Courtney, Andy, John, and I went and got dinner tonight at the Ranch House Cafe around 7. Courtney drove us and we swung by the Y on the way there because we saw kids playing outside. Two boys asked if they could use Andy's phone because they live in Thunder Butte (an hour and a half away) and their ride never showed up at 6. They called a few numbers, but no one picked up. We said we'd swing by on our way back from dinner so they could try again and they did, to no avail. Luckily, the boys have an auntie who lives in Dupree that they could go stay with. As we drove away from her house, I told Courtney I couldn't believe it--this made me angry. But then I took it back. I realized I was just saying that, because it should make me angry, but really, I felt nothing at all. This, and much worse, has become normal. That's pretty scary, considering I've only been out here for about four months. The emotion I've been feeling the most lately is frustration. I'm frustrated that kids' rides never show up, or that people never mean to pick their kids up anyways and that we as Y staff walk them home after programming in the cold and dark. I'm frustrated that a three year with no shoes can wander the streets here with no repercussions for his parents. I'm frustrated that parents call or come looking for their kids at the Y, when we haven't seen the kids here all day. I'm frustrated that 20 something year old boys lose their lives in head on collisions with semi trucks because they were driving in the wrong lane on 212. While I think the Y is a great resource, I'm frustrated that it has to be. I'm frustrated that, as an outsider and volunteer, I am more involved with this organization than its Board of Directors. I'm frustrated that everything I've just said completely contradicts the quote I've chosen for this month's blog page. I'm frustrated with the blurry line between paternalism and sovereignty, which allows for children to be out of school for 30 days, with no repercussions, because no one is checking. It also allows for subpar education and health care. I'm frustrated that broken arms don't get cast for 20 days because someone can't afford a drive to Rapid City and IHS can't set broken bones. I'm frustrated by how many things I see broken and want to fix, but have no idea where to begin.
On a lighter note...
Here's a picture of Tiny Man, my favorite rez dog, because he is just so outrageous looking. He belongs to two tween boys, Keenan and Jobe, who are cousins and who are my neighbors. Today, Tiny Man, threw up on the Y's deck because Jobe had been feeding him chips. Flaming hot cheetos are all the rage in Dupree. The boys love this dog dearly. He follows them everywhere. Keenan almost never talks to me unless it's about his dogs.