I am serving on the Children's Ministry team. Today, I woke up around 7:00 a.m. to help the kitchen crew, but they didn't need much assistance, so I went back to sleep for a little while. Once Children's Ministry began, we shared the Bible message through a very intricate puppet show and made lion masks with the kids. I had so much fun spending time with such energetic and lively children. As fun as they were, they had far more energy than we did, especially since we were running on very little sleep. Even so, being with them always put a smile on my face. In the evening, we went to the Powwow and enjoyed Navajo tacos. When we returned to the house, Joey shared her story with us, and we all had the opportunity to pray for her. It was a wonderful way to end the day.

- Kalani Okura (Children’s Ministry/Kitchen)

I’m in the facilities team and today, I was cleaning up an old house and sweeping around the area. I took out many old clothing, materials, and chunks of wood. Later in the day we went to a Navajo performance and watched many traditional dances. At the end, we were able to join them in their dancing. It was a great first experience!

- Yuki Ikeda (Facilities)

Today was our fifth day at NAOMI House and our third day of children’s ministry. The day started out a bit chaotic as we had a few more kids than we usually have. However, after they got some of their energy out by playing with bubbles and singing songs, we eventually had a puppet show about Daniel and the Lions’ Den. We also did a lion’s mask craft and had free play time. After a tasty lunch, I got to help in the kitchen and make spam musubis as part of our dinner. Later, we headed out and got to see a couple tourist attractions around Holbrook. Although it rained pretty hard while we were out, we were fortunate to still be able to attend the powwow at the park. We got to watch Native American dances, eat Navajo tacos, and hang out with the NAOMI House kids. Overall rating for the day: 5 stars, would do again (after a long nap…).

- Ellie Kishimoto (Children’s Ministry)

I am on the facilities team and today I was staining a staircase for the majority of the morning and noon. Luckily it was mostly in the shade and by the time the sun came in the afternoon I was working on the underside and parts where the stairs covered me. After lunch we also went to Wigwam Motel where the guys had a photo shoot for their boy band/modeling endeavors. We also went to a powwow and ate Navajo tacos and watched Navajo dances. There were a lot of mosquitos but we made it back alive.

I think God has been teaching me to be more patient especially with all of my team members and with all of the circumstances. That patience also comes with trust in him that He is in control of the situation and I am not the one who should take control.

- Lucas Yasumura (Facilities)