Mission Navajo Reflections #3

We’ve had a few updates on Mission Navajo 2011 from some of the ladies in the group; now it’s time for one of the guys to chime in with his thoughts.

One thought which struck me, as we worked at the Hilltop Christian school mobile home cleanout project, is that we have it so good; we don’t even know how good. What we would consider intolerable or unlivable conditions, some of those we served on Mission Navajo would probably consider pretty good. When cleaning out the trailer for a new teacher to move in, I got to see some of the junk hauled out of there firsthand, as I was the designated junk hauler. I took two pickup loads containing all manner of junk to the landfill. The old beater was quite the rust bucket: barely roadworthy, big chunk of seat missing, no gear shift knob, no rear view mirror, no window cranks, to name a few. Plus a persnickety battery: if it won’t start, you just have to twist the battery cable. This kind of speaks to the shoestring budget that the school operates on – this battery pulled “double duty” with the other vehicle (heavy machinery) at the school.

I gained a lot of respect for Eric, the maintenance guy at Hilltop: he has a tough job and not a lot of resources to do it. In spite of this, he cheerfully worked alongside us when he could, and was always supportive, even when he had a couple of self-proclaimed “desk jockeys” (i.e., not quite accomplished handymen!), like me and Kevin, to work with - a true gentleman.

It was a great week. I wouldn’t call it exactly relaxing. But that’s not what my daughter Ella and I signed up for. It was to work hard and make a difference. I thought we did so, in two primary ways: 1) To serve the Navajo Nation; and 2) To foster closer relationships among our team members.

How was God moving among us during the week? Here were a few examples I saw:

• Perfect weather throughout the week; sunny and mid-60’s generally. No harsh elements to contend with.
• Brief interactions with the garbage & landfill guys: they really work hard, and made me reflect how our work is an expression of God and prayer, whether as garbage men or scientists.
• The privilege of playing guitar during the 3-song Navajo hymn set during Sunday service at Window Rock Reformed Church. There were about 10 people singing in Navajo, along with piano and guitar accompaniment. Awesome.
• Our team time during morning during morning devotionals. It was a great way to center ourselves and prepare for the day.
• I was especially proud of Ella’s devotional and how she totally took the lead. I asked her a couple of times if she wanted my help, and each time it was “No, dad, got it handled”. We spent her devotional time on the subject of “God’s creation” outdoors, which was perfect.
• Visiting with couple of our visitors, Melvin and Elsie, and some impromptu praise and worship songs; trading English versions with Navajo hymns.
• The smiles on Miles and Javen’s faces as they were super excited to get their very own bunk beds, including new linens. And a tip of the hat also to Chuck Wiemann for the bed materials, hardware and plans.
• I thought it was cool that on a number of small occasions for whatever job we happened to be doing, that one person would have the tool or supply that we needed. We always seemed to have it covered.

For me personally, I feel God’s presence in nature. The New Mexico and Arizona sandstone and canyon country is His beautiful handiwork. The Bible says in Psalm 19:1-2: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” His hands were at work on Mission Navajo 2011.

~ Tom Broadbooks