The blessing

We brought donations for three different ministries to Mexico, a church in the barrio, a men's halfway shelter, and an "oldfolk's" home.

 Bright and early Monday morning we stopped by the Oldfolk's Home in Rocky Point to drop off some supplies. It was my first visit to this Catholic-run ministry and I had no inkling of the surprise the Father had waiting for me.

(The halls were painted with colorful murals)

The staff didn't speak English and we were without our translator but we managed to communicate our purpose and understand the invitation to tour the facility. The nun took us to meet the residents. As we greeted the elderly residents one of the assistants motioned for my camera. I gladly handed it over and continued working my way around the room.

After the sitting room we were escorted to a beautiful sunny courtyard were more residents were enjoying the lovely weather. My photo-taking-friend lead me to a tiny lady, helped her stand and then kind of handed me over to this sweet little woman. For the next several minutes she blessed me, she rubbed my arms and legs and prayed a blessing over me. No common words were shared but the meaning was clear. 

Never before have I received such a tender blessing.

first things first

I really want to jump right to the beach photos but there were other important things that happened in Mexico before the beach so I'm going to exercise my discipline and start at the beginning. 

We left Apache Junction early Sunday morning hoping to catch some of the service at Pastor Adam's house in Rocky Point barrio.

 Although we slid through boarder crossing and check points without problems we missed the majority of the service. We caught the last part of the message and a closing song. After the service was dismissed Alicia, Pastor Adam's wife, told us that she had a dream the night before that we were coming that day.

   We visited their house and heard updates on their ministry. We had a late lunch at our favorite Mexican grill then strolled the touristy downtown strip by the water.

shop-o-rama

I've been on a shopping frenzy this past week, buying 635 toys that the Soaring Eagles Ministry will take to Mexico for the children's festival on Friday. My living room is covered with piles of toys as I detag, clean, sort, and count toys, toys and more toys. Natale had a great time yesterday sifting through the piles and making up stories as she discovered hidden characters. 

I have no idea why I didn't start shopping a month ago when I knew that toys would be needed. I would have been so much easier. The thought just never occurred to me. Maybe next year someone could remind me 'round the middle of March to start shopping.

And what are my plans for today you ask? Ummm....I'm going toy shopping!

conference clips

 

Sedona is undeniably a beautiful place. The red rock views are amazing. The conference was held on the highest place in the city-the airport-under a large shade tent. The Soaring Eagles Ministry was invited to dance during a segment of Native American worship of YaHWeH music. When I wasn't dancing I enjoyed photographing the goings-on all around me.

 

 

(photo credit unknown photographer)

border prayertrol

Early Saturday Morning 4 valley folk and 4 Hopi friends packed into the Blue Corn Express and headed south to the fence. A new pastor friend had invited Soaring Eagles Ministry to join him praying at the boarder. Pastor Stan leads a church in the valley but has been ministering to his people on the Tohno O'odham reservation for ten years. Originally he held services in the chapel of a nursing home but currently he broadcasts on a radio station as well as making regular trips to the fence to pray.

The long drive was aggrandized by the poor road and failing air conditioning. The two hours that we were at the fence in the midday sun were hot but the prayer and worship we experienced made all the discomfort worth the trouble. 

Pastor Stanley typically prays about boarder issues including drugs, gun and illegals that affect the Native Americans. He was especially pleased with our visit as he had never had people from another Native American nation join him praying at the fence.

 

After praying at a "gateway" for a while we rode down the fence about a mile to one of the original boundary markers. Attached to the side of the marker were hooks to hold a standard (flag) so that you could see from one boundary marker to the next.

 

Before leaving we tied a "we were here" fire cloth to the fence. We have plans to join Pastor Stan again in July and August. The goal is to secure the local recreation center so we can spend the night in worship and prayer. After such a good first visit maybe we'll have more boarder prayertrol next time.

first nations

We once again had the privilege of coming along side the First Nation's pastor (at the pastor's school put on by Phoenix First Assembly) to demonstrate worship Native American-style to the people attending the conference. Many whom joined our powwow circle during the meal breaks were young adults involved in the Dream Center in California. The young people, with their unfettered enthusiasm, make our days dancing in the grass an instant celebration to the Creator.