All work and no play.....

All work and no play........makes for.......unhappy Workcampers.
Sunrise is beautiful out here in the desert and waking up early to sit in the dark and wait for the sun to rise in a silent meditative moment was definitely worth the lost hour from getting up before the Wakey, Wakey song.

Sunrise in Monument Valley, Utah

It's Wednesday and even though we have only been at camp for 3 days it seems like we have been here much longer than that with as close as we have become to our new family here in Utah.

My new camp friends in the office

Heather's crew has already finished the project at their home site and been reassigned to a new site to help the crew their to finish their job by Friday afternoon.

The home repair is just one part of why we are here. Taking some time to experience the area, the culture and enjoy the new friendship we have made by having fun together is another important part of the experience. Our work day was a short one today giving everyone the opportunity to have the afternoon off for a tour through the Monument Valley area on the back roads and trails in an open air vehicle.

Derek and Vismaya ready for our tour

Becky and Owen

Jordan, Bonnie and Maya

Our caravan

Our tour takes us through the middle of the monuments and rock formations to see the arches, and areas used by Native Americans for centuries. It is hot...it is dusty....it is beautiful!

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Heading into the park

Owen enjoying the ride

Denise and Jordan

One of the trucks in our caravan gets stuck in the deep sand and our truck pulls him out! Way to go Driver Kent!

John Wayne Point in Monument Valley with "The Spirit of John Wayne" on horseback.

Sister's Eye

Bonnie, Jordan and Becky

Our group at the Sister's Eye

Jordan, Denise, Vismaya and Bonnie

We make a stop at the "Big Hogon" which is natural hogon in the Monument Valley Tribal park where our guide plays a few songs for us on drum and flute. As I sit looking up to the natural hole in the top of the rock formation and listen to his songs there are about 60 of us there and not one youth or adult makes any sound. We are all mesmerized by his song and lost in the moment. As he plays his song on the flute a hawk flies by and answers the flutes song with his own. It was an amazing moment that leaves everyone speechless and wanting more when he finishes his song. You can just picture in your minds eye those who have been there before dancing, singing and worshiping here.

We so enjoyed our adventure into the Monument Valley Tribal Park and it was great all being together to have some fun in the midst of the work week.

Becky and Jordan

Becky, Jordan, Vismaya and Nita taking in the view

Becky, Jordan, Vismaya and Nita

Owen

We head to Kayenta, Arizona--- a short 21 mile trek to a small local place called Amigos for some traditional regional dinner of Navajo stew, Navajo Burgers and Indian Fry Bread with honey! Oh yeah...oh so yummy!
Our evening program includes a talent show this evening and three of our youth participate with singing and poetry reading. Way to go talented Calvary Youth!

Our evening program and worship ends the day with a perfect combination of entertainment, singing and worship with an opportunity for some hands on worship with expressive stations for personal communication with Christ.
Overall it has been a wonderful day today of work, play, entertainment and worship.