Week 16 - (Opposite of Old) Mexico
While talking on the phone with my brother Davey this week, he mentioned he thinks this is the most unique week we have had, and I agree. Working on a Native American Reservation is new for us, and I had minimal knowledge of Native American culture coming into this time. Cain explained in last week’s blog some of the details we did not know about the Navajo Nation: they have their own government, they are exceptionally good at basketball (they even made a Netflix documentary about this), and the nation is the size of West Virginia. We also learned of the hardships on the reservation: 40% of people don’t have running water or electricity, the suicide rate is significantly higher than the average in the States, and Covid hit them extremely hard (mostly due to lots of people/families in small living areas and bad health prior to the pandemic). There are many organizations and individuals who have a heart for this community, and we were grateful to work alongside people who are making a difference in the Navajo Nation.
Trying out the Native food with Jonathan and Kevin - Mutton
Cain, Davis, and I have been reading The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness together, a book by Tim Keller. Everyone should read this book because it is small and impactful. In the book Keller quotes C.S. Lewis’ definition of humility, writing “humility is not thinking less of yourself, thinking of yourself less.’” Self-forgetfulness. This week we spent a ton of time with Chuck Harper and Kevin Ruthven. They were great examples of people who rarely think of themselves; instead, they are constantly thinking of others.
Chuck runs Across Nations in Tse Bonito, a non-profit dedicated to helping the people of the Navajo Nation. Chuck has been participating in a bible study with the President of the Navajo Nation for the past several years. This week, the former president mentioned he was moving out of the President’s house, as the new president was moving in following the recent election. Although Chuck had quite a busy day, he offered his help (which included us). During our time helping the former president move, he mentioned he had to return the trailer back to town after going to his new house (a 6 hour round trip). Chuck, after already sacrificing his time on a busy day to help move, offered his time again. At this point I was confused. I could not comprehend in the moment how Chuck could essentially give up his day… just like that! I realized I was witnessing true humility. He is not thinking of himself, so he takes any opportunity to help others. In that, he is not bothered by the fact that it messes up his day. We continued to see him live like this throughout the week, and each time were inspired by his selflessness.
Chuck Harper after his fresh haircut.
Kevin Ruthven is the chaplain and a teacher at Rehoboth Christian school. Kevin invited us to spend time with four of his high school classes and speak at chapel for the middle schoolers. Being a part of class made me wish I had more teachers like Kevin. On top of teaching four classes, Kevin has the responsibilities of a chaplain. He deals with an incredible amount of trauma and heaviness stemming from the poverty and crises around the community. Since COVID, Kevin has conducted 60 funerals. During our time with him, we realized how often people are going to Kevin in times of need: a student after class, a phone call from a person in the community, a school bus driver from the bus driver bible study (which we were able to be a part of), or even other faculty. From the outside, it seems Kevin doesn’t have time to think about himself because there is so much heaviness and heartbreak he deals with daily. Through all of this, Kevin is still a true, genuine person. He would walk the halls and greet every kid by name, eat lunch with students, spend extra time outside of school investing in their lives, and on top of this be the greatest dad he can be (we got to play in a LOST Bus vs. Kevin/sons basketball game). I am encouraged by Kevin’s commitment to putting others first and himself second.
Chuck and Kevin do not think too high of themselves, nor do they think too low of themselves (a problem the book discusses). They simply think of themselves less. Self-forgetfulness. How are they like this? They know their value is given to them from God, who loves them for who they are. With this confidence, they have the ability to focus on others.
Sledding at youth group
This week we also had our first out of town visitor - my cousin Nate (who we worked with in Fort Collins at his non-profit Vindeket). He is the best, and we had the greatest time together. He makes any activity more enjoyable, so we were grateful for his presence (and his dog Veho).
Nate and Veho cozy on our guest bed
This weekend I am celebrating the life of my grandma Omi at her funeral. I am grateful to be with my family and to mourn and celebrate her life.
Davey and Poppy playing piano for the funeral reception
While I’m in Dallas, Cain and Davis are proudly showing off the LOST Bus at Schooliepalooza, a festival for people who live out of school buses. I am not a good primary source for their weekend, so I will let Davis share more about it next week in the blog. Stay tuned.
