NORTHERN CHEYENNE - FAMILY OF 4 ENJOYS NEW HOME

New Straw Bale House 

This year, Red Feather partnered with the Limberhand family (Joe Limberhand, Virginia Williams, and their two girls, Betty Ann and Johanna) to build a fantastic new straw bale home to replace their 45-year-old trailer. Nestled in a secluded spot in the Muddy Creek area of the Northern Cheyenne reservation, we felt very fortunate to be able to spend time there this summer. On Friday, June 15, 2012, volunteers started arriving for the first "official" week of the build.  Work had actually already been underway for about a week as staff prepared the camp and oversaw the preparation of the foundation.  Joe, Virginia, Betty Ann and Johanna Limberhand and their extended family welcomed the first week of volunteers with a performance by Joe's drum circle and a prayer delivered by a Cheyenne elder. His message to the group was this -- as we build this house with the Limberhands, each of our thoughts and emotions will leave an imprint that will become a part of their home. We were reminded to be kind to one another as we worked and lived together, and to be kind to the beautiful land where we were so fortunate to be spending the next few weeks.
In August, Mark and Marilynn (Red Feather construction staff) and Straw Bale Construction Interns returned to finish the interior of the home in time for the arrival of the new addition to the Limberhand family -- a little girl born September 27th. As you can see, the home turned out beautifully! Many of you reading this message shared a role in making this dream a reality for the Limberhands. Please continue to send good thoughts their way.

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