This week I have learned a lot through struggles at the
dormitory and thorough moments of faith. Last weekend I went on the first JVC
NorthWest retreat of the year. It was wonderful to take some time to reflect
and have fun with my community and I can back energized and rejuvenated. I had
been thinking a lot about my love of religion, faith, and working with people
and this week has given me many opportunities to engage all of these loves. I
volunteered to help with the sophomore retreat and middle school retreat this
week. Both retreats were great opportunities to have fun with the students
here, help them reflect on their faith, and to spend time reflecting myself.
During the sophomore retreat Grandma Nellie (an incredible elder who works at the school) led a beautiful mediation that centered on nature and Native imagery. I also had the opportunity to listen to two Cheyenne elders speak about commitment, in particular committing to fasting and a life of prayer. One elder performed a cloth ceremony where we were invited to bring all of our burdens, struggles, need for healing, and prayers with us to the elder and hold them in our hearts as he wiped away all the negative within us. This week I have faced some difficult challenges with the dormitory students. There is so much disrespectful behavior from the students sometimes it becomes incredibly difficult to be compassionate and patient with them. We have had some serious drug and alcohol issues in the dormitory along with the other struggles. It is difficult to hear the endless stories of pain and suffering that so many of our students face. Although it doesn’t excuse their behavior often times it helps me to understand where all of their aggression comes from. Everyday I try my best to work with these students, and it is incredibly difficult when they refuse to take advantage of the help I so desperately want to give them. Amidst all of my struggles and frustrations at the dorm I was able to take all of my worries, burdens, and prayers to the elder and let him cleanse me. He wiped two pieces of cloth (one black, one white) intertwined over my whole body. As I walked away form the elder I felt so peaceful and full of positive energy. It was a moment of grace and blessing and I feel so fortunate to be able to be a part of that experience. It was a beautiful experience and I am so thankful the elders are willing to share their wisdom to teach me about The First Maker, the Great Sprit. Being blessed by the elders and learning more about Native spirituality was a great way for me to find peace in moments of struggle this week and a wonderful reminder to call on the Spirit when things become difficult at the dorm.
During the sophomore retreat Grandma Nellie (an incredible elder who works at the school) led a beautiful mediation that centered on nature and Native imagery. I also had the opportunity to listen to two Cheyenne elders speak about commitment, in particular committing to fasting and a life of prayer. One elder performed a cloth ceremony where we were invited to bring all of our burdens, struggles, need for healing, and prayers with us to the elder and hold them in our hearts as he wiped away all the negative within us. This week I have faced some difficult challenges with the dormitory students. There is so much disrespectful behavior from the students sometimes it becomes incredibly difficult to be compassionate and patient with them. We have had some serious drug and alcohol issues in the dormitory along with the other struggles. It is difficult to hear the endless stories of pain and suffering that so many of our students face. Although it doesn’t excuse their behavior often times it helps me to understand where all of their aggression comes from. Everyday I try my best to work with these students, and it is incredibly difficult when they refuse to take advantage of the help I so desperately want to give them. Amidst all of my struggles and frustrations at the dorm I was able to take all of my worries, burdens, and prayers to the elder and let him cleanse me. He wiped two pieces of cloth (one black, one white) intertwined over my whole body. As I walked away form the elder I felt so peaceful and full of positive energy. It was a moment of grace and blessing and I feel so fortunate to be able to be a part of that experience. It was a beautiful experience and I am so thankful the elders are willing to share their wisdom to teach me about The First Maker, the Great Sprit. Being blessed by the elders and learning more about Native spirituality was a great way for me to find peace in moments of struggle this week and a wonderful reminder to call on the Spirit when things become difficult at the dorm.
