we can see him again in January. Thanks for your love, prayers, financial support, presence etc in changing this family’s life.  Raul’s smile says it all!

 Peace,

Carla

We woke up early and packed everything up to leave the Red Scaffold Community Center.  Our next stop was Takini School some seven miles away.  Takini School is one of only a few organized education systems on the reservation and averages about 10 graduating seniors each year.  Our mission today was to assist with summer school.  During the month of July the school is only open on Tues, Wed, and Thurs. from 8 a.m.-noon for the kids to come in for breakfast, some opportunity to maintain or improve upon their reading and math skills and then to have lunch before heading out.  Bus service is available for them. 

We split up in to four groups and some worked with the kindergarteners, others with the 1-3 grade (mixed class) and others in the computer lab and p.e.  The computer lab was very nice with at least 20 new computers and some up-to-date learning games.  The gymnasium also appeared in good shape and was a favorite of the kids!  Most of our time was spent reading to the kids or listening to them read to us.  Most of us were pleasantly surprised to find out that developmentally most were right on track with their reading and math. We ate lunch with them before heading out to Eagle Butte.

We arrived in Eagle Butte around 2 p.m. and checked in to luxury accommodations at the Super 8.  First thing on the agenda for most were a shower and then a visit to the Dairy Queen for a blizzard. We met up again at 5 p.m. and drove 45 minutes to Cherry Creek for a carnival/supper sponsored by the Gettysburg, PA, Presbyterian Church. It was mostly a relaxed evening of fun and the kids were able to play carnival games, get their hair “spray-painted” and faces painted.  We were pleased to see most of the same people we have been meeting with all week and were able to continue conversations and felt welcome and part of the community.  In all over 200 people were at the event.

-Michelle Schlatter