Where Relationships Grow
Planting, Sharing, and Gathering in the Utah Region
By The Rev. Paula Henson
July, Ya’iishjaashtsoh, is when we plant late crops. The people, Diné, are enjoying our traditional activities and social gatherings. In August, Biniant’aats’ozi, the early crops are just about ready for harvest. Corn will be picked, and steamed corn stew, kneel-down bread, and other foods are made from the corn. Puberty ceremonies will have the traditional corn cake.
These two summer seasons remind us that life grows through relationship. We plant, we care for what has been planted, and then we share the harvest. This is also how K’é, relationship, is built.
At St. Christopher’s Mission, members of the community plant dill, parsley, rosemary, tomatoes, corn, and Navajo tea in the garden, depending on who the gardener is. We have an orchard with peach, apple, apricot, and pear trees. The gardeners kindly distribute their fine produce to others.
As we plant and share what grows, K’é is built. The garden becomes more than a place to grow food. It becomes a place where relationships grow.
The same thing happens during our summer celebrations. Vacation Bible School takes place during June and July, and our friends from distant churches and groups come to be with our church families. We have a culture night where dancing, eating, and laughter take place.
Local Diné are great storytellers. Stories handed down to them from their elders are shared outside in our rustic courtyard. As we listen to one another, we make new friends and catch up with old friends. We sing gospel songs, and there is song and dance, with everyone joining in with partners. Such a beautiful time we have.
Through these summer seasons, I see how God is working through the people of our region. Like the crops that are planted, cared for, and harvested, relationships also need to be cared for. When we gather around food, stories, singing, dancing, and laughter, K’é grows.
K’é Bee Hózhó — beauty through relationship. The beauty is not only in the crops that grow or the food that is shared. The beauty is in the relationships that grow among us.