August 21

First graders are amazed to see the "banana" sun.

Students use special solar glasses.

 Most Americans were caught up in the buzz about the solar eclipse which occurred today, as it was visible in totality throughout a section of the United States and nowhere else, but it was not so with the Navajo Nation.

The Navajos were very aware of complying with their Diné traditions. In Window Rock, the moon obscured nearly 74% of the sun. During the time of the eclipse, traditional Navajos who wanted to comply with the ancient taboos sat inside their homes with the curtains drawn. They remained silent, but respectfully awake and sitting up. They were not permitted to eat or drink. The children were forbidden to whine and complain.

The traditional medicine man doesn’t casually divulge the spiritual ramifications of the eclipse, but he said that the event signals a time of renewal and rejuvenation. It is a sacred time. Some say that the Sun and the Moon are exchanging information. He further told the Navajo Times that those who are outside during the event risk blindness and digestive problems. Pregnant women and fetuses are most vulnerable. A baby born during the eclipse might suffer lifelong stomach or bowel problems unless the parents have a ceremony done for him.

There is a sand painting a medicine man can do immediately after the eclipse to heal any bad effects if you find you can’t get indoors by the time the eclipse has started. A Blessing Way Ceremony would be in order the following day.

Two weeks ago, the Medicine man was surprised that the Navajo Nation government would have business as usual. He thought the President and other leaders were not considering the health and well-being of the Navajo people. On August 16^th, the President reversed his opinion and sent out a memorandum giving government workers administrative leave today.

As far as the children in our school, we were careful to send home permission slips. Some opted to participate in all class activities including viewing the eclipse with special glasses, art projects, and seeing totality on television. Fewer than 50% of our students attended school today, and a handful were required to stay inside.  For the ones who came, it was a very special day emphasizing the glory of God.

Here is an interesting article from the Denver Post if you click on the link.

http://www.denverpost.com/2017/08/19/tribes-hope-renewal-solar-eclipse/

We appreciate your prayers!

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

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

August 12, 2017

On Back to School Night, the teachers introduce themselves by telling where we are from and how we became Christians. Then we launch into class procedures, schedules, and homework expectations. On Tuesday evening, there were only two families in my room, so I welcomed the opportunity to learn where they were raised and what church they attended. One mom declared she went to the Native American Church. A typical response by Anglos is: “I never knew there was such a thing.”

The Native American Church is a religion that combines Christianity and Native Traditions. It includes the sacramental use of peyote, a hallucinogenic “medicine” originating from Mexico.

They believe in the Great Spirit and traditional spirits who carry prayers up to God.  In some tribes, Jesus is regarded as an Indian-culture hero returned, as an intercessor with God, or as a guardian who has turned to the Indians after being killed by the whites.

Ceremonies commonly last all night, beginning on Saturday evening and ending early Sunday morning. These ceremonies will include singing, dancing, drumming, and peyote consumption. Peyote, eaten in the ritual context, enables the individual to ‘commune’ with God and the spirits (including those of the departed) in contemplation and vision and so to receive from them spiritual power, guidance, reproof, and healing. Because peyote is a powerful stimulant, the participating members are wide-awake, so feasting is included.

The rite characteristically, but not always, takes place in a tepee around a crescent-shaped, earthen altar mound and a sacred fire. The all-night ceremony usually commences about 8 pm Saturday and is led by a peyote “chief”; it concludes with a communion breakfast on Sunday morning. The way of life is called the Peyote Road and enjoins brotherly love, family care, self-support through steady work, and avoidance of alcohol.

The services are not held regularly every Sunday. Common reasons for holding a service include the desire to cure illness, birthday celebrations, Christian holidays, school graduations, and other significant life events.

The NAC reflects a Navajo tendency towards syncretism. Traditional beliefs are so ingrained that even professing Christians often possess unorthodox doctrines.

Prayer and Praise:

School started on Wednesday, and though the first week was short, it seemed jam-packed. It was difficult for me to adjust to getting up early and being “on” all day long. This weekend was very welcomed.

I have eight students in first grade, and he

has four in his third grade. We both ask for prayers for wisdom and patience as each one of these children have “issues” and a variety of needs.