San Carlos

I've been in the field here and there recently, but it's been awhile since I was on a nice, long stretch. There's something different about being out for a couple of weeks as opposed to a couple days. You have to mentally prepare yourself and get into a different mode. When I go into Mexico for a couple of days, it really just feels sort of like a trip to the office. It's those long trips that truly make me feel like an Amor field specialist. For this reason, I have been extremely excited leading up to the trip I am currently on. Last Monday, I drove out to Globe, AZ, our home base when we are building homes in San Carlos. Tomorrow, I will be driving from here to Puerto Penasco, where I will remain until the 16th. Getting out here has been extremely refreshing, but has also taken me out of my comfort zone.

We're not in Kansas Anymore

About the only things that are the same here as when I build in Mexico are that I help build a house and I wear a blue shirt. The culture, style of home and relationship that I have with my groups have been radically different during this trip. I am always interested in adventure and doing something new, but it has been frustrating at times to have my normal routines interrupted. Perhaps the most trying part of a situation like this is trying to be as effective in our ministry as possible. When I struggle to figure out what I am doing, it makes it difficult to serve my groups to the best of my ability. In addition, my understanding of the Apache culture doesn't come near my understanding of the Mexican culture, which makes it hard to facilitate the cross cultural bonding I love to see on these trips.

There have been some awesome highlights during my time in San Carlos. First, it is absolutely beautiful here. Pine covered mountains loom over the desert landscape. Our camp has a small ridge directly above it which is perfect for observing the sunset here.

(I know it's unfair that this is how my work day ends.)

Next, we had a great group of guys out here this week. Altogether we had seven Amor staff and the men on this trip nearly all have a few years on me. It was an excellent time for me to learn from others' experience and maturity both in my work life and my personal life. Despite it's challenges, it has also been very interesting to be part of a different type of house build. The homes that we build in Mexico are very basic two room shelters. The homes we are building in San Carlos feature two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. We are even plumbing and running electricity in them. It's pretty impressive to see the scope of these projects. Finally, I have gotten an opportunity to at least be introduced to the Apache culture. It seems the Apaches are more reserved, but they are very warm nonetheless. I also had the opportunity to try some of the local cuisine, including frybread and Apache burgers.

(The Maize family prepares Apache frybread for us. It is exactly as it sounds. Fried bread. Delicious.)

(This is an Apache Burger. Two patties with all the fixins wrapped in frybread. I know that sounds like a lot to handle, but the most disconcerting thing about it was it's blurriness. I have a feeling I will revisit Apache Burgers in another post.)

Despite some awesome things that I have learned about the culture, life is extremely difficult on The Rez (This is how many refer to the San Carlos Reservation). Unemployment is hovering in the 75-77% range. Alcohol and drug abuse run rampant. Teenage pregnancy also seems to be extremely high. These facts are really just the beginning of the problems on The Rez. There have been a lot of things rolling through my mind as a result of my exposure to the area. My understanding of the history of the west and all it's repercussions is certainly lacking, but I can't help but get uneasy when I consider that past U.S. policy has helped contribute to some of the destructive patterns on The Rez. It's hard for me to understand it all, but I can come to one solid conclusion: There is a desperate need here and I am glad that Amor has come here to help serve it. I am extremely thankful that I have gotten to be a part of this effort. I am looking forward to coming back in the future so that I may become more intimate with the projects and problems here and better serve my brothers and sisters here.

(An example of an Amor home in San Carlos.)

Adelante!

-Clint