What a group! We've had to be flexible on this trip as we've experienced plane delays, slow rental car checkouts, inadequate sleep, and changing plans. The way of life in the Southwest is very different from what we're used to. schedules are merely suggestions, everything is flexible, and the mode of operation appears to be to "roll with it!". Through it all, the youth have been wonderful. It's a different experience to strive for a good trip and not be able to control the details, but I think a good learning experience. We know, of course, that other cultures are different than our own, even in the US, but knowing and seeing are not the same. Here in New Mexico, they know how to be warm and welcoming and create a great experience while still allowing the details to remain fuzzy. I think it's a good reminder that we really don't know how much we don't know.
We started our day at NACA, the Native American Community Academy, where they create curriculum that meets all public school standards but also offers classes that reconnect the kids with their native heritage. students have access to Native language classes, dance, art, and other key cultural heritages that are slowly being lost. It's the only school of it's kind in the Country.
An orientation and welcome was followed by pick-up games shared by the the two groups of youth, an impromptu lunch, and then off to the tree farm with the Youth Conservation Corps. Tres were certainly watered, but there were also some interesting animal encounters with toads, bunnies, and even a turtle that was hibernating against the heat (or so it seemed).
We celebrated Casey's birthday at Kelly's Brew Pub, a local favorite, and teased Casey about celebrating her Birthday for almost 24 hours (since a fine "happy birthday" was sung in the Denver Airport.)
The day ended with a short prayer service led by the Senior girls. Tomorrow we test our skills on desert hole digging. Until then...
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