June 14

We celebrate the season of promotions and graduations in May and June.  The Hilltop Christian first graders were eager to know if they were in second grade on the last day of school or in August. Technically, since they all passed, they will be second graders when I see them playing baseball this summer. :)

The kindergarten class practiced their program for us.

The Kindergarten Graduation was the only one at Hilltop because the fifth graders will be going into our newly added 6^th grade. Although preparing a grand promotion ceremony is work and stress for the teacher, the parents and grandparents love it!  The traditionally dressed children recite the Bible verses they’ve memorized for each letter of the alphabet. They sing in English and Navajo and exhibit their math skills. What a joyful day!

My students are nervous and excited.

         We were happy to celebrate graduation at Native American Christian Academy (NACA, formerly Sun Valley Indian School), where we taught two years ago. Two of my 6^th grade students (now 8^th graders) graduated.  I was so proud of their Christian testimonies, their character, and academic progress. Each graduate spoke, and I’ve printed a sentence from my girls’ thoughts.

“God gave me the courage to talk about Jesus Christ with my parents and tell them how He helped me through things. He also helped me witness boldly.” - LH

 “I will never forget this school because this school has led and taught me more about Christ. The school showed me the way to walk toward heaven. Here at the school, I accepted Christ and was baptized in the name of Jesus. For I am like an alien, who is not of this world. For I am a daughter of Jesus and my home is with him.” - AB

They look ready for the next step.

It doesn’t feel like we left Maryland so long ago, but the class I had for 7^th Grade Literature graduated. They were a fun group, and I’m sure they’ll never forget the nautical vocabulary we developed while studying Carry on, Mr. Bowditch.  Other students I taught graduated from various schools around the country-- one was 7^th in her class in Maryland and another graduated in Florida despite three concussions and brain surgery. I’m proud of them all. But this is merely the beginning, as we all know.

She overcame much to be here today.

Let’s pray that they have the vision found in Micah: to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with our God.  In walking together and with our Lord in gentleness, meekness, and patience, they will become the torchbearers for tomorrow-- Our hope for the Kingdom of Christ.

Blog: https://everettnavajo.blogspot.com

Support: Western Indian Ministries: http://www.westernindian.org/donate2/

P.O. Box 9090, Window Rock, AZ 86515