Sioux Falls, SD

I've spent about 2 weeks in Sioux Falls already (about 3 weeks total in S. Dakota). Sioux Falls is the largest city in the state, with a population of about 150,000. This figure will grow rapidly in coming years since about 5,000 people a week are moving in. This can be seen by the large amount of construction taking place here...road and highway impovements and many new communities sprouting up all over. Even with all this influx, the city is still fairly easy to get around in and as of yet doesn't exhibit that crowded feeling one usually gets in larger cities. The people themselves are typically very friendly and outgoing. It's not unusual to be walking down a country road and drivers will wave while passing by. This same friendliness carries over to the work environment. i.e., store clerks in the various businesses treat you like a friend, not just a customer. I must say I feel at home here, although if I had a preference I think I'd live in a somewhat smaller town, such as Yankton (reported on earlier in this blog).

There are 4 congregations of our brothers in Sioux Falls: 3 English and one Spanish. There are two Kingdom Halls. The cong I'm currently attending has about 120 publishers and there's some talk of splitting. There are lots of young folks in this cong, which causes me to muse about my position as "Cookie Overseer" in N. Gardena. I think I'd go broke here! (GRIN).

Field service arrangements are well attended during the week and on Saturdays. A good number of the pioneers are young folks (under 30) who have arranged their work schedules in order to pioneer. There are two field service meetings every weekday at 9 AM and 12:15 PM. People found in the door-to-door work are typically friendly and easy to place literature with, although we've come across a few sourpusses. Generally, though, if the householder is opposed he/she is usually gracious towards us.

Weather here is a bit "squirrelly". It's very unpredictable. The day may start out nice and deteriorate suddenly, or it could start out cloudy and cold and turn out nice after a while. Often, the mornings will be calm but a strong wind will pick up later (typical for the Plains states this time of year). If I were to make a travel recommendation it would be to travel here a little later in the spring or early summer. Early spring can be a little on the "wild" side.

In about two weeks I should be on the move again, slowly making my way southeast towards North Carolina. There will be many stops in between and I look forward to sharing more travelogues and pictures with you as I continue visiting congregations I encounter along the way. Take care and keep in touch.........Bro. Sappo