Have you ever been so thankful to people who have loved you and supported you in what you do that you just want to throw a SUPER big party and tell them THANK YOU? This past September was my first year anniversary of going on staff with AIM and my heart was so filled with thanksgiving for all my supporters that I just wanted to throw that big THANK YOU party. As I thought about how to do that, God brought friends of ours to my mind, Terry and Darlene Wildman of Rainsong. They share Jesus with American Indians on reservations all over the country through their music and storytelling. They are wonderful friends and supporters of mine who have absolutely poured what it means to be an American Indian into me. Their American Indian music and storytelling have so ministered to my heart as I have sought to learn as much as I can about the Indian culture so that I can be effective in my ministry to them.
Terry and Darlene agreed to play for my 1st Anniversary/Thank You Celebration on September 21st at my home. The day dawned bright and sunny with a temperature of 81 degrees. It couldn't have been better for an outdoor concert in our backyard. As Terry and Darlene set up their equipment for the concert, my kitchen was filled with ladies making frybread for Navajo Frybread Tacos, my boys were working hard setting up the backyard with chairs and tables and my hubby, Rick, was working at perfecting the oil to fry the frybread. 60 supporters enjoyed the afternoon of relaxing music and storytelling by Terry and Darlene, highlights of my summer of ministry, followed by a delicious meal of the Navajo Frybread Tacos and Rice Krispie Cookies.
Are Rice Krispie cookies traditional American Indian food you ask? Well, not exactly......but I think they might become that for a young Navajo boy that hung out all week with my AIM team during my first project on the Navajo Reservation last summer. It was the first time he had ever had Rice Krispie cookies and he couldn't put the spoon down. As we mixed them, he ate them. We made 8 double batches that day and I think he must have eaten 2 of those before they even hit the pan. "What are these?", he asked. It was so much fun watching him eat those Rice Krispie cookies. We showed him how to make them so that he could make them at home.
What a blessed day this Anniversary/Thank You Celebration turned out to be. A special THANK YOU to all who helped make the day special: an Apache friend who gave excellent advice on how to make frybread, Winona, Margaret, Mom, Sandie & CJ for making the Frybread, hubby Rick for frying it, Jared, Joe, Adam, Aaron for setting up the yard and of course, Terry and Darlene for the wonderful music and storytelling. You all are AWESOME! To God Be The Glory! Don't forget to check out the photos of the day!
