The girls had a week of learning and new experiences. The conditions were a little rough, to say the least. We shared a room with two great college students, Emma and Tessa. They were fun to hang with. We were at an altitude of 7000+ ft but experienced little problems from that. It was hot and dry with no air conditioning. The girls complained very little and rolled along with everything we did. They played about 132 games of kickball during the week and didn't seem to be bothered at all by the temperatures. Amazing little ladies they are. Our eating schedule was way off. We'd have breakfast around 7:30 and then lunch around 1:30 or 2:00. The girls never complained.
We held two bible schools each day. One was at the home of the Tsosie's, who are the nicest people you will ever meet. They graciously opened their home each day and hosted around 15 children from 9 until 1. They have 5 precious children, struggle with health issues, love Christ with their entire being, and make beautiful Navajo pottery for a living. WE LOVE THIS FAMILY. It was such a joy to be in their home each day and we will truly miss them. The girls will absolutely miss their 3 puppies. This bible school was special to the girls and myself because we were really able to get to know a lot of kids. Some of them amazed me at how grounded in their faith they already are at such a young age. We will be praying daily for these kids because it is hard to make a commitment to Christ in their culture. Many families who are still strong in Navajo tradition will completely disown and shun those who don't remain faithful to their traditions but instead trust in Christ.
At night, we held a VBS at Tohatchi Baptist. We had around 40-45 kids each night and we all had blast. It was harder to get to know these kids because this VBS didn't last as long and there were just a lot of kids. At both bible schools the craft for the week was making a wooden footstool that the kids could keep. All of the kids were excited with each step of the process.
Our team...the Jameses and the Macrorys. Loved spending the trip with them.
A little site seeing on our journey.
Dust storm the first day in Tohatchi. Did I mention red dirt/sand everywhere?
Hollyn getting acquainted with the Tsosie's pups.
Aidyn loooved these puppies.
The Tsosies built this shaded area for us to hold the VBS. They made a wooden frame then placed cut trees all around it. It was beautiful and GREATLY appreciated shade.
The girls helped lead music during VBS. I think they had some Father Abraham going on in this photo.
The land and mountains were so beautiful. Everything was different than in Alabama. We loved the scenery.
This is Deona building her stool.
This precious little girl is Delilah. She came to the day and night VBS so we all got to know her well. Precious little girl.
Sanford Jr. He loved bossing the girls around and they loved every minute of it.
Aidyn and Monica drawing together.
The footstools were a lot of work but precious and worth the effort.
The girls got to paint pottery with the Tsosies on the last day.
They each painted a turtle.
Our night VBS crew.
Mary and Maggie. Love these sweet cousins.
On our last day we did a little site seeing and went to Window Rock, Arizona. We climbed to the top.
Most of our team. At least those brave enough to trek the mountain.
The girls and myself on top of Window Rock.
The girls were excited to find tumbleweed.
our roommates.
We had a wonderful trip. It was good for us all to get out of our comfortable lives for a week and to see how little some people have and how happy they are to have their joy in Christ alone. We came back with greatful hearts and a desire to serve more.
One last thing we brought back is this....
We had an "encouragement wall" in New Mexico where we could leave each other notes to encourage one another through the week. We loved it so much we had to make one at home. Everyone feels extra special already.
