Retrospective
18 years ago,
on the very first Adult Mission trip,
I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say,
we didn't know what we were doing.
We were well intentioned and willing to help,
but we had little understanding of the culture into which we traveled,
no knowledge of the depth of the wounds which had been inflicted
by people with our skin color;
no awareness of how pervasive
discrimination and ongoing prejudice against Native Americans
continues to be in this part of the country.
We traveled separately, arriving and leaving in small groups.
There was no identified 'leadership',
just a vague idea that decisions would be made collectively
when consensus was somehow achieved.
There was no conscious attempt to build community.
There was no spiritual component,
beyond a shared connection, however loosely held by participants,
to Emmanuel.
to Emmanuel.
Yet, despite all that,
when we were asked to help prepare the grounds of Bishop Hare campus to host their 'Convocation',
we managed to build a ball field, an announcers stand and a ceremonial arbor.
We had NO idea of what a convocation was
or of its significance in the collective life of the people in this Diocese.
The Niobrara Convocation serves the same function
as the old Sundance in the Lakota tradition;
a time when friends and families came together from all directions;
a gathering to catch up with relatives
and strengthen ties within the broader social network.
Convocation has been held every year since 1870
and is a much loved and anticipated event
in the communal and spiritual life of the Diocese
and communities it serves.
The Niobrara Convocation serves the same function
as the old Sundance in the Lakota tradition;
a time when friends and families came together from all directions;
a gathering to catch up with relatives
and strengthen ties within the broader social network.
and is a much loved and anticipated event
in the communal and spiritual life of the Diocese
and communities it serves.
Convocation is hosted, on a rotating basis among different congregations.
We are again helping Rosebud Mission get ready to host the convocation here.
It meets in just 2 weeks.
The arbor and ball field
which have continued to be used by various groups over the years
are getting spruced up.
We are also helping to build a new arbor
behind the Bishop Jones building
(a building that Emmanuel provided the majority funds for
as a retirement 'gift' honoring Susie Skinner's priesthood).
The new arbor will be dedicated to Father Webster Two Hawk,
a Native Episcopal priest who has served this area for 60 years.
The posts are up and the concrete is setting.
Another work crew will add the trusses and place a tin roof on next week.
We're also mowing, whacking weeds
fixing air conditioners -
basically, whatever we're asked to do.
While I won't say we've got this 'mission trip thing' down perfectly,
we have learned valuable lessons
over the past 18 years.
We travel to and from South Dakota together,
using the time to begin the hardest task of all during mission week,
living communally.
We recognize that everyone has different gifts to offer
but the most important qualities all of us bring
are an open mind and a servant heart.
We pray together every morning and evening
to help us remember whose we are
and why we're here.
We leave agendas at home,
knowing that after 2 days,
2 years and, even now after almost 2 decades,
'we' don't get to decide what 'they' need to be doing
to make their lives better.
Tomorrow we'll start making deliveries of fabric to Harvest Winds
and personal items and diapers
to the Sicangu Oyate Tipi homeless shelter
and White Buffalo Calf Woman Society,
a shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children.
It meets in just 2 weeks.
The arbor and ball field
which have continued to be used by various groups over the years
are getting spruced up.
behind the Bishop Jones building
(a building that Emmanuel provided the majority funds for
as a retirement 'gift' honoring Susie Skinner's priesthood).
The new arbor will be dedicated to Father Webster Two Hawk,
a Native Episcopal priest who has served this area for 60 years.
The posts are up and the concrete is setting.
At this point of the build,
we've started referring to it as "Woodhenge'.
We're also mowing, whacking weeds
basically, whatever we're asked to do.
While I won't say we've got this 'mission trip thing' down perfectly,
we have learned valuable lessons
over the past 18 years.
We travel to and from South Dakota together,
using the time to begin the hardest task of all during mission week,
living communally.
We recognize that everyone has different gifts to offer
but the most important qualities all of us bring
are an open mind and a servant heart.
We pray together every morning and evening
and why we're here.
We leave agendas at home,
knowing that after 2 days,
2 years and, even now after almost 2 decades,
'we' don't get to decide what 'they' need to be doing
to make their lives better.
Tomorrow we'll start making deliveries of fabric to Harvest Winds
to the Sicangu Oyate Tipi homeless shelter
and White Buffalo Calf Woman Society,
a shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children.
two congregations.
Please know how much it's appreciated.
In tangible as well as immeasurable ways,
you let our Lakota brothers and sisters know
that they don't have to walk alone.
go alone;
If you want to go far,
go together.
African proverb
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