Bags are packed. Car is loaded. Groups are ready. Everything that could be done has been done! So…why am I in a hotel room in Mitchell, SD and not at Pine Ridge? Because I am so not in charge!
First I developed an infection while visiting friends in Arkansas. One doctor’s visit and a trip to the pharmacy later, and I was armed with an antibiotic and on the road again. My plans were to arrive at Pine Ridge the next day (yesterday) but my body had other plans. Fighting a fever is not fun….I needed to rest and get completely well and that is why I am now sitting in a room at the Thunderbird Hotel in Mitchell, SD.
Ah, but there is more! Right before I arrived in Mitchell I received a call from the leader of the group that is supposed to be meeting me at Pine Ridge. It seems that a deadly virus called “hantavirus” has reared it’s ugly head on the reservation. One seven year old child has died and another is infected. This virus is shed through the urine, waste and saliva of rodents and becomes airborne on dust particles. It killed many of the youth on a Navajo reservation in 1993. After a phone call to the Shreveport CDC, we are now unsure of whether or not we are even going to Pine Ridge. I’ve been advised not to go until I am completely well.
Why is all of this happening? I have no idea. And that’s okay because I don’t have to know. When I signed on for this journey God never assured me that everything would go according to all my carefully laid plans. I said, “Wherever He leads I’ll go” so now I’ll just wait and let Him lead.
In the meantime, I came across a great roadside attraction right outside of Mitchell. It was called the “Porter Sculpture Park” and was named by “Time” magazine as one of the “Top 50 Roadside Attractions.” Amazingly enough, it was not something I had researched and planned to see. It was just one of those fun surprises that come up sometimes. Take a look…
These looked like something out of a Disney movie…
I thought this one was quite interesting…
And this little sweetheart was there to welcome me…
As always, I was enchanted by the surrounding beauty of the area…
It was all a welcome distraction from everything that is going on.
I’ll find out tomorrow if we are going to Pine Ridge or not. If not, then I look forward to seeing where God sends me instead. If all goes as planned (HA!) I’ll have about two weeks before I have to be at Ft. Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana. I’ll keep you posted…
Mission Ventures 
Comments on: "I am so NOT in charge…" (7)
come on up to Fort Belknap – always lots to do. Our first camp next week high school kids. Pastor Bruce
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Bruce, that wad exactly what I planned to do but we had a change of plans this morning. Some of our group had to drop out because of pregnancy, etc. but this is what we found out this morning and what I posted on Facebook. “We spoke with the South Dakota CDC this morning. They said that they see a few cases of this disease every year and that we should not cancel our trip there but to be aware and take certain precautions. Most of the precautions concerned the tents. I am sleeping at the church since I haven’t been well. We aren’t sure of how many of the group is still coming but some are so…Pine Ridge, here we come!”
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Life’s a journey, not a destination !!! My kids make fun of my quotes but this one is my favorite! Take care..love you!
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Thanks Debbie! Some of our group had to drop out because of pregnancy, etc. but this is what we found out this morning and what I posted on Facebook. “We spoke with the South Dakota CDC this morning. They said that they see a few cases of this disease every year and that we should not cancel our trip there but to be aware and take certain precautions. Most of the precautions concerned the tents. I am sleeping at the church since I haven’t been well. We aren’t sure of how many of the group is still coming but some are so…Pine Ridge, here we come!”
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I’m calling our prayer chain at Pisgah.
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Sounds good to me Mama!
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How are you feeling today and what’s the latest news?
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