This past weekend, Jan & Pat Cousins, visited Babe in White Swan, WA. Babe has given her life for the last 15 yrs. to help her people survive. Giving of her time and her own money, she is providing not only service, but LIFE. She provides a “safe house” for abused women (usually only overnight), though the “facilities” are meager at best. You and I wouldn’t consider staying there. White Swan is closest to Yakima and on the Yakama reservation. You don’t go through White Swan to get somewhere…it’s in a canyon and the only way out is to turn around.

We are partnering with Lakota Dreams to help Babe and others provide a Thrifty Store (their name) to sell items of need. This way they can help themselves.  The only other “store” in White Swan is a gas station, mini-mart type of place that they call the grocery store. Prices are prohibitive but they must pay them for basic needs like TP, since the cost of gasoline keeps them from even going to Yakima to shop.

Jan said that at first glace the historical building looked pretty good from the outside, but walking in you were in the middle of the Taco Shop, where tacos were provided daily for $1.00 until they were gone using a hot plate and make-shift kitchen that has somehow passed code.  For some families, this was their meal. On weekends, more of a breakfast burrito is made and the cost is more. Looking around, one would see children playing, not with toys, but with a bottle that they rolled around like a ball into a box. Keep walking to see clothes strewn around and a shoe here and there.

The Thrifty Store would be housed in a double wide motor home behind that building and the facilities would be great, once you get past the debris, dead animals and tall weeds. We can take care of all of that.  Why don't you consider taking your family there for a missions weekend?  ...painting, building, cleaning.....yes, it will be primitive, yes, it will be hot, BUT the rewards will be great!   We are taking special monetary donations and donated items such as clothing, small household items, boxed/canned foods, furniture, toys. Call Jan, 503-674-9854 to have your specific questions answered. They do have electrical power so this will be very helpful. Some reservations do not! Pray with us and get involved somehow. Pray, give, help!