See All The Lakota Mission Pics Here

Buffalo Stew Too!

By Betty Briggs
Why in the world would 10 people ride in a van over 900 miles to an Indian reservation in the middle of South Dakota? Would it be an adventure? Would it be fulfilling? Would it be something that God wanted us to do?
The answer to these questions - was "YES!" On Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 a.m. we left Southport pulling a U-Haul filled to capacity with items we had collected to take to the Crow Creek Reservation at For Thompson, SD. After two delays along the way, due to other accidents, we arrived at Sioux Falls, SD to spend the night at 1st Christian Church, where Rev. Dennis Lake and his congregation were gracious hosts. The church service we attended there the following morning was based on the Good Samaritan story. Many times Rev. Lake mentioned our trip as an example to be good stewards. "We must decide how much we should share and with whom," he said.
We arrived at the lodge on the reservation Sunday afternoon. Pat greeted us and showed us to our rooms and the facilities available to us. She also showed us several books about Indian culture and encouraged us to do some reading while we were there.
On Monday we met with Peter who was in charge of the work details. Our assignment was the Pow-Wow grounds. We mowed grass, trimmed, painted and did some electrical wiring, all in preparation for the Pow-Wow to be held on the weekend. In the evening Jim Two Hawks brought his troupe. They performed songs while using a lard Indian drum. Jim told about the care of the drum, the importance of learning the language and how women and children are held in high esteem.
on Tuesday we went to a lady's house where the men in the household were serving in the armed services. Eight people were sharing this house- 3 adults, 2 teens and 3 children. We put up drywall, cleaned and mowed the yard, trimmed bushes, even fixed bicycles! Each house seemed to have a least 2 dogs, which were very thing, infested with fleas and ticks and none were spayed or neutered. For supper Peter's sister, Lisa fixed buffalo stew for us. Tasty corn and turnips were in the stew as well! Lisa shared some of the stories of her heritage about stolen lands and the cruelty here people had endured. She also shared of the importance of women in their society.
Wednesday was our day off. We visited the Bad Lands, Mt. Rushmore, Chief Crazy Horse and Wall Drug! South Dakota is a beautiful state and the sky was breathtaking.
Thursday was a hot day! Temperatures in the 90's but hard work was the order of the day. While a couple of people worked on wiring, several went to the woman's house to install an air conditioner and reinforce a swing set making it safe again. That evening, several experienced a Sweat Lodge, which is a purification ceremony. After staying only about 15 minutes, we came out, formed a circle and shared a peace pipe. Next we visited the site of a Sun Dance, where we learned that this is a 4 day period of fasting and prayer, where a man is "fastened" to a tree for the duration.
On Friday, we finished a wheelchair ramp, the wiring project, and repairing a roof. At the Pow-Wow on Friday evening, many gathered in their native costumes to dance and sing to the beat of the native drums.
The Lakota people are proud of their heritage. They worship the same God we do. They hold their women and children in reverence, and they are concerned for Mother Earth. The mission team would like to thank Southport Christian Church for their support, contributions and especially for their prayers and blessings for us through this wonderful experience!