Red Feather - Hopi 2009

I'm back home from Red Feather, back after two great weeks in Bacavi helping to build a house for Beverly, Elizabeth and Tawwesa.

The end of my time at the build and the return home always brings a flood of emotions, a deep appreciation for the people and the world around me. It can be a pretty intense experience, and takes a bit of adjustment to drive away from the people and experiences that have filled the prior two weeks.

I noticed that this past week, as well as at the end of other Red Feather builds, the same thing tends to happen. I find myself thinking of particular friends and family that I think would really enjoy this kind of experience. I think to myself "oh wouldn't it be great if so and so could come with me next year?" It always seems to happen as the time approaches an end, and as I am really filled up with the love from all these previous strangers who have come together in this experience to help another family. I want to share this feeling and this experience and these new friends with people that are important in my everyday life. I want them to see what this part of my life is. To get to know me better.

On the same note, it was great to help on a house that was for Beverly, who has become a friend over the last few years on the builds together and especially this past year as her work brought her to Chinle. I look forward to future visits with her in Chinle, and to heading back her way to see her place once she's moved in. The house turned out beautifully, and there are some really neat details like the niches that Tawwesa designed,

the "truth window" that Mark built,

and the gorgeous pergola that put Ben's woodworking skills to use.

The people of Hotevilla and Bacavi have been welcoming every year. But this year, I especially noticed the involvement of the community and the family connections amongst all those helping or coming by to sell crafts or share pieces of culture and bounties of Hopi food with us (corn, blue corn, and more blue corn!). It really feels as though there is one big family in Bacavi, waiting to welcome us whenever any of us may return, be it throughout the year, or at next year's build. I'm hoping that this year I might make it back to Hotevilla for the Basket Dances, that apparently include knock-down, drag-out competition for the goods and crafts that are tossed out to the crowds!

Check out all the pictures here.