Nebraska Kids and into South Dakota

posted by Patty James @ 6:36pm, Friday 25 June 2010.

So this morning, a 'Youth Advocate' in western Nebraska spent her own time to drive around, pick up kids and bring them to me in the parking lot of a Walmart in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to interview them in my RV! People like Mona have my utmost respect, admiration and appreciation. I fly (well, drive) into town, chat with some kids and leave. She and others doing similar work are in the trenches every day, day in and day out. They give so much of themselves and go far above what is required of them to do. As Mona said, she "wants these kids to have a voice." An incredible woman. Thank you Mona. Look at that beautiful, friendly face...no wonder the kids love her so much...

Here is J.D. He knows his 'birth' parents, but his foster parents adopted him. He is 16 years old, is soft spoken and very wise. I felt horrible because Patch wouldn't let him in the RV. I had to tie Patch outside. He has never growled at a kid before, but I suppose since JD was entering his domain and I was there, he was in protection mode. Obviously no men will enter my motorhome!

This is 17 year old Deyanira. She has a birth mother, (whom she stills sees and who signed the permission slip,) was homeless for a while and now lives with a foster family, but is not 'in the system.' She was a lovely young woman with a sparkle in her eye. Keep up the drawing!

Here is 16 year old Kayla. She was interesting in that I could tell when asked a question that she hadn't thought about before, she wanted to learn more. She was involved with Big Brothers, Big Sisters which is how Mona met her. She lives with her birth family.

So I left Scottsbluff at about 11:00 and drove through beautiful north-western Nebraska. It feels more western than mid-west. Miles and miles between ranches and I drove at least 100 miles passing maybe 10 cars. I loved it. If you ever go this way, make sure you have plenty of gas (which I did) as gas stations are about as few and far between as the cars on the road. 

So much traffic.....(this was typical)

In Nebraska...this is the home teams bleachers...

The away team's bleachers are much smaller...

My RV, a train carrying coal and the bluffs in the background. Still in Nebraska.

It was a good day. I really enjoyed the kids this morning. They have all been through way too much in their young lives, but are hopeful and thankful for caring people in their lives. Kayla lives with her family and I met her Mom, but I will think good thoughts for all concerned-Foster Families, Birth parents and all the people who help. Tomorrow I will post some photos of the Badlands which is where I am right now. It has a real earthy feel; I have always been attracted to this visceral landscape. 

More tomorrow!