5/18/11

Yesterday morning was my orientation. We were briefly interrupted by a “pow wow” being held for the kids last day at school (which is today.) The pow wow was interesting, I hope to see another one before I leave. We then finished the orientation and had lunch, which was followed by a quick tour of the facilities. Then we worked turning the soil in the garden (my arms are sore this morning!)

After working in the garden, it was time for the kids to arrive. I worked in “The Main” yesterday, which is where the kids 4-12 come. We played in the gym for a bit and then moved to arts and crafts. They ate and then had more play time until 8PM. After they left, the rest of the volunteers and I cleaned “The Main.” Afterwords, I took a walk with two of the other volunteers, and we then watched Lion King via VHS.

Today I will experience the “Teen Center,” which is for kids 13-18.The weather is a bit depressing today. The sky is practically black and it is going to rain/storm any second. It is supposed to be like this for the next week… Ugh! Eagle Butte is definitely different. A very small place in the U.S. that many probably can’t even imagine- up until this point I definitely couldn’t.

I’m excited for June 1. This is when the hours will be extended for all of the kids and more events will be held. I’m looking forward to being a bit busier and getting used to this type of life.

I feel bad I’m having trouble getting used to this. I’m the volunteer here for the shortest period of time, but feel like I’m having the most trouble adjusting. I guess time will tell.