Yesterday was a day of contrasts – most noticeably, going from the Minneapolis airport with its high-end shopping and food court to the town of Browning. The houses are run down, and the area looks bleak. But the stark beauty of the countryside and the warmth of the Blackfeet people we’ve met also stand in contrast to the town.

I am really enjoying getting to know this amazing group of women. The strength and energy in our group is striking, and I’m sure that it will translate into a bunkhouse for the kids that has supporting energy for them.

It feels wonderful to be back in touch with the traveler/adventurer part of my soul; I think it will help me move beyond some of the anger I’ve been feeling lately about the breast cancer.

Melissa Pantel-Ku

Today I went to mass at the Blackfeet Catholic Church with Donna and Cheryl. What a wonderful way to be among the Blackfeet people and to thank God for this amazing experience. As we drove through Browning yesterday, I was stunned to see such poverty.  Meredith said the unemployment rate is 70%.  It would seem that coupled with the isolation of the area would breed hopelessness.  As if there is no way out.  But why would you want out of such a magical place?  The point is to improve the conditions here.  That is what the De La Salle Brothers are doing here and I feel privileged to be a part of their mission.

Audra

After arriving at the airport a day early I finally set off for this journey to Montana.  The flight from Sydney to LA, LA to Utah, Utah to Kalispell was a little grueling on me, but now I’m here it’s so worth it.  Montana is just as I imagined it.  It is beautiful with open plains and rocky mountains.  I was blessed this morning at Two Medicine Church by a Blackfeet Indian Priest.  It was very moving and I’m so glad I attended the service with the local people.

It’s a laugh sleeping in a Teepee.  However if that Bear comes around at night I’m sure I’m first to be eaten as I sleep closest to an open paddock. 

We went for an amazing walk through Glacier National Park today.  It was beautiful with ice on the mountains, pine trees, lakes and waterfalls.  We went on a Bear hunt as we had heard a mumma and baby bear were out.  No luck though but returning along the track we came across a Moose. It’s pretty exciting when you haven’t seen a moose before.  It was a fine looking Moose.

We are being well looked after by Brother Paul and all the volunteers who are cooking for us.  They are either cancer survivors themselves or carers.

I’m looking forward to getting started on building our bunk house tomorrow for the De La Salle School.  I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be here and learn about the Blackfeet Indians and do something for such a poor community.  I’m up for the challenge.

Donna Handley

What an amazing day!  I was blessed by the priest at the local Blackfeet church this morning, went hiking through the absolutely beautiful Glacier National Park with this group of amazing women and Brother Paul from the De La Salle School.  We saw a Moose which we were very excited about and awesome scenery.  We are being well looked after here with delicious meals prepared by local people who have volunteered to do this.

This group of breast cancer survivors is just so special!  We have shared so much already.  Tonight Megan and Meredith brought out our mascot for this adventure.  It is a lovely cuddly moose called “Bullwinkle”.  Brother Paul then presented us all with our own personalized carpenter’s apron to wear while we are building the bunk house which we start tomorrow.  Tonight we sleep in our teepees again.  What a wonderful adventure this is!

Cheryl Machen