Winter 2023

The small girl was shy but happy when she saw the gifts from her sponsor. She was wrapped in a pile of dirty blankets. Her cold hands reached for the gifts. The home was one room with tar-paper siding. There was one small window with a plastic bag snapping in the wind. That was the only sound in the home and it was loud and irritating. Depression, sadness, and fear was thick in the air. This was my first time in the home. A woman stood nearby with no expression on her face. A man sat alone with his back to us. The wooden box he sat on was close to the dirt floor. There was no electricity or plumbing. The home was one small room. An Eagle feather with string attached floated overhead. The short cardboard door opened; an aged grand-mother hesitantly entered. A native blanket was wrapped around her stooped shoulders, she leaned on a stick for balance. Her moccasins looked like they were about as old as she was. She asked in her Navajo language why we were there. She was the matriarch of the family and the village. Everybody’s business was her business.
We took a few steps to leave. The young woman spoke in broken English. Do you know how to make a pray? I had been a Christian for years and never was asked that question. I looked straight at her and said “Yes.” Make one for him she indicated to the man sitting on the box. I placed my hands on his shoulders, prayed, and left.
Two weeks later more gifts arrived for the same child. I was thinking of the rough miles to reach the home. Old wagon trails, mud, and slush. We arrived, entered the home and excitement was in the air. The young woman rushed to give me a hug, so un-Navajo-ish. The old grandma entered and gave me a Navajo greeting in her native language, Aheehee “Thank You” I was perplexed, what did I do?
My husband she said. He was blind for a long time. A fire “welding” hurt his eyes. You make a good pray, what did you say? My husband she said, now he can see! We are so happy! We pray to the power of the Eagle Feather, but who do you pray to?
The medicine man, he try to heal my husband. My husband did what he was told. Many days he put sliced raw potatoes on his eyes but he still cannot see. I know they can heal anything, but she added, not this time.
Thus, started weeks, months and yes years of Bible lessons with many questions from them. Their English improved, so did their ability to reason outside the box of depression and fear.
Years forward… the dad and whole family made a choice to follow Jesus. The dad became a paramedic/ and care provider for the elderly. The mom weaves beautiful Navajo rugs. The child that was sponsored grew up to be a blessing in the medical field. A teenage son was tragically killed in an accident. The parents drew closer to Jesus and quietly suffered. From that suffering they emerged singing “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.” Two more daughters joined the family. One went into the medical field, and the last one is a court reporter.
The husband and wife with their guitars blessed their Navajo friends, families and neighbors. Covid took its toll, but hearing the old time Gospel songs gave the grieving families strength to go forward, still holding their loved ones in their hearts.
And yes, the old grandmother became a follower of Jesus, the best she could understand. Brother in-laws, sister in-laws, in-laws, and outlaws all came together, sat around the camp fires and agreed, the Jesus way is the best way. The path is slow but its strong and good and true.
With your help love and prayers you send us all over the reservation. You put the action word “Mobile” into “Indian Mobile Mission.”
Mr. Mrs. Manybeads asked me to “Thank You” for sending us to their door so many years ago.
“Aheehee” Blessings on you and yours,
Sylvia and Sylvia
PS. School request… a big need, more tooth brushes/ with tooth paste. Even the elderlys are getting into the habit! You can shop and ship or we can shop in your name. Let’s do it together!!