Bulletin Boards

One of the ways I help around campus is to decorate the bulletin board in the office. It's one of the first things you see when you enter the office. I realized if I was going to be decorating the bulletin board each month it would be helpful to have a Cricut cutting machine to cut out the needed letters. I added it to my wish list on my newsletter and felt it was a long shot. I prayed about it and asked God to put it on someone's heart if this was an item that would be helpful for me. In October I received a text message from a friend with a photo attached saying my new Cricut Expression 2 was on it's way.

September 2013

In September I created a tree out of a crumpled up paper bag and then added apples with the kid's names and grade level. I didn't get a picture and I'm bummed I didn't have the foresight to document my work of art (or so the office staff referred to the bulletin board I created).

October 2013

In October I was sick and unable to change the bulletin board. This made me sad in more ways than one. I felt bad I wasn't able to do my job of caring for my girls or being creative on the bulletin board. I was also bummed I wasn't able to use my new Cricut, but I made up for it in November.

November 2013

The secretary is Navajo and lent me her Navajo Bible to write out Psalm 107:1 in Navajo. I had to get a little creative with the accent marks because my new Cricut Expression doesn't have accent marks. Not to mention the accent marks in Navajo are a little different depending on where they are located. It's not exactly like a Spanish accent mark all the time. 

For the turkeys I handed my girls craft supplies and asked them to make turkeys. The girls had fun making "king" and "cheerleader" turkeys as well as very colorful turkeys. 

I like this bulletin board decoration. Simple, yet so cool to look at with the Bible verse written out in Navajo. The secretary said parents and grandparents would come into the office and were pleased to see their language on the bulletin board.

December 2013

For Christmas I wanted to put the Bible verse in Navajo again, but I also wanted to add the meaning of Christmas symbols from a Christian perspective and realized I'd run out of room on the small bulletin board. I opted to print out the descriptions and Bible verse. I was told staff, parents and visitors would stand and read the bulletin board. I hope they remember there is more to Christmas than presents and shopping. 

Here's what I found from an online search and added to the bulletin board:

Christmas Tree

Evergreen coniferous trees stand for the ever-burning fire of life. The evergreen attribute signifies man's everlasting hope in Christ, which has been given to mankind by Christ's sacrifice, death and resurrection, to those who believe in Him. The triangular shape is believed to symbolize the holy trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Candles/Lights

Candles or lighting on the tree stands for Jesus Christ who died at Calvary on the cross for the salvation of mankind. he came as light and hope into a dark and doomed world. He came to bind up broken hearts and free those in bondage.

Star

God promised the World a Savior who would come and set humanity free. The star on the tree represents God's fulfillment of the promise He made ages ago, through all the prophets. It also represents the shining hope of mankind that first shone in Bethlehem, leading the wise men to baby Jesus.

Candy Cane

Candy canes represent the shepherd's crook, which helps the shepherd gather his lost and strayed sheep. Our Heavenly Father is our shepherd who eagerly waits for His sheep to turn back to Him. The candy cane can also be turned upside down, wherein it stands for the letter 'J' in Jesus. the red and white sugar coloring stands for Christ's blood and purity, which when brought together make us holy before the Father's eyes. 

Wreath

Christmas wreaths represent the unceasing love of the Father. It shows how God's mercies are new every morning, and how true love has no beginning or end! Wreaths remind us of how privileged we are to have a Father whose love is never-ceasing and unconditional! 

Read and Green Colors of Christmas

Red stands for the fire of the spirit, while green stands for nature and one's life on earth. Red along with green symbolizes the Holy Spirit's union with nature to be incarnate on Earth and save the world. 

Gifts

Gifts hung on the Christmas tree remind us of how we have received the greatest gift on earth, which is 'eternal life' through the blood of Jesus Christ. It reminds us how God gave His all for us and how we are to live our lives for Him on Earth. 

January 2014

I thought I had a picture of January's bulletin board before I took it down to put up February's bulletin board. Bummer. It was Goodness and I had used the Cricut to cut out Goodness and added Bible verses along with a few sparrows cut from the Cricut.

February 2014

Again, I thought I had a picture of February's bulletin board, but apparently I don't. Bummer. I asked the school secretary to translate 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. I realized it was too long to cut out on the Cricut, so I took the descriptive words of love and used them to decorate the bulletin board. I used a pink Sharpie to write their English translation just below each word. 

March 2014

Our theme for the month is Gentleness. I used scrap paper and created a rainbow. I started with purples and moved into blues, greens, yellows, oranges and finally red and pinks. To make the 3D cloud I taped a few pieces of legal sized papers together an then bunched up the edges and stapled them. I stapled the top from underneath to attach it to the bulletin board. Gentleness was cut out using my Cricut. 

April 2014

If you remember April was my month of technical difficulties. My Cricut was being sent in to be repaired and I wasn't sure what I was going to do for April's bulletin board. The theme was Patience. I used my Custom Cutting System from Creative Memories to cut out the flower pedals. the stem was used by using my wavy cutter and the leaves were left over stems cut down. 

May 2014 - April 2015

Apparently I wasn't as good with documenting the bulletin board designs for a year because I have no pictures. I know last summer I had a small scenic scene with a tree and butterflies with the idea that the butterflies could be taken down to count down the weeks before the next school year, but the office staff liked the butterflies they chose to leave them all up all summer long. For the start of the school year I used a Pinterest idea to use puzzle pieces I punched out and wrote all the staff and student's names and grades. I pieced them together and used the Cricut to write out something along the lines of "We fit together at SVIS." I don't remember if I changed the bulletin board in September, but I know I had something different in October, but I can't think of what it was. In November I used the same Thanksgiving design as last year minus the turkey hands, but put up cards that were sent to the school. In December I made a new Christmas banner with Bible verse in Navajo similar to the Thanksgiving bulletin board of the previous year. I know these were saved for future use. I don't remember the others from January to March, but I know I had a some really cute designs. 

April - May 2015

I used Pinterest for inspiration and came across something similar to this chain link rainbow. In the sky the office staff put up cards and letters. This stayed up for a few months while I was sick with pneumonia which resulted with a hospital stay. The office and staff didn't mind because it was so cute. In fact, the secretary asked if she could have the rainbow to put up in her grandson's room. This was one that could stay up for a long while because it was so cute.

June 2015

Another Pinterest inspiration gave me the idea for this bulletin board. The name of our school changed from Sun Valley Indian School to Native American Christian Academy, so I wanted to incorporate the new name and logo. Unfortunately I don't have very many Cricut cartridges and only had one fish to work with, but with different colored and pattered papers I was able to vary them enough to make it work. As I was finishing up this bulletin board the principal walks by and says, "Oh man, who's going to do our bulletin board next year? These have been so creative and something to look forward to as they change." It's a good feeling to know my work hasn't gone unnoticed and has been appreciated. 

Changes and Opportunities

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

As this year has winded down and the school year has come to an end there have been many changes to come about. First the school administrator announced she has retired and the principal will be taking her position starting this summer. With new leadership you can imagine the changes to come. Although the changes I've heard about are good - they are changes nonetheless. Next, I've learned my friend and coworker will be going back to school and this has been a change that I was not most happy about. Then the school announced the school will no longer be called Sun Valley Indian School (SVIS), but will now be called Native American Christian Academy (NACA). The reasons being it's more politically correct and includes who we are - Christians. As you can imagine these changes, both good and bad, have had me praying and adjusting to the changes. 

As I've adjusted to these changes, or the thought of the changes to come, I gave much prayer and thought to myself. I thought about what the next year will look like and up to last Friday I thought my year would be in Arizona. As many of you know I have a large student loan in which the payments have been on a scale and each year the monthly payment is raised. I've reached a point where continuing at this school in the position I'm in will not cover the payments and my living expenses (as little as they are). After much prayer and seeking God in what to do I've been given an opportunity I cannot resist. 

Starting in September 2015 I will be working for Nightlight Christian Adoption Agency helping families in the adoption process. The position is currently part-time with an opportunity to go full-time. Although this is not the most ideal situation I am hopeful with the possibility to go full-time. I will be moving back to California to continue my mission of following after God and seeking His will. 

My time as a missionary to Native American children has been one I will forever hold in my heart. Although the time was not always easy and often draining mentally and spiritually I can look back with a smile and know I have accomplished my purpose of allowing God to use me to reach these children. I have learned many new things about myself and what I am capable of overcoming. I now have a skill of using a drop spindle to make yarn from raw sheep wool in addition to the skill of processing the wool in preparation of spinning the wool. I have fed and overcame my fear of being in the llama, sheep and goat pen by myself the time I dropped a plastic bag while feeding them our leftovers and needed to retrieve the bag and then led the animals as they sought more food they thought I was bringing them (that adventure was documented in a blog post). I took care of a dead bird I found in my storage shed without the help of anyone else (I wish I could say without screaming and gagging... but that's a whole new level of strength). I have learned what it is like to be a parent of teaching life-skills I hope to have left with each child no matter the amount of time I had with each child. I have taught the girls not only who Jesus is, but guided many to a relationship with Jesus they will have eternally. 

My new adventure and mission is bitter-sweet. I am saddened to be leaving, but am happy and excited to help families come together by adopting a child and being their forever family. I am excited to see all the areas I will continue to grow as a person as well as the adventures I will have on my continued journey. 

End of the Year Awards

This year's end of the year awards.

At the end of every school year the dorm parents and teachers give out awards during the promotion rehearsal. Last year I used the fruit of the spirit and chose a girl who displayed that fruit of the spirit. I printed a certificate with a cute boarder on card stock and called it a day.

Apriel

This year I was thinking about doing the same thing, or something similar like using biblical characters with similar characteristics as the girls, but with being sick and hospitalized I let the thought remain a thought. Then, this weekend I was scrolling through Pinterest and came across a cute idea. I don't know if this idea was better than using biblical characters to describe the girls, but I got an image in my head and the Pinterest idea was cuter. The Pinterest idea was done on a chalkboard background with chalkboard fonts. I went simple with a touch of Miss Alice.

Briana

I headed to the nearest dollar store and found 8.5x11 certificate frames for $1.50. I got the certificate frames so I didn't have to worry about trimming the paper because I knew spacing was going to be an issue with making a boarder. I found some glitter tape for $2 for a pack of two in our school colors and did a little math to make sure I had enough rolls of each color. Unfortunately I had to get 3 packs because the school colors were in different packs. I spent a total of $15, but have glitter tape left over for another project - bonus.

Kanaalah

I then got to work in finding words to describe my girls and used the Villa Didot font which was perfect because the lower case letters were plain and the uppercase letters were more bold and fancy. I tried not using the same word in each name - except for beautiful. I liked this way instead of finding words that begin with each letter of their names because as you can see there are a lot of a's in Navajo names. There were a few that were difficult like the k's, but I managed to find appropriate descriptive words for each of the girls.

Karolina

After printing on white card stock (which I already had so there wasn't an added expense) I added the glitter tape around the edges and got glitter everywhere as glitter is known to do. It took me maybe a half hour to put the tape on the paper and I'm glad I was smart enough to get a ruler and measure out the length before putting it on the paper. This made it easier to slowly peel back the backing and lay out the tape and then start the next color before getting to the end so my corners would be the way I wanted them. The taping process for all six frames was no more than a half hour. I was surprised how quickly I was able to finish these keepsakes for the girls. 

Katelyn

When giving out the awards I will say something the the effect of "Leandreyah gets the Leandreyah award because she is athletic, active, beautiful, kind, delightful, a pleasure, respectful, lovely, amazing and honorable." 

Leandreyah

I love how they are already framed and more than just a piece of paper that may or may not make it home. I'm hoping this will be something they will keep, understand these words are words to describe them and will be a keepsake they will enjoy forever. 

Love Comes In Many Languages

Yesterday I had a student who was struggling with love. She kept repeating, "Nobody loves me." Through our conversation I listed people who love her: her dad, her sister, me, her teacher, other staff members... In which she responds, "Yeah, I know the staff loves me... but nobody loves me!" I wanted to ask her why she didn't just go eat worms, but realized it wasn't a good time for a joke.

I quietly prayed for this child and asked for help in how to help her understand she is loved. Then God reminded me of a book I read a long time ago: The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. I then explained to her how there are 5 Love Languages and although she doesn't understand the love that is being spoken from certain people they do love her and she just needs to learn their Love Language.

She was quite worked up in her tantrum and wasn't willing to participate in the conversation, but I kept talking. I held up my fist with my thumb sticking out and did my best to remember the 5 Love Languages. I began, "First, there is the Love Language of Quality Time." I explained how the time can be simple things like sitting next to one another or can be a walk or doing errands. Then I held up my pointer finger, "Next, there is Physical Touch." I explained these are good touches and not meant to hurt one another. I pointed out how there is a specific staff member, Mr. A, who will tickle, tap, pull their hair, etc. as he passes by during mealtimes. I explained he doesn't do this to hurt them or bother them, but to say he loves them. I continued by holding up my third and middle finger, "Then, we have Gifts." I explained that gifts can cost money or they can be a gift from the heart. I explained how the little pictures the girls draw for me is speaking the Love Language of Gifts. I held up my ring finger, "Now, we have the Love Language of Words of Affirmation." and explained these are kind words we share to let someone know we love them. They can come in the form of letters and notes to one another or just noticing something nice about them and telling them with our words. Holding up all five fingers, "Last, we have Acts of Service." These are the things we do, I explain: helping do chores, letting others play with our toys, doing favors, etc.

She wasn't responding, but soaking it all in. I asked her what her Love Language was and she didn't respond. I asked if she wanted to hear my Love Language and she nods her head "yes." I tell her I have two Love Languages; Quality Time and Gifts are my two Love Languages. I gave her an assignment this go home weekend to watch her family and to figure out which Love Language they speak. I then made a poster where I listed the Love Languages, gave a definition and some examples and then gave room for her to write in her Love Language as well as the Love Language of others.

This morning during devotions I told them it was Friday, February 13th and asked if they knew what tomorrow was. They responded Saturday, February 14th?!? I asked why February 14th was a special day and they yell, "IT'S VALENTINE'S DAY!!!" Yep, the day of love. The girls then tell me they know about love because it's in the Bible and turn to 1 Corinthians 13 and start reading. I then thought, "Hum, I gave one girl an assignment this weekend. I should give them all an assignment." I ask the girl from yesterday's story to bring her poster to the living room. When she returns we go over each Love Language. Although I asked them if they knew of anyone with that Love Language in which they thought and thought, but didn't respond until I got to Physical Touch. The girl from yesterday responds with, "I know, Mr. A!" The other girls enthusiastically respond, "YEAH HE DOES LOVE US BECAUSE HE PUNCHES US!!!" I then explained that a punch is not always a Love Language, but in the case of Mr. A he doesn't punch them to hurt them. They one says, "Yeah, sometimes he pulls my hair."

During breakfast I tell Mr. A what was said during devotions and he became defensive until other female staff members chime in and say, "No, it's okay, that's your Love Language."

While going through the breakfast line one of the dorm moms was pouring syrup for the kids, a job she doesn't have to do, and I point out how Miss L is showing love by Acts of Service and pouring syrup. My girls then spent the rest of the morning pointing out Love Languages and how others are showing love.

As I'm sharing this story I'm hoping that they will learn to understand Love Languages because their relationships will be so much better off the sooner they can learn love comes in many languages.

Go Fund Me

The following is directly from the Go Fund Me account I've set up:

My name is Alice Anson and I'm serving God in northern Arizona as a dorm parent at a boarding school. I live on a bumpy, dirt road and after being here for over a year and a half my car has felt the effects of this bumpy, dirt road. In addition to the road conditions my 2000 Volkswagon Beetle is also 15 years old. 

As you can imagine my car has had some issues - some more serious than others. I've done my best to take care of my car, but as a missonary money is tight. I'm a typical girl when it comes to cars and I don't remember all the correct terms, but I can describe what happened...

When my car started shaking a few weeks ago I prayed and asked God what to do (I have since learned when my car shakes I should have it looked at sooner). When the shaking got worse and was too much to handle and felt as though my car was going to fall apart I pulled into the nearest mechanic (9 miles from the boarding school). When the mechanic took it out for a test drive he immediately brought it back to the shop, jacked the car up and pointed out how the "arm" was ready to break loose and my tire would turn sideways! He told me my car was unsafe to drive. I told him I didn't have the $300 to fix my car and I'd have to bring it back another day. He insisted I didn't drive my car the 9 miles back to campus as the tire was sure to break. I called my family and scrounged the $300 together so I could at least drive my car back to campus.

A few hours later the "arm" was fixed and my car was safe to drive again... until it was driven to ensure it was fixed. The shaking was just as bad and the mechanic took a closer look to see there was another part that would be $700 to fix (unfortuantely at this point I was so overwhelmed I didn't hear the part, but it started with a "p" - I tell ya, I'm a girl when it comes to mechanics). He said my car wasn't completely fixed, but safe enough to drive back to campus. He asked I come back the next day so he could further inspect my car and find the root problem. He explained the $700 part could be the only issue or there could be a half a dozen other issues that were causing the $700 issue. I explained my situation and he said he could lower the price to $500, but couldn't go any lower than that. I thanked him for his generosity, but still explained I didn't have the money. 

When I returned the next day so the mechanic could inspect my car. I continued to pray and ask God for help with my car. I can't afford a new car, car payment or even the repairs for this car. I started thinking about not having a car and then realized for my sanity I need to be able to get off campus and go for a drive to clear my mind - let alone the fact it's a lot cheaper to drive than travel by train or fly when I return to California during the summer and Christmas break. I thought about hitching a ride with other staff members, but with opposite schedules as most of the campus getting off campus would be tricky.

When I went back to the mechanic to check on the status of my car (thanks to friends who were available to give me a ride) I noticed my car was being worked on. I began to panic and freak out a bit because I didn't authorize any service - let alone I don't have the money for the repair. The mechanic told me not to worry and showed me another cause to the shaking. He was replacing the upper strut mounts on both sides and when I questioned what it would cost he told me he understands my situation and wasn't going to charge me. He said it wasn't going to fix the problem completely because the $500, orginally $700, part still needed to be replaced, but it wasn't in the dire condition he orginally thought upon the quick inspection the previous day. In other words, the $500 part could wait, but would eventually need to be replaced. He just asked I bring my car in to him to have the other part fixed. 

Praise God for answering prayers!

So, long story short I'm here on GoFundMe to raise some money. Here's the idea: I need to raise at least $500 for the repair of the part that is still cauing my car to shake. However, if I'm able to raise enough, through your generosity, for a new-to-me car (I'm guessing a car about 5 years old would be at least $10,000-$15,000 - I haven't done the research because it's so out there at this point, but who knows what God's plan is and what will happen.) I will trade this car in and get a new-to-me car.  If I'm unable to raise enough for a new-to-me car, but have more than the cost of the $500 repair the plan is to put the "extra" money in a special savings account so when there is another repair to be done to my current car I'd have the money. 

Thank you for your support and being an answer to prayer!

You can visit the Go Fund Me site by clicking here.

Wildfires and Gasoline

I keep telling myself I need to post to my blog. I haven't in a while and had told myself I'd post one over Christmas break. As you see, that didn't happen. It's the middle of January and I'm at that point in the month where I think I should just wait for the next month. Then I remembered SO much has happened and should share with you, my faithful reader, whom I may or may not know personally.

Before Christmas break my parents came to the school to deliver Christmas presents from their church as well as another church. We also had stockings donated by a church I spoke at this summer. I think it's fair to say the majority of this year's Christmas gifts were sponsored by California churches. Looking around 3 of the 5 gifts each child received came from California... and California I know personally. It's a good feeling to know that I'm contributing more than just being "mom" to a few girls.

When talking about the travel plans over Christmas break my mom offered her car to drive in California. My car has some issues that have not been able to be fixed. The major issue is after a day of not driving my car will need to be jumpstarted before working again. I've replaced the battery twice in the past year and the alternator was checked and reported good. The multiple mechanic guys I've had look at it haven't been able to figure out what's going on except that there is something that is draining the battery and they aren't sure what it could be. Long story short my mom suggested I drive her car because for one of the two weeks I was in California she was going on a trip with my sister. So, my car stayed in Arizona and I went to California.

When I returned after break my car was dead, as expected, but when we jump started it and drove to the nearest Wal-Mart (45 minutes away) I was disappointed that after an hour of shopping I had to have my car jumped just to get home. This was the first time I had to do this. Normally (although it really shouldn't be the norm...), when my car was jumped and I drove it to Wal-Mart it would be good for a day. It's discouraging to be unsure of knowing if driving my car to charge it will actually charge it enough to get me back home.

The other discouraging thing is the jump start block my dad bought me for Christmas wasn't starting my car either. I was hoping having a jump start block would help me not be dependent on another car when I wanted to go somewhere. I was very disappointed to find out it wasn't going to work.

Before my parents went back to California after bringing me back to Arizona went grocery shopping and I had planned on going to Flagstaff so my car could be driven a long distance in the hope that getting a good charge will help my battery last longer than a 45 minute trip. It was kind of nice to ignore my car for the week and only once did I feel like it would be nice to go off campus, but I did think of the trip to Flagstaff and how the other dorm moms and I were going to make a day of going to Flagstaff with shopping and watching a movie. The good news is when we finally were able to take the trip to Flagstaff my car only needed to be jump started in the morning! When I went to church the next morning it started without being jump started. It's nice not having to drive my car everyday to go to work, but it's hard to remember to have to drive my car every day or every other day just to keep it running. It's one thing if I had places to go, but to drive just to drive is frustrating and time consuming when I have so many other things that I could do with my time.

In other news, upon returning from Christmas break I found out two of my girls weren't returning. This is something we know happens at the school. Sometimes we know the reasons, sometimes we don't know why the kids don't return. All I know is last semester I had a few wildfire personalities that took everything inside of me to keep contained, but never put out completely. I also had a child who was like gasoline who could be very helpful in the right circumstances, but poured on the wildfire personality caused complete and utter chaos. Looking back and realizing exactly what was happening I now understand why I've gained weight. I was extremely stressed and after the kids went to bed the only thing I could do was quietly watch a movie and eat. It wasn't until the end of the semester I realized I was doing this and have since decided to limit my snacking. This isn't to say the girls who left were wildfire or gasoline children, but having 6 instead of 8 girls helps me to have a better control over the situation. Not that I have everything worked out and life is a bed of roses, but things are better in the 2 weeks after Christmas break.

With so few girls (I realize so few girls refers to 6 girls and most parents would still shriek at the thought of 6 kids, but coming from 8 to 6 girls makes a world of difference) we've been able to do things we were just unable to do last semester. The girls have been asking to fly kites and play outside and with so many girls and wildfires and gasoline wildfires it was practically impossible. We finally had a day where we could go fly a kite and play with the bubble gun one of the girls got for Christmas (at first I wasn't sure about the bubble gun, but after playing with it for a while and refilling it twice I think if we had more bubble guns in the dorm it wouldn't be a bad idea).

Flying a kite on a not particularly windy day, but I was able to get it up and keep it up for the girls to play with for an hour or so.

The bubble gun and the girls chasing to pop the bubbles. 

Over Christmas break there were two snow storms that had come across campus and we had a few inches of snow a week later. We are used to the snow over night where the temperatures drop into the teens, but by lunch the snow and ice melts. This was unusual and the girls had fun playing in the snow. They decided to make snowmen and decorate my porch.

The girls and their snowmen. 

The girl in the tiger jacket's snowmen has "one leg... and he fell over."

Our snowmen family who lived on my porch for a few days.

Periodically I'll have bursts of organization brilliance and this time it was the organization of my movies. Living in a place where I don't have cable, but a lot of quiet time I've collected a lot of movies and (partial) TV series. I had these red and brown boxes from when I thought I was moving to Japan and would have limited space... but I moved to Arizona and have limited space. I ditched the cases and put the movies in my red box in alphabetical order. The only thing is when the girls would want to watch a movie they'd skim my collection and would find movies that weren't approved for them to watch (not that I have anything bad, but they'd watch Hitch with their family and want to watch it here, but not only is Hitch not a kid's movie, but it's not on the approved list). So, I decided I'd move the kid's movies to the brown box and the other movies to the red box. I put the TV series in the white basket (with a red gingham liner) in their original boxes. I whited out the old alphabetical system and moved the Shirley Temple movies that were in order with the brown box sleeves back to the brown box from the red box. I also made a spreadsheet of every movie, rating, genera and new location with the sleeve number. I printed a master copy, a red box list and a brown box list. At this point I'm thinking I'm brilliant. The down side is I can't peruse a particular box when looking for a movie, but I do have the list to look over before making my decision AND when I make that decision I know exactly where to go to find the movie. I also like that when I get a new movie I can add it to the box by shifting the movies to keep them in alphabetical order and update the spreadsheet. (Is it kind of sad I'm really excited right now explaining all this? It's one of my nerdy qualities to get excited about a great organization system.)

In other news... I think this year's Christmas was brought to you by pajamas and fuzzy blankets. I LOVE my footsie pajamas. How can one not relax wearing footsie pajamas? I had one fuzzy blanket before Christmas and I now have 5! I know my girls love them because they'd fight over the one fuzzy blanket, but now they pile them up and snuggle under the warmth of the fuzzy blankets.

A HUGE thank you to my mom who was able to gift me a trip to Disneyland over Christmas break. I love Disneyland as much as the next person, but I know the cost of Disneyland and don't expect to go to Disneyland every trip to California. However, between the semester of wildfires and gasoline I was particularly homesick and not just any kind of homesick - Disney homesick. I had watched the episode of Modern Family where they go to Disneyland and found myself more homesick than I had been in the year and a half I've been here. When I told my mom she made it possible for me to go. Below is a picture of the girls I stayed with in California on the front of the train in the special seat. It was their first time to have this special treat and very worth the wait.

Bathroom Concerts

One of the perks of being a dorm parent is listening to Bathroom Concerts. I specifically enjoy the off key squeals as she's worshiping God.

Hello, Grace!

When I moved to Sun Valley last year my study Bible was lost in the move. I've searched for it and unfortunately it's still missing. While on fall break visiting friends I went to the Christian bookstore. I had about $30 to spend and as you know, that doesn't give you many options while picking out Bibles, but I was hoping I could find a study Bible in my price range.

Unfortunately, the Bibles were, well, Bible prices and double my price range. While I was standing in the aisle I was praying and asking God what I should do. I didn't have money to get a more expensive Bible, but I really felt I needed to get a study Bible. I have a few compact Bibles in different versions, but the study Bible was one I've been thinking about for my personal devotion time. I was about to just give up and leave the store figuring this wasn't the time to get a study Bible when an employee asked if I needed help. I explained I was looking for a study Bible and I only had $30 to spend. He giggled knowing the price of the Bibles. He then remembered a study Bible was on sale, but couldn't remember the price. We went to the other aisle only to find out the sale ended a few days earlier. He then tried to sell me other Bibles (out of my price range) and electronic options. I explained I lived in a place where internet isn't as strong as other areas, so an internet Bible isn't going to work. I also explained I was a missionary and unable to spend more than $30. He said he was sorry, but there was nothing he could do to help me when all of a sudden a woman apologizes for listening to our conversation and asked if she could transfer her store reward coupon of 30% off to me. She explained she didn't have the coupon with her, but asked if she could use her store reward card to look up her account. The employee had her go around the counter to use his computer to look up her account. 

My hopes were up and I was thanking God for sending this woman to help. I watched her sign in and see "Hello, Grace!" on the computer screen. I thank God for Grace and the grace He's given me. When the employee notices her 30% coupon had expired and was no longer available. I went from very excited to understanding this just wasn't the time to get a study Bible. Then the employee says, "Wait, you have another coupon of spend $50 and get $20 off." The study Bible I was holding was $50. I was able to get my study Bible and I'm so thankful for Grace and God's grace!

We Are Dorm Moms

In the mix of daily life as a Dorm Mom I've been thinking of different things I could share in my blog. Last year I shared three things on the third (or close to the third) of every month. Considering this is September 23rd and the last time I posted something was in July, I'm guessing this year's blogging will be a little different.

While sharing a cup of coffee with the Dorm Mom Squad (the name we've given ourselves... I'm still working on DMS capes!) we started talking about all the different jobs we have as Dorm Moms. We quickly realized we had something going on here and in twenty minutes we had over 80 job titles and characteristics we possess as Dorm Moms.

Without further adieu the list of all the jobs Dorm Moms possess:

1. Parent
2. Counselor 
3. Warden
4. Security
5. Maid
6. Laundry Mat
7. Life Coach
8. Interior Decorators
9. Artists
10. Coaches
11. Personal trainers
12. Police officers
13. Ninjas
14. Health Inspectors
15. Nurses
16. Teachers
17. Tutors
18. Sunday School Teacher/Youth Leader
19. Chefs
20. Dishwashers
21. Taxis/Chauffer
22. Waitresses
23. Alarm Clocks
24. Amusement Park Attendants
25. Judges
26. Jury
27. Lawyer
28. Court Reporter
29. Hair Stylist
30. Cosmetologists/Manicurists
31. Babysitters
32. Managers
33. Liaison
34. Maintenance
35. Plumbers
36. Fashion Police
37. Seamstress
38. Comedians
39. Box Office/ Concession Stand
40. Lost and Found
41. P.E. Coach
42. Personal Shopper
43. Etiquette Coach
44. Photographers
45. Referees
46. Gardeners
47. Hall Monitor
48. Professional Organizer
49. Superheroes
50. Healers
51. Trash Man
52. Donation Collecting Center
53. Advocates
54. Public Speakers
55. Secretaries
56. Party Planners
57. Banker/Accountant
58. Search and Rescue
59. Storytellers
60. Librarians
61. Accountability Partners
62. Gift Giver
63. Administrative Assistant
64. Drug Store
65. Clothing Store
66. Activities Director
67. Exterminators
68. Probation Officers
69. Entertainers
70. Travel Agents
71. Safety Inspector
72. Bookstore
73. Missionaries
74. Dictionary
75. Loud Speaker
76. Stop Watch
77. Pack Mule
78. Magician
79. Arcade Attendants
80. Time Management Specialist
81. Housing Authority
82. Sleep Specialist
83. Disciple Makers

This list may be long and often times we're more than one job at the same time while some jobs are more often than others, but we are always #1 and #83 and here to love on these children.

2014 Summer Presentation

The following is my speech. I was going to edit it to make it easier to read as it is written for me to read and add my own influx and pauses, but as it's nearing midnight and I'd like to post this before going to bed tonight. The following is as I gave it this past summer at 13 churches and for some of the 19 presentations (the other presentations included a slide show and a wool presentation). Also note the Navajo is written phonetically so I can attempt to pronounce it simi-correctly... my apologies to any Navajo who may be reading this blog!

Yaa-te a-ben-eh. Alice yen-ish-yeh. A-héeh-hé na-ha nee-ya-nee-ge. T’ah-a quo-de-go de-né bé-zad ba-a-sin. 

Which means: Hello, good morning. My name is Alice. Thank you, I’m glad to be here. This is all I know in the Navajo language. 

As you can see I don’t know very much Navajo, but what I do know is at 19 years old I felt God asking me to go. I didn’t know where, but to go. I had just started attending a new church and there was a missions team that was going to a small island off of Australia where a family was translating the Bible. I remember a conversation I had with my then boyfriend about how it’s great and all it is to go half way around the world, but what about the people right here in America? Shouldn’t we help our close neighbors first? Of course we prayed for the team and supported them in their fundraising, but we weren’t going to go. 

One would think if we weren’t going to go half way around the world we would start spreading the Good News to our local neighbors, but convinced my boyfriend at the time was leading me in the right direction I followed his lead in not doing anything. For the next six years we focused on making money and planning our future of a lavish, comfortable lifestyle. We had opportunities to feed the homeless, but we didn’t take the opportunity. We had the opportunity to help kids in a rough neighborhood, but we didn’t take the opportunity. We had the opportunity to spread the Good News to our neighbors right here in America, but we didn’t take the opportunity. 

Six years later God to call me again and this time the opportunity to go didn’t involve my boyfriend.I went to Japan and God called and tugged at my heart to go... go share His word and make disciples. I called my boyfriend from Japan and told him what God told me. He said we’d listen to God and go, but we’d talk more about it when I got back. When I returned to America the concluding conversation was my boyfriend, and the man I was going to marry, wasn’t going to go, but I could if I wanted. I was confused - how could I be a missionary half way around the world, but my husband would be here in America? God was asking for an answer and I felt I had to tell God, “No, I wouldn’t go.” 

Life seemed to go back to normal and we were on our track to our lavish, comfortable lifestyle.

What I didn’t expect was my boyfriend to break up with me and eventually marry his other girlfriend. Our plans were shattered. Wait a minute... MY plans were shattered. I didn’t know what to do. All my plans were wrapped up around my now ex-boyfriend. I didn’t know what to do or where to go. God asked me if I trusted him. Knowing I had other options, but they weren’t good options, I knew all I could do was trust in God. I heard Him ask me to go and this time there was nothing to stop me. I’m going to go where God leads and - at that point - all the doors were wide open and I was in contact with a school in Japan to teach English! My plan was to go back to Japan. I had interviews and all was on track. I was following God and I was headed to Japan.

While finishing my Sociology degree - which oddly enough included a class in Native American history -  I found out I didn’t get the job in Japan. I was crushed and wondered if it was something I said during my last interview. I couldn’t pin-point anything in particular, but I must have said something wrong. My mentor told me I could have gone in there and clucked like a chicken and if that is where God wanted me I’d get that job.

I prayed and asked God what was going on and where did He want me to go? I was confused and hurt. After all, I was following Him and trusting God with everything. God just said to wait. The thing was I had no other plan and I still needed to live, and not doing anything wouldn’t help me to eat. God said wait and provided a secretary position in the meantime. I accepted it and recognized God has a plan and although I may not know what that plan is His plan is far greater than any lavish, comfortable  plan I can create myself. 

I asked God what I should do to get ready for His plan and he said, “Wait.” So I waited, but I didn’t just sit around doing nothing. I worked as the secretary and did little things God would ask me to do. I asked God multiple times a day what I should do and He’d show me. In conversations I’d ask God if I should say something and He’d tell me to stay quiet or to speak. God was training me to listen to Him and I was being trained to follow in every step, thought and word I spoke. For three years I did this without knowing God’s plan. 

Then one day my sister showed me a job opening at an Indian school as a dorm parent. I was cautious about the job because I didn’t want to get my hopes up again. I read through the job description and asked God to show me why I wouldn’t get this job - what was the thing I wouldn't be able to do or something I couldn’t do for a long time and find joy and fulfillment. I read through the job description and couldn’t find anything. I filled out the application and a month later I was in Sun Valley, Arizona getting ready for my girls to arrive at the boarding school where the kids only go home every other weekend.

I am now a dorm parent to Navajo girls from 1st grade to 5th grade. I wake them up in the mornings and lead them through our daily devotion of learning about God and trusting Him for all our needs. I help them to understand the donations of clothes, toiletries and toys we receive is a way God provides for our needs. I help the girls with their long, long hair by making many braids and ponytails. After breakfast I send the girls off to school and then start two loads of laundry. After school I give the girls snack and help with homework. We then have free time to play in the dorm, play on the playground or just let my girls be creative. After dinner we have an activity. Then it’s time for showers and bedtime, but not before prayers with Miss Alice - my favorite part of the day because I get to spend one on one time with the girls while we pray and talk with God. 

Every day is filled with activities which keeps us busy, but there are always opportunities to share God’s love with the girls. Sometimes it’s as simple as a hug or the rare occurrence of spending one on one time. Other times the opportunity comes in an unexpected way like in the story of Megumi. Megumi came to the school with a history any adult would struggle to cope with, but at nine years old she’s doing the best she can to cope with life altering experiences. Unfortunately her behavior is unacceptable and is causing problems in the dorm. I continually give her grace - getting what you don’t deserve - to show her true love and ask God to give me ways to show her His love through me. I ask God for the one on one time she seeks - even though at the time I had nine other girls to look after.

This particular week had been especially difficult because of Megumi’s attitude and behavior. In addition to her bad attitude she had been refusing to eat for a few days and I couldn’t figure out why. I figured she’d eventually get hungry enough and eat when she’s ready. When she was struggling with her homework one night, and on the verge of giving up, her roommate was cleaning their room and left maybe a half dozen of Megumi’s things to put away after cleaning everything else up without being asked. When Megumi finished her homework I told her she needed to finish cleaning her room and then take a shower. Megumi looked me squarely in the face and said, “I’d rather sit on my bed and cry.” Then proceeded to go into her room and cry on her bed.

I left her to cry on her bed while the other girls finished a movie. At this point I wasn’t concerned about her crying herself to sleep because she could shower in the morning and she obviously needed the extra sleep. What I didn’t expect was for Megumi to start crying louder. When I tried to talk with her she just cried louder. I stood down the hall to keep an eye on the other girls watching a movie while keeping an ear out for Megumi crying on her bed. Megumi then went into a tantrum and started to kick the wall. I stood at her door, just out of sight, to make sure she wasn’t going to harm herself or the wall. She then got out of her bed and cried and threw a tantrum in her closet. She tried to be as disruptive as possible to get the attention of the other girls. She got louder and started tearing her closet apart by throwing her clothes and hangers. I let her know that her behavior was not okay and if she continued she’d have a consequence. She didn’t say anything, but the look on her face showed me she didn’t care.

When the girls movie was coming to an end I quickly realized if Megumi knew she had an audience this would be a lot longer of a tantrum than it needed to be - as if it wasn't already long enough. I went into her room and told her to get on her bed and she needed to be quiet. She again gave me a look of "I don't care!" and threw in a look of "I'm not moving!" I picked her up and put her on her bed - thank you Jesus for the strength! By the time the girls were finished with their movie and were sent to bed Megumi's tantrum had stopped and she had fallen asleep. At this point I wasn't going to push the shower and figured she can shower and clean her room tomorrow morning when I wake her up before the other girls.

The following morning I went into her room and told her she needed to shower and clean her room. She got up and got moving. I left her to get myself ready before the other girls needed to get up. When I went back into the hall to wake the other girls up Megumi was dressed and selectively picking up her room. I wasn't going to force another tantrum and just let her be, but I realized she hadn't taken a shower. I let her know I appreciated her getting up, dressed and cleaning her room, but she forgot to shower. She just huffed at me and crawled on her bed. I wasn't going to play her game and left her room to get the other girls on task of getting ready.

A little while later I was thinking how great it was to have all the girls ready for school and we were going to be early for breakfast - we tend to be a little late in the mornings - but then I realized I hadn't seen Megumi in awhile. Another child peeks into her room and tells me Megumi is asleep on her bed. So much for going to breakfast early! I went in and tried to wake her, but she wouldn’t move. I called the other dorm mom for help in taking my other girls to breakfast while I dealt with Megumi (who was now awake, but not moving).

With the other girls off to breakfast I sat on the edge of Megumi's bed and remind her how I can't help her if she doesn't talk to me. She still refused to talk to me. I told her I'm going to my apartment and she can come talk to me when she's ready, but if she's not ready in the next 10 minutes it will be too late for breakfast. As I'm walking out of the room she told me she needed to return something to me. Not having a clue what she was talking about I told her that was fine - I'd be in my apartment. As I walked down the hall I hear her getting up and moving around. I got to my apartment and tried to look busy, but still tried to figure out what she needed to return to me.

She came into my apartment and I stopped what I was "doing" to see her place an ace wrap bandage on my desk. She then says, "I stole this from you." Not sure what to say, and bewildered as to when she took the wrap and even why, I just looked at her. Her eyes welled up with tears and she began to quietly cry. I knew in this moment her odd behavior in the previous week was associated with this ace wrap she had stolen from my apartment. I knew I had every right to chew her up and spit her out. After all it had been two weeks since the girls had been under a ban of not having access to my apartment for taking things that didn’t belong to them. I started to think of all the things I could punish her with... no special activities, extra chores, 100 sentences... no make that 100 paragraphs!I then realized the guilt this child had been carrying and all she's done to shake it away only to have it weigh heavier and heavier upon her tiny nine year old shoulders. I then thought of God's mercy - not giving us what we do deserve - and opened my mouth to hear the still calm words flow from my mouth, "I'm sad you stole from me, but I forgive you. I love you, Megumi."

Through her tears I can tell she doesn't believe me. She's waiting for her consequence of a punishment. But, today, there is no punishment for she has been given mercy.

My attention is then drawn away by the office calling and needing my attention. When I return to Megumi I find her in the bathroom scrubbing the sink as if she's punishing herself and needing penitence for her action. I repeat myself, "I forgive you. I love you, Megumi." Her tears well up again. I repeat myself, "I love you.” Her tears flow down her cheeks.

We begin to walk to breakfast and I put my arm around her slumped shoulders and repeat to her, "I love you, Megumi." I can feel her shoulders lift and she looks at me with an expression I'll never forget. An expression of understanding that although I had every right to punish her until I couldn't think of anything else to punish her with, I forgive her and it's time to move on.

A few nights later we're at our mid-week kid's program and the topic of the night was mercy. When given the definition and asked what it's called I see Megumi's little hand raise up ready to share what this very personal life lesson she's just learned she says, "When we don't get what we deserve it's called MERCY!"

I thank God I was able to be used as a personal lesson for this little girl, but in addition to her lesson I learned what it's like to extend mercy.

By the way, for those who do not know Megumi is the Japanese name for the American name Grace or blessing. What a blessing it was to have Megumi in my care this past school year... even through the rough times she was still a blessing I got to extend grace upon!

Living in the desert in a community dependent on donations of consumable items, as well as being dependent on those who participate in our Faithful 5,000 program (which pays the bills like keeping the electricity on) and the support of short term missions groups, which we call Work and Witness teams, to help maintain the campus can seem as though we’re in a place more decollate than we already are. Our water is unsafe to drink and we have to daily get drinking water from the filtered faucet about a football field away from the dorms. When showering the water may suddenly stop running and you pray this doesn’t happen while washing your hair! The dorm has bugs and critters and using traps becomes useless because you spend your day catching bugs and critters. You give up the fight and learn to live with the bugs and critters - although my rule is if it doesn’t touch me it can live, but if it touches me it must be killed! 

Even with the unsafe water and the bugs and critters - Sun Valley Indian School is a much better environment than where these kids come from - we covet prayers for these children. When the kids go home every other weekend some are unsure of where they are staying and if they will get to see their parents or if they will be left to the care of others - which may or may not include meals and an unshared bed. While away from school some kids attend traditional ceremonies which expose them to spiritual warfare. 

For many families education is of little cultural importance. Students in reservation public schools routinely drop out before finishing their basic education. Sun Valley provides a safe, structured Christian foundation. Some families see the value of Sun Valley Indian School, but are unable to provide tuition for their children to attend. The Child Sponsorship program assists these families to send their children to our school. Fifty dollars a month provides the students a quality education, a safe environment: emotionally, physically and spiritually. 

I couldn’t imagine being any other place than right where I am right now. I’ve learned when God says, “Go” and I don’t obey I miss out. There are some days more rough than others and it can make having fun difficult, but I know I’m here to love on these girls just like God loves me. 

Thank you for your time.