Cherokee Nation

Monday, June 25, 2012

Today we arrived in Oklahoma around 11 am. Upon our arrival we met with our leaders from the Cherokee Nation in the community of Kenwood, Oklahoma. As we talked about all of the projects for the week and introduced ourselves to each other, I knew that this week would be an exciting week. After dining in the community’s grocery store/gas station/restaurant, we began the set up for the week and toured some of the sites and our shower locations. Once the groups arrived, we were off! With over 240 youth an adults we were kept busy.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Work day number began at 4:30 am! The interns held a morning devotion and then once the other CCYMers arose out of bed, we began breakfast. Today I spent most of my time riding around in Bev’s truck with Sam and Claire, both of which I did not know very well coming into this week. As we drove around, I created the billion questions game, which basically consisted of continually asking questions about each other. We learned everything from our siblings and pets to our most embarrassing moments. It was such a great experience getting to know each other better, and I know that I’ve created friendships that are going to last for a long time.

When we arrived in Pryor (about 30 minutes from Kenwood) for our grocery and lumber shopping, we passed a local sweet corn stand. Sam asked aloud what sweet corn was, and the truck became instantly quiet. Bev replied, “Haven’t you ever had corn on the cob?” Sam then proceeded to say that he had. The truck erupted into laughter as Bev explained the three types of corn: field, sweet, and popcorn. Needless to say, Sam never lived down the sweet corn joke.

As we were traveling around from site to site today, our truck encountered a squirrel. It caught us by surprise, as in the middle of conversation Sam yelled “SQUIRREL” and put his hands in front of him, as if he was signaling the squirrel to stop. Unfortunately our timing was terrible, and was hit by the truck tire. As we all had a moment of silence, Bev chirped, “No longer.” It was then that we just couldn’t handle it, and burst out in laughter. Needless to say, our day was full of fun and laughter.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Today, Sam and I were on kitchen duty with our cooks, Kevin and Don (and their wives). After buying absurd amounts of lettuce, grapes, and other delicious foods, we departed back to Kenwood to unload and indulge in lunch. We decided, along with some of the other CCYMers, to eat lunch by the creek, so we could swim  (and bathe) afterwards. Upon the completion of lunch and swimming, Garrett, Sam, Jordan, Claire and I felt adventurous and decided to take a hike down the creek.

Note to self and others: BAD IDEA. (and always always always wear sunscreen).

According to our brains (which weren’t very accurate at the time), an area called Squirrel Ridge wasn’t far down the creek and it had a great swimming area. And stupidly, we decided to make the trek. As we walked we were privileged with beautiful sites, cows, deep waters, and sharp pointy rocks. It allowed for us all to bond together and form stories for us to tell once we arrived back. After walking a good 3 miles down the winding creek, we came across a family swimming. We politely greeted them and asked how far it was to Squirrel Ridge. They had absolutely no idea what we were talking about, but noted that a landmark close to the swimming area was still another 5-6 miles down the creek.

5-6 MILES? You have got to be kidding me.

Unanimously we all voted to head back, through the deep waters and pointy rocks. As we travelled back we tested our memories as to which waterways were shallower and easier to travel through. We made some misjudgments and had to hold our belonging above our heads a couple of times. When we finally reached our starting point we all laughed at the adventure we had made, agreeing that while it was completely stupid, that we formed memories that each of us will remember years to come.

All in all, today was a great day.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

All week, Garrett, Sam, Claire and I have been dying to swim at Squirrel Ridge. And with a little sweet talking, we convinced Bev to take us this afternoon! My goodness was the water nice! It was a perfect depth to swim, yet still be able to stand without inhaling water (which I always seemed to do).

This evening we experienced a taste of the Cherokee culture. Our taste buds were delighted with fry bread, potatoes, and delicious meat during the hog fry. Once we all gathered in the hot gym our ears were blessed with beautiful Cherokee songs sung by the Cherokee Nation Youth Choir. They even sang some hymns that we joined along with in English. A story teller captured our attention with Cherokee tales that required humorous audience participation. Afterwards we all gathered on the baseball field for a game of stick ball, my newly favorite game. Boys are only allowed to use sticks to handle the ball and girls, well let’s just say their only rules were to not kill the boys. The games were rough, but very thrilling.

Unlike years past, we were privileged to visit a stomp ground. Stomp grounds are very sacred and spiritual places for the Native Americans. We joined in dance and song encircling the blazing fire in the middle. It was such an incredible experience. Everyone came together and just let loose, dancing together as one spirit. We all felt connected and together. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Today Claire, Nik and I ran around and checked on the sites within close walking distance from the church. Everyone this week has been working very hard and has completed more than I could have imagined! It was awesome to see what the groups had accomplished! I can’t believe that today is the last work day, but I’m ready to get out of this heat!

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Today was cleaning day. Oh joy. 

I’m not really one to clean. Just ask my mom. I hate cleaning. With a burning passion at that. But luckily with help from all of the youth, we were able to clean up the Kenwood school within a few hours. Afterwards we all packed up and headed our separate ways. This time Bev’s caravan is headed to Dallas for the weekend before we continue to Arlington for the next mission trip.

This week has been one of my favorites so far. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone on leadership and I feel that we all worked really well together. It’s been an awesome week!