The Orange Prairie Dogs

Well, I am sorry friends for a late update, but this week was so crazy, but extremely fun!  This week at Re-Member was family week.  There were many fun people and families, but it was very hard work.  I was in charge of the kids this week with Abby.  Their ages were between 6-12, with a few exceptions.   The kids were Christian, Gaby, Quentin, Julien, Onika, Maura, Sam, Hunter, Madison, Josie, Jamie, and Carly.  They were wonderful kids, and their team name for the week was 'The Orange Prairie Dogs.  For the week we had lessons and touring that gave them a good understanding about the culture and the environment here.  It was interesting seeing people of this age try and learn about Native American history and culture.  A few times were very taken back by the reactions that they had, but sometimes you forget that they are just kids.

We did many crafts this week like making dream catchers, bracelets, aarow head keychains, and decorating various things.  I forgot how messy I was when I was little. Sooooo many messes, especially the tie-dy.  But it was all good fun.

For our touring locations, we took the kids to the Badlands, the Black Hills, Redshirt Table, Sylvan Lake, Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, and Kili Radio station.  At kili radio station, the kids were able to be broadcast LIVE all over the reservation.  It was so great.  At the Badlands, it helped me realize how young I used to be, and even though I still have my youth, I can tell it is fading slightly....haha.  There was no way I would keep up with those machines!  But we kept a close eye on everyone.  Christian, a 6 year old made sure that everyone was safe.  He informed me, "Bekah, make sure those older kids don't get too high because they could fall off the edge and die, and then you would get fired."  So we made sure that everyone was taken care of.  But they were all very well-behaved.  It was fun too because most of them were from Grand Haven, and the rest were from Grand Rapids, so it was nice to hear them wanting the same things from home as I do: their pets, Lake Michigan, the cooler temperatures, family, friends, showers, and their own bed.  Haha...I secretly agreed with them, but we had to encourage what we were doing as opposed to what they could be doing back home.

So one other thing that may upset the parental units (but don't worry, the arrangements have been made, and you don't need to worry) is that Bekah adopted a puppy this week.  He is a Rez dog, and the other day we watched him get physically abused.  We saw the local kids trying to drown him, and then they were playing catch with him like he was toy.  When we got a hold of it, we found numerous ticks that we yanked off, and it was covered with fleas.  One of our other interns asked how much they wanted for the dog and they said $10!  So we got him.  But parents, don't worry, I have someone back home who is adopting him okay.  I am just bringing it back.  Yayyyyyyy!

As much as I have learned about not taking things for granted, I know now what I am blessed with, and I really miss it.  But I am glad that I will be much more aware when I return home.  I can't wait to see everyone!  Two more weeks and I'll be home!