We drove through the Navajo Nation lands this past fall, and the writer is NOT exaggerating. JM
Dearest Friends,The snow is falling and there is a stiff north wind hitting the reservation. I have been studying the weather patterns and reports. It is supposed to be a rough winter. I have had an aching in my stomach these past weeks. As you probably know, I am working fast and furious to put together our Christmas Baskets. I have committed to over 1710 families for Food Baskets over the next three weeks (there is talk of 415 more elderly we recently got a request for). I know this may just sound like an empty number. You don't know these families, and it is difficult for you to see the great need at that great distance. Every year I am asked what kind of families we help. I think it is vitally important for you to know just how dire the situation is for our families, and how much we need you. I have many families I cannot presently help! Let me introduce you to one family: Gena is a five-year old little girl who lives in a one-room hogan with her grandmother and her brother and sister. Her grandmother, Anna, has the daunting responsibility of rearing and educating these three children of five, seven, and ten years of age. If you walked into their Hogan, you would not believe it. There is a dirt floor with a kitchen table and one chair. They also have two cots where they sleep, which is all the furniture in the home. The children sleep in one cot, and Anna sleeps in the other. This is one of the poorest families I have ever met, even according to reservation standards. Anna's daughter, Sue, died during delivery of five year old Gena. The children's father has traveled out of the area to find work. He comes back occasionally to see his children, but Anna has the greatest share of the work. She raised her own family in the same conditions, and now she must take care of the next generation. Anna is one of those quite heroines you find occasionally. I have found her telling stories to her grandchildren of the old traditions, the old ways, and walking in virtue. I remember the last time I was there; Gena was sitting on Anna's lap. Anna was telling Gena about her mother, Sue and what a good woman she was. Anna was telling her of when Sue was a little girl and she used to put Sue on her lap. Gena starred at her grandmother with wide and wondrous eyes. Anna told me she makes due with just enough food to keep the children alive. We have helped them with a few things, but I get very anxious this time of year. The winter will be harsh, and their home will be cold. Don't you think we can provide at least one good fulfilling Food Basket a year, so Anna and the children can share the joy of the Christmas Season? Anna told me that she did not have any money for Christmas gifts. We have ordered 4,000 stockings for children like Gena. These will be filled with candies and small toys--and they will go to those children that will not have any gifts this year without these stockings. Looking at Gena and Anna sitting together, I could not help but think that even the most hardhearted person would not be genuinely moved. It is one little part to play. It does not seem like a lot, but it would make all the difference in the life of Gena and her family. Won't you please be as generous as you possible can? The cost of a full Basket is $58.60. Please follow your heart. Giving is what Christmas is all about. I can't imagine anyone more in need than Gena. There are thousands just like her living in poverty. Let us bring a little joy to their lives.What is in a Christmas Food Basket.Let me ask you one favor: Please, Please consider helping more this year, as we have been forgotten. Please consider giving more that you would have. If we could just recover a bit from our shortfall, then there would be some hopes. Let us get food baskets and stoves to these destitute families for the holidays. May God bless you and your family always, especially during this blessed season.God Bless You always,Deacon Dan Nez MartinP.S. For one small child sucha as Gena, her very world may be restored with hope by just having some act of love on Christmas morning, Please help me. P.P.S. You can give Two gifts in one. As indicated by our pledge card -- you can send a donation for a food basket. If you wish to give this donation in another's name, just mark the indicated spot. We will send you a beautiful card that you can fill out, and send it to a loved one notifying them that you have this food basket in their name for a Christmas gift. Everyone comes out a winner! Bless you! If you have any questions or comments, I am available at billy@cia-g.com. Wishing you the very best always. Bill McCarthySouthwest Indian Foundation505-863-2128 Take a look at these attractive items, and let us know if you are interested. You can order online at: southwestindian.com
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