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January 29 - Poverty & Humility

Check out some reflections after the mid week point...
Shane: Facing poverty isn't always obvious. From seeing the depravity of the socioeconomic status within the town of Browning and the kids, it's ironic how present and loving the kids are. From seeing a little girl walking into school with tears to seeing her play with her friends a little later, it's truly supernatural the way they deal with the poverty. As I listened to our speaker, Mrs. Patricia, she said, "The spirits of the people within the Blackfeet community are so fruitful and blessed." Hearing this only proved how even though the economic status is low, their spirits truly exemplify the Holy Prescence of God. I see this through a kid I worked a lot with this week who struggles a lot with ADHD and focusing on tasks at hand. Though he struggles, basketball is his passion. He pretends to do fade away shots walking to class or even shooting hoops all recess long. Yet the joy upon his face when he has the ball in his hands is God given. Seeing his drive for basketball, I worked with him a lot to use that passion on schoolwork. Though he may struggle or face silent battles of poverty on his own, he doesn't let that stop him from having such a strong determination to live life to the fullest. With the community being well below the national income average, the average fruitful spirits and family-like ties is overwhelming. The biggest thing I learned is don't judge a book by its cover. Though the town of Browning isn't New York, the people are what truly makes Browning, Browning. As we go forth after this mission, I pray for the elders and the youth of browning that their strong sense of community and love for Jesus is held steadfast within the foundation of their community. Also to never let their poverty distract them from the true richness they have in heaven and woven within their souls. 

Noah Myers: Throughout this trip, I have experienced so much poverty, not only economically, but also through relationships, opportunities, and experiences. Poverty is defined as "the state of lacking sufficient income, resources, and access to opportunities necessary to meet basic needs and to live a dignified life." Browning obviously faces economical struggles, but beneath that is drug addiction, trafficking, and torn family relationships. The Blackfeet people did not do anything to deserve the struggles they were handed, but they have and will continue to fight through economic and socioeconomic struggles by holding a strong bond with one another and God. Our job as immersion students is to teach these kids not only about school subjects, but how to act and treat others as well. And although when we leave here on Saturday, the work will not be done, we have created a lasting memory for these students and this community. We are just a small piece in a very large puzzle to help these kids, and this community return to its prosperous times. I pray that we never forget the things we saw here, and are able to teach others about how fortunate we are to go to a school like Calvert Hall. 
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