Hi all. After a great deal of soul-searching and thought, I’ve decided to cancel this year’s trip, and discontinue taking a group out to Pine Ridge. To be clear, I am not stopping my involvement with the folks in Potato Creek and Wanblee, and neither is Dave. We will still be helping out however we can, and heading out there occasionally to visit.
We’ve both just reached a point where trying to put this trip together every year has just become more than we can deal with. This would have been the 20th anniversary of the first trip out there, and the 19th since I got involved, and it is with a heavy heart that I make this announcement.
Sadly, just getting a big enough group to do any good has become more and more difficult. Finding accommodations has also become increasingly difficult. We’ve lost a number of key participants over the last few years, for various reasons. It happens. I’m also aware that it’s possible (maybe even likely) that I’ve alienated some folks, and if I have, I apologize.
But, the fact remains, that continuing to make these trips has just become too much for Dave and I. I feel like I’ve let a lot of you down, including those few who were wanting to go this year, and for that, I also apologize.
I also want to thank everyone who has worked so hard over the years to make a difference for our friends in Wanblee and Potato Creek: Spencer and Connie Davis and their boys, Ron and Sharon Roberts and their family, Bill Ryan, Chris Kovach, Dylan Morrison, Chavala Ymker, Kyle and Stacy Hooker and their boys, Shelley Gorin, Debra Hunter Simar-Heinzen, Chris Pick, Eileen Riggs, Sarah Hartleib (who started this whole thing), Andy Miller, Judy Hood, Troy Beckner, Shon Sebert, Bill and Judith Hillyer, Kyle Mullins, Cindy Hartman, Austin Wysong, and far too many others whose names I’ve forgotten.
Thanks are due also to Tim Green, John Pryor, Marshall Barnett, and the folks from their churches who started out with us and then branched out on their own for a number of years (and may still be going, I’m not sure).
Finally, I want to thank all the good folks at Whitewater Christian Church for all the support they’ve given us over the years. We couldn’t have done what we’ve done without all of you.
Anyway, I guess that’s about it. Take care, and God Bless.
Lloyd
So sorry to hear this, I have always enjoyed hearing your tales of adventures, on theses trips, God bless you, I’m sure you and your gang will be greatly missed, and I know they have appreciated everything you all have done for them
I’m so sorry, and things like this are when being unable to do much more than lie around bother me, when I can’t help. I know you’re such a huge blessing to a lot of people.
Hi Lloyd,
I’m sad to hear this, but as the old saying goes “all good things must come to an end.” Again, as I can’t say it enough, I’m so happy I was able to have the experience of joining the group and helping out. You said you and Dave will still be going out to help, so do our donations still help you guys help the Indians?
God bless you and your family and thanks for your friendship.
Ellen