Because of the People

When I started working at Kensington, I learned about our Global Partners and how we supported indigenous leaders. I heard about all the short-term trips that others had gone on, and I always thought, “Cool, maybe I’ll do that one day.”

But two years ago, when we learned of the newest Global Partner: House of Joy, in the Navajo Nation, in Arizona, I immediately knew, “I have to go there. On this first trip.”

WHY GO?

As a child, I was intrigued by the small bits of Native American history I learned in school; as I grew older, I was grieved when I learned more about the past – and present – treatment of the native tribes.

My motives weren’t as clear then as they are now, but I wanted to go and help the Navajo, or Diné, community in some way – not as “a savior” but rather, to show up in person to serve beside them. I guess I wanted to demonstrate that even though people who looked like me took horrendous advantage of them in the past, I could somehow continue attempting to heal the relationship between our two people groups because although we’re from different walks of life and different ethnicities, we’re all the same to our Creator.

To God, we’re the same – we bear His image; we’re His children.

And when you meet them, they treat you like you’re a guest in their home.

A HARSH LAND, A PAINFUL PAST

While preparing for the trip, I kept wondering about the generational impact of the past on the present-day Diné, and I kept thinking about how we are all made in God’s image.

We learned of the dire conditions of the reservation – it’s as if you’re in another country: no running water, little electricity, no transportation, no grocery stores, no easily accessible resources. The harsh landscape that they were “given” by the government is shockingly barren.

When the Diné were forced out of this land in the 1860s on The Long Walk, it was always their intention to return home. When they were allowed to leave where the Army held them captive for four years, they chose to come back to this desolate land – their home.

THE HOUSE OF JOY

Pastor JR calls his church House of Joy for a reason. They exude so much joy, contentment, peace, and love. Pastor JR and his son, Al, choose joy so often that it has become second nature to them, and it radiates through them to the people they serve. Every single person that comes into church is full of joy. Through them, God has taught me that no matter the circumstance, you can choose joy.

IT’S ABOUT THE PEOPLE

I went into that first trip excited to fix and build. I wanted to labor for someone else’s benefit. I’m a task-oriented achiever, so that was my focus. Get the task, get it done.

But we were encouraged to prioritize “people over projects.” I struggled with my desire to achieve and my introversion. But then, I gave it a shot, and I began to understand that relationships are the most worthwhile investment. It was the connections that I cherished in the weeks that followed.

And so, the very next year, I went back, because of the people.

MS. KIM

Ms. Kim went through a lot of hardship. She left home and traveled across the country, trying to make a new start after an abusive marriage. She found herself coming home to the place of her childhood – it felt comforting to return to her roots. Ms. Kim is a very strong and independent woman, but carries the burdens of a difficult life. We were able to pray with her. We even had lunch with her – in her nearly-completed home – on her birthday.

DARYL “PEACHES”

Daryl’s last name is Peaches, but last names often stick as nicknames among friends. Interestingly, it wasn’t just his family name, but his family’s land had once been filled with peach trees. So, it’s become an endearing name for them. The fruitful trees have since died off due to drought, but the name remains.

ROSIE

Rosie is extremely happy and welcoming. Every morning when we arrived, her front door would be wide open and she would either be waiting in the doorway or on her front porch to say good morning. It seemed like she was ready and eager to connect.

Rosie wanted to make sure everyone felt welcomed and seen.

Their history and the landscapes are incredible; the church is a place of contagious joy; but why should you go?

Because of the people.