No longer a teenager

Well it's official. I'm no longer a teenager. Twenty didn't start off feeling too great because the heat at the camper didn't work last night, so I was freezing all night long. It was also raining and muddy. And then my truck wouldn't start for a while. It was determined that the starter is probably going out. Wouldn't it be lovely for it to die on me somewhere other than the house? But other than that.... Things have been alright. The volunteer group made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. I got a free Okiciyapi Tipi sweatshirt (really old and stained, but I'll wear it anyway).

The real story isn't my birthday, but what happened yesterday. After the beautiful drive to Timber Lake, I rode with the volunteers out to Larry's house for a sweat ceremony. The ride to his house was just as beautiful as the ride to Timber Lake. South Dakota is definitely one of the most beautiful states I have ever seen. The sweat itself was one of the most memorable experiences I've ever had. You go in barefoot into a circular lodge and everyone sits crosslegged. Then the hot rocks are brought in from a fire outside. When they come in they're glowing. Then the leader (Larry in this case) douses them with water from a hollow buffalo horn to clear the ash. After that, the ceremony starts. The door to the lodge is closed completely leaving the lodge in complete darkness. I've never been so hot in my life. I probably sweated a gallon or more. The leader sings prayers to Wankan Tanka (Great Mystery or Spirit aka God). It's so relaxing, and the heat forces you to focus on things you would otherwise not focus on. I had realizations about loved ones that I had been striving for for a long time.

After that, Tanya, Larry's wife, served us stew that was delicious, and we 'smoked' the peace pipe (no one actually inhaled the smoke). Larry's house has one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. Driving 7 miles on a gravel road is almost worth that view.

Here are some pictures of the sweat lodge and the view from Larry's house.