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December 31st, 2007 From: - Management [from: John & Ruth Bloom]
Dear praying friends,
We’ve been getting some of the snow that’s hit the rest of the country. As snow is one of Ruth’s favorite things (she says some of her best friends are flakes) she is excited. She is busy getting ready for Kid’s Christmas on Dec 20th, where we give all 80 students a bag of nice gifts. Our house is all decorated for winter – Ruth doesn’t necessarily decorate for Christmas – as winter is her favorite season. Lots of snowmen and snowflakes.
As we still have no maintenance man we have been relying on visiting handymen for help. God sent many talented ones our way this fall. We had visitors from Colorado, Kentucky, North Carolina, Arizona, Kansas and Michigan. We also enjoyed a short visit from the Montgomery clan. Howard, Jeannie and Ruth grew up here and it was good to see them again. I went to high school with Howard in Kansas many years ago. They loved seeing all the changes even in the last few years. While the project list is much shorter there are still many things to do if you have a mind to visit. Keep praying that in His time God will provide a maintenance man.
One of the visitors was Charles Roughton who is praying about coming to be the maintenance man. He and his wife Kathy live in North Carolina. He certainly has the skills we need. Pray that God would lead him and his church fellowship in discerning God’s perfect plan.
We are excited to welcome a new Navajo staff member. A former student, Running Feather Hosteen has come on staff as bus mechanics helper. Running has been trained in auto mechanics and wants to use his talents for the Lord. He has come on faith, trusting the Lord to meet his needs. Pray that support will come in for him and that he will be the help that Ranson needs. Ranson is still in much pain from his back and may need to go for surgery. Lula’s brother died suddenly recently. They remain faithful servants in spite of many trials. Pray for them.
We had our annual Community Christmas program last Sat. About 175 came to see the Nativity acted out, sing carols and listen to a great message. We served a good meal for everyone. We praise God for yet another opportunity to share the good news with our community. Dec 19th we are having a school Christmas program. Anne Denny has worked hard to put together a great musical program involving most of the students.
We will visit family and friends over Christmas in Kansas and Missouri. Please pray for God’s grace in many miles of travel.
John & Ruth Bloom
December 20th, 2007 From: - Management [from: Kathy Staley]
After Christmas break we hope to offer the high school girls a class on scrapbooking. There will be close to 20 in the class which will require a lot of supplies. If you would like to help, here is a list of things we will need to collect before January.
1) 12×12 albums (top-loading)
2) Cardstock, paper — all colors, all prints (not construction paper)
3) Acid-Free Adhesives
4) Personal paper cutters.
5) Stickers, Letters
6) Colored brads, eyelets
7) Punches
 Acid-Free pens and markers
December 13th, 2007 From: - Management [from Kelli Wilson]
Merry Christmas to you! I have been in the Christmas mood soooo much this month. I am ready to go home and see my dad and my family. I hope that you have a great Christmas with family and friends as you remember Christ's birth and sacrifice for us!
I had the joy of being in the wedding of my former roommate (Elaine Walter to Eric Evers) at the beginning of this month. It was neat to see the way that the Lord helped with the arranging of my transportation to get to the wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and yes, I did cry. But I know that Elaine and Eric will have a great marriage as they continue to focus on the Lord!
Thanksgiving for me was a restful time. A group of about 20 or so people were visiting Anne Denny for the holiday. Also, everybody from the mission stayed here for the holiday. We started the day with a pie breakfast at Dorothy Harvey's house. The idea is that since everybody is always too full for pie after the big meal, let's just eat it for breakfast first that morning. I loved the idea!!! Then for lunch we all ate a big meal down in the school cafeteria. We each brought a dish or two and had a great time. It was a fun day and then I had the rest of the weekend to get caught up on some much needed sleep.
I have had a couple bouts with a cold this month. I even sick on my own birthday—how lame is that. But the Lord worked it out that since I was home sick, I was also home when my grandma called to wish me a happy birthday—it was so nice to be able to talk to her when I was sick. One of my students also had a birthday this month. She shared her birthday with a kindergarten student—so we all got together and watched a movie and ate purple cupcakes!
I do believe that we all teacher's and students alike are looking forward to Christmas break. I always anticipated it as a child—but I never knew that I would anticipate it even more as a teacher!!! I find myself saying, "Let's just go read a book instead of…" We have the countdown going—only 13 days til Christmas!!! Have a Merry Christmas!
In Him,
Kelli Wilson
November 22nd, 2007 From: - Management [from: Megan Thurston]
Hello everyone! Well, it has been an age since I've written, I think. I say "age" because my students and I are on a Tolkien kick. We're reading The Hobbit and will be reading the Lord of the Rings Trilogy . Hopefully they are as prepared as they think they are! They seem to be enjoying the fantasy aspect…most of them are. For my poorer readers, it has been a little daunting, but they haven't given up and that makes me very happy.
Right now it is my break. I have a break every morning from 9-10. I should be finishing my grades, but it is so boring and slightly depressing! It is much more fun to write a note, drink some cocoa, and listen to Christmas music on my TV. My dogs are playing in the living room, except Sally who is sitting right next to me. My puppies have been very mature lately. No books, DVDs, CDs, or furniture has been chewed on for over a week, nor has there been any messes on the floor. It is indescribable how wonderful that is. I pray it continues. A friend, Kelli Wilson, has been helping me walk them in the afternoon after I get back from driving the bus. Kelli is our first grade teacher. She walks Sally while I walk Buddy and Barkley. Cassie, the tripod, isn't put on a leash unless she is in town. Her stopping and going is too much of a nuisance for her to be on a leash.
Well, now it is Wednesday. My students and I are almost finished reading The Hobbit. Next they will have to write a five paragraph essay about it. Reading, thinking, and writing…what a dangerous and daunting proposition!
We are definitely ready for a little break. I think school on Monday will be much more interesting than a normal Monday! I also hope that some students think about how much they really do like school and won't do anything foolish to jeopardize their position here. A high schooler was suspended yesterday for coming to school drunk. His dad is working and not at home, so U. drives himself to a bus stop or to school. So, he drove himself to school while he was under the influence! Our school is his last chance since he has already been kicked out of some public schools, kicked out for alcohol and drug use. Please pray for him and his father. Aside from that, school is going along normally. I am seeing tpyical amounts of affection and disrespect from the students. Yes, disrespect. Remember I teach teenagers!
I have a lot to be thankful for…plenty of wood for my stove, dogs that are growing up, classroom work that is getting done, junior high students that are getting excited about basketball and the holidays, and of course all the people that support me!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, love, megan
November 12th, 2007 From: - Management [from Kelli Wilson]
Wow! October was a very busy month for us here at the Mission. Every weekend and many week nights we had something going on. As a result I have a very messy house—at least I like to blame it on that. The month kicked off with a Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) teacher conference down in Phoenix. I had a great time, was reminded of many things, and generally encouraged. I really enjoyed the family that put Megan and myself up. I also enjoyed getting to know more of my co-workers on the road trip. I also saw my first saguaro—very exciting! After the conference, Anne Denny went to Kansas to a wedding and she and a friend, Andrew Hawkinson, drove back a new bus for the Mission. We are very excited to have that and at the amazing way that God provided it. It was also a blessing to have Andrew here for a day. The next weekend we had a garage sale here at the mission. Since I just moved in, I didn't have anything to contribute. So Megan and I took her four dogs to a park in Cortez, Co. She thought it might be a good idea to not have them barking all day long. About the middle of the month, the mission hosted a Singspiration. Several of the area Navajo churches came together and organized a 2 ½ days of singing, concerts (local people), preaching and food (of course—lots of food!). It was a huge success. Many people were either challenged or encouraged through the weekend. That Friday marked the end of the first quarter and we had to prepare the report cards—a very scary and stressful process. Then on Tuesday we had an open house in which I got to finally meet many of my students' parents. It was a lot of fun, and amazingly I wasn't at all nervous—praise God!! The next weekend we had a work day here at the mission. We don't have a maintenance man this year so we took a Saturday to try and accomplish a lot of things. We cut firewood, winterized all the water coolers, changed furnace filters, replanted flowers, fixed chairs, and many other things that I've already forgotten. A family from Colorado came and helped out that weekend—it was so neat to meet them and see their desire to help out in whatever way is possible. Do you know of someone who might be interested in coming out here and being a maintenance man for a weekend, week, month, or year or more? The next week was Halloween. My kids definitely got sugared up even before they left school to go Trick-or-Treating. I left school early on Halloween to fly to Iowa for Elaine (my former roommate and best friend) and Eric's (another good friend from college) wedding. It was so wonderful to see friends again and laugh about old times. We had a great weekend, but not nearly enough sleep! Other than that, not much happened. I hope and pray next month's newsletter covers a lot less events. One thing I learned this month is that God definitely knew what he was doing when he created weekends—and they ought to be treated as sacred events. I very much enjoyed this Saturday!!! It was a great day of rest, time in the Word, time with friends, great food, and my house is so much cleaner!!! I pray that you can find time for a refreshing weekend or even just a rejuvenating hour or two!
In Him,
Kelli Wilson
November 6th, 2007 From: - Management [from Megan Thurston]
Well, here it is another school year. In fact the first quarter is half-way done. How is it possible for something to feel like it is taking forever, when you see that it is going by faster than you realize? No wonder junior high teachers are slightly "off"! At least, I am!
We have thirteen fun, goofy students this year. One student came all the way from Canada! Another student came back after living in town (Farmington/Kirtland) for several years. The rest are repeat business. I have three students who are not at grade level. Their language arts skills are between grades 3-5. Please pray for them to be encouraged as they work; please pray that I will have wisdom and patience to teach them. Some students are in that rebellious stage and are routinely obnoxious. Pray for them as well, that they will learn self-control. Please pray for my self-control too!
On the whole, this group of students gets along well and is helpful to each other. I pray that they learn more about following God this year, and that they become better thinkers and doers in general.
November 5th, 2007 From: - Management [from Anne Denny]
BAM! BAM! THUMP! BAM! Strum, strum, strum, plink, plink, strum, BAM! These are typical noises you hear each day in my new music room. I wish there was audio in our newsletters but you would probably hit the mute button as fast as you could find it so it’s just as well. I am having a great time teaching music again this year and especially love having my own room with a door that locks. The elementary grades get to come once a week to sing, play the bells, keep rhythm with sticks and look longingly at the pianos, guitars and trap set that I reserve for the upper grades. Then I get the older girls and boys for an hour each day while their counterparts are in PE. We can already accompany many praise songs on both the guitar and piano but our solos leave something to be desired. My goal for the students is that some day they will be able to use these skills to build up the local church in worship and enhance their own personal worship to the Lord. I’m thankful that the Lord appreciates a joyful noise but I don’t think we need to remain at the noisy gong, clanging cymbal stage in our musical development.
October 30th, 2007 From: - Management Hello everyone!
Just thought I'd take a quick moment to say hey and give a little update. Last week was the end of our first quarter. It's so exciting to see one quarter of the school year already gone; it's also a little bit scary since there is so much I want to do in the three quarters left! Volleyball season is almost over. Our league tournament is this weekend in Farmington, New Mexico. We only won one match this year! Although all the matches were close, never a blow out! Basketball season starts in a couple weeks; although, the boys are already practicing. John is coaching both girls and boys. It sure would be nice if someone or a couple would like to come out for three months to coach the teams. John is our principal, maintenance man, teacher, and coach…as well as a bus driver! Please be praying for him!
I am going to Chandler next week for a school accreditation visit. Valley Christian High School is making the switch to ACSI from some other organization. I get to be one the "evaluators". OOOOHHHHHH, the power! Not really. It should a good time of evaluating the school, getting new ideas, and meeting new people. The staff here will be watching my dogs…please pray for them and the dogs! =)
The weather has been cool in the mornings and warm in the afternoon. Very nice, the less I need to build fires, the better. Although, it is nice to have a fire, a cup of coffee, and a good book! It's definitely fall and beautiful.
Well, it is time to do recess duty.
Talk more later, love, Megan
October 26th, 2007 From: - Management [from Esther Yazzie]
This is another exciting year to teach here at Immanuel Mission School. It is my third year of teaching here and it has been just wonderful and rewarding. I live about ten miles west of Immanuel Mission on the mesa. We have three horses in a corral amongst other animals such as chickens, cats, and dogs. My husband and I feed them everyday and give them water. One day this summer it was my turn to get some water for the horses from the windmill. While the barrel was filling I decided to take a walk to the top of the mesa where there is an overview of Sweetwater and Immanuel Mission. The view is breathtaking. I looked at the Mission and thought, “I am going to teach there again this year.” It was a good feeling. When I got home, I sat down and thought it through about my teaching job and lovely, eager students I’ll have to teach. I read Deuteronomy 6:5-7 and Proverbs 22:6. I then thought about the following: did I make a difference in each of my student’s lives in the year 2006-07? Did I teach my students that there is a place for them in the greater society? And did I teach them beyond the textbooks and work sheets? Did I encourage students to try the math problems again and again to solve the problem? And did they get answers on the second try because I had encouraged them? I hope I help my students in many ways. I understand that God placed me here in specific situations such as teaching, for a reason. To be sensitive and obedient to the divine plan is a tremendous joy.
Teachers shape and develop the young mind and show students the tools for living in society. As teachers, there is joy and happiness in knowing that the doors are open for students to teach their goals, to become leaders, teachers, lawyers, doctors, ministers, evangelists, etc. Anyway, the Lord has already planned for each student’s success and it is the student who has to embrace this. When I plan the day’s lessons, I carefully look and study the school textbooks and curriculum guide. Teaching is like art. When I want to weave a Diné rug, I have to carefully plan, such as picking the colors that match for the kind of design that will make a perfect rug. Teaching is hard work and at the same time, the greatest joy. When parents come in to thank me for teaching their child, that is a big encouragement. I care for my students patiently with respect and dignity.
I would like to share one of many adventures I have had as a teacher. I have to drive ten miles on the dirt road to get to Immanuel Mission School. The road I take goes down the mesa, across a big wash, and up some hills. When it rains the road gets muddy and when it snows it gets slippery. One evening in January, I decided to stay late to watch the game and started for home late. It had snowed that day. I drove across the wash and some hills. When I got to the bottom of the mesa and started driving up the big hill, I almost got to the top. My truck stopped and couldn’t go any further because the road was icy and it was too slippery. So then I had to drive backward down to the bottom, but about halfway down my truck slid sideways across the road. There was a big ditch on both sides of the road and I couldn’t drive anymore. I decided to wait for someone to drive this way but nobody came. I was freezing. Usually nobody drives around when it’s cold and freezing late at night, unless a person is crazy like me. I waited for thirty or forty minutes. Since there was no help I got out of the truck and started walking home. I was three and a half miles from home. It was a good thing I was well-dressed for the cold weather. I heard dogs howling to each other like wolves in the distance. When I got to the top of the mesa it was chilly and windy. My face started freezing right away. I walked about a mile and my legs started freezing and shaking, but I kept walking. Then in the distance, I saw headlights coming toward me down the road. I thanked the Lord it was my husband and daughter.
After this happy ending, I never did leave from work late again in wintertime. This is one of many adventures I have had as a teacher. Hágoónee’
October 24th, 2007 From: - Management [from Dorothy Harvey]
Hi, this is the Lady from Thrifty store. I’m still running my store and it’s going slow, but it’s surviving. For those who have been asking what is needed for my store, here is a list:
Household items: sheets, towels, curtains, dish towels, dish rags, any other kitchen items, fabric (cotton) large bolts, men’s working gloves, school supplies, and any home decoration.
Toiletries: Bar soap, shampoo with conditioner, lotion (scented), tooth paste, baby lotion, baby shampoo, baby powder, disposable diapers (size 2-6), and any personal item for bath or shower
These are things my customers always ask about, and I think they will sell and will help me big time.
Next month I will be taking a break to go see a very good friend in Washington State. This will be quite a vacation for me. I know I’ll enjoy every minute of that time, but I will also miss being here for ministry with the Wednesday afternoon Bible study. Please pray with us for that Bible study.
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