2008 FIRST PLACE

A WARRING NATION
Kristine Bidne
18 years old, Nebraska

A warring nation is what we are. Always there is an adversary, an opponent, an enemy. For some reason, as human beings, we find it necessary to be on the top, the number one. We get there by fighting out way to the top. And usually, we have to take others down to achieve this status. This price comes to all of those in power.

Inside this power house nation, there are many peaceful ones. While our news media focuses on all the negativity their world is going through, these nations take the time enjoy who they are and those around them. They were one of the first this nation took down on their way to their power house status. They are the Native Americans.

While on mission trips with my youth group, I have been blessed enough to learn about many of these cultures. Each one is very different, but all of them is a pure and beautiful culture. Much of our history depicts Native Americans as being a warring people. Spend a week on a reservation, and you'll learn differently. They are very much in touch with who they are and with their surroundings. They help each other in time of need, and have an unmatchable love for their own.

This summer, while serving on a reservation in South Dakota, I served an elderly woman. During that hot week of painting and hammering her new porch, there was a calm about her and her family. In this particular community, families tend to stay close, so we were blessed enough to meet and get to know her kids and grandchildren. She has great pride in her family, and spent much time talking about them. During her free time, she would go out into the meadows surrounding her home and pick flowers to dry for the winter. My experiences on this reservation left a very peacful impression on me. They performed a few traditional dances for us and even taught us how to build an authentic teepee. It was a great experience, and showed me how peaceful and together a nation can be.

Anyone could learn from these people. Whether Pawnee, Cherokee, or the Omaha. A peaceful people with a love for each other no other nation can match. A peaceful culture hidden inside a warring nation.