Visit from Katrina

In march we welcomed our daughter Katrina, and son-in-law Robert for a short visit. It was a blessing to see them and we had fun. Here are a few pictures of their visit (photo credit goes to Katrina unless otherwise noted, all editing mine).

PC: Robert

PC: Lydia

P.S. If you'd like to see some pictures from their wedding, click here.

Impossible Possibilities

We said it was impossible; that it would take a series of miracles. 

But after years of seeing the need, God said, "Now is the time." So, we cautiously stepped forward in faith. And Kayenta Christian School is opening this year. 

God has worked countless miracles to already to make this school a reality, but now we are up against what could be the biggest challenge in opening this school: getting the children. 

It's always hard to start something new here, and due to scheduling difficulties, we missed the best time to advertise and so many of the children that were probable are enrolled in the public school. But it's not too late. 

Please join us in praying that God will send the children. 

Teaching

I felt crazy enough to belong in a mental asylum. I had carefully thought and prayed the matter over, and I was sure it was what God wanted me to do this year. Still as soon as I said yes, I began wondering if that really was the right choice. Is this really God's will? Or was I misinterpreting the 'signs'? Was it my idea? Was I deceived? These and many other questions filled my mind.

I had just agreed to teach at the Mission School.  I can't say that it's been easy. But it has been worth it. The things I'm learning from these kids (and this experience) far surpass anything I can give them. It as taught me to depend on God more. And though it is discouraging at times, I know it is all for my good. 

Keep Your Eyes on the Goal

Much as been happening here this year. In Feburay mom (Judi) did a cooking school, prior to an evangelistic seris in March-April. The evangelistic seris went well, ending with about 5 people still coming regularly. Many of the people wanted another cooking school, so when the meetings were over she did another one. Traveling, seminars, VBS, mission groups, the list goes on and on.

Turning the Page

It’s time, once again, to turn the page. School is finished, well…not for me. But school, as in the MV Mission School, is done for the summer and that means…….yip, yip, hooray….

I don’t have to cook for thirty-plus people two days a week.

Yes, I’m rejoicing. It’s a lot of work and I now have a lot of sympathy for those who do it every day. The responsibility is enormous. And it’s really hard to cook appetizing food, and a variety of it, on a limited budget.

And besides that,

I’m rejoicing because three young people, despite challenges and difficulties,

have successfully graduated from 8th grade.

And yet, on the heels of this ending of school….

….comes major stress.

Yep, guys. No relaxing allowed for those of us on the Navajo Nation. At least, not until camp is over.

Camp.

Think: deadlines, craziness, stress, time running out.

Yep, that’s right.

Turns out, I’ve got months worth of preparation work to do in a week and a half. Schedules to create, camp codes to print, a route to ride, permission slips for land use to get signed, etc. etc.

And on top of all that, I’ve still got to keep on top of my schoolwork.

So ya’ll,

Don’t feel sorry for me.

I love it here,

I love my schoolwork,

I wouldn’t be doing anything else (except maybe sleeping, and I wouldn’t do that anyway).

But, please,

Please pray for the staff of Diné Youth Camp and

the Monument Valley SDA Church and Mission.

Please pray for the young people we are striving to reach.

And oh,

If I have time to post, I will.

But, if you don’t hear from me for awhile…

It’s probably because I’m busy….

….doing something.

May God bless all of you!

And for more information on Diné Youth Camp:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Din%C3%A9-Youth-Camp/123909730958158

www.dineyouthcamp.com

If you have questions:

info@dineyouthcamp.com

Or, you can simply leave a comment here on this blog. If you want a personal reply, from me, that’s not done here at the blog, email me at kezzia@dineyouthcamp.com

His truth still marches on

Even though we may not post often, even when silence seems long, God's truth still marches on. We'll try to do a little better on updates, but when we can't just remember God's work is full time.

At the end of February we completed a series of seminars on depression. We had a few regular attendants and some who made the appropriate lifestyle changes have improved health-the relief of headaches, less fatigue, etc. We used the program by Neil Nedley.

March was filled with mission trips. Gem State Academy, Laurelbrook Academy, Weimar Academy, Daystar Academy, Hoolbrook Indian School, and others have made a major difference. Construction on the octagon has progressed quickly and we're looking to see completion soon.And we now have a shadehouse/picnic structure on the mesa where we hold youth camp.

God is good all the time. Thank you for your prayers and support.

"Faithful is He who calleth you, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Oh wow! It's been over a year since I posted anything. This doesn't mean that nothing has been going on. It means we've been busy. Last winter we had several snows. When it snows or rains rains we end up with mud! This mud is like concrete in that it is SO hard to get off. Whether shoes of floor or whatever, it sticks like concrete. When dry, it gets hard and won't come off.

Tuesday, August 25

A little up date about what's been going on since the VBS.  We went to N.Idaho to visit Rick's family.  The enjoyed picking huckleberries while we were there.  When we got back, we went to ASI.  We were able to talk to a a lot of people about our project here. Many were interested.

To share a little bit about Navajos.  They are thought to have been here about 1300 years. So they were here long before the white man or 'Anglos" as the Navajos call them.  It is believed they were from the Mongolia area.  Many of their facial features are the same.  Their hogans-house-is almost the same as the Mongolians gers or sometimes called yurts.   They lived off of what they could find to eat, but were not good gardeners.  Now they eat the SAD(standard American diet) food.  Although, most still eat a lot of mutton(sheep) stew and fry bread.  They also use blue corn meal and love watermelon and other fruit.  Potatoes and beans(mostly pintos) are also a big part of their diet.  Many today still do not have electric power and/or water.  They haul water in the backs of their pick-ups.  Most are poor.  In coming to the reservation, it is like coming to a third world country.  They like it here in the desert even though life is hard.  Most still herd sheep.  It's not uncommon to see, especially the grandmas.

In other post, I will tell more about them.  I hope to post some pictures of what the area is like.

Thursday, July 2

It seems like time keeps flying by and I don't have time to do all the posting I want to.  We've been having Vacation Bible School this week and it has been busy.  We've had people with us all week.  I don't have a lot of time now because some kids are with us that we have been watching all afternoon.   For VBS we have had more kids this year then they've had before.  We have over 30 every day.  We will post some pictures later on.  This one is short because it's time to bring the kids in for worship.

Have a good Independence Day.

Monday, June 15

I am starting this blog for people, friends, and family to see pictures and read about what we're doing.  We moved to Arizona in January to work with the Dine' people(a.k.a. navajos).  We have enjoyed getting to know them.  It is very beautiful out here and I hope we can get some pictures on here for you.    When we got here, our girls got sick and it took them over a month to get completely over it.  We are enjoying climbing mesas on Sabbath afternoons.  We have helped with health classes and recently did a cooking school at our church. 

I'm hoping to add a little or pictures every so often and keep you all informed as to what's going on with our lives.

God bless