Sometimes I stop and ask myself the question "How did I get to be in South Dakota?" or "Why am I still here?" but then I re-realize that it's not a question, but a fact, and I'm here because nothing's ever felt so right.
Moved into Carol's [60-something year old executive director of the Y] today. It's peaceful and clean (she's on vacation) but I can't help but feel that i'm missing out on part of the experience. I miss my prairie backyard! I stopped to talk to Josh, Devin, Catrell, and Ezra [boys ranging between the ages of 6 and 12] on my way over with my first load. They asked for a lift but my car was bursting. Ezra stole a bag of Lakota popcorn* out my window when I wasn't looking. They hung onto my car and mirrors and ran with me down the street. Josh thought I was leaving for good and the look on his face brought up emotions I can't even put into words. I explained that I was just moving into Carol's because of my allergies. I'd be back in the Y on Monday. I worry about these kids (and the homes they go home to) and sometimes I wonder how I can ever leave.
*One of the snacks Ali and Kath [resident camp cooks] gave me that were left over from the resident camp, while only half joking that they felt like they were giving me food pantry donations, worried I would starve off of my $50/week food stipend. I told them, "At this point, I'll take it."
*One of the snacks Ali and Kath [resident camp cooks] gave me that were left over from the resident camp, while only half joking that they felt like they were giving me food pantry donations, worried I would starve off of my $50/week food stipend. I told them, "At this point, I'll take it."