Last Day in Ganado...(sniff)

Today marks our last full day here.  We are all tired, a little sore, closer to the people we've traveled with, and very proud of the things we've accomplished.  

The list:
Patched a roof...done
Repaired and painted women's bathroom...done
Repaired another disaster room...done
Cleaned mold then painted...done
Readied another dorm room for visitors with paint...done
Installed donated computer monitors...done
Reconnected internet service for Pastor Audrey...done
Cleared brush...done
Hung pictures in very appreciative woman's house...done
Began a garden...done
Built a deck and shored up an entryway awning...done

And yet the physical work wasn't what this trip was all about.  

Some of us reconnected with friends we made last year.  Some of us made new friends.  We got to know the people around us a little better.  We ran an after school VBS.  (double the number of kids on day two)  We sang worship songs.  We studied about love.  We attended a Navajo worship service.  We heard testimonies that were amazing, both from or group and the Diné people.  We broke bread together.  We lifted each other up and encouraged others.  We had a great time!  We fell in love with Ganado and its people.  We are sad to go.  

What we are looking forward to:  
Staying connected to new friends.  Enjoying closer relationships with people we already knew.  Taking what we've learned home to our daily lives.  Going back to school. (sorry that was mine...nobody else mentioned that for some reason)   Being able to take a long shower then asleep in my own bed. (also mine, but I suspect I have others who agree with me) Knowing what love is.  

Each of us has been touched by something on this trip.  I have had the privilege of working with the youth at or church for a few years now, so I more or less knew what to expect.  But the other new adult leaders were all impressed with these wonderful kids.  

Now if I am going to get these wonderful kids home safelyi had better wrap this up and get some sleep.  Tomorrow starts early and we are driving to the Grand Canyon.  We thank you for your continued support, your ongoing prayers, and entrusting us with your children.  Thank you.