Last Full Day

Yesterday, November 5, we spent our last full day away from home sightseeing. First, we woke up at a reasonable hour and had college breakfast at 8:30. Then we had a quick overview of the school and a mock lecture from Dr. King. After that, we had a tour of CCU and learned all about the 100 year old campus. Next, we left the campus and headed to the U.S. Olympic training center for an informational tour. 

We were able to see several of the training gyms of our very own US altheletes. After this, we withstood traveling up the mountain for about an hour in order to see Pike's Peak. At the altitude of 14,000 feet, the air was thinner and the temperature was below 20 with heavy winds. We enjoyed the views and withstood the cold until the gift shop closed and made our way down the mountain. Because we had more time than we had estimated, we were able to visit the 16th Street Mall to conclude our final day of sightseeing in the West. 

The End

The Shalom class of 2015 ended their senior trip today, November 6, 2014. After an hour ride to the Denver airport, a quick lunch, and a 3 (5 with time change) hour flight, we are safely traveling home to our families (we hope to arrive at Shalom around 8:00 pm). Although it has been an exhausting week, it was a fulfilling experience to grow closer to eachother, the Lakota people, and God. 

Making it Back

Yesterday, November 4, we said goodbye to our NextStep friends and the Lakota people. After a send-off prayer, we boarded the buses and made the trek to Red Rock Amphitheater. The beautiful sight here eased our dread of leaving South Dakota. Also, a group of senior ensemble singers sang "Non Nobis Domine" on the stage. 

This was a great place to stop to get out and atretch our legs and watch as the mountain shadows swallowed the hills and the city of Denver. 

After this, we made our way to Forge: Kingdom Building Ministries where we met a friend and chapel speaker of Shalom. He and his colleagues made a delicious dinner for us and told us a little about his ministry. After this, we were again on the road toward Colorado Christian University. Here, each one of us was able to be hosted by a CCU student who shared their apartment with us...including a nice, hot shower and a cozy place to stay for the nice. 

Culture Immersion Continued

Last night (Monday) we had a great opportunity to travel to a store on the reservation containing cultural crafts like dream catchers, earrings, necklaces and purses. We were able to purchase things for ourselves and family members that has meaning to the Lakota people. Afterward, we traveled to our initial host church for a delicious dinner of Indian tacos on fried bread. After hearing a word from the house owner of the roofing crew's house, we traveled back to the rec center. We utilized the time we had that night to begin to squish all of our belongings back into our bags. This is when it really hit us that we were leaving... And not coming back. 

Closing Out in Pine Ridge

Today, November 3, was our last day in Pine Ridge. It was an interesting day that started out with an anouncement that there would be a high of 45 degrees and a 80% chance of rain. Soon after that, we learned that it was, in fact, already raining. So, we layered on the clothing and headed out to our work sites. The adventure began as soon as we got there because there are dirt roads at the work site. The vans were stuck in the mud before we we even reached our destination. Luckily, we had a fellow NextStep member pull us out with a chain. 

When we reached the end of the driveway of the house we were going to work at, we had to make the rest of the trek on foot. Finally we made it. Luckily, the weather was not as harsh as it was predicted to be, and we had another fulfilling day of hard work. 

A Change in Pace

On Sunday, November 3 we were able to fully enjoy the time change. After going to the Badlands the night before and not being able to see much, a group of us traveled to the Badlands again in the morning and were able to fully enjoy the sights. 

After this experience, we all had lunch and drove to the Lakota Baptist Church for Sunday service. Finally, we loaded up the vans again and traveled about 3 hours to what was supposed to be a hiking trip. Instead, we realized there was no way we were going to be back in time for sunset, so we decided to rock climb instead. 

After being able to stretch, reach, and strain our legs, we piled back in the van and drove to Mt. Rushmore in the dark. Although all four faces were lit up, we only stayed for a few minutes. Although it was dark, it was only supper time, so we traveled to Rapid City for dinner at BeauJo's. Finally, we traveled two hours back to the Rec Center to sleep. Overall, it was a fulfilling day of enjoying creation and the One who created it. Layers of jutting rock and tall, sculpted mountains showed us the intricate beauty of Gods art on Earth. 

Buffalo and Sage

Today was our second to last day of work. For crew three, it was their final day of work at the same house. The floors were finished,

despite some obstacles. 

John 13:1-17

Yesterday, after supper, we had a different worship time. Although we stuck to our routine of the Next Step video series "Shattered", we had a very special opportunity yesterday to wash each other's feet. We broke up into our crews and took turns praying for and blessing one another. It was a very valuable experience to grow closer to one another. It made us realize how valuable we are to one another and appreciate the time we have left together.

Freezing in the Middle

Today, halfway through our work week, it was difficult to get out of bed. We were delayed in our awakening, breakfast, and devotionals and as soon as we stepped outside we knew why. Our bodies probably knew that it was only in the 40s today. The high was low 50s and the wind was constant and rough. Still, we pushed through the cold to continue the siding which we had started, the porch which is in great progress and the floors which continue to look better and better. For the second half of the day, crew one took their turn at Theresa's house (the native who's house crew two visited yesterday) and had shelter from the cold. We thoroughly enjoyed the quality time we spent with her as she taught us about the culture, language, religion, and politics of the native people. She shared with us the wisdom she has learned over the years and the interesting stories that have come from it. Now we are enjoying some free time before we spend some time with the kids, have dinner, and spend time in worship.
Picture 1: Crew 1 with Theresa
Picture 2: Kendall White playing with two dogs at the Rec Center

Paint, Cement, and Nails

Today, October 30, was a bonding day. After our morning routine, we gathered and dispersed into our separate groups (including an extra group who did roofing today). After a morning of hard work we ate lunch and Crew Two traveled to visit with a Lakota Native who taught them some of the language. The other two groups had major quality time with the children and people in their homes. Crew One met another member of the family who is about our age and is planning to attend culinary school. We definitely had a great opportunity to be with each other and the locals today.

Sunset Over the Hills

This afternoon into evening, we enjoyed many sights of the land. One Lakota native showed us to the Wounded Knee grave/memorial. He explained to us the many colored ribbons and prayer ties around the camp, explaining to us the spirit-centered religion of the Lakota people. The view of this sacred place was beautifully surrounded by the rolling hills and setting sun. After this, we met several of the Lakota people who were selling jewelry as this is many of their only source of income. Each person had handmade necklaces, bracelets, and the like. They each had a unique story which we were very glad to hear. Another stop on our trip back to the re-creation center was the church in which we were previously arranged to stay. Here, another native explained in detail his life as a Lakota and the spirituality and customs of the people. It was a very enjoyable question-and-answer time where we learned first-hand the culture in which we are immersed.

Good Morning from Pine Ridge, South Dakota!

Last night, we safely obtained our vans and drove 6 hours to the Re-creation Center at about 7:30pm (9:30 PA time). This morning we ate breakfast and are receiving training for our first day of work. Soon, at about 8:45 am (10:45 in PA) we will be departing for our two destinations. There are three work crews with various jobs: siding, building, concrete, etc. Thank you for your prayers for travel! Everyone arrived safe (although tired), and we are excited to begin working this week!
Note: The cell service here is limited and we will not always be readily available for text message or calling.

Safely Arrived in Denver

While gazing at the beautiful Rocky Mountains, we safely landed in the Denver airport.

We retrieved our luggage and are currently enjoying the crisp 53 degree weather and waiting for our bus. 

At the Crack of Dawn

This morning at 3:45, the class met at Shalom to depart for Dulles Airport. After a send-off prayer from Mrs. Petersheim, we loaded the bus and began our trek.

Commissioning Service

Shalom seniors are on their way to Next Step Ministry at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.  On Monday we had a commissioning service at school as a send off for the Seniors.

Below are videos of the commissioning service.

Anticipation

The 2015 Shalom seniors are eagerly awaiting the day of departure to Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Everything from group prayer to daily meetings to work out details are preparing the students for the spiritual, emotional, and physical situations they may face. 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."