It’s been a tremendous week, and it is hard to believe that we are beginning our journey home tonight! It was actually difficult to get some of the youth on the bus because they were so anxious to stay longer. It is not an easy task to make connections and find open doors with the natives, but in the last two days we have had several families and individuals come across our path. There were four women that showed up for the pamper party, and I have been informed that it was a complete success! The women showed up at different times, which made it easier for our women to give each special attention. One mother did not want to be pampered, but she said that seeing her children playing, having a good time, and not fighting with each other is pampering for her. These were the same children that were putting on a clinic at the volleyball court.
This morning we joined Youthworks again for prayerwalking. We were able to go to the neighborhood where a couple of families from Morning Star live. We were able to pray with George and his family, as well as Eric and Iva’s family. My group spoke with a lady who asked us to pray for her mom who may have colon cancer. The mother (Karen) needs more tests to confirm the diagnosis. She already has the appointment for the tests, but she does not have any insurance to help with the costs. It seemed like a hopeless situation, but we asked a mighty God with limitless resources to intervene! During the various times of prayer walking, I was most impressed by prayers offered by our students. The prayers were genuine, specific, and heartfelt. It was encouraging to hear the maturity in the way they prayed. If you don't already, I would encourage parents to give their children opportunities to pray out loud at home. You may be surprised at what you hear!
This afternoon we had several children and a couple of parents come by to spend time with us. The children were each drawn to specific students that they had connected with the day before. It was great to see the interaction between our students and these children. Children that I could not even get to give me a high-five were hanging all over our students and having the time of their lives. I asked one student to write a little bit about her experience with three girls.
Monica Sermenho:
I have had the opportunity to meet three wonderful girls – Jasmine, Tessa, and Shelby. I had an amazing experience with them! This is how it went: I started talking about God and the Bible, then Jasmine asked me if I had a Bible. I said yeah, then all the girls wanted me to teach and read to them, so I did. We talked about Noah’s ark and about creation. I feel God is calling me. These girls have made me want to be even more of a follower of God. These girls, in the hour I spent with them, changed my life. I love these girls and want to come back!
Monica forgot to mention that after meeting these girls last night, they went home and made her beaded jewelry. This afternoon when they came back, they presented Monica with earrings and a necklace. Did I mention that these girls wouldn’t even give me a high-five?
Tonight, we were invited to join Youthworks for a cookout, and it turned out to be a great time of fellowship with around 60 students from various parts of the country who were there serving the same community. After burgers and random games, we headed over to the Pow wow and enjoyed seeing natives in ceremonial dress and, singing in their native language, and showing off their dance moves. They even did an honorary dance for all those serving on the reservation that week, so several of the youth led by our illustrious and highly-coordinated music minister headed out to participate in a dance in front of all those attending. It was…memorable… Below is our slideshow from yesterday, and if I have opportunity, I will try to put together a slideshow tomorrow that includes pictures from the Pow wow. If not, I will be sure to add something once we get back to Tennessee. We’ll be seeing you soon!
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