Today we were split into two groups between Zuni Families to help them prepare for an upcoming celebration called Shalako. 

 

Group 1: We arrived early in the morning and were met with the challenges of cutting wood. Then we helped prepare breakfast for the whole group and ate as a community. We then picked up trash and moved the weeds to prepare for their end of year festival. After that we had a big thanksgiving style meal. After our meal we went back to work in the field finishing our job with the weeds and trash. Finally we made mud and repaired the mud ovens. Finally after an eventful day we reorganized the stones. 

 

Group 2: After a quick tour of the property we were working on, we quickly got to work. Whether it was painting, shoveling, or wheelbarrowing dirt. We had a great time socializing with all the people there. Most of the Zuni men were working on construction all day, and the women were working on the day-long process of making bread. 

 

Both groups back together: We closed the night off with an all group reflection. We discussed with surprised, stood out, and stuck with us. Most things we talked about seemed very similar in terms of lessons or take aways we had. Something that was noted was the generosity of the Zuni people and their willingness to share everything with us!