Han Mitakuyapi,
I think most of you know this, but I'm going to Pine Ridge next week.
That's right, I've been hooked up with volunteer work, released from my housing contract, earned the amount of my summer budget, and I've bought my bus ticket for Tuesday.
I'll be staying with my uncle in Rapid City and volunteering with Cangleska Inc., a shelter for abused women based on the rez. Check them out at www.cangleska.org/. They have two facilities in Kyle and one in Rapid City. I'll be carpooling with an Oglala Lakota College faculty member to the shelters in Kyle a few days a week, and at the Rapid City shelter some of the time too.
I'll also be helping out in whatever ways I can at Wi Wicahpi church in Kyle. I have some idea of what I can do there, but I really won't be able to find out the specific needs until I get there.
I'm excited about being able to get a better sense of culture and rez life, and being able to use my Dakota more frequently than in the past.
My cell phone has reception in Rapid City, and I plan to get a pay-per-minute Alltel phone for being on the rez. Most of you have my regular cell, and I'll probably send an email with my Alltel phone number (for emergencies only!). I'll have internet access at my uncle's house.
And if you want a postcard, message or email me your address.
Please pray for me (especially that I will find some means of transportation on Sundays), for Cangleska, for the women I'll be helping, for Wi Wicahpi, for Fr. Apple, Christie, and the kids.
I'll be sending out updates periodically and posting them on facebook as well to let you know how I'm doing. Let me know if you want to get them via email.
Pidamaya to my friends & family for being so awesome and supportive, and especially to the people at work for letting me hog a lot of hours the last month!
I'll miss you all this summer. I'll be back about twice for family stuff, etc. If I'm coming home and have some free time, I'll let you know. I'll be back for good at the end of August, on a date yet to be determined.
Pidamayayapi ye!
Love you all!
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