Make Yourself at Home…

Today marks our third day at the De La Salle Blackfeet School yet it feels as though we have been here for years. My heart has found rest here, the wide skies, open planes and people who accept you as immediate family make this community feel as warm and welcoming as the sunlit adoration chapel.

How is it that somewhere so far from everything I know has already become my home? Yesterday as the kiddos geared up for their Christmas play in the gym Devan and myself were able to steal away to the Little Flower Church across the street for some prayer time. I found a side chapel, where sunlight streamed in on the Tabernacle clothed in an Indian beaded cover. Father Ed was surprised to discover me there, however he told me, “Make yourself at home here.” It feels like home, I wish I could say it better, but despite what our language arts teacher may say…sometimes words fail.

I ache knowing how far behind the kids are from the state standards for their grade levels. However I continually learn the importance of living in the present. Christ meets you where you are, not where you wish you were, and it is meeting these kids here in their time of need, in their fleeting laughter and contagious joy that has brought me closer to God in these past days. Their eagerness to enjoy each other and seize the day inspires me and keeps me on my toes. I also find myself laughing at things I haven’t laughed at in ages (for example, farting ketchup bottles). We are all children of God, and no matter what we live through we are meant to keep that childlike excitement and gaze. That presence has been nurtured by playing tag, joking with the kids, and desperately trying to shoot baskets on the playground. The kids playfulness despite their difficult situations reminds me of how we are meant to go on for God. Hold Christ’s hand tight, follow closely in his steps and keep His light in our eyes.

Raven Dryden