Day 2 Browning 2017

This morning we woke up, ate breakfast and prayed together as a group. We listened to the song Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath as part of our prayer. I loved starting my morning this way because it helped me go into the day ready to totally immerse myself into a new environment. I was open-hearted and excited to go to De La Salle School and meet the kids I would be working with for the week. The windy drive was dark, but as soon as we reached the top of the last hill the lights of Browning illuminated our way. We drove towards the twinkles, eager to open our eyes to what the Holy Spirit had for us to see.

Unsure about what the day would bring, we drove over on the snowy roads to the school. We assembled in the gym with all of the kids for morning prayer and announcements. Right away I felt very welcomed by the entire De La Salle community. It was very evident that the Blackfeet people possessed a great gift of love. I then met up with the fourth graders (Sav) and fifth graders (Court) which is the class I am primarily working with this week. Just after one day, I truly feel that these kids are some of the most generous and kind-hearted people that I’ve met. For me (Court) it was incredible to visit the same students I worked with last year. I immediately recognized their growth and my heart was filled with joy as they remembered who I was.

We had the great gift of listening to a high school junior Blackfeet speak about her experience living on the reservation. Her insight was eye-opening and she was articulate and passionate. Through her, the Holy Spirit opened our eyes to the brokenhearted, the ones that are within our reach; giving us hope for the ones forgotten, giving us eyes that not only look, but SEE.

So far, I have learned a lot about Blackfeet history and culture, which I was unfamiliar with before coming on this trip. I’m starting to understand how generous a people they are. By immersing myself into their culture and getting to know the kids at the school, I can appreciate all the love they have to give. The Blackfeet spirituality is inspiring to me in so many ways. Through all of the brokenness that the Blackfeet experience daily, they continue to move forward with hope. I am learning how to carry my own crosses by growing in relationship with the Blackfeet people. Even after this first day, I know that I am loved deeply by each of the people I encounter here in Browning. I can feel my heart being overwhelmed with God’s love and hope that the kids I’m working with can feel this love through me. I’m excited to keep diving deeper and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.

Love, Sav and Court