WATER

In a dessert like area water is an important commodity. Here in Pinon we are supplied with water from three deap wells. The water tower on the left is one of them. Notice the horse standing under it. Horses are everywhere. In the more rural areas there are wells with the water being pumped by a windmill as seen on the right. This works till something goes wrong and it no longer works. We were talking to a Navajo who has been hauling water for household use and taking her animals four miles to a spring for three years now because the windmill is not working. There are springs in the area where originally the natives got their water. At the Chapter House there is hose where those who haul water can fill their tanks.

We are fortunate here to have very soft water so no water scum or hard water stain. Unlike some areas on the Rez our clothes come out of the wash nice and white. We did have to get used to feeling rather slippery after a shower.

Since water is not always available unless it is hauled outhouses are a common sight here on the Rez. Also Hogans generally cannot accommadate a bathroom. Statistics from 2002 state that 33% do not have indoor plumbing on the Rez. Since here in Pinon we are in the more isolated and more traditional area of the Rez. the outhouse is very visible.

Flower of the week.

Popcorn popping on the apricot tree.

The garden project is moving along. Elder Lybbert is assisting a young man in putting up the fence. At this home the grandmother is raising her six grandchildren. They have grown a patch of the native corn each year but wanted to have a vegtable garden also.

Our week has been mostly involved with the gardens but we had the opportunity to teach a few times.

The highlight of the week has been watching General Conference this weekend and Waynes birthday. Thanks to a few of our daughters he had a party via face time.

Love to all,

Elder and Sister Lybbert