Pioneer Day Celebration for Branch

Though rainy weather interferred with our actual trek up the Wash to commemorate pioneer day, we did have a successful event on July 21. The first 24 to come were given pioneer scarfs to wear. Sister Robrecht orchestrated a rousing pioneer day baseball game, where players were thrown questions.


Elders Kundis and Van Orden and Corey Wauneka taught the kids how to do the stick pull challenge, like the prophet Joseph Smith loved to do. They had a great time with this. We had a pot luck meal, and then watched a video of the trek, sang songs, and learned about some of the places the pioneers stopped. We were even visited by Brigham Young. Along with hard tack, jerky, and honey candy, we gave the branch a little glimpse of pioneer life.

Primary BOOT Camp

Primary children worked on Building Our Own Testimony at BOOT camp, while the ladies sewed. Here are some of the great kids we get to work with in our little branch. Aren't they super!

UFO Sewing Day

Sister Mannie, and Alta Wauneka model their new aprons.

July sewing was focused on finishing up old projects, and then making aprons the sisters could use, as well as making ones for those who don't often come to church.
We also used scraps from the May and July Apron projects to make hot pads. We had nine sisters come, and two of those were new ones who hadn't come before. We had a great time!


Even some of the kids got interested in sewing.

Wilcox Family Reunion 2008

Celebrating the 4th in the best way!

What a great way to celebrate our Country's birthday! Dawn Ludlam was baptized today, beginning her own rebirth as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She had wonderful support from her family, as well as the Ludlam family. She looked so happy and content with the decision. She will be confirmed at fast and testimony meeting on Sunday.
The Robrecht's also had their granddaughter Belle baptized at the same meeting. It was held at Steamboat. Afterwards we met back at our chapel for a delicious Navajo taco dinner.
Later that evening we had a chance to teach another wonderful family about the Plan of Salvation. We certainly felt the the Holy Ghost touch many hearts today, and are so thankful for those blessings showered upon us all.Then at the end of the day we watched fireworks from our front porch. It was a day to remember and cherish.

Hmmm, What do Missionaries do?

If variety is the spice of life, then this week has been one of the spiciest. Here are some of the things we've done the past 4 days.
--Helped a sister pack, clean and move from her apartment. This entailed three 2 hr. trips to Gallup, where her storage unit is.
--Later that evening fixed a meal for home evening for 5 people, and gave a lesson.
--Tuesday. Conducted two Addiction Recovery classes; --Ran by to see Dawn, while Steve was teaching. Gave her additional encouragement, and short list to review, related to the restoration
--Taught a mom and daughter about Chastity, modesty, obeying the laws of the land; delivered a birthday gift; visited a family we're reactivating;
--visited a family needing help with food; taught a temple prep class; helped a member search for her daughter until midnight.
--Got an evening phone call from Dawn saying she is ready to be baptized, and wants to do it Friday! We sprung into action, making all the phone calls, and arranging for interview, place, etc. Wow, we're so happy.

--Wed. Attended a funeral and provided the accompaniment for all songs; delivered a dozen baby blankets to the Ft. Defiance Hospital; got groceries;
--visited with a young teen who is struggling over his younger brother's death, gave a short lesson, then challenged him to do a service each day and taught him how to make banana pudding;
--took a sister home and Steve blessed her home, and also gave her a blessing. Her son had just been in a serious accident. Taught Sister Ludlam and then planned her baptism service. We are so happy for her.
--We had about a 2 hr. break and then the District leader came over to interview her. As soon as that was over we drove 20 miles to Steamboat to make arrangements to use their baptism font (the branch president doesn't have a phone), then on the way home we went to a sisters home who wanted a blessing.
I think we finally got back about 9:30, then I made brownies made for the baptism Friday, and got shrimp ready to marinate for a cookout we're doing Thur.
--Found out that another family we've worked with had a still born child, so we'll be helping with the graveside service on Sat.
--Cleaned he house, worked outside, fixed food for tonight, then taught a young man who's about ready for baptism. Prepared the baptism programs; oganized branch bulletings into a folder; made shish kabobs.
--Helped a young man with gas money. Supposedly, he'll return it tomorrow. We'll see. I introduced myself as Sister Wilcox and when Steve came he called him "Father". He must have thought we were Catholics!
--Our social with the Waunekas turned out great with all four coming. Then the BYU girls, and Jessica came later. Played spoons, and nines and ate peach pie to wrap up. It's been quite a week so far!!
--As you can see a missionaries life has a lot of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and interaction with many people.

Ganado Branch presents Patriotic Program

Our little branch in Ganado got the week of July 4th off to a great start by presenting "This is a Choice Land" last Sunday. The original script was given to me by Sister Iverson, then I integrated the promises made in the Book of Mormon related to America. Three members of the branch were the narrators. Our Relief Society, Priesthood, and Primary all sang special numbers, and then the congregation made like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and outdid themselves singing the other songs. It turned out very well, and really made us feel thankful to live in this blessed land.
Our Stake president happened to attend that day, and seemed very surprised and pleased that our branch could produce such a good program.

Letter to the Editor--Navajo Times

The letter was published June 26, in the Navajo Times. They really do publish a great newspaper.

June 19, 2008
Box #681 Ganado

Letter to the Editor:

Thirty years ago I was a “stringer” for the Navajo Times, sending in news from the Utah side of the reservation for 3 years. After that I taught journalism for 19 years and have continued to have a vested interest in the Free Press and what the newspapers of America publish.

Since moving to Ganado last fall, and again reading your paper, I have been very impressed by the quality of the reporting, done by the Navajo Times Staff. Though I’m sure sometimes reporters must be a thorn in the side to tribal government, and other agencies, we need to remember it is a good thorn: the kind that pricks us into action, pokes at our conscience, and even causes bad to fester until it is eradicated. Without a Free Press such as this, we would be poorly informed and bad decisions and actions would be swept under the carpet. We should all give a “high five” to your dedicated staff.

The leads of each article are universally strong and unique, thus enticing your audience to read” the rest of the story." It is not easy to wield the pen (or keyboard) consistently day after day in such a consistent and professional manner. The use of analogy, metaphor, allusion, and even puns keep us mentally alert and interested as we read. I salute the skills of your writers.

The other strength I see in the Navajo Times, that was missing in the early years, is the superlative photographs, and feature stories that “show us” the events and unique things happening across the reservation in the schools, hospitals, chapter houses, businesses, sports, and everyday lives of the Dine’. Your photographers are exceptional, and capture the essence of the moment without being intrusive. I am so impressed by the quality and quantity of photos you are able to publish, week after week. What a treat! Having the luxury of publishing in color periodically is also a wonderful addition that we should thank your advertisers for. Congratulations on the wonderful job you do. Keep meeting those deadlines, and doing such quality work. It is much enjoyed and appreciated.

--30—

J. Wilcox
Ganado, Az