Chatting about Crisis + Care Pt II: The Outlands Response April 2024 Newsletter

AI artistic portrayal of life on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming

I relished the opportunity recently to sit down for a lovely conversation with one of my closest friends, Nic. What a fun time to reconnect and chat about all the things connected to my heart and work on the U.S. Indian Reservations alongside Native America.

This newsletter is part of a mini-series, where I share snapshots from this conversation.

Today, I am sharing Part II of our conversation in this post. Here's Part I of the conversation if you have not had the chance to read it yet; I think you'll really enjoy it! And stay tuned, Part III is coming soon.

I wanted to share more of our conversation here, as I think it will provide an excellent perspective into what makes Tessa and her heart tick for Native America.

In Part I, we talked about my own origin story that started on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona; the overwhelming multitude of needs felt in REZ ** communities; and the earnest vision I foster in my heart for a healed-and-healing, helped-and-helping Native America.

Grab some coffee or tea; let's jump back into this lighthearted and engaging sibling banter!

**Tessa's Note: the word "REZ" used throughout this conversation refers to the 326 U.S. Indian Reservations, government-allotted swathes of land held in trust for Native American tribes. Learn more.

Wind River Reservation in central WY, the size of states RI and DE combined. Matthew Staver, New York Times.

Nic: The dream is a tiny sprout at this time, just the beginning! And there are different seasons in ministry to be expected, some more visible than others. Knowing there’s still so much more to come, share with us: What does this current season look like for you?

Tessa: This is a season of disruption and healing and new beginnings, truthfully.

My time is usually dominated by less glamorous things like administrative, behind-the-scene tasks to create a solid foundation on which to build this ministry endeavor. I am also learning bi-vocational juggling -- currently working part-time at a small, local bakery!

I understand this season to be primarily focused on creating a strong ministry support team, prayerfully and financially and relationally. My board of advisors recommends I focus on securing at least 80% of my supporter base before officially launching a full, active operation.

Interestingly enough, even though I am living 6 hours from the closest REZ, not face-to-face with the Native community every day, God is giving me opportunities in my daily life to still connect with and learn from folks from marginalized communities right here in Denver.

For example, a friendship that I cherish grew out of a mutual desire to learn about the Bible, an interest shared by my partially blind friend, who lives alone with her service dog.

Nic: Recently, you've been involved in 911 dispatch for the last couple of years. In hindsight, you say it was the hardest thing you have ever done. Tell us more: How did your time in 911 dispatch connect to your passion for the REZ?

Tessa: Yeah, it's very true. 911 dispatch was the hardest job I've ever done, and interestingly enough, at the same time, it was the best preparation for my future work on the REZ!

You see, my time in dispatch was a real-life, in-the-trenches intensive in witnessing firsthand the pains of difficult circumstances and generational trauma. I wanted to be present in hardship. And I learned a lot about how to come alongside people in crisis!

I walked out of that career far less naive, maybe even a little jaded, truth be told, regarding the havoc that exists out there in the world. But also far more hopeful for how impactful a helping hand can really be in those devastating moments!

Third-world reality in America, incredibly shocking poverty + hardship not even found in the worst inner city ghettos.

Nic: Let's see, so this dream has been in the works for over a decade now! You’ve made regular trips to the REZ over the years to make connections. To bring us all up to speed, can you share: What challenges and successes have you seen SO FAR when it comes to developing relationships on the Reservation?

Tessa: Crossing into a culture not your own is always a challenge. Engaging with the Native community meaningfully and sensitively is a long-term, challenging prospect. I've been consistently visiting the Wind River REZ in central Wyoming for 12+ years now. It was just within the last 4 years that trust was truly solidified, and the relationships bonded.

I am determined to engage as a learner first, and thankfully, I have since been welcomed into the family. I can now show up unannounced and join the family for dinner anytime.

The Native grandmas spent hours teaching me how to meticulously bead intricate jewelry, an honorable, cultural skill passed from the elders to the youth. I try to practice as often as I can! They are even encouraging me to bead my own moccasins in time.

I have accepted multiple invitations from the family to join them for their traditional high holy days, which are generally closed-to-the-public yearly religious ceremonies.

The cultural barriers that are present dividing the REZ from Main Street America are towering and intimidating at times. Given the bitter history and strained context, developing trust in this particular environment is a long, arduous process.

But so important to persevere! I am grateful to the Lord for softening the tensions and bringing such a relational breakthrough. The good news: Creator God is with me. Hallelujah!

[STAY TUNED FOR THE THIRD AND FINAL PART OF THIS CONVERSATION.]

Eagle Spirit Singers and Dancers, Wind River Reservation. Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism

How to Partner

I am so honored and humbled to have the support of so many wonderful people. Thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart for coming alongside me in this bold endeavor.

May God the Father be praised for the fruit produced by these small but mighty efforts.

Let's connect! Please reach out to engage on any of these topics in greater detail. I would love to sit down for coffee (tea for me please!) sometime soon, I'm excited to hear from you. 

Prayer is and will always remain my biggest need. Sign up for in-the-field text prayer updates! Send a text message to the phone number 81010 with the code @k8fhc9a in the message to opt into text notifications of all major ministry developments.

I invite you to partner with me financially in this important work. Please prayerfully consider a treasured monthly partnership or a welcomed one-time gift – whatever the Lord leads you to provide will be a tremendous blessing to this blossoming work. All donations are tax-deductible through the 501c3 non-profit organization, Urban Skye.

Click Here to Partner Financially

I welcome your active partnership as this task should only be done together. Thank you so much!!

God's servant for your sake,

Tessa