Did you see how gorgeous our girls were—so many dressed Native, stunning jewelry, warm smiles, happy parents!As beautiful as it was, that was only half the story, the most obvious—it was the events afterward that added texture.
A good graduation—“Nizhoni” as the Navajos say.
Actually it started before the ceremony at the Ballenger brunch. Classy, as one would expect from Virginia, we were gabbing with some seniors over enchiladas, one of whom had tested us severely. How they had grown-up, how comfortable they were in chatting with us older adults, how they talked about their future. It was beautiful.
After graduation, we hustled to the Largo gathering. Funny John and sweet Brenda making everyone feel welcome—practicing hospitality that they learned in their Native churches growing up. A Christian mom and dad, cherishing these moments with their only child, with Christian relatives, unto the third and fourth generation, all around. It was the Church. Christ and his church have made John and Brenda and Jessica so gracious and modest and loyal—the fruit of the Spirit pours out of this family. Beautiful fruit!
To the Jones—we all know that nobody can put on an event like the Jones. Efficient, orderly, warm, with Grandma Elizabeth at the controls—celebrating Jacob, who is a man, and has been a man in the house for a good while. Home, church, school?—see Jacob! The occasion planned months in advance by Auntie Felicia, who charged each of her 10 siblings $20 a month, beginning in October of ‘08, to pay for the party. Speeches, testimonies, and then Pendleton gifts, none more precious than to Lorretta, whose tears barely enabled her to say, “No one has ever done this for me before.” Beautiful! The Jones—a beautiful family.
Now the Terry’s—big, warm crowd—Crownpoint and Tohatchi people and points in between, lots of Holyans, rodeo folks-- for SunniRose and Ashley’s graduations. A previous generation left Rehoboth estranged, but they have come back, reconciled. And at enormous sacrifice—just consider the miles from Crownpoint, to all those games, concerts, board meetings. Aunt Betty helps. Harrison Henry gives ringing endorsement for Christian education. Mom Jo Ann thanks us for letting her kids hang out at our house during meetings—Colleen would make them supper, sometimes leftovers. Such a small thing created such appreciative tears, and a Brent painting. Those tears were beautiful.
Raymond, Colina, Felicia, Chris Yazzie—in some ways an unlikely Rehoboth family, given their traditional and Morman tendencies. But what a grateful family! Raymond attended Rehoboth for only his sophomore year in the 70’s, and testifies how that one year made such an impact on him—wishes he had finished……… this coming from one of the most successful Native artists in the country. We have known portions of this extended family for 40 years—what is God up to in this Yazzie clan? What will be the Kingdom end? A beautiful adventure!
Hustle to Esco and Anna—will they still be partying? They were—celebrating that Daniel—what a great kid to celebrate. Too, we have known beautiful Anna since she was a little girl and God has blessed her with those beautiful boys—talented, musical, leaders, fun! And that smiling step-dad with his legendary pasole! If you know Grandma Maudine, you know where much that grace and charm comes from—Southern beauty!
Whew!! Is there any energy left for Kamps, Cherneys, Holwerdas—of course, but let’s go put on some jeans. Parked in the driveway was the outrageous VanDrunen Tin Bean, adding to the color and caffeine of this glorious day. Bryan and Linda’s place was teaming with people, all now rather stuffed and worn out, in the mood to sit in a soft chair and have some winding down conversation. What a mixture—not a melting pot, but a crazy quilt of tribe and tongue and nation—sharing, reminiscing, celebrating. Beautifully diverse!!
May 23, 2009—a beautiful day in the life of RehobothChristianSchool!
