Arizona October Trip

Hey everyone! I wanted to update you all on the recent trip that OWM made to the TO reservation in Arizona. This was actually the first time I'd been there that wasn't in the summertime. I was excited to experience the desert in a new way...with much cooler temperatures than the scorching summer heat that I had experienced many times before. The days were warm but ideal for the many construction projects we were doing, and the nights and early mornings brought a chill that was cool enough to need sweatshirts and jackets. Aside from just the weather, other things that differed from previous trips I had taken were that the children are in school now, the team was rather small (which allowed for us to get to know everyone better), and we did a different aspect of ministry than the summer VBS.

Our week on the reservation entailed many different aspects of ministry, from visiting the nursing home to fixing the steeple on the church, with everything in between. Our team worked really well together and God used us to get many things accomplished for the Kingdom. We were able to have a block party in a village we had not been into previously! That night was special also because several members from the church went with us and we served together. It was exciting to see God working there. The wind was blowing excessively, leaving us with dirt all in our hair, ears, teeth, etc...BUT it did not keep the people from coming. We served food, gave away clothes, school supplies, and Bibles, and just had a great time talking with one another. Even in the middle of a remote village in the desert GOD IS THERE. This is a reminder that no matter where we are, or what circumstances we find ourselves in, God is always there with us.

Each morning we would spend a few hours at the nursing home in the center of the reservation. It was such a privelege to be able to talk with elders of the TO nation who had experienced and seen a different way of life than the current generation. We were told stories of past times, how things used to be on the reservation when people were dependent upon the land, and just general things - like one woman sharing of her travels from the rez, to Phoenix, to San Diego, and back to the reservation. She shared with me her life story, and I felt blessed to be able to just sit and listen to her as we worked on a doorhanger craft together. The elders especially enjoyed the presence of the children who were on the trip with us as their laughter echoed throughout the room, and they entertained by singing, dancing, and just doing what kids do. God used those children to bless others (including us on the team).

Back at the church we were involved in a couple of work projects like finishing the ramada we had begun this summer and fixing the steeple on the church. We were able to get much accomplished in a short amount of time. It was a blessing to me to see how everyone used their gifts and talents to work together to accomplish tasks, and how people were also stepping outside of their comfort zones to do something they wouldn't do on a normal basis. My favorite part of each day came when the kids got home from school and I was able to invest time in them. I have grown to love those kids over the past few years and it is always brings a smile to my face when one yells my name out to come talk to them, play a game, or even if it is just because they need a fork, seconds for dinner, or a drink. Those children are amazing kids and it blessed my heart so much to see a couple of them the last night hang around while we had worship outside. It was cold and late, yet they sat there listening as we sang praises to our Lord and shared about our week. God is indeed doing a mighty work in the desert, and I hope that some of you in the future will feel moved to go and serve even just a week of your time in that place. I promise you will be forever changed because of it. I hope you all have a blessed week!!

In Christ,
-Autumn