On Saturday morning, after we packed our gear, we all made one last trip to the Rock Point Chapter House for breakfast and good-byes. There was lots of hugs and picture taking--as much as we enjoyed the week, we were all ready to be heading for home. We drove to the Four Corners and each person took their turn standing in four states at once. There were several Native American artisans selling their crafts, so we all had a great time spending our money and talking to the artists.
We then drove to Cortez, CO where we had our first "real" food in a week--Burger King!!! We then went to a local Native American museum and Navajo Rug Room. Jackie spent a lot of time explaining and teaching us about the crafts, the jewelry and the rugs of the Navajo--it was really cool and interesting.
Our next stop was in Monticello for some more "real" food and then on to Moab where we went to a grocery store to buy items for breakfast and lunch on Sunday. We bought Domino's Pizza for dinner and then drove to Arches National Park to make camp.
Thanks to Jackie, we had a wonderful group camp site at the Devil's Garden campground. The area was gorgeous and we all spent the evening watching the sunset, eating our pizza, and pitching a couple of tents. We had a camp fire, made s'mores, and sang songs accompanied by Drew and his guitar. There was also a very serious (HA HA) card game going on at one of the picnic tables. This was a much needed evening of de-compressing after a week of continuous regimentation at the Sierra Service Project site. There was lots of laughter, fun and comraderie during the evening. Even though a few slept in the tents, most of us slept on tarps on the ground--it was quite nice to sleep until we awakened on our own and not to the sound of Star Wars blaring promptly at 7 a.m. The fresh air did us all good, especially after sleeping on the dusty floor of the elementary school gymnasium for a week.
After a leisurely breakfast, we broke camp, repacked the vans once again, and headed to the Devil's Garden trail head. There were different degrees of hiking, with one group covering approximately 4 - 5 miles, another group covering 2 or 3 miles, and another group only hiking a mile or so. It was quite warm, but extremely beautiful and worth whatever effort was put forth. Arches National Park is truly a place that reminds you of God's presence. We were in the car and headed for Salt Lake by 2 p.m. and arrived at CUMC to our anxiously waiting parents around 6:45 p.m.
So, would we do this again?? --you betcha ya. It was a great experience, not only to help others who are less fortunate than us, but also to connect with God in a way that is not possible in our busy everyday lives. Giving up cell phones, Ipods, computers, and other electronics for a week is a challenge in itself for most of us and certainly not something we could do everyday--but this one week has been a time to replenish our souls and renew our spirits for the coming months--until we have the opportunity to do this again.
We wish to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make this trip possible--CUMC constituents, parents, prayer partners, Janet Hutchinson, Barb McClellan, Barbara Jolley, Steve & Bev Goodier, . . . . . . . . . There are so many and even if I haven't mentioned your name, your are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all.
Now, if you will excuse me, there is a hot shower . . . . . . .
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Day 5 Last Work Day and Day 6 --We're Headed Toward Home
Thursday evening we had a wonderful time with the SSP staff -- it was a time of spiritual reflection. We went to a beautiful red rock canyon and the staff read scripture about what's God's expectation of each of us is. Then we were given time to reflect individually on those scripture. It was particularly powerful because off in the distance was beautful thunderclouds and lightening--God was truly letting us know that that he was with us.
Friday was our last work day. Each group was trying to hurry and get as much done as possible. Dianne's group with Remi and Mehvish painted dark brown trim on Betty and Johnny's house until we all could look "up" no longer. Next week's group should have no problem finishing the project. Tom, the son-in-law, prepared Navajo tacos for us for lunch--what an exceptional treat.
Luke's group continued their demolition, but also started on replacing plywood, placed an end cap on the roof, cut some wood and cleaned tools--they thought they had a productive day.
Drew & Sarah's groups continued their roofing project putting on new roof while continuing to take off old.
Emily's group was busily working on a Navajo Hogan, putting on a roof.
Greg, Chris & Dylan, who are working on Elsie's house, finished their roof on Thursday and placed drywall on the ceiling on Friday. They also make some runs to the local dump.
Jackie, Scott, Michael, & Josie finished their primer paint and began painting with "real" paint on the house they are working on.
Aruj and her group went back to their original project of roofing on Friday.
On Friday evening, we had a Candling ceremony which is an SSP tradition. Each participant had the opportunity to tell what this week has meant to them. Then we were treated with Root Beer Floats and much needed bedtime.
It is now 7 a.m. on Saturday and we are all trying to get ready to leave. We are headed to the Four Corners, Cortez, CO and then to Moab, UT and Arches National Park, where we plan to camp for the night.
What a week!! Thanks to everyone who made this happen, especially the people of Christ United Methodist Church--you are awesome.
Hopefully you will hear more from us before we get to Salt Lake. Stay Tuned. . .. . . .
Friday was our last work day. Each group was trying to hurry and get as much done as possible. Dianne's group with Remi and Mehvish painted dark brown trim on Betty and Johnny's house until we all could look "up" no longer. Next week's group should have no problem finishing the project. Tom, the son-in-law, prepared Navajo tacos for us for lunch--what an exceptional treat.
Luke's group continued their demolition, but also started on replacing plywood, placed an end cap on the roof, cut some wood and cleaned tools--they thought they had a productive day.
Drew & Sarah's groups continued their roofing project putting on new roof while continuing to take off old.
Emily's group was busily working on a Navajo Hogan, putting on a roof.
Greg, Chris & Dylan, who are working on Elsie's house, finished their roof on Thursday and placed drywall on the ceiling on Friday. They also make some runs to the local dump.
Jackie, Scott, Michael, & Josie finished their primer paint and began painting with "real" paint on the house they are working on.
Aruj and her group went back to their original project of roofing on Friday.
On Friday evening, we had a Candling ceremony which is an SSP tradition. Each participant had the opportunity to tell what this week has meant to them. Then we were treated with Root Beer Floats and much needed bedtime.
It is now 7 a.m. on Saturday and we are all trying to get ready to leave. We are headed to the Four Corners, Cortez, CO and then to Moab, UT and Arches National Park, where we plan to camp for the night.
What a week!! Thanks to everyone who made this happen, especially the people of Christ United Methodist Church--you are awesome.
Hopefully you will hear more from us before we get to Salt Lake. Stay Tuned. . .. . . .
Friday, July 27, 2007
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