We all piled in the big blue van and headed west for the Black Hills, South Dakota. It was a two day drive from home, but it was worth it! First we stopped at the amazing Badlands. God colorfully created these magnificent mountain peaks with skill. No matter where you stood, the view was spectacular! We traveled on to bike the trails in the Black Hills and enjoyed the 4th of July Fireworks show above Mt. Rushmore. Lastly, we explored Custer State Park and one of the most beautiful and intriguing lakes I have encountered-Sylvan Lake! The landscape here made us feel as if we were on another planet. The rock formations surrounding the lake were incredible! After a week of beautiful scenery and fun we headed back home.
On Saturday we stopped at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls. We were expecting to celebrate a nice mass in a beautiful church, but we experienced something much more! As we walked into the cathedral we learned that the associate pastor was from Africa. Some of his friends from his homeland congregation came up to celebrate his priesthood anniversary. The church reverberated with the beat of the African drums and instruments. It was amazing! In the middle of the United States my family had the opportunity to experience an African mass. Of all the churches we could have stopped at on our two day ride home, God lead us here! I felt He was really spoiling us with beautiful surprises this vacation. We left the church smiling when one of my youngest children said, "So that's what church is like in South Dakota. That was pretty coo!"
-Susan
