seems like we just got here...time to say goodbye.

Last full day here on mission and the monsoon is expected this afternoon. We have a busy day ahead of us so we started breakfast and devotions early. 

We dedicated the bulk of the day to a prayer walk (actually a prayer drive) to the Apache hospital, the Tribal Council and ceremonial area, and the liquor store (more on that later). 

At the hospital we prayed for the sick and injured as well as the medical staff. Part of the staff are Johns Hopkins medical staff who are focusing their resources on studying chronic Apache conditions.  We also prayed for medical professionals to fill all the open employment slots as those vacancies preclude some medical procedures.     

At the Tribal Council building, we prayed for wisdom and love for the leaders of the Apache nation. We also prayed for our continued support and service to AYM as well as the rest of the reservation. 

At the liquor store parking lot, we prayed for all the consumers to replace their addiction to alcohol with a love for God and the trust of Jesus' sacrifice. This liquor store is the sole one in this area of the reservation and we understand that it sells over $1M (yes, that's a capital M!!) on the first day of the month when governnent checks arrive. We prayed that everyone-including the proprietors -would have the Holy Spirit in them to love one another. 

Following the prayer walk/drive, we proceeded to a local park where we had lunch and then spent the afternoon-along with Stefan and his famlly-doing private meditation and prayers in the Lectio Divina format. Jean read the 23rd Psalm and then we shared our thoughts on parts of the scripture and its relevance to our mission.

We then fed and said our good byes to Stefan's horses and then everyone including Ms. Lottie met for dinner at a Mexican dinner. Afterwards we retired to Ms Lottie's home for ice cream and more conversation about the mission and its effects upon us. Ms Lottie surprised all of us with personal gifts. One of them was a crucifix necklace made of nails and wire. Included with the gift was a note as follows: "The wrapped wire reminds us of the branches of thorns that were twisted into a crown to mock the King of Kings. The nails are symbolic of the large spikes that were used to pierce the hands and feet of our Savior. Let this cross of nails forever be a reminder to you of the great love that Jesus has for us and the suffering that Jesus endured for our salvation."

Lights out early as we're rising at 4:45am to head for the airport.