Some of you noticed my absent blog yesterday. The team had a rough and long day. A combination of unlikely events lead to frustration with lack of work projects: waiting for paint that never arrived in the morning, and then again in the afternoon, administrative change at the nursing home (from non Native to Native management), and lack of director at Elder Feeding program so we couldn't paint. We did have the opportunity to visit with the Elders at the lunch feeding program. They were warm and welcoming, and very interested in Global Volunteers. Around here, you are an elder if you are age 55 or over. Think about that. As we were leaving, one of my volunteers summoned me urgently: "over here, I need help". I turned the corner to find Brenda, a 71 year old , stranded in the driveway , sitting on her walker, too scared to move or walk on her own. Thus ensued 30 minutes of helping her get up, walk part way, be pushed part way, finally making it back to her front porch where it took another few minutes to get her chair just right. In the meantime we learned that she had diabetes, had had a stroke, and two hip fractures. Just I was getting ready to return to my team, she said she needed a cup of coffee. I went to the dining room to get her coffee, returning to find her lighting up her cigarette. After promising to return in a few days to see her, I asked if I could bring my camera. With a wink and a grin, she said: "Yes, of course, I will be here with my coffee and my cigarette".
In the late afternoon we drove to Yellowtail Dam and the Bighorn Canyon, about an hour from Crow Agency. This magnificent early evening drive lead us to a fantastic marina and swimming beach where we eagerly enjoyed the cool water and spectacular canyon, rounding the trip off with a picnic dinner. Unfortunately the magnificence was marred by serious issues with one of the team members. After many hours, much thought and discussion I had to make the most difficult decision of asking her to leave the team. Those of you who have been team leaders know this could be the hardest decision ever. In this case, and I will spare you the details, it was the only choice. She and her son left for Billings this morning.
The rest of team awoke ready to understand what had happened and move on. Much relieved with the dramatic decrease in stress and tension, the team was highly energized. We drove to Pryor, visited with our friends at Plenty Coups State Park, helped with scaffolding, and then painted at the high school. Early afternoon found us on our way to Falls Down Lane to get started on our riding adventure. We were greeted by Larry Falls Down and his team with a wonderful BBQ lunch and tales of Pryor. After lunch we headed to the arena for riding lesson and a trail ride. Even the most anxious and afraid relaxed and rode well under Larry and Steven's gentle guidance. The ride through high meadows, with spectacular views and a cool breeze was fantastic. The most nervous rider, in the end, was the last to get off her horse. Returning to the cook house, Larry regaled us with more stories, accompanied by his guitar. Finally an exhausted but elated team headed back to Crow Agency. Hard to believe our last day will be tomorrow. Who knows what it will bring: we have several plans in place, so stay tuned.
Thanks to those of you who knew a bit about what was going on with the team, and for your love and support. hard as it was, I am convinced I made the right decision. Lots of lessons learned.
Love from Crow country,
Barbara
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