Thursday, November 6, 2014

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. 


Wednesday, November 5, 2014

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. 




Tuesday, November 4, 2014

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. 

Monday, November 3, 2014

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. 

Saturday, November 1, 2014

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.