Since the beginning, we have committed to "gaining newfound perspective through intentional and purposeful interactions." Looking back, we feel as though our dedication has truly sustained. Some days we find more purposeful interactions that others but it has been life-changing to at least attempt to live each day with that mindset. All in all, we know we are coming back home with a refreshing dose of eyes wide open. Specifically for the past three days, our experiences have deeply aligned with postgraditude's overall mission. Parking Rhonda and Frankie J in the volunteer lot at Rehoboth Christian School near Gallup, NM, we quickly got familiarized- hanging out with students, getting to know the passionate staff, exploring both Navajo and Zuni Reservations, and all the while purposefully searching for what God has in store for our next steps. Below you will find a few "chapters" (if you will) that detail a few very enriching moments.
what we saw: the process of making navajo rugs
Mr. Bob Ippel, a kind & fun-loving choir teacher from Rehoboth, brought us to the home of two sisters who humbly introduced us to their traditional technique of weaving. With steady hands, they beautifully craft these pieces from their sheep, their home-made dye (as in go out, find plants, and make the dye), and their loom passed down to them from their grandmother. With big hearts, they welcomed us into their iron-furnace heated home and it was then that we learned to appreciate this lost art. So often, we have no idea exactly where our goods come from or how they are crafted so it was refreshing to see true authenticity.
what we saw: a unique school with vast potential
Taking a tour of Rehoboth Christian School with Carol Bremer-Bennett (the superintendent who happens to have an amazing story and not to mention the most beautifully diverse family) we could see why the kids love to learn there. Growing up in a very broken society, many students experience wretched hardships at home so the most important thing the school can do is provide them a positive environment to build lasting relationships. Keeping with traditional tribal architecture, the newer parts of the school feature large communal spaces, natural light, red rock coloring, and the use of various materials. Very cool.
After a lovely tour, we hit the cafeteria to volunteer a little time. Throwing on some gloves and hats (think Krispy Kreme hat status), we hopped in the serving line. Blake was in charge of the whole wheat breadsticks. Hannah was first in charge of apples (classic) and then transitioned into the role of "making sure the kindergardeners eat." On a normal day, this task would be quite simple but the distraction of a little something called Halloween had the kids focused on candy and costumes instead of the apples and breadsticks. Nonetheless, it brought us joy to go back in time to the days of the lunch line.
After a lovely tour, we hit the cafeteria to volunteer a little time. Throwing on some gloves and hats (think Krispy Kreme hat status), we hopped in the serving line. Blake was in charge of the whole wheat breadsticks. Hannah was first in charge of apples (classic) and then transitioned into the role of "making sure the kindergardeners eat." On a normal day, this task would be quite simple but the distraction of a little something called Halloween had the kids focused on candy and costumes instead of the apples and breadsticks. Nonetheless, it brought us joy to go back in time to the days of the lunch line.
what we saw: the power of conversation
After lunch, we tagged along with Mr. Ruthven (Chaplain/Bible teacher) and a few of his students, traveling downtown Gallup to serve lunch to the underserved. In these situations (placing oneself in a world so far from one's norms) it usually starts out with a bit of uncertainty. Who do you talk to? Does anyone actually want to talk? Do you help even if they have enough people passing out meals? If someone does want to chat, how on earth do you find common ground? The questions will always be there but if you muster up the courage to just try, a lot can happen. We both found ourselves deep in conversation with two individuals finding their way.
Blake's new friend, Michael, taught him the importance of resilience, perseverance, and forgiveness. Minutes into chatting, Michael revealed to Blake that he was blind, the unfortunate recipient of a hit and run accident. Being blind, friends have stolen his things without him knowing and somehow, he peacefully forgives. We can't say we would always have the patience to do the same. In the words of Michael, "It took becoming blind for me to really be able to see." Michael now sees the light of God and despite his struggles, he has found unbelievable strength. Even though Michael couldn't physically see Blake, his verbal and nonverbal cues illustrated gratitude in having someone sit beside him and simply share.
Blake's new friend, Michael, taught him the importance of resilience, perseverance, and forgiveness. Minutes into chatting, Michael revealed to Blake that he was blind, the unfortunate recipient of a hit and run accident. Being blind, friends have stolen his things without him knowing and somehow, he peacefully forgives. We can't say we would always have the patience to do the same. In the words of Michael, "It took becoming blind for me to really be able to see." Michael now sees the light of God and despite his struggles, he has found unbelievable strength. Even though Michael couldn't physically see Blake, his verbal and nonverbal cues illustrated gratitude in having someone sit beside him and simply share.
While Blake and Michael chatted, Hannah's new friend, Jameson (a confident & spunky aspiring fashion designer) reminded her of the beauty in being yourself and staying positive. The conversation started rather basic- the most recent fashion trends from Vogue, favorite perfume, Texan accents, TLC's new CD, how real the mash potatoes tasted, etc.- and then things quickly got real. James shared with Hannah the difficulties he has experienced while growing up on the reservation- being judged for pursuing fashion as a male, finding money for design school, and burying his father and five friends in one year. In face of all of the sadness and uncertainty, he claims that positivity is the only way to keep going. Talk about inspiring. After two hours, we left; taking with us insights from yet another life-changing event shared with those we pass by.
what we saw: new mexico from a whole new level
Five minutes from the campus, you will find some killer red rock hiking. Thanks to Jonathan Newman (math teacher who happens to be Hannah Newman's brother... Go DEACS for those who know who I'm talking about), Tim Bruinius (another teacher), and Russell Kamps (Rehoboth grad and great friend), Blake and I were able to get the lay of the land. The chalky reddish sandstone was something we had never hiked on before so "The Crevice" was super unique. At the top, we were able to a see the land from a new perspective (how many times have we used the word perspective thus far?) Anyways, the clear blue sky and unfamiliar terrain was freshly pleasant.
what we saw: the warm hospitality of a navajo family
The Carlisle family invited us to join them for a traditional Navajo experience. Don, the father, picked us up from Rehoboth and immediately made us feel incredibly welcome. Apologizing for not picking us up on his horses (they have a ranch with livestock), we hopped into his truck and headed to his mother's house for dinner. The Carlisle family is the only family in Gallup with four generations of Rehoboth Christian graduates so they were happy to host friends connected to the school's mission. Upon arriving, Blake went outside with Don to grill some recently-hunted elk and Hannah found herself with Don's three younger children. From helping Dylane (2nd grade) with her ladybug costume to belting out When Will My Life Begin from Tangled, Hannah immediately feeling back at home.
After some goofing around with the kiddos, we found ourselves deep in an emotional conversation with Don's father, a strong man who devoted his life to making positive change for the Native American community. Growing up with Tuberculosis, he was constantly rejected him-his family keeping him outside with the sheep far from the dinner table; however, an opportunity to go to school changed everything for him. His success at Rehoboth Christian School bloomed his immense potential. A man who grew up feeling so small found himself accepting a scholarship to college, becoming a marine, graduating law school, and leading as a well-respected community leader. With a firm belief in God, principles and education, he reminded us of how blessed we are to have graduated and taught us to keep our eyes open for the good each and every day. We were so blessed to have had that encounter with Mr. Carlisle.
At their home, we enjoyed a beautiful meal of elk, salmon, tortillas, pumpkin and mashed blue corn meal. Leaving their home with many hugs, extra smoked salmon (Hannah loved it) and horned toad pendants (know for their luck in Navajo tradition), we were joyously full. We ended the night in Tohatchi, driving up the Deeza Bluff to take a look at the most enchanting night sky. Piled in Don's truck with Dylane and Dally (his children), we played some eye-spy while riding up the rocky and treacherous mountain road. At the top we turned the high-beams off, stepped out, and simply tilted our heads back. Every constellation was present and accounted for, confirming we are once again a small part of this large world. We could have stayed there all night but the cold air quickly changed our minds. We really appreciated Don for showing us an activity he does quite often and we left for the night satisfied and influenced by this special place filled with amazing people.
After some goofing around with the kiddos, we found ourselves deep in an emotional conversation with Don's father, a strong man who devoted his life to making positive change for the Native American community. Growing up with Tuberculosis, he was constantly rejected him-his family keeping him outside with the sheep far from the dinner table; however, an opportunity to go to school changed everything for him. His success at Rehoboth Christian School bloomed his immense potential. A man who grew up feeling so small found himself accepting a scholarship to college, becoming a marine, graduating law school, and leading as a well-respected community leader. With a firm belief in God, principles and education, he reminded us of how blessed we are to have graduated and taught us to keep our eyes open for the good each and every day. We were so blessed to have had that encounter with Mr. Carlisle.
At their home, we enjoyed a beautiful meal of elk, salmon, tortillas, pumpkin and mashed blue corn meal. Leaving their home with many hugs, extra smoked salmon (Hannah loved it) and horned toad pendants (know for their luck in Navajo tradition), we were joyously full. We ended the night in Tohatchi, driving up the Deeza Bluff to take a look at the most enchanting night sky. Piled in Don's truck with Dylane and Dally (his children), we played some eye-spy while riding up the rocky and treacherous mountain road. At the top we turned the high-beams off, stepped out, and simply tilted our heads back. Every constellation was present and accounted for, confirming we are once again a small part of this large world. We could have stayed there all night but the cold air quickly changed our minds. We really appreciated Don for showing us an activity he does quite often and we left for the night satisfied and influenced by this special place filled with amazing people.
Today, we find graditude in everything you have read about above.