Browning: I came, I saw, I fell in love

I’m sure those of you who have been keeping up with the blog have heard of our activities already, so I’ll tell you what the trip meant for my heart in particular. That first Sunday night at the De La Salle ranch, I felt content and happy. I knew God wanted me in Browning for some reason, and I figured He would point me in the right direction and I’d just follow along. Naturally, that wasn’t exactly how the trip went. When school finally came, I wasn’t sure what to do, I worried I wouldn’t be able to relate to the kids, and I desperately hoped I wouldn’t make the trip a waste. So, I strode into that tiny cafeteria, I set myself down amongst those 14 hormonal eighth graders and prepared myself for a social tidal wave.
Well, they carried me away. The chatting, the moving, the flicking, and the stubbornness were constant, but so was their connection to each other. The kids loved to tease, and occasionally the teasing got to be harsh, but they would quickly repent with an, “I jokes, I jokes.” I was impressed with the inclusion of everyone in and outside of the classroom, even the less extroverted students. I’ll admit, Monday I was a bit lost, but by Tuesday I wanted to stay with those kids and help them in any way I could. Now, I miss them. I hope to go back visit. I’d like to show them what life is like outside of Browning. I wish I could be there to watch them grow and learn more about their Blackfeet culture and spirituality. Nothing and no one kept those kids quiet better than Darnell with her teepee and stories. I was so proud of their respect for her.
I think God got what He wanted from me on this trip. My heart is completely given to those kids, even at their most frustrating (and they can be extremely frustrating). After all, the moments where I get to remove gum from one of the kids’ hair with peanut butter go far to make those exasperating times so much easier. I can’t wait till I get to see them again!