Thursday, July 26, 2007

Day Four: A Day FOR Fun and Festivities

Well folks, our time on the Reservation is almost complete. Tonight we will have our Pizza Night, which is always a treat. All of the families that we have been ministering to throughout the week are invited to the mission for dinner and to check out our dramas. John Bloom will be sharing the Gospel as well. We are excited to see what God has in store. We completed our work projects with speed and valor. Ok. Perhaps those words were a bit of an exaggeration, but nonetheless, the work portion of our trip is complete. Basketball camp ended today as well. We had about 20 campers in and out of the camp throughout its duration. Jerry Nininger coached the camp and led the staff and campers through a regiment of drills, scrimmages, and games that virtually killed all parties involved. The campers and staff really worked hard this week and should be commended on their efforts. Maybe I'm a bit biased? Ashley Clark made it safely last night as our final mystery guest. People wept with joy and embraced one another in jubilation. She bought her plane ticket last Friday after watching the group leave from the church. The Navajo families have been really welcoming to all of us and even had a few of the kids club groups over for dinner last night. The groups ate fry bread and again danced with jubilation. Everyone was pleased. This morning Ryan Weber and Jason Moog were again asked to slaughter a sheep (a goat actually) at their kids club site. They were excited to be able to participate in such a unique cultural experience. Ryan may even make a hat out of the fur. The kitchen crew and hospitality teams really stepped it up this year. Not that they were bad last year but they were quite the team this year. Dean DeBlasio, Christina Burke, Lisa Richardson, and Julia Johnson have anchored the kitchen staff. They have cooked food that rivals Emeril himself. We miss everyone and cannot wait to share more stories and pictures with you. I am glad that you have enjoyed all of the pictures that Justin Bowen has taken. Tomorrow we will leave the Reservation and head to Flagstaff. On our way we will split up and participate in various recreational activities. Our options include visiting the Grand Canyon, the Slot Caves, Slide Rock in Sedona, or shopping and visiting boutiques in Flagstaff (Tim can't wait to buy some new nicknacks).

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

i'll be praying for you guys tonight as you minister to our Navajo friends. i love you tons! love, nicolie

Anonymous said...

Hey guys... wow I miss you all so much! I can just imagine the energy tonight... with kids running around full of pizza and koolaid mustaches...the roller skates... the big dance and dramas! I wish I could be there! I pray for you guys every morning at 1:30, and you are all constantly in my thoughts throughout the day- share Jesus' love with the Navajo and each other and you all will be blessed and encouraged beyond belief!

-Jage

Anonymous said...

I have loved reading about what you are all doing each day. I really miss you guys! Its so quiet here and the dog can only talk so much. I having been praying constantly for all of you and can't wait to hear the stories of fun, faith, and growth. Hi to Dennis and Spence, Sharon, Steve, Karen, McClaine and Tim too. I know God has been holding you up incredibly this week. I will pray tonite for the big night to be a success and touch everyones heart. I love you guys!

Denise

Anonymous said...

Dear Parents, This is Rico and Vikki--we are aunt and uncle of Sarah Burns. Our daughter is on the trip with her cuz. We missed Sar's phone calls today(we are out of town) and were unable to reach anyone at the school. Since we do not know who or how to contact anyone at church...we were wondering if a parent could be so kind as to contact us as we have a few ?s. Our cell# is 916-749-2244.
Thank you so much!

Ryan D. Pleau said...

Wow, you guys really came through with the pictures of Breitbart that Maddy requested a few days ago. It's good to hear from you guys. I'm sure that Dan was the only one who virtually died during the basketball camp. I'm sure that Jerry ran a tough camp. I remember the first year we did it and he came up with a practice schedule that had us up for 6am multiple mile runs (consensus says: No). I hope that all goes well tonight, I will certainly be praying for the program and festivities in general

I see that you're not going to Jerome this year, Gary must have stayed home...

Mary Madelynn said...

Hey all. I just prayed for you and I hope it all went well. How'd Angela do in the dance? I was a little worried about that. Well its good to hear that good things are happening. I was looking over the past few days and there have been no negative comments aside from Dan's implication that Melissa is too comfortable. Let's wait a few months to the birth of your son Dan, and then you can talk about who's suffering (you chauvinist pig). Love you all! Have fun tomorrow!!

Anonymous said...

Julia, I did not know that you were on the trip until seeing your pic today. Howdy. Chad, I think that you should stay in AZ. The A's have been doing great since you left. They won another one tonight-against Seattle. Swisher got 2 homers one from each side. Bradley you will be happy to know that your mother and father are not the only ones who love you. Eva "straight em up" your room. I have not been very spiritual in my notes but I am praying for all of you. Advice for the day--do not eat yellow snow.

Charlie said...

charlie says hi!!!

Anonymous said...

God's gracious hand upon your travels. Kim Chew

FYI - Rico & Vikki - call the church at 925-227-1301 x34 for the AZ outreach update. Word is that they will call with "where they are" so we can be there to hug them when they arrive home.