“I have had the privilege of being able to visit Navajo Nation twice, one of the times being this year in Teec Nos Pos, Arizona. There, my group and I built stairs for the local church. What I learned: I’m actually better at using power tools than I thought, and I can find new friends in those I’ve known for my whole life. I will always cherish the bridges we built with one another, and the new people I met who gave me a fresh perspective on life. Making fry bread with Marlene, a Navajo community member, meant stories–about her childhood and community’s history that expressed her inseparable connection with her land–woven throughout as we shaped dough. Seeing a magnificent rainbow on a windy desert afternoon and getting an appreciative Oreo from a younger kid I got to know that week taught me to welcome the unexpected.  

Further, amidst all the college application craziness, the theme, Wonderfully made and wildly connected, could not have come at a better time. All these essays ask for your unique “voice” while also deeming shared experiences as cliche. My time at SSP reminded me that every individual has something to contribute that is entirely theirs, and each of our unique selves is what makes all of us so inextricably linked. Going into my senior year, I will forever treasure these memories that I have made at Sierra Service Project in my past five years of going, and will carry the lessons I have learned wherever I go.”
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SSP PRESENTATION
Sunday, August 16th (12:15pm) Helms Hall
The 24 members of our Westwood UMC Sierra Service Project Team are excited to report back to our church. Join some of them for a special one-time presentation on Sunday, August 16th after worship. The Grapplers will be making snacks for all to share. Learn about what they did during their week of service this July, on the Navajo Nation in Teec Nos Pos, Arizona.