United Tribes Powwow & visiting in Bismarck

Day 3—Fargo to Bismarck—Sept. 5


Mainstay Suites was excellent. I wish I had the room for more than one night—that’s how good it was. I had a handicapped room, which was actually okay—on the first floor, by the front desk, but still very quiet. When I arrived in Fargo after a LONG trip through South Dakota, I checked in, got a Subway sandwich across the street, brought it back to my suite with a soda for a nice little dinner, and watched the Cardinal disaster on my computer for awhile. I was so tired, though, when it was obvious we weren’t going to come from behind I went to bed—no reading, no computing, no nothing. Slept like a log until about 6:30am when I guess I thought Dottie wanted to go out—force of habit. Got back to sleep, then overslept, but they graciously gave me an extra hour.

I took the time to exercise, but not to pray—thought I’d do it in the car. I got all frazzled and anxious. I decided to see if I could get someone to help me with the FM antenna connection on the satellite radio so I could use it. I stopped at a store the hotel recommended. The man was extremely helpful—in fact, he showed me exactly what to do and wouldn’t take a dime. But I couldn’t find the radio, couldn’t find the Sure Connect antenna—he kept going back into the store while I rummaged through the car for everything—I felt like an idiot.

Finally I hit the road, happily listening to the Cardinal game—and a great game it was. I stopped at a rest stop to eat the other half of my Subway sandwich from last night for lunch while I listened to the game. I went to the bathroom and when I came back, the car would start, but it wouldn’t go into gear, the brakes didn’t work, the steering didn’t work, lots of lights I didn’t know about yet came on. Great. I turned the car off, started it again. Same thing. Battery’s okay—I still have the game, which isn’t going to be much help.

Then I remember. I never prayed. Spiritual warfare has been chasing me, and I’ve been learning so many new things from lessons I’ve been listening to in the car. I never reconnected with God today, never consecrated myself to Him, or my vehicle for that matter. I stopped, prayed, asked forgiveness, told Him how thankful I was that He had sent me on this trip, how grateful I am for His protection. (I really am anxious to see what He has to accomplish—I don’t have a huge agenda). I started the car—everything was fine. I immediately turned off the game, connected my ipod, and prayed the prayer I pray every morning along with the recording, then talked to the Lord on my own for awhile. Only then did I turn the game back on. They were taking Maroth out of the game—I didn’t miss much. They did fine from then on, too, winning 16-3. We should be one game out of 1st place now!

I finally arrived in Bismarck. It’s great to see Jelena, Rick and Amber again, and to know that they are so glad to have me here. They treat me like family. I got a tour of the town—it has grown, I can tell, since we were here three years ago. They have a nice duplex they’re renting.

I am here at last, in North Dakota—on purpose! Tomorrow we go to the United Tribes Powwow, where we should meet up with Keith. It will be a good reunion. Thank you, Creator, for bringing me here!


Day 4—Friday September 7--Bismarck and the United Tribes Powwow

We start the day late—Jelena let me sleep late, until 10, which it seemed that I needed. Every year during powwow time, there are lots of rummage/garage sales, because I think around 20,000 people come into town (check the figure—ed.) Jelena, who is a new grandma, had a great time finding things for Cara—so many darling little outfits and toys. I found a great leather saddlebag purse for $1, and rag rug for Jelena that she likes. I’m eating way more food than I should. Jelena is an artist, a quilter, a jewelry maker, and a fabulous cook. Chokecherries seem to be native to the area, and it must be harvest time. We have chokecherry syrup, chokecherry jelly—and it’s delicious! We have homemade chocolate syrup and a bad habit of eating it right out of the container!

After the rummage sales, Jelena and I went out to the powwow and searched for Keith without success, then came home to get Amber and Rick. We finally heard from Keith, and caught up with him in the evening at the powwow. It was a delight to see him again. All of us were so anxious to visit with him. Amber needs time with him badly—she’s glad to move back to North Dakota, but adjusting to another new school has been hard, and she dearly loves Keith. I always enjoy my time with him immensely. I have so many things I want to talk to him about, to ask him. He is always so patient to answer my questions about Indian culture, music, flute, even his own life. If he doesn’t want to answer a personal question, he very graciously ignores me. He danced tonight, first time I have seen him in that regalia, with a coup stick and everything. He’s not dancing for points; just dancing.

Rick & Jelena consider me family, and I feel so at home. My “adopted” granddaughter Amber is a delight. I am very relaxed and happy. I am open to why I’m here . . . a relaxing visit and research to do are the official reasons. But there is always something more . . .


Day 5—September 8—Saturday

Visiting with Keith and the powwow

We stayed home—it had rained all night and morning, and we knew things would be soggy and probably cancelled at the powwow. Keith came over and visited most of the day. We played flutes—I got a lesson on the flute he made me. I also got a lesson on the Mandan Heartbreak song. He worked with Jelena for a long time also. We talked about lots of things, but after a while I backed off on my music and questions so he could visit the Barfield’s. It was still a wonderful visit and I picked up several more things about flute-playing. Every time I am with Keith I also learn more and more about his culture. My thinking about American history, especially the history of the West, has changed so much, it still confuses me sometimes.

In the evening we all went back to the powwow and walked around the grounds for a while. I was delighted to be able to buy a little turtle shell jewelry holder for Amber that she really liked. It’s fun to have a young lady to spend a little money on!

The dancing had been moved to the gym, but it was hot, the sound system was too loud, and we couldn’t see very well, so we left after a little while. Rick’s brother Rob and his wife and daughters were visiting and spent the night. I was pretty exhausted by the time I went to bed. Another splendid day.


Day 6—September 9—Sunday

Got up a little earlier and went to Mass on the powwow grounds. Nice service, not very well attended. No music--the musicians weren't there. I couldn't take communion, but I did receive a blessing from the priest. The Powwow was colorful and exciting. The drum beat sticks with you. The way they honor the veterans is so much better than anything we do in our culture. It's also fun to walk around all the booths and see everything. Somewhere along the weekend I had my first Indian taco--a taco on fry bread. It was huge. I made my plans to go to New Town to visit Keith and work on the music research. I was honored to gift Keith with a carved bone key chain that was actually made by someone who had been a buddy of his growing up. He knows everyone. I came home that night and pretty much crashed.

September 10--Monday

A day to relax, do some laundry and grocery shopping, visit with Rick, then Jelena and Amber. Nice, quiet day. Gorgeous weather. Listened to a little of the tragic Cub/Cardinal game. Oh well.

September 11--Patriot Day--Tuesday

I'm blogging at the Burger King--getting ready to leave Bismark and head out to New Town. Next news from the Fort Berthold Reservation!