Holy Trinity, Winsted, mission trip 2001 to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

Twelve Holy Trinity students, three Holy Trinity parish students, and five advisors packed their bags on July 15, 2001, and headed for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

The trip was set up by advisor Lavon Kielkucki through the Minneapolis based Youth Works which directs the efforts of church youth groups across North America. The Holy Trinity youth and their advisors conducted a number of fundraisers throughout the year to help cover some of their expenses. "You work to go to work," said Mrs. Kielkucki.

The group stayed in the Manderson Public School, which is on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and everyone slept in sleeping bags and on air mattresses. Students worked on painting projects, learned about the Native American culture through hands on experience, and participated in Bible studies. Much time was also spent interacting with the children living in the area through the Youth Works Kids’ Club. Bob Gueningsman commented, "One sad part of the trip was seeing these great kids, and knowing their future might not be the best. There are very few opportunities available to those who live in the area. Jobs are scarce, and there are very few ways to escape the poverty."

The group did enjoy meeting the Native American people and found their culture very interesting. The youth learned about hard work (painting in nearly 100 degree heat), and a different culture.

"While we were there it was a time to shut out the world and see our true selves come out. There was an openness there, you see God at work," stated Lavon Kielkucki.

Participating in the Holy Trinity youth mission trip 2001 were: sitting (l-r) Katie Kielkucki, Melissa Williams, Jennifer Helmbrecht, Katie Eiden, Kristi Hatlestad, Missye Schneider, Ann Ernhart, and Becky Kelly. (Standing) Barb Schneider, Jackie Lueck, Lavon Kielkucki, Bob Gueningsman, Kristen Riehm, Justin Dahl, Ryan Gueningsman, Brent Kucera, Aaron Cochran, Chris Schneider, and Mary Stifter. The group drove through Badlands, National Park on their way to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.