Merry Christmas!!!

December 26, 2015

            Dear All,

            This has been a different but wonderful week in Zuni.   Time spent with family (Jodi and girls) was priceless and so uplifting.  We loved every minute they were here.  We went in to Gallup with them on Monday.  We had fun going to some of the places that the Indians sell their wares.  We ended up buying every grandchild one more gift which will arrive after Christmas.  In fact they are at Ryan and Alicia’s right now.  We had lunch at Antonys, a South Western Restaurant which was good.  We drove around Gallup for a bit and then we had to get take out at the Panda Express  and when we came back Jordan and I wanted to go to the Tribal Building where they were selling jewelry and things from Zuni but all 4 of us ended up going in.  Leena a member was there selling her beautiful jewelry.  Jodi did a bit of last minute Christmas shopping.  Beautiful things.

            On Tuesday we knew that Jodi and the girls were about to leave but we did drive all over to show them Zuni, the High school, Wellness Center (where they excurse , the Hospital,  library, the places people sell things,  the inner village with the old Church and just where people live.  It wasn’t very good weather and they ended up leaving to drive to Albuquerque about 1:00.  We sadly finished up our Christmas cards and visits with those we hadn’t made it to earlier.  We missed them but what a joy to have their visit.

            We did lots of wood on Wednesday and Thursday. Prepared lessons to teach on Sunday in Primary.  Best part of this is that each time we go we go with members, less active members and even some non members.  Good visits and lots of work.

            On Christmas Eve we were able to take some sub for Santa things to 3 families.  It was good to be with the families for a bit.  We had the muddiest truck you have ever seen so we had to make a trip to Gallup to wash off the mud.     You would have to be here to see all of the mud that is in Zuni.  Not a blade of grass.  Fun to have a little snow – not like Cache Valley has but a couple of inches.  It is cold here and the wind blows a lot so it feels even colder. 

            Christmas Day was great.  We enjoyed feeding the Elders breakfast   We opened all of our gifts from our family.  Each one seemed just perfect for Zuni.  So fun.  We were invited to Brother and Sister Salts for dinner with President Walker and his little family.  Jodi and Jordan fell in love with the Salt and Walker children.  They are cute ones for sure.  We had a feast as did all of you.  We wanted to take a  bit of the things we like at home and so with the other food items we included an appetizer with cream cheese and shrimp and crab.  They loved it and of course oranges dipped in chocolate.  They liked our Utah food and we enjoyed their dinner also.  We stayed there to visit while the Elders went to our trailer to call their families.  We did go home and they were still calling so we went into the little bedroom (very cold room) and we face timed our wonderful family.  Wow was it good to talk to all of them.    Can’t thank everyone enough for all of the pictures they sent us, the cards, the thoughtful gifts and just the words of support.  It was amazing and loved hearing from everyone of you.  You can tell you have been in Zuni when you see some of the gifts the grandkids got and you don’t know what they are.  They all look fun but we have never seen them for sure.  We know our family is blessed while we are away and pray for all of you and them as they strive to serve and love the Lord. 

            Being Away at Christmas Time is a different experience.  We have learned how important it is to be kind to people and involve them.  So many good people here.  Some members called or texted and just said, “Merry Christmas Dotages. “  yes they send plates of treats by like we do.   Some of the cute ladies bring their treats to church to hand out to everyone. 

            Many people here do not have a car or truck so they have to simplify.  If they see the people they need to take their treats then.  The other day at Sacrament meeting a lady came in late and handed me a bowl that I had sent her soup in then went and sat down.   Just how it is here. 

            Starting last night at midnight they started what they call deshkwi.  It is a cleansing time so they can start the New Year with a clean soul and pay spiritual gifts to their gods for a prosperous new year.  They close the garbage transfer station so no one takes their garbage there for 4 to 10 days.  In fact they are to keep the garbage in their houses and only after this is over take it out.  Those steeply involved in this actually leave it in their house then burn a bit in each room when this is over so they can have their house blessed.    No stores, convenience centers are open for 4 days as they aren’t supposed to spend any money at that time.    No one is to use a chain saw to get wood for ten days.  They are supposed to have enough wood on hand to cover this.  That is why last week we had to get so much wood and help so many.  Just like the Church food storage program we have a big stock pile at the Salts house where if we are called we can take emergency wood to our members.  They can’t eat fatty food for ten days.  They said that they are not supposed to have any outside lights on but many do.  I think only those deeply in tune with their traditions from many years actually continue to practice this.          The Church members are respectful of the traditions but do not feel that they need to practice most of them.  It seems most of them try to have plenty of wood, and of course we can’t get groceries or anything because the three places you can spend money in Zuni are closed for that time.   Our Branch President reminds us that we are fine because we fast once a month.  He is Zuni but very cute about all of this.  I am glad that some of our friends down here keep us informed about all of this because it is happening so often and we do not want to offend anyone. 

            As for the Dattages we are glad that we believe in Jesus Christ and that he was born and walked upon this earth and that he lived a perfect life and obeyed his Father.

            We believe that he suffered for us and because of Him our sins can be washed away if we obey.

            We also know that he died for us.  We know that He loves us with a very unselfish love. 

            We are so grateful for our Prophet, President Monson, and the love that he has for all man kind.  We are so grateful for the Book of Mormon,  for Joseph Smith and for the love that we can have for all.

We are grateful for our family and the love and support we feel daily from them and from our amazing friends in Cache Valley.  We appreciate everything that is being done for us and of course your prayers. 

            We do love and miss all of you but we love the work we are blessed to do here in Zuni.  Each time we talk to these amazing members and so many of the less active they do know and love our Savior our Testimonies grow. 

            Thanks to all of you and have a wonderful New Year.  We want to try to do just that as we strive to share our love and testimonies with the people in Zuni.

            Elder and Sister Dattage

 Elder Blazzard and Yorgesen eating Chritsmas Breakfast!  Jealous!!  Elder Dattage makes the BEST breakfast!!

 Elders playing with their gifts on Christmas morning!!

 Sister Dattage and her Christmas gifts!  Every year Alicia makes a family calendar!  It is priceless!!

 Merry Christmas from the Zuni Bread Man!!

 Elder Dattage and his Christmas gifts!  Above is his new Sawzall!  

At home Grandma and Grandpa have a "treat drawer"  Sister Dattage said this is their Christmas treat drawer.  I (Jodi) made a visit the week before Christmas and watched Elder and Sister Dattage open lots of cards and packages from family and friends back home!  I can tell you personally that they LOVE getting this stuff!!  Every card/package was treasured!!!