Arizona Connection

         Now that the Holidays are over we can get back onto a regular schedule again.  On Tuesday I cut the hair and gave a permanent to one of the elderly ladies in the branch that we are teaching and preparing for the temple.  This Tuesday I will do the same for another sister.  Tomorrow is "Interviews" in Polacca, about 1 1/2 hour drive.  We will leave here about 6:45 to carpool with other Srs. in Tuba City.  Pres. Beck will be there interviewing all the young elders and any Srs. who want an interview.  Afterward when we get back to Tuba City we will pick up an older sister from Cameron staying with a niece, take her grocery shopping then take her home to Cameron.  Her home is six miles into the desert on a dirt road.  The local tribal council has been trying to convince her to move into town with no luck.  We are joining the battle.  We are trying to help her see that she is totally at the good will of friends to get into town and see to her needs because she has no phone or transportation.  She has to hope someone will decide to visit.  We hope she is starting to realize her situation is not at all good.         

Our Christmas was spent with Matt and Kristin in Flagstaff.  It was a very white Christmas.  We left shortly after dinner because it was snowing and was to continue all night.  We are enjoying the books and pictures we received.  Thank you kids!!  All of the books are wonderful and useful both personally and with mission helps.           

When we were in the Philippines we bought a carved nativity to bring home.  We decided we should have one from the Navajo's as a remembrance of our Christmas here.  They had the perfect one down at the Cameron Trading Post and on sale.  I have attached pictures.  The artist is not Navajo but she makes nativities representing many cultures and studies the clothing and traditions.  It is ceramic and then painted.  The figures are approx. 3" tall.  The "Holy Family and Shepherd are in Navajo dress and the wise men are dressed to represent other tribes bringing their gifts from afar.  On the blankets are typical household items and turquoise jewelry.  Can you find the rabbit and tortoise?  Baby Jesus is laying on his side.  It has been fun to look at.  (I am easily entertained!)       

          We woke up to snow this morning but by the time church started it was about gone.  That means flagstaff and the Canyon got a new blanket.        

          One project for the new year is to start a parenting class and opening it to those in the community who want to attend.  It is one of the programs we can offer through the LDS Social Services.  They really need it here.  Another one is ARP, Addiction Recovery Program.  We don't feel quite so qualified for that but we are told everything is in the manual.  We are just "guides".  We will see about that one.  They really need it here also.  We have less than 5 months left and want to make our time full and effective.