Business Trip to Navajo and Hopi Nations

I had an opportunity in March to go to Arizona on a business trip. I got to visit both Hopi and Navajo Nations and it was such an incredible experience.

The trip started out with the Waites. I love that they live in the greater Phoenix area so that I am able to see them when I travel for work!

I only got to hang out with them for a few hours before I headed up to Flagstaff. The work this week consisted of a lot of meetings, meeting a lot of people, taking copious notes and soaking in as much adventure as I could squeeze in.

Hopi Taco on Blue Fry Bread

This is the only irrigated farmland in all of Hopi Nation.  This is in Lower Moencopi Village. 

I have worked for Building Communities for four years. I have worked with our Navajo team for the majority of those four years but hadn't met them face to face. I finally got that opportunity on this trip! On one of the days we only had meetings in the morning, so the four of us went out to the Confluence, where the Colorado and the Little Colorado rivers join. It is a part of the Grand Canyon that isn't often seen by tourists. It was a spiritual and awe-inspiring experience and I am so grateful that we were able to see this.  The drive in was arduous but it all paid off when we got to our destination. It was a beauty like I've never seen or experienced before.

While we were there, Tom, the President of Native Builders and my Navajo brother, gave me a Navajo name which means "The Exploding Mountain Woman" or "Woman from the Exploding Mountain." It was such an honor and a privilege. 

Me with Thomas Tso, Brian Cole, Brian Kensley

We watched the sunset over the canyon and Tom decided to check the tires before we headed out. Lo and behold, there was a flat tire. So we spent time fixing it then headed out on the slow and even more arduous journey out. It was a great team building experience, however, and I'm not sure I'd change it if I could! It was so great to have so much time with Tom and Brian and hear so many stories of the Navajo culture and people.

The road on the left is a road on Hopi Land. The road on the right is Navajo land. 

While driving across the Nation, Brian had to take a call so pulled into this small little town. Right off the road was a small LDS church building. So while Brian took his call, I walked in and had a chat with a couple people that were inside. I learned a lot about the church in the area, how the wards were run, and got to see things like the Articles of Faith in Navajo. At the end, the brother and his wife that were there gifted me with a Navajo Book of Mormon. I know I can't read it, but I still consider it a great blessing!

Had a meeting outside of Winslow, AZ and got to stay in La Posada Historic Hotel. And, of course, had to stand on the corner!

Scoping out a potential development site

At the end of my trip a big storm was heading to Flagstaff. I had an early flight the next morning and wasn't convinved I'd get out of Flag on time. I caught a ride with a colleague that was driving down the hill anyway, and got a surprise extra night with Claire! She is such a good sport about me popping up last minute and letting me crash at her house...and then driving me to the airport! What are best friends for ;)

I am so grateful for my job. I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to visit Navajo and Hopi Nations and meet with my colleagues. I love learning and I loved being exposed to new cultures and ideas. And I love that God has provided me with an opportunity to provide for my family while experiencing these amazing things!