N e i g h b o r s Fall 2008 • Volume 2, Number 3

tHE nAVAJO Code Talkers tHE sTORY OF aLFRED k. nEWMAN, sR.

aLso see EMDR and Anxiety Reduction Do You Have An Estate Plan?

All of you that support and encourage us at Navajo Ministries are very important to us. We are always praying Jim, for you and continually thank God for your love and support. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “Nothing is for certain, except death and taxes”. Just dropping you Over the years we have received a quick note to tell you what a heart service it is to many wonderful gifts that have encourage families to care for their loved ones by being been given through the estates prepared for both. of our faithful supporters. Many years ago we decided to offer My comments are limited to the tax our help to provide education professional viewpoint. I recently saw a trust and consultations to assist our document that was prepared over ten years ago by supporters in establishing an Integrated Trust Systems, Inc. I was impressed when estate plan that avoids probate, the persons it was prepared for indicated they may reduces taxes, maximizes wealth not have done it except for your “awareness program”. for the family, and provides for When families are young and healthy, most are not ease of transfer to the family. inclined to think of doing such preparations.

We recently received this note As a tax professional I usually am relieved from a tax professional in our to hear my clients have a trust document in place. I community that I am glad to found this trust document to be concise in its content share with you. and presented in a high quality and durable format in an attractive binder. There were aspects of it that It is always nice to hear that allowed some flexibility as their lives change over what we are doing is beneficial the years. An exceptional element I observed in the to you our supporters. document was the educational narratives in each section stating its purpose. Mark D. Johnson, CFP® with Fountain Financial Group, Inc. I usually ask my clients who have trusts how has been helping our supporters they came to the decision to have a trust prepared for for almost 15 years in the area them because I am interested in their motivations of estate planning and charitable which may be helpful in encouraging others who gifting. He utilizes the services need this service. I was pleased to hear Jim Baker of Integrated Trust Services had encouraged them and recommended Integrated who provide estate planning Trust Systems, Inc to them. Over the years I have documents in all fifty states. always respected the work and service you provide to the community and this only served to solidify my If you have an interest in finding respect for you and Navajo Ministries. Thanks Jim. out more about establishing an efficient and cost effective estate plan or you would like a review Sincerely, of your current plan, call us. Mark will call you to discuss your family’s estate planning needs and help you determine if Barbara M. Moore, EA changes need to be made. contents

4 F r o M t h e P r e s i D E N T Navajon e i g h b o r s Called to Serve Fall 2008 • Volume 2, Number 3 5 N E W S A N D V i e W S USPS 907-460 6 T h e N avaj o C o d e t a l k e r s MANAGING Editor Secret Weapon of WWII: The Story of Alfred K. Newman, Sr. Jim Baker publisher 9 D i s c o v e r i n g navaj o l and Navajo Neighbors is owned and published by Pueblitos, A Passport to the Past Navajo Ministries Inc., and is published three times a year and distributed approximately 10 F o u r c o r n e r s h o m e f o r c h i l d r e n every four months. Periodical postage has been paid at Loveland, Jesus, the Same Yesterday, Today and Forever Colorado 80537. Postmaster send address changes to Navajo Neighbors, PO Box 1230, 11 o n - s i t e s c h o o l Farmington, 87499. Blessings of our On-Site School contact information Navajo Ministries 12 C o un s e l i n g c e n t e r 2103 West Main Street EMDR and Anxiety Reduction PO Box 1230 Farmington, New Mexico 87499 13 N avaj o cu l t u r e Phone 505.325.0255 Fax 505.325.9035 Local Plants are Food Email [email protected] Website www.NavajoMinistries.org 14 k nm i v e r t i ca l r ad i o About Nava jo Ministries An Extraordinary Father’s Day Navajo Ministries was established in 1953 for the purpose of caring for dependent children, 15 l i v i n g m e m o r i a l s regardless of race, religion or national origin, A Good Friend and for printing and distributing Navajo tracts and hymnals. The ministry has expanded over the years to include: a non-commercial Christian radio station, KNMI Vertical Radio 88.9 FM; Counseling Center; Outreach, providing spiritual, emotional and material encouragement to those living in Navajoland. When a donor expresses a preference as to the use of donated funds, Navajo Ministries will make every effort to honor their request and in most cases this is done in exact compliance with the donor’s wishes. However, the Board of Directors, in ensuring that Navajo Ministries carries out its exempt purposes required by law and effectively uses available funds, accepts the responsibility of applying funds in accordance with objectives of the ministry. Views and opinions expressed in Navajo Neighbors by those interviewed are not necessarily those of Navajo Ministries. Navajo Ministries is a Charter Member in good standing with ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). from the president Called to Serve

This summer Kay and I were When Al and Marie left pleasantly surprised when a friend houseparenting they stayed in the from our past walked in our doors. Farmington area with Al working We first met him in 32 years ago with the public schools and then when he and his wife came to serve with children of dysfunctional as houseparents at Navajo Missions. families through a New Mexico state program. But, while they were Al and Marie Sanchez joined Kay and in Farmington, Al kept hearing the me as we ministered together to the word “Guatemala” coming to his children who came into our care. They mind day and night. Could God be worked with us for about 3 ½ years. calling him there? Marie was a good cook and even prepared our evening meals at the In 1984 a friend made it possible for 22 years homes were built, an office mission for awhile until a new cook them to go to Guatemala to investigate building, workshop, apartments for arrived. During the day Al worked in what God might have him do there. It staff, school building and a medical our print shop. was the children – hungry, dirty, sick, and dental clinic. Over 300 girls have begging – many living in cardboard found a place of safety off the streets Al and I had a few things in common. boxes on the streets that touched their since he began the work. We both asked Jesus into our hearts hearts. Al and Marie felt God was in February of 1957. We also heard calling them to open a children’s home Al now retired and living in Florida, God speak to our hearts about going there. They returned home to prepare was in Farmington to visit his to the mission field. And, before we for their new calling to children. daughter and came by to share what knew it we were serving together in God had done in and through his life. Farmington, New Mexico. As he took Their trip to Guatemala was long As he talked about the progress and over management of the print shop I and tedious as they pulled the loaded accomplishments of the girls home in moved to the other side of the building trailer behind their van up and Guatemala, he reflected on his time to assist Jack in management and fund down the mountainous roads. After here at Navajo Ministries. He said, raising. Together, we were blooming 5,000 miles, they rounded a curve “Everything I did in Guatemala I where we were planted. descending to the site of their new learned from founder, Jack Drake, and work. They were just one mile away how he trusted God to meet the needs when a tragic accident occurred. in building homes, raising funds and Marie was killed instantly. Their van securing staff. He was my mentor!” and trailer were demolished with their personal belongings scattered Yes, besides Al Sanchez and me along the highway. Al was of course sharing the same month and year of devastated and felt he could not our salvation, we both have had the continue. Shortly thereafter he privilege of calling Jack Drake our returned to the states to be with his mentor. It’s my prayer that we will all children and church family. live our lives in such a way that others will want to follow our example. Before long God reminded Al “Love one another. As I have loved that His calling was irrevocable you, so you must love one another. [Rom. 11:29] and that he had By this all men will know that you are to go back. Al returned in 1986 my disciples, if you love one another.” to begin the work that God had [John 13:35] called him to do. Helpers came from the states. Funds arrived. The Guatemalan government granted their approvals and the home for girls was established. Over the next James D. Baker, President

 N avaj o n e i g h b o r s news and views

Comcast Cares Mini-Van Cuts Fuel Costs This past spring the local Through the financial support of our Comcast Cable Company friends we were able to purchase a chose Navajo Ministries to good used mini-van. This will help be the recipient of their day keep the large 12 passenger vans off of caring and serving. Over the highway when the houseparents forty of their staff and friends are transporting just a few children at spent Saturday morning May a time. Thank you friends. 3, painting, planting, weeding and even painting our flag pole. We’re very thankful for their assistance.

School Prayer Meeting This past summer we were able to facilitate Vacation Bible Schools at churches in the Navajo Nation. At the annual Back to School prayer meeting, August 17, the staff and Notes from Neighbors Readers houseparents gathered with the children and prayed for them as they began a new school year. My goodness what a wonderful job you guys do on the Navajo Neighbors magazine. I enjoyed it so much that I took it to my church to show my friends. I enjoyed the about Navajo artist, Elmer Yazzie. I cut one of the pictures out and framed it. I enjoy reading what God has done in the lives of my Native brothers and sisters. L. M., Kentucky

Your summer Navajo Neighbors was not only beautifully done, but informative. H. S., Minnesota

Everything stops around here when the Navajo Neighbors arrives! We read it from cover to cover. B. W., New Jersey

I like the format of the Navajo Neighbors that describes, page by page, what is happening within the various outreaches. M. G., Pennsylvania

N avaj o n e i g h b o r s  THE NAVAJO CODE TALKERS The story of Alfred K. Newman, Sr. SECRET WEAPON OF WWII Alfred K. Newman, Sr. was born on July 21, 1924 at Rehoboth Hospital east of Gallup, New Mexico where there was also a Boarding School Mission which is still in operation today. His family lived in Coolidge not far from the hospital where his father worked as a silversmith and his mother wove rugs for the trader who sold their crafts in the Trading Post to the many tourists who traveled by on historic Route 66.

Alfred reflected on his days as a youngster, “The trader had build several [dirt floored octagon shaped structures made out of logs and mud] at the rear of the trading post where the tourists would come to see how the Navajos lived. The thing I hated the most was posing for pictures, squinting my eyes as I faced the sun. To this day, I still hate cameras!”

Early school days saw Alfred’s mother walking him to the nearby school that was built for the children of those who Alfred and Betsy Newman have been married 59 years. worked for the railroad. This area was not on the reservation land so many The Navajo Code Talkers, whose It has been said that if it were not for of the youngsters were Hispanic. ranks exceeded 400 during the the Navajo Code Talkers, the Marines After a couple of years in that school, course of World War II in the would have never taken Iwo Jima. his parents and the trader removed Pacific Theater, have been credited him from that school because he was with saving countless lives and The Navajo’s unwritten language was learning more Spanish than English. hastening the end of the war. understood by fewer than 30 non-Navajos at the The ’s primary job was time of WWII. The size to talk and transmit information on and complexity of the tactics, troop movements, orders and language made the code other vital battlefield information via extremely difficult to telegraphs and radios in their native comprehend, much less dialect. A major advantage of the decipher. Recently one of Code Talker system was its speed. The these Navajo heroes came method of using Morse code often to Navajo Ministries for took hours where as, the Navajos an interview. Here’s his handled a message in minutes. story.

 N avaj o n e i g h b o r s “So, I began the third grade at the on to Camp Pendleton where we took Rehoboth Mission School.” our communications training.

Alfred recalled clearly that dreadful “We had a platoon of about 60 Sunday morning, December 7, 1941 Navajos from across the reservation. when as an eighth grader he was We had to be fluent in both Navajo getting ready to leave the dorm for and English. Four Navajo instructors church. “The Christian program on the began with the “first 29” Code Talkers. radio was interrupted with the news We had to be fast and accurate. that the Japanese had bombed Pearl We spent eight hours a day in the Harbor! The missionary teacher had classroom going through the alphabet us gather in the library to listen to the learning the code words for each news as it was broadcast to the world. letter. One word for “A” would be ant, but if there were other “A’s” in that word; we would use a different In 1982, President word. This format would be used for Ronald Reagan the names of islands and things like proclaimed August that. If we were talking about military 14th as National equipment we would use the Navajo word for turtle (ch’44h digh1hii) Navajo Code Talkers which would refer to a tank. We that couldn’t be deciphered by the Day. The Navajo couldn’t take notes. Everything was Japanese. Nation celebrates memorized.” with the closure of Alfred served from 1943 – 1946. tribal offices. It was a missionary’s son, Phillip As an eighteen year old on the front Johnston, who grew up on the lines, he witnessed many of his reservation, fluent in both Navajo fellow marines die in battle as the and English that suggested to the bullets flew all around them. As Code I remained at Rehoboth until after Marine Corps that he believed the Talkers they remained close to the I finished ninth grade. It was then difficult, unwritten communications specialists. When the that the Marines came to our school could be used to transmit messages Japanese couldn’t break the code they recruiting young Navajo men to serve their country. I figured I better enlist because they’re going to make me go anyway. At that time I really didn’t know why they were so interested in having Navajos serve.”

That summer this young Navajo 9th grade graduate, with the blessings of his parents, hitchhiked his way to Fort Wingate to enlist with the Marines. “A week later,” Alfred said, “I was on my way to Santa Fe for a physical examination and indoctrination. Ten days later I was on a train headed for eight weeks of training in San Diego. They prepared us for combat with arms training and then

N avaj o n e i g h b o r s  tried jamming the airwaves. About my little Bible with me in my vest powder and listening to planes and 400 were trained as Code Talkers, but pocket. I read it often, finding comfort bullets flying overhead. not all of them served in battle. Some in Psalm 91. Whenever we went off to were there in the occupation force, later. battle we would offer a prayer. Some He soon found a job at Fort Wingate of the other Navajo Code Talkers were where he took inventory of the Because of the secrecy, most soldiers more traditional in their religious ordinances and ran a forklift loading weren’t aware of the Code Talkers’ beliefs, carrying their corn pollen and storing bombs. He then became duties. It wasn’t until 1968, that the with them. There is fear when you’re an ammunitions inspector. Later, he United States government revealed in a war zone. As a Christian, I left began working with the Navajo Nation the secret weapon of World War II, everything up to God. If He wanted distributing grain and feed to livestock The Navajo Code Talkers. When me to die there, so be it. If He wanted across the reservation. Then, he spent Alfred was asked if he was relieved me to return, then that was His will.” some time working as a debt collector that he could finally tell his family and for an auto company. Finally, he started friends that he was a Code Talker, this It was 1947 when Alfred walked off working at the coal mine, just west of modest soldier replied, “No, I didn’t the bus in Coolidge, New Mexico. No Farmington where he stayed until he talk about it. I’m not a person to say, one knew he was coming home. His retired. ‘look at me, I’m a Code Talker’, mom had died while he was overseas. unless someone would ask. I’m not His stepfather was working in another Alfred and his wife Betsy have been one who likes to be put on a pedestal. place. As he walked the final two married 59 years. They met at the I just did my job.” miles to his home his eyes were boarding school and married after he refreshed with the view of the desert returned from the war. They have five Alfred was raised in a Christian brush amid the canyons and mesas. children, thirteen grandchildren and family. He said, “I accepted Christ The aroma of the sage and the sounds two great grandchildren. as my Savior at Rehoboth Christian of the wind were comforting after his School. When I went to war, I carried Alfred says, “The Code Talkers meet years of enduring the smell of gun once a month in Gallup. When asked what he thought of the Wind Talkers movie that Hollywood produced a few Navajo Code Words years ago, he shook his head, while smiling, “I saw it and I give it a ‘D’. ALPHABET NAVAJO WORD TRANSLATION The guy playing the Code Talker was A w0l1ch77’ ANT from Canada and he couldn’t speak B shash BEAR Navajo. And, the movie suggested that H [99’ HORSE there was a body guard that stayed P nizh0n7 PRETTY with each Code Talker, ready to kill S dib4 SHEEP the Code Talker if he was captured. I never found that to be true.” PLATOON hasht[‘ishnii MUD CORPS dine’4 CLAN As the interview ended, Alfred’s wife Betsy requested that the Navajo MAJOR ch4ch’il bit’22’ 0ola GOLD OAK LEAF Neighbors readers pray for their COLONEL ats1 b44sh[igai SILVER EAGLE health. As they get older they have needed surgeries. One surgery was DIVE BOMBER gin7 CHICKEN HAWK called off. They believe God healed PATROL PLANE g1agii CROW them, answering their prayers. They BATTLESHIP [00’tsoh WHALE currently live near Farmington SUBMARINE b44sh [00’ IRON FISH where Alfred enjoys spending time DESTROYER k’aa’ [00’ SWORDFISH with their animals. They are active members of the Maranatha Fellowship To hear these words spoken, go to www.NavajoMinistries.org and choose The Navajo on side menu. [Christian Reformed Church] located in Farmington.

 N avaj o n e i g h b o r s Discovering navajoland Pueblitos, a Passport to the Past

The Navajo Nation is a vast land of roughly 27,000 square miles. This rugged terrain spans across the northeast corner of Arizona and the northwest part of New Mexico. Approximately fifty miles east of the Navajo Nation border is a place called Din4tah in the Largo- Gobernador area.

Din4tah is home to Navajo pueblitos (small ). These pueblitos were occupied by Navajo and people during the Gobernador Period which began with the in 1680, and ended about 100 years later. In 1692 when the Spanish regained control of the pueblo villages, many fled west to Navajo territory (Din4tah).

The Navajo and the Pueblo survive, the builders of the pueblitos The abandoned pueblitos were most people lived together and possibly utilized mesa tops, cliff faces, and likely first discovered by ranchers intermarried. The influence of the large boulders as construction sites. and Hispanic shepherds. In 1912 Pueblo people is seen in the arts, As a defense strategy, these locations the pueblitos were professionally crafts, and architecture of the Navajo had expansive views of on-coming recorded, and in 1915 excavated. people. The Puebloan construction was attacks. Increased raids from Ute Additional recording and excavation utilized as Ute tribes began threatening tribes and drought brought an end to was done between 1934 and 1941 the survival of Navajo and Pueblo this period, and the Navajo people by both amateurs and professionals. people around 1715 AD. In order to moved further west by the late 1740’s. In the 1950s, the pueblito sites were documented as part of the Navajo Land Claim.

Today, preserving these unique structures is a goal of the Bureau of Land Management. The mesas and canyons are full of juniper, pinon pine, and sagebrush. Bumpy dirt roads will lead you to breathtaking views of canyons, Navajo Lake, and the pueblitos.

Most sites are accessible by car, however in inclement weather, some roads are impassable. For more information about the Din4tah Pueblitos, contact the Bureau of Land Management, 1235 La Plata Hwy, Farmington, NM 87401.

N avaj o n e i g h b o r s  Four corners home for children Jesus, the Same Yesterday, Today and Forever

Ask anyone here, they’ll tell you – one Hope Humbles has just recently left Our new house parents have arrived thing that never changes around here our Crisis House program after six fresh from the Chicago area. The is the consistent way in which things years of devoted service as a house Hampton family is actually returning change around here. That’s a bit mom. She considered taking a roll to Farmington, having lived here some confusing so let me say it a different in our school but feels like God is sixteen years ago. You will read more way . . . one thing at Navajo Ministries leading her in another direction. We about them in an upcoming issue of you can count on to never change is will miss her and we wish her all of the Navajo Neighbors. the fact that things always change. God’s best. Hmmm, that’s not much better. One Just as the Hamptons were making more try . . . one thing that stays the Sonya Rodriquez is filling the their transition from Chicago to New same at NMI is the fact that nothing position Hope vacated. She is doing Mexico, the Garveys, house parents ever stays the same. Maybe I should a fantastic job. She certainly knows for the past nineteen months, told give up. the . She has most recently us of their intention to leave house served alongside Heather, as assistant parenting. They have blessed us this Things change. It is part of life and house parent but her history with past year and a half as as the seems to be an everyday part of life Navajo Ministries goes back a long children that have been in their home. at Navajo Ministries. This has been a time. Sonya grew up in our children’s They intend to stay in the Farmington summer of change but we clearly see homes and she is now ministering to area and possibly even remain the hand of God at work. children she shares common ground involved with us in other employment with. Sonya is a wonderful caretaker areas. The summer began with one set of to the children here. Her heart reaches house parents, the Moores, leaving Article contributed by: Annette Hall, out to them and she is able to connect Director of Children and Family Services. us to pursue other employment with them on a different level opportunities. Heather Baker, our than the rest house parent assistant, graciously of us can. agreed to fill in full-time as interim houseparent until our new house parents arrived. That was a real blessing but it also left us without an assistant! Sarah, our teacher’s aide, agreed to fill in as assistant until Heather could return to the post.

We welcome Brandon and LaDonna Hampton and family.

10 N avaj o n e i g h b o r s On-site school Blessings of our On-Site School

A couple of years ago, I was the n.d.) Plus the strong one-on-one teacher at Navajo Ministries School. role modeling that can take place I loved the three years that I worked in small classes make learning there and felt like my students more natural since this is the made learning gains, despite their way that the Navajo people overwhelming circumstances have traditionally taught their youngsters. Towards the end of my time there, I was working on my masters and my Another generality of Navajo thesis was about teaching Navajo and learners that I learned was that at-risk students. What I learned was they learn “globally.” This that the school at Navajo Ministries is means that they do better when an ideal placement for these students. they can visualize the big picture Small class sizes, a comfortable and of what is being taught. (Eric loving space, and attention to cultural Development Team, 1994) With differences all help to stabilize the the collaboration of house-parents Jim Baker and architect and Board learning environment. and other Ministry staff, this is easier member George Trosky place stakes to accomplish than if they were in a where the new Education/Activity New research is showing that different, unconnected school. Center will be constructed. emotional states have a huge impact Sources: on learning. Fear and prolonged The weekly meetings and stress, in particular, can inhibit collaborative activities that were Eric Development Team. (1994). Instructional learning. (Jensen, 2005). The planned for the students helped Conversations in Native American more we can do to make a student students continue their learning Conversations. Washington D.C. : Eric feel comfortable, the better chances seamlessly outside of the school Clearinghouse on Language and Linguistics. we have of meeting their needs as day. Meeting the needs of the “whole child” including basic needs, Jensen, E. (2005). Teaching with the brain in learners. (Robertson, 2004) For these mind (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Association students from families in crisis, the spiritual needs, educational needs, and for Supervision and Curriculum Development. small class size is ideal. emotional needs is truly the key to why these kids at Navajo Ministries Robertson, R. (2004). Resilience in children: First of all, it keeps them on campus can function as well as they do. a product of love and nurturing. Health Link: with people that they are familiar Medical College of Wisconsin. with. Since Navajo students tend to They know they are loved and Wise, L. (n.d.). Learning among traditional be shy, this gives them protected and this enables them to Native Americans. www.integratelearning.org. fewer relationships to focus on what they need to focus on, worry about. (Wise, being a kid!

Funds are now being raised for the “extreme makeover” of the Ministries campus. The new Education/ Activity Center is phase 1 of the project. For more information on how you can make an investment in this facility, contact Jim Baker at 505-325-0255.

Linda Gutierrez, former teacher, poses with one of her N avaj o n e i g h b o r s 11 classes during her three years serving as teacher. Counseling center

Article contributed by: Bill Eubank, MA, LPCC, The Counseling Center EMDR and Anxiety Reduction at Navajo Ministries When I came home from a tour in No one is sure how EMDR works, “Having an insatiable appetite for Vietnam, I returned with memories neurobiologically or in the brain. sex, I found myself getting into all of the trauma I experienced in But, we do know that when a person sorts of sexual predicaments with war, both of events as well as the experiences a seriously traumatizing other women. I went to Bill for emotions encountered. Thirty-one event, normal brain processing does help and after several sessions with years later I was diagnosed with not occur as it does ordinarily. The EMDR I had a breakthrough. These event somehow becomes “frozen” sessions were quite emotional, but Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in time and even thinking about this well worth the time spent. My wife [PTSD], a very common disorder traumatizing event causes the same has forgiven me and we are working for returning veterans. It was a emotional response as it did during the on our relationship. I feel like a new problem for me until recently actual incident. These memories may person!” J. R. when many of my symptoms well interfere with the way we see and were minimized through a enjoy life and others. “When I was in elementary school, therapy process called EMDR. [Eye I went to the ocean. I was walking Movement Desensitization and I have recently been trained and along and stepped off some sort of Reprocessing] certified as an EMDR Therapist*. ledge and went under. Luckily, my This counseling technique has brother was nearby and pulled me brought on a completely new and up. Since then I can’t get into a pool refreshing aspect to my counseling more than waist deep and would never practice. EMDR is quite successful put my face into the water! Using and beneficial for all sorts of phobias, EMDR, Bill was able to relieve my anxiety issues as well as past trauma. anxiety about water and now, not only Additionally, bringing God into the can I put my face in the water, but I’m EMDR session has greatly increased signing up for swimming lessons!” D. T. the effectiveness and long-term resolution of the target issues we are It is very encouraging to me to working on with the client. know that through God and the use of EMDR, I am able to help bring Perhaps the best way to describe a reduction in anxiety and fear for the benefits of the EMDR those clients willing to deal with their therapy is to hear what some of past issues. For each of these clients our clients have to say. quoted above, I feel very fortunate to have been able to take part in their “I’ve been afraid of snakes healing and hear them praise God since I was a little girl. I because of it. had heard about Bill’s new EMDR therapy so went to see if he could help me. After just two sessions, I was totally freed * The EMDR International from my fear!! That Association (EMDRIA) really worked!! I still maintains a list of all EMDR won’t pick up a snake, trained therapists in the but at least now, nation and around the I don’t freak world. Their website is: out when http://www.emdria.org/ I’m around one!” S. L.

12 N avaj o n e i g h b o r s NAVAJO culture Local Plants are Food

There is a wide variety of local Stories of gathering wild plants and Wild plant life in the southwest that the circle of life have been passed Mustard continues to provide sustenance down from generation to generation. for the Navajo people. Plants such These stories remain a part of the oral as sumac berries, wild mustard, and history and story telling of the Navajo goosefoot are just a few examples people. Today you can still find elders who share the stories and the food of of wild plants used by Navajo. Deep the traditional Navajo. in the canyons of sandstone you can still find wild potatoes, wild Goosefoot celery, and rhubarb. One popular dish among Navajo people is ch77[chin, which is a pudding made from sumac berries. The red berries are cooked with sugar and cornmeal to make the pudding. In addition to the ch77[chin, such Wild Rhubarb as the Wedding are made from the sumac branches, and a dye is made from the leaves of the sumac.

Goosefoot is another wild plant that was eaten by the Navajo. The goosefoot plant leaves and stem are eaten in early spring, and the seeds Sumac Berries are harvested in the fall. The Navajo translation is t[΄ohdeeii tsoh.

Wild celery is a small plant that is usually dried and used in soup and stews. The Navajo translation is haza’aleeh tsoh. Wild Potato Navajo people believe that life moves in circles. Sun and rain bring the plants from the earth. The plant gives life to animals such as sheep, horses, and deer. These animals in turn give life to man, and other animals such as mountain lions and hawks. In the end everything returns to the earth to feed new life.

Navajo people believe that nothing should ever be wasted. Every part of the sheep, plant or other resource should be used. Everything taken from the earth is given back. Wild Celery

N avaj o n e i g h b o r s 13 KNMI vertical radio An Extraordinary Father’s Day

Most people spend Father’s Day went on, this concert became a festival We were treated to a special day of honoring Dad. They probably go to event with other singers and ministers entertainment that the Four Corners region church together and maybe including The Afters, Bethany Dillon, has never seen before. Despite the heat out for breakfast; treat Daniel Rodriguez (aka “The Singing and flying dust, attendees had a great time him to a few gifts Policeman”), Marla Kavanaugh worshipping the Lord together. As the sun then round the day (an opera singer from New slipped behind the mesas, Mercy Me took off with a backyard Zealand), Dennis “The Swan” the stage. These men have been blessed BBQ. For my family, Swanberg, Bibleman, Trilby with a gift from God to entertain and to this Father’s Day Michel, and two local bands, lead others to praise Him. The crowd Loruss and Paradigm joining became one large family…the Body of was different. We the headliner band, Mercy Me. Christ, worshipping together as Mercy Me honored my husband performed and ministered with their songs Kelly, but we also Nestled in a rock formation, 9 miles and testimonies. honored our veterans and Southeast of Bloomfield is a hidden servicemen and most importantly treasure called Angel Peak Ranch. There our Heavenly Father. We attended an in the middle of the desert was a huge event like nothing I have ever seen. stage for the event. Behind the stage was a Nine artists, ten hours and hundreds modern version of the Old West. Instead of of people: featuring Mercy Me. circled wagons were dozens of RV’s lined up in a horse- shape to create a mini- If you’re from the Four Corners region, village for the artists to rest and refresh. you know that a huge event like this would typically be out of our grasp. It The day of the concert proved to be a would cost a family like mine hundreds typical hot, breezy, dusty day in New This is just a glimpse of SpiritFest 2008. of dollars to drive to Phoenix or Denver, Mexico. As our family was setting up Vertical Radio was blessed to be a small buy tickets, rent a hotel room and feed our area, a van drove up, and a bright- part of this event through planning and everyone in restaurants in order to attend eyed young woman hopped out saying, promotion. Launie and her team from an event of this magnitude. Not this year. “Hi! I’m Beth!” It was one of the artists, Angel Peak Ministries are already talking I am talking about SpiritFest 2008, the Bethany Dillon. She was the sweetest, about their plans for the next event and first Christian festival event in the area, most genuine person I met that day. Mercy praying for God’s guidance. hosted by Angel Peak Ministries. Me posed with Darren, Cindy and me (see picture) after their exploring adventures by Wendy Curtin, host of the KNMI Lunch Vertical Radio was asked where they found animal bones, lizards, Crunch from 10 AM – 3 PM daily [To to partner with them as the and a snake. read more about Wendy’s experiences at promoting station for SpiritFest visit www.VerticalRadio.org] SpiritFest 2008. We agreed and as the weeks Mercy Me

14 N avaj o n e i g h b o r s living memorials

A Good Friend Living Memorials as of July 2008 FROM IN MEMORY OF Everybody needs to have at Randall Sierk Rev. Martin G. Sierk Richard and Donna Maser Breann Chavez least one good friend. I’m sure Bradley and Andrea Baker Breann Chavez there are many reading these Terry Baker Breann Chavez words who are blessed with John and Carol Borst Breann Chavez several good friends. I know Thomas and Melissa Baker Breann Chavez that’s been true with me. Jan Jarman Bernice Kennedy One of my good friends was Mayo Clinic – Mr. Peter Carryer, MD Edd Coffey Allan and Babette Bassing Breann Chavez Vern Roth. Kay and I have had Judy Feil Sharon Chiles many great times together Rod Hancock Family Sharon Chiles with Vern and Kay Roth and Don and Carol Adams Loree Ann Ferrari former staff members Bob Don and Carol Adams Henry Averett and Leslie Fitz over the years. Don and Carol Adams Mrs. Terry Maxey Many meals and picnics were Don and Carol Adams James Worrell Don and Carol Adams Mrs. Barbara Wooter shared in each of our homes. Table games always brought Mary I. Scranton Rev. Francis C. Stranton out the fun in all of us. Winning wasn’t really important, but Jim and Kay Baker Sharon Atson the time spent together was always a blessed time. Betty R Morris Judge Howard Fender Betty R Morris Rodney Crear This past July Vern lost a courageous battle with cancer that he Bethany Church Marian Jackson had fought for over a year. Many of his friends gathered at the Sandra S Pobanz Wilbur and Grace Pobanz funeral to celebrate his life of service to God and others. His wife David and Amanda Miller Kathy Rice Kay listed Navajo Ministries as a place for their friends to donate Marguerite Wissmann Donald Frank gifts in his memory. You will notice a number of them are shown Jann Gouge Miriam Jablonski on this page. We’re always thankful for friends who want their Jim and Kay Baker Trevor Kilty loved ones remembered in this way. Donald and Lily Schneider Bertha Steudler Jami and Lisa Chavez Breann Chavez Perhaps you have a good friend like Vern was to me. You can Sally Fort Patricia Stephens remember him or her through a Living Memorial gift. If your Mary M Buol Bertha Steudler friend is still living, you can show your love and appreciation Allan and Babette Bassing Breann Chavez through a gift in their honor. All of the Memorial Gifts received Sandra Pobanz Wilbur and Grace Pobanz benefit the Four Corners Home for Children here at the ministry. Virginia Chambers Bessie Ziegler Caleb and Alice Dickson Sharon Atson After we have received your donation, a lovely remembrance Phyllis Y. Crum Paul M. Crum card will be sent to the family of the one you are memorializing Rich and Betsy Castle Vern Roth or honoring. No amounts will be mentioned. Janice E. Micali Vern Roth John and Jane Plunkett Vern Roth Vern’s best friend was Jesus and I know he would want our David and Jacque Taylor Vern Roth readers to remember the words of Christ as He spoke of His J.P. and Georgia Hayes Vern Roth sacrifice on the cross when he said, “Greater love has no one than Wynell B. Tyler Vern Roth this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15: 13] Schreiber Insurance Agency Vern Roth By: Jim Baker, a friend to Vern Keith and Loveda Miller Vern Roth Kathleen and David John Drake Helen Drake Don and Joan Pinkerton Vern Roth Living Memorials as of July 2008 Ron Cadenhead Elaine Rooks FROM IN HONOR OF Conrad W. Nelson Elaine Rooks Jo Ellen Koser Marjorie Shoap Grant Heilman Elaine Rooks William and Karen Bockwitz Charlie and Jan Carey Ed and Loretta Allen Vern Roth Donald and Gay Carlson Dave and Shirley Carlson Harold and Darlene Van Winkle Vern Roth 50th Wedding Anniversary Jeff and Marilee Bosma Jennie Banger Laura Monteros Margaret Berthold Jim and Kay Baker Vern Roth Robert and Maxine Weeks Lorraine Collins Aubrey and Betty Morris Barbara Waters Laura Monteros Margaret Berthold Aubrey and Betty Morris Billy Lee Moore

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