THIS is what it's all about!

Today was about a lot of things, but each of those things today----are definitely what this whole trip is all about!
Mission......Making a Difference.......Working......Seeing results for your actions........Learning about a different culture......Hanging out with new friends....CARE CARDS.....worship........meaningful conversations and affirmations with your youth group family.....and of course......late night trips to the store for ice cream....
After finishing up some of my morning duties here at the school, I was able to get out and visit a few sites to see how things are progressing and have a little fun with kids on sites.
I only made it to two of them today because of some directional issues, but the ones I did visit had a couple of our kids!
It was amazing to see the work they are doing on the homes, the locations and settings of the houses, and to get to take some photos of them working.

Getting out to see the local area and side roads, which are really just big sand boxes was fun but I am so glad I don't have to drive them every day. It's almost like driving through deep snow drifts with big ruts with washboards underneath.

After our workday this afternoon we had a demonstration in the Hogon located here at the school as part of their cultural education. School board member and Traditional Navajo Nelson and his wife explained to us about the Hogon, how they are built, the meanings behind the design, why they face the direction they do, how they are used and that there are Hogons that represent both male and female in their design. He talked to us about their family structures, traditions and why he chooses to live the traditional lifestyle in keeping his Navajo language and traditions alive by passing them on to his children. I especially like the fact that they have a matriarchal society where the women in the relationship are the decision makers and the boss. The men are responsible for protection and providing for the family what they need.

Mary had a demonstration about using a Navajo hair brush made from a native grass to the area and how to tie a bun with yarns. It was a thought provoking and interesting demonstration and such a wonderful look into how spiritual these people are.
Worship was fun as usual and meaningful with games, songs and some serious time as well.

It is hard to believe that tomorrow is our last full day of camp and we will be heading home soon. Please keep us in your prayers for all the crews finishing the jobs that have yet to be finished and that the rest of our time here in Monument Valley will be meaningful and fun.
Good night!

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.

It's a family matter....

Tuesday of workcamp is usually the day that the comfort level of your new group transitions from the awkward newness of not knowing each other to the point of finding common experiences, things to talk about making personal connections and starting to fell more like a family. You watch out for one another, take care of each other and make sure that every one is doing well. Last night after writing the blog post I fixed Owen's shoe for him. He had the unfortunate luck to have a blow out of his work boot yesterday during the day so I thought I would use our resources of Duct tape to fix it for him so he would still have it to wear. The only problem......Now he wants me to "fix" his other one to match!

Owen in his "perfect workcamper look"

Owen with his "new" shoe

When you start to become more like family then friends an amazingly wonderful thing starts to happen. People around you feel more and more comfortable to be themselves, which leads to joking together, having fun and playing pranks on each other.
Doug has taken it upon himself to be the "wrist band police" here at the camp. Each camper has to wear a wrist band that indicates whether they are a youth or an adult for the shower times that have been assigned. Blue for adults and yellow for youth. Other kids gather around as he calls out to people as they walk by...."Hey! I need to see your wrist band!" Some don't take him seriously at all and others take him way too seriously.

Doug -- Wristband Police

I have also gotten close to my "crew" of Red Shirt staff and we have become our own little family of 15. Today, I became the focus of the family prank. I brought with me to camp some toys. (Shocker, I know!) A Penguin that shoots things out of it's nose, and 4 squishy fuzzy balls and while I was out for some a little free time for a half an hour someone kidnapped 2 of my fuzzy friends. After the initial shock of finding them missing and reading the ransom note that was left in the office, I decided to give in to the demands and give them the money! I left a note with the money and was able to get my friends back! Thank goodness!

Percival Penguin and his Furry friend with ransom note for other furry friends

My note in response to my kidnappers

 Gordan spent the afternoon hanging out and joking with Doug, Nita, and the kids. Nita spent some time goofing off with the youth after getting back from their day of work. A little comic relief goes a long way in renewal!

Gordon and Becky

Maya with her snacks

Family fun at camp

As the day comes to a close we reflect on God sightings for the day, how we connected with others, what were the transforming moments of the day. We also feel a new sense of family and belonging here with new friends, crew members, and the residents we have been serving this week. God is most definitely in this place and with these people and in us.