A First Encounter

One of the coolest things about being here in Navajo Nation is how accepting and tolerant the people here are. As soon as we arrived we were warmly welcomed, and shown our apartments which were already better furnished than we had been previously told and for which we were prepared. After we unpacked and settled in, Mike and I decided to take a walk to survey the exciting new territory. In just minutes a Grand Prix stopped and a Navajo couple (noticing we looked somewhat un-native to the area) asked if we were lost. We assured them that we were alright, and they offered their help if we needed anything. As we thanked them, they invited us to an “esquaria ceremony.” Of course we didn’t know what that even meant, so I abruptly asked what it was. We were told that it was, “you know, boom-boom-boom and dancing! A great time.” Mike and I were flattered, as well as surprised, that these gracious and accepting people were already inviting us to see and participate in their culture. We waved as they drove on, and although we headed back to the apartment and did not attend the ceremony, we were introduced to just how kind the Navajo people really are.

Teaching 'Quiet Ball' to the staff at NLMS.

D.L.