Post by adoptanativeelder on Dec 7, 2008 16:19:52 GMT -5
The unique beauty of each rug is partly found in the story behind it. During this 19th Annual Rug Show, another type of story was “woven” between two women brought together in the Giveaway Circle.
My name is Celeste Williams. I am Diné and have been a volunteer of the Adopt-A-Native Elder Program for the past 16 years. Rosita van den Burg is an adorable, spiritual painter from Holland. With the help of modern technology, Rosita and I were first introduced to each other through e-mail one year before we met in person. After Rosita crossed the ocean and journeyed thousands of miles, our hands came together to share a sisterly experience we will always hold in our hearts.
Each journey, especially major ones, starts with an honest desire and by smartly getting acquainted with the local way of life. By doing this, Rosita had already put herself on a good path. However, she confesses that her first steps started off a little shaky by writing:
“During the week before I was to leave to America, everyone was trying to comfort me about my first-time-flying-jitters and giving me lots of advice on what to do. One morning on my way to my work, I was again getting worried and nervous. Suddenly, right in front of me, I noticed a rainbow started to form. As I looked at it, I thought, “Wow! That’s the sign that’s telling me everything will be all right. Saying goodbye to my Mom and brother was very difficult, but I wanted to go with my destiny.”
Two long flights and a few thousand miles later, Rosita finally arrived in Utah close to midnight. After calling home to say she arrived safely, her next task was to “look for a girl with long, black hair, named Celeste.” A few things I noticed seconds after meeting an excited Rosita were her sweetness, how well-mannered and tall she was, and only one light suitcase in hand.
A beautiful and monumental attribute, that’s impossible to miss and essential to drive through while here, are the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. Rosita writes, “While on the road to Park City, I saw something strange in the darkness. Just as I was about to ask Celeste what it was, I saw that it was the mountains! This was very strange to me because all my life I’ve only seen flat landscapes. When Celeste showed me several local canyons and the beautiful surrounding areas over the next couple days, I felt so small. But at the same time I was in awe thinking, “Wow! They are beautiful!!”
The entire week was one memorable moment right after another for us. “My first American breakfast was potatoes, eggs and pancakes. That’s very different than my normal breakfast in Holland, especially having potatoes as part of breakfast. Tuesday morning, Linda, Celeste and I were invited to go to the Park City TV station for an interview. I had never been invited to be interviewed on TV. It was a great experience!”
Rosita excitedly gives her summary for the rest of the weekend:
“At the welcoming dinner, I had the pleasure to meet the Elders!! I was dressed head to toe in traditional Navajo clothes. I had learned enough of the Navajo language to introduce myself. I was so nervous when I was standing in front of everyone that I forgot a little bit of what I was going to say.
Thursday afternoon was the Pass the Hat Party for the Elders. That was so fun!! I really enjoyed the party; everyone was laughing and having a great time!
Later that evening at dinner, I had the pleasure to meet the man who first inspired me to become involved with the program, Jay Tavare. If it wasn’t for him, I would never have known about the wonderful Adopt-a-Native-Elder Program. Since I was also a special guest, I had to introduce myself and explain the meaning of my painting, “Sacred Gift,” to the Elders and other honorees present that evening.
I have never before attended an auction. When it started, I was a little bit nervous. My painting was going to be auctioned. The first time it was sold, it was given to Jay as a gift. But then, Jay gave the painting back to the auction and to be sold again. So, we raised twice as much for the Program. I was already happy with first auctioning, but happily surprised for the second time!
Saturday afternoon, the Navajo singing and dancing started. It was a little like the TV show, “American Idol,” only with the Elders singing. It was so much fun. At first, I thought that they were only going to sing in Navajo. Then, suddenly, one of the Elders started to sing, “Sugar In The Morning.” Everyone in the crowd was laughing, and surprised that the grandma was singing in English. She ended up being the one who won the American Idol. Congratulations Grandma Frances Bahe!!
During the Rug Show, I was “an all-purpose runner.” This was great because I got to meet a lot of people and got to know the Elders even more. If I had questions, I felt comfortable enough to ask them. If they had questions for me, they asked me, too.
I was so impressed with the Veteran’s Ceremony Sunday morning. It was beautiful. As the day went by, I started to feel a little bit sad. I realized that the end of the Rug Show was coming. And to be very honest, I didn’t want it to stop. The last part of the weekend started with the powwow.”
Words are unable to detail what the heart holds forever. “Monday morning, at Linda’s house I realized was the last time that I was going to see the Elders. Saying goodbye to Linda and, for the last time, goodbye to Celeste was so difficult for me. So much had happened, and to go home was great because I was going to see my family again. But at the same time, it was difficult to leave a place that also felt like home for me. I will truly miss my Utah family, who I came to love so much in just one week.”
For me, I look forward to volunteering because it’s also an opportunity to both give to and learn from my Elders. I was so delighted to share what I most love with someone who also wanted the same thing. By embracing her journey with her loving spirit, Rosita made such an immense impact on everyone who she came in contact with in only a few days.
Reaching out to and befriending people of all cultures to help preserve and to honor the traditional Elders’ lifestyle for future generations is what this Adopt-A-Native Elder Program creates. The bridge that formed from two like-hearted friends during the week of the Rug Show is the heart of the Program’s vision.
Our week long journey was made unforgettable from the help of so many people, with whom we are very grateful. I would like to first thank Rosita for giving such a grand and heartwarming giveaway to the Elders. You truly were a bright ray a sunshine that touched their spirits. I would also like to thank Rosita’s family for entrusting her well-being to me. I was honored to be her hostess. She is super sweet and absolutely adorable in every aspect.
I would like to thank Linda, Grace and the rest of my family for all that they did before and during the Rug Show and all they continue to selflessly give. You all are wonderful examples to me.
Jay thank you for taking the time to come and share precious memories with an adventurous Dutch painter. You continue to do great and wonderful things for the Program, and we are continually grateful to have your unique generosity.
And all the support people who gave of their time, gifts and sweet hospitality, thank you. We would not want to do without all your hands that eagerly give all year-long and year after year.
Rosita would like to give a big-hearted Thank You to:
Jay Tavare, thank you so much! You are a great man and cyber-friend. It was such an honor for me to meet you. You have such a good spirit along with all the support people who are a part of the program. It is such an honor for me to work with you and the Elders.
Celeste, my best friend, who showed me Utah in two days, you have done so much for me. I cannot thank you in enough, Celeste.
Linda, seeing you helping the Elders is such an inspiration for me, and I wish I could do more for the Program. Thank you so much for your hospitality, showing me the film about the Diné people and explaining to me why you started the ANE Program and everything you do.
Rodger, I would like to thank you for teaching me the beautiful Navajo Language. It’s so beautiful! I still think about what you have taught me. I hope you also enjoyed learning the Dutch Language. Thank you so much!
Lisa Wishnick, thank you so much for your generosity!!
Grandma (Oma) Frances, thank you so much!!
To the Elders, you are ALL so beautiful. It is such an honor for me to meet you all, and that I could help you by the selling paintings that I made. It makes my heart filled with love and joy!
To all the volunteers, thank you for helping me and making me feel so welcomed. You are all such a beautiful spirits! Your enthusiasm is felt by everyone, and it’s great to work with you all!
I Love you all!!
An exciting announcement, Rosita’s painting, “Sacred Gift,” is in the process of being made into a poster and will be available for sale January 2009. You can check with the Adopt-A-Native Elder Program for details at: mail@anelder.org.
With all our love and blessings,
Celeste Williams and Rosita van den Burg
My name is Celeste Williams. I am Diné and have been a volunteer of the Adopt-A-Native Elder Program for the past 16 years. Rosita van den Burg is an adorable, spiritual painter from Holland. With the help of modern technology, Rosita and I were first introduced to each other through e-mail one year before we met in person. After Rosita crossed the ocean and journeyed thousands of miles, our hands came together to share a sisterly experience we will always hold in our hearts.
Each journey, especially major ones, starts with an honest desire and by smartly getting acquainted with the local way of life. By doing this, Rosita had already put herself on a good path. However, she confesses that her first steps started off a little shaky by writing:
“During the week before I was to leave to America, everyone was trying to comfort me about my first-time-flying-jitters and giving me lots of advice on what to do. One morning on my way to my work, I was again getting worried and nervous. Suddenly, right in front of me, I noticed a rainbow started to form. As I looked at it, I thought, “Wow! That’s the sign that’s telling me everything will be all right. Saying goodbye to my Mom and brother was very difficult, but I wanted to go with my destiny.”
Two long flights and a few thousand miles later, Rosita finally arrived in Utah close to midnight. After calling home to say she arrived safely, her next task was to “look for a girl with long, black hair, named Celeste.” A few things I noticed seconds after meeting an excited Rosita were her sweetness, how well-mannered and tall she was, and only one light suitcase in hand.
A beautiful and monumental attribute, that’s impossible to miss and essential to drive through while here, are the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. Rosita writes, “While on the road to Park City, I saw something strange in the darkness. Just as I was about to ask Celeste what it was, I saw that it was the mountains! This was very strange to me because all my life I’ve only seen flat landscapes. When Celeste showed me several local canyons and the beautiful surrounding areas over the next couple days, I felt so small. But at the same time I was in awe thinking, “Wow! They are beautiful!!”
The entire week was one memorable moment right after another for us. “My first American breakfast was potatoes, eggs and pancakes. That’s very different than my normal breakfast in Holland, especially having potatoes as part of breakfast. Tuesday morning, Linda, Celeste and I were invited to go to the Park City TV station for an interview. I had never been invited to be interviewed on TV. It was a great experience!”
Rosita excitedly gives her summary for the rest of the weekend:
“At the welcoming dinner, I had the pleasure to meet the Elders!! I was dressed head to toe in traditional Navajo clothes. I had learned enough of the Navajo language to introduce myself. I was so nervous when I was standing in front of everyone that I forgot a little bit of what I was going to say.
Thursday afternoon was the Pass the Hat Party for the Elders. That was so fun!! I really enjoyed the party; everyone was laughing and having a great time!
Later that evening at dinner, I had the pleasure to meet the man who first inspired me to become involved with the program, Jay Tavare. If it wasn’t for him, I would never have known about the wonderful Adopt-a-Native-Elder Program. Since I was also a special guest, I had to introduce myself and explain the meaning of my painting, “Sacred Gift,” to the Elders and other honorees present that evening.
I have never before attended an auction. When it started, I was a little bit nervous. My painting was going to be auctioned. The first time it was sold, it was given to Jay as a gift. But then, Jay gave the painting back to the auction and to be sold again. So, we raised twice as much for the Program. I was already happy with first auctioning, but happily surprised for the second time!
Saturday afternoon, the Navajo singing and dancing started. It was a little like the TV show, “American Idol,” only with the Elders singing. It was so much fun. At first, I thought that they were only going to sing in Navajo. Then, suddenly, one of the Elders started to sing, “Sugar In The Morning.” Everyone in the crowd was laughing, and surprised that the grandma was singing in English. She ended up being the one who won the American Idol. Congratulations Grandma Frances Bahe!!
During the Rug Show, I was “an all-purpose runner.” This was great because I got to meet a lot of people and got to know the Elders even more. If I had questions, I felt comfortable enough to ask them. If they had questions for me, they asked me, too.
I was so impressed with the Veteran’s Ceremony Sunday morning. It was beautiful. As the day went by, I started to feel a little bit sad. I realized that the end of the Rug Show was coming. And to be very honest, I didn’t want it to stop. The last part of the weekend started with the powwow.”
Words are unable to detail what the heart holds forever. “Monday morning, at Linda’s house I realized was the last time that I was going to see the Elders. Saying goodbye to Linda and, for the last time, goodbye to Celeste was so difficult for me. So much had happened, and to go home was great because I was going to see my family again. But at the same time, it was difficult to leave a place that also felt like home for me. I will truly miss my Utah family, who I came to love so much in just one week.”
For me, I look forward to volunteering because it’s also an opportunity to both give to and learn from my Elders. I was so delighted to share what I most love with someone who also wanted the same thing. By embracing her journey with her loving spirit, Rosita made such an immense impact on everyone who she came in contact with in only a few days.
Reaching out to and befriending people of all cultures to help preserve and to honor the traditional Elders’ lifestyle for future generations is what this Adopt-A-Native Elder Program creates. The bridge that formed from two like-hearted friends during the week of the Rug Show is the heart of the Program’s vision.
Our week long journey was made unforgettable from the help of so many people, with whom we are very grateful. I would like to first thank Rosita for giving such a grand and heartwarming giveaway to the Elders. You truly were a bright ray a sunshine that touched their spirits. I would also like to thank Rosita’s family for entrusting her well-being to me. I was honored to be her hostess. She is super sweet and absolutely adorable in every aspect.
I would like to thank Linda, Grace and the rest of my family for all that they did before and during the Rug Show and all they continue to selflessly give. You all are wonderful examples to me.
Jay thank you for taking the time to come and share precious memories with an adventurous Dutch painter. You continue to do great and wonderful things for the Program, and we are continually grateful to have your unique generosity.
And all the support people who gave of their time, gifts and sweet hospitality, thank you. We would not want to do without all your hands that eagerly give all year-long and year after year.
Rosita would like to give a big-hearted Thank You to:
Jay Tavare, thank you so much! You are a great man and cyber-friend. It was such an honor for me to meet you. You have such a good spirit along with all the support people who are a part of the program. It is such an honor for me to work with you and the Elders.
Celeste, my best friend, who showed me Utah in two days, you have done so much for me. I cannot thank you in enough, Celeste.
Linda, seeing you helping the Elders is such an inspiration for me, and I wish I could do more for the Program. Thank you so much for your hospitality, showing me the film about the Diné people and explaining to me why you started the ANE Program and everything you do.
Rodger, I would like to thank you for teaching me the beautiful Navajo Language. It’s so beautiful! I still think about what you have taught me. I hope you also enjoyed learning the Dutch Language. Thank you so much!
Lisa Wishnick, thank you so much for your generosity!!
Grandma (Oma) Frances, thank you so much!!
To the Elders, you are ALL so beautiful. It is such an honor for me to meet you all, and that I could help you by the selling paintings that I made. It makes my heart filled with love and joy!
To all the volunteers, thank you for helping me and making me feel so welcomed. You are all such a beautiful spirits! Your enthusiasm is felt by everyone, and it’s great to work with you all!
I Love you all!!
An exciting announcement, Rosita’s painting, “Sacred Gift,” is in the process of being made into a poster and will be available for sale January 2009. You can check with the Adopt-A-Native Elder Program for details at: mail@anelder.org.
With all our love and blessings,
Celeste Williams and Rosita van den Burg
An event which I wouldn't have known existed, if I hadn't found this website!
They are all beautiful.
I've never seen a rainbow like that.
Favourite photo is of the hands with beautiful jewellery holding the wool tool.
