May 11

Dear Friends,

We’ve never lived in a place where it snowed the day before Mothers’ Day. Of course, the ground’s warmth prevented it from staying, but we delighted in the swirling flakes three or four times throughout the day. Mothers’ Day was a treat also for me as I shared memories of my mom with my brother and chatted with the little brothers.

Cool Fish. It's going on a tee-shirt.

The Mothers’ Day sermon was from I Thessalonians 2:7-8: “But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having a fond affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.”

When making Navajo Fry Bread, the grandmas advise us to be very gentle with the kneading. They teach, “Treat it like a baby.” The Navajo way is gentleness and quietness, yet showing great manual skill such as in their weaving, jewelry making, and drawings. Even the Navajo handshake is gentle. In following Paul’s example, Roger and I want to exhibit the gentleness and nurturing of our Savior rather than the irritation and busyness of the disciples, who tried to turn the children away.

The boys like doing crafts.

Why do we feel we have to knead the life out of the dough, guaranteeing a tough loaf? Lighten up, and the bread will be good.

Prayer Requests:

1) We have two weeks left to teach this particular group of kids. Pray for His wisdom to grasp every opportunity for their spiritual and academic instruction.

2) Hilltop Christian School plans to go up to the 6^th grade next year. We’ve got the staff in place, so pray for our new staff as they prepare this summer to come on board.

The girls sing more than do the crafts.

Honking the horn of the Sheriff's car was super.

Fry Bread

Fry bread is quite a process, but so worth it.

3) Concerning our summer, we are praying for travel plans – where to visit to share our ministry and raise support. We’re also hoping to visit family. Pray that God will open doors for a fruitful, yet restful summer.