Days 2 & 3
Day 2
John Powell and myself are part of a travel team to take pictures at each site. Yesterday we were diverted to take John’s truck to Lowes in Bismarck to get supplies for the team at Fort Yates. On our way out of Grand River Casino & Hotel, we ran into Harold Cook. Our Lowes trip now included supplies for the team at McLaughlin.
Now, for those that don’t know, Bismarck is 2.5 hours away from Mobridge, the location of our hotel. Combined with stops at several sites for money and instruction plus a 3 hour visit at Lowes to round up all the supplies, yesterday was quite long.
Thus, we don’t have pictures from yesterday. We were supposed to be at Fort Yates, so we started there this morning.
Day 3
The day started wet and cool cold. Rain + wind + July 29 + 55 degrees = One Chilly Morning. The rain moved out by the middle of the afternoon, but still the temperature only went up to the mid 60s. We’re not complaining though – we’d rather take highs in the 60s and 70s than the 90s and 100s!
Upon arriving at Fort Yates, Eric Spano of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church told us that the day before they had 70 children. Today’s numbers were lower because they were competing with a Vacation Bible School at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Still, they had a large crowd.
Several children made wooden airplanes and were “flying” them around the building. Others decorated hats and bags. Out of the 30 plus people on that team from Mount Pleasant, only 3 were there last year. Still, they seemed to have everything in hand.
Curiously, only one family asked to have a portrait done yesterday. Very few adults come down to the center – mainly kids came.
We were told the same would be true at McLaughlin. Yesterday they served 140 meals, but only a couple adults showed up. Surprisingly word got out and 18 family portraits were taken!
By my estimate about 60 or children were there to eat dinner along with about a dozen adults. Still, we were told this was a “low” day!
Large construction projects are happening at both Fort Yates and McLaughlin. An addition is being added to First Baptist Church, Fort Yates. A house behind the center at McLaughlin is being renovated.
Please pray for strength – many of us are still willing to serve but are weary. Please pray that the construction projects will be completed on time. Pray that in all things Jesus would be emulated through us.
Below are 40 pictures with captions from today.
