It's hard to believe we have just completed our fourth trip to Pine Ridge reservation. When I planned that first trip four years ago, I assumed it would be a one-time deal. However, after the first year, it became apparent that the people of Pine Ridge had found a permanent place in our hearts. Every fall when I ask the high school students where they want to go for the summer service trip, the answer is always the same - Pine Ridge. Even though some of us have gone several years in a row, every trip leads to new experiences, new challenges, and new relationships. It is these relationships that keep us coming back year after year.

Just like last year we stayed in Manderson in a trailer home that is owned by a woman named Pinky. She is the same woman who owns the only store in town. She is actively involved in trying to find solutions to the housing problems on the reservation and helping her people in whatever way she can. Each day we would stop by her store before Kid's Time to pick up treats, juice, balls, and other items to give to the kids in the neighborhood. She is also the woman who distributes the quilts that members of our quilting group donate each year. She always carries a few in her car just so she has one ready when she meets someone in need.

One of the ways she hopes to help is by bringing in more volunteer groups to learn about the issues on the reservation and help with various building projects. Last year we helped complete a bunkhouse on the property her mother left her and this year we started another. The money we raised prior to leaving went toward this project. Two other groups have already volunteered to build an additional two bunkhouses and eventually she would like to build a larger kitchen/shower house with the hopes of accommodating up to 50 volunteers.

The problems facing the people of Pine Ridge are complex and tremendous, which explains the need for so many volunteers.Approximately 85% of the people on the reservation are unemployed and 69% live below the poverty line. Many of the houses do not have running water or electricity and are overcrowded. There is no industry on the reservation and no substantial natural resources. The extremely high rates of alcoholism and diabetes are two things that contribute to the low life expectancy of only 45. In addition, corruption runs rampant within their tribal council.

Will Peter, a former teacher and current member of the tribal council, came to speak with our group for the 4th time in four years. He is a wise and faithful man with many talents. He too is committed to helping his people, which is why he agreed to run for tribal council despite his distaste for politics. Within a few months of winning the election, Will started to receive death threats. When others told him to stop rocking the boat, he replied, "Rock the boat? We're trying to tip the boat over!" On the day he came to speak with us, he received a phone call telling him that he and his family were being evicted from their federal housing. Despite the news that he and his family would be homeless in a week, Will still came to speak with us.

Pinky and Will are only two of the many wonderful people we spent time with on the reservation. We also spent every afternoon playing with the kids in Manderson, which was a highlight for many in our group. Paul, Pinky's nephew also spent an evening with us playing cards and singing songs. On Thursday Howard came by to sell us some beads and Valerie showed us how to make necklaces. And every time we stopped by Pinky's there were always people willing to chat.

In addition to spending time with the people of Pine Ridge, many hours were spent working the on the bunkhouse. Every day the temperature was over 100 degrees, so everyday we started working earlier and earlier. By the last day, several high school students made it down to the work site by 5 a.m. before any adults arrived. The youth and adults worked extremely hard and without a word of complaint.

Words cannot express how proud and thankful I was for each and every member of our group. Nor can words express how thankful I am to the members of St. Andrew's who have supported us over the years. None of these trips would have been possible without your prayers and financial support. So from all of us, I thank you.

Finally, I will close with an invitation. Before we left Pinky invited us to come back again in the fall to learn more about the issues on Pine Ridge reservation. This trip would be for adults and would primarily focus on education. Each day we would visit sites around the reservation and meet with members of the community for a time of learning and discussion. In addition, there would be opportunities for quilters to spend some time quilting with women on the reservation and others to spend time working on small fix-it jobs or building projects. If you think you would be interested in participating or if you have questions, please feel free to contact me.

Again, thank you for your prayers and your support. We have been blessed by this ministry and are so very thankful for the opportunities this congregation has given us.

Becky Kocourek

Director of Family and Youth Ministries