Our Thanksgiving Trip by Charlie Beck

When asked about our thoughts on the trip to Pinon, the thing that came to mind was it was like a family reunion. When we stopped at Kearns Canyon, our Hopi friends asked us what we were doing there this time of year. Our answer was, "For a family reunion." It was just good to see our loved ones from our family in Old Cedar, Many Houses, Smoke Signal and Looking for Horse. It was also good to hear about those from Twisted Water and Blue Gap.

We left Colorado Springs in a blizzard and drove for five hours at 20 miles an hour before driving out of it at Raton, New Mexico. We never slid or spun out at any time arriving in the Pinon area just in time for bed. Saturday morning about 35 Navajo attended the craft session. That evening most of the Navajo failed to return as promised. However, we had a campfire service with a few from Many Houses who had not been there earlier in the day.

The next morning, while I was gone picking up folks from Many Houses, LeRoy Campbell and Ron Wilson began a prayer service among those who had come from Missouri. Just after I returned with the first group of Navajo they announced the closing hymn and had the benediction. However, the service did not end. We began to sing hymns and pray. As other Navajo began coming in a few at a time the prayers, hymns, and testimonies continued. The spirit was very strong. This lasted for another two hours. Alfonso Nez, a Navajo Elder, stood and said he had not left the church and felt assured we now had a new beginning and good things were going to happen. Rena Klah stated that she had felt confused about which of all these groups she should be associated with; the Institution, the Pinon Restoration Branch or the Dine' Restoration Branch. She said she saw a light upon the Dine' Restoration Branch sign and felt she was in the right place. She said the spirit was very strong.

Following this service we held a sacrament service, and an administration for Blanche Yazzie. It was good to be in a relaxed atmosphere being led by the Spirit rather than being regulated by the clock and following a bulletin.

Things really don't change much out on the Navajo, there is a lack of organization in preparing meals and it is impossible to follow a preplanned agenda. But the Navajo are such a loving and caring people; they show such a genuine and sincere love and concern toward us. I just hope they know how much all of us care for them. As we took the turnoff for Pinon, our children, Israel and Amelia said" we are almost home." Meaning that we were almost to where we used to live.

It was fun sleeping with everyone in the hogan church. It felt like family and reminded me of Rena's family when we lived out there. What Rena and Alfonso had to say was very encouraging. Those of us who have been out there in years past also feel this is a new start.