Excerpt

I FOUND AN INNER SPIRITUAL BEAUTY

A community member asked me a few years ago, What is your perception of my people after being here so long? Is it different than when you first came? I delayed giving him an answer because I needed to give it some serious thought.

Although interested in the Native American all my life, born and raised in the east, I lacked real knowledge and understanding. Coming to this community with all the stereotypes impressed on my mind depressed, uninformed, indifferent, inaccessible, idle, impoverished and helpless - I was sure they needed me! Whether we want to admit it or not, we Anglos believe were pretty perfect. Yes, knowledgeable and thoroughly equipped to handle most aspects of life, business and human temperament. We assume were expected to push our life style, customs and beliefs into any culture different than ours; so, we go on rescue missions. We will clone them! Cloning however was never my goal. I did have a sincere desire to help change some lives and situations for the Lord had led me here, and I knew this was where I was supposed to be. Finding many of the preconceptions earlier mentioned I felt unprepared to assist in many circumstances. It was however comfortable to adapt to their slow, easy unique ways.

What I did find in these people was an inner, spiritual beauty Ive never seen in any other culture known to me. However, I dont feel it can be acquired, duplicated or imitated. Its an innate, precious presence within them. As hard as we might like to grasp it, this unparalleled characteristic remains beyond our reach. It is a birthright a heritage. I benefit only because I have the privilege of experiencing it.

When my first great granddaughter Alisha was about 18 month old she frequently came to Helping Hands. She felt at home here and called all the women by name. Relaxed around them she displayed her out-going personality. She not only had an hello for the customers, but a thank you and come back again as they left. She dusted the furniture, ate lunch with the workers and enjoyed finding herself the center of attention. Her father is Hispanic, grandfather of Apache heritage, and grandmother Aztec. So she looked very much like a little Indian doll with her black hair and eyes. A Pima lady, who worked at Social Service, and Alisha immediately bonded, connecting on sight. When she came to the store my granddaughter beamed wanting her attention exclusively. One day she said to me, Alisha is beautiful, she has a lovely, deep spirit. That touched me. I shall remember to tell Alisha the compliment when she is older explaining its significance. In our culture, she would have had a pleasant disposition, but this Indian lady FELT her SPIRIT. Only an Indian would perceive Alisha in this manner.

Im learning to appreciate their vital quality of sacredness. Its hard to define, but a characteristic I experience nowhere else. Though amazed by their simple, sincere expressions they always touch my heart. Even engulfed in problems (financial, marital, physical, and personal) and other hardships, there remains a deep spiritual sensitivity embodied in each of them that appears lacking in others. Special words to explain it seem inadequate. Deep friendships, belonging to family, exercising ancient language, and remembering tradition and myths help them to sustain a functional life even when troubled. Reverence felt for their elders is unwavering in their culture.

Why is this characteristic, this quiet holiness, still embedded in their traits, their personalities? My reasoning is the Lord infused this everlasting gift: a unique depth of feeling a Godly quality of used to be. What an admirable, heavenly blessing God has left with them.

Yes, my perceptions have changed, but only because their situations have changed also. Across Pima road and into the outlying cities the stereotypes still linger in the minds of

most Anglo populations, but the city governments are becoming much more aware of the Indian influence in the Valley of the Sun.

The freeway going through the reservation and the impact of casino money has put new life and financial stability into the reservation. Things they could not even dream about are transpiring. More and better housing, informative programs, new schools with better curriculums, sewage facilities, creation of Indian enterprises are only some of the things happening.

The community, once backward and untrusting, is realizing it is imperative they become a vital enmity to survive in this time and age. They are stressing higher education and many young men and women, with degrees, are returning home to help their people become self sufficient. Those who prefer working off the reservation are finding acceptance and many opportunities available to them. Training facilities established within their border, with modern equipment, make available all types of educational advantages to every age group, including their prison population.

With all these positive changes have brought self esteem, desire and confidence, developing character and strength, thus giving a promise of a brighter, prosperous future to Salt River.

Still, after all my years in this community I still perceive a childlike people who need support and caring from understanding friends. They need helpmates who will teach, not from books, but by example and tolerance. Someone to instill the I can attitude into their lives instead of assuming someone else will do it for them. Above all they must learn to trust, but we Anglos need to be a people worthy of that trust. They have endured and stood alone for generations, but no one is an island. We should not try to dictate, but work together for that kindles the fires of friendship and understanding. Accepting Christ in their hearts and living by

His teachings will provide a foundation portraying an excellent example for future generations.

My perception for Salt River is positive, their future will definitely be soundly established and with look before you leap productivity.