Governor helps make lasting memory for Jaelyn Birkeland

Last summer Karen Birkeland and her family were camping by Pierre. As the weather was very cool, they decided to see if they could tour the State Capitol. To ten-year-old granddaughter Jaelyn, the Capitol was like a castle. She asked many times where the governor was and if she could meet her.

That tour made a lasting impression on the young girl, who continued to talk about it long afterward.

Shortly after that visit Karen read an article to Jaelyn about South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem praying over the state, every legislator’s office, and elected officials that God will guide them and help them make the right decisions.

Because Karen recognizes in Noem the kind of role model she would like her granddaughter to look up to, she wrote to the governor to ask for an appointment so that Jaelyn could meet her.

The grandmother explained in the letter that reading about the governor praying for the state and for the people who make its laws was so refreshing to hear in the midst of all the negative news about politics, especially for a young girl who loves Jesus.

Although Karen added that she was aware of the governor’s busy schedule and would understand if a meeting were not possible, she again mentioned what a wonderful experience it would be for her granddaughter. She ended the letter by saying that she prays for the governor and her family every morning.

Shortly after Karen sent the letter, she received a reply from Governor Noem’s office inviting her and Jaelyn for a visit. Since it was an election year, however, finding a time proved to be difficult, and they agreed to wait until the State Legislature convened after the first of the year.

Karen, her husband Bart, Jaelyn, and her mother Michelle arrived in Pierre for their appointment on March 2, but the governor was called away unexpectedly, and the meeting was rescheduled for March 9. The trip wasn’t a total waste of time, however, as they got to meet District 21 Senator Erin Tobin. Jaelyn had her picture taken with Tobin and got to hold the gavel used in the Senate chamber.

The morning of March 9 greeted the family with rain and sleet with a promise of 3-5 inches of snow by the end of the day, but the Birkeland’s weren’t going to let that deter them. The road conditions were difficult, but they were determined to make it.

Once they arrived, Jaelyn thanked Governor Noem for all she does for the state, and the governor hugged her, bringing tears to mom and grandmas’s eyes.

Although the trip home took almost twice as long as normal because of the inclement weather, no one was complaining. Jaelyn commented, “It was really cool because a lot of people won’t have that opportunity.” Karen described it as “a forever memory that was worth the rotten roads.”