Grant says: This was the most important day of my life and the horseback ride was stupendous

Having submitted my Cuba paper late last night(actually early this am), I treated myself to sleeping a bit late, so only had time for a short walk.  The dogs greeted me and were happy to amble along with me.

During our morning meeting, Grant, one of the journal readers today who worked at the Tribal Nurturing Center yesterday(they care for children awaiting foster placement), told of his day with one of the children at the Center.  The sad details of this child’s young life are not relevant; what is notable is what Grant learned.  He told us it was the most important day of his life:  he learned that he has much to be grateful for, and was humbled to help this young child, even if for just a day.

The teams headed out to various work sites with high energy for a productive day.  I went from team to team, store to store, conversation to conversation ; making my rounds.  I learned that the cook at the Nurturing Center has been there for 17 years, the cook at the Senior Food Program for 22 years,  the owner of the Trading Post for over 50 years, and his clerk for over 20 years.  Something about life in Browning and on the reservation breeds continuity, commitment and community.

Ending the day with the requisite visit to the Pastor’s ranch, we caught up on the day’s activities and thanked him once again for the service last night and the ceremony on Tuesday evening. After dropping the team in Heart Butte, I headed out to pick up Andrea, next week’s team leader.  The drive took me two hours through rolling hills, and distant views of the mountains.  Andrea will be leading her first team for Global, but she is an experienced world traveler and leader for Habit for Humanity, so she will do great.  After another 2 hours of driving, last part on a rutted dirt road, we arrived in paradise:  the Deboos Ranch.  The team had arrived ahead of us, and had just finished up the first ride of the evening; perfect timing.  A quick burger, and we were off on lovely and well-mannered horses for a ride up over the ridge that ended us with a magnificent view of sunset over the peaks of Glacier National Park.  It is hard to describe the feeling of being back on a horse, with wonderful companions and stellar scenery.  Many of the teens had never ridden, so it was a special treat for them; most took to it well, with just one who struggled to relate to his horse.

Back in Heart Butte, I have oriented Andrea to our surroundings and am determined to be in bed before midnight!

Tomorrow is our last full day; it will be a full one with project work and celebrations.

For love from Heart Butte,

Barbara