Mending Wings

At the Wiconi Powwow we were invited by Corey and Gina Greaves to visit them at the Yakama nation. Though their place is a long way off the route for a bike, thanks to Sharon's truck we were able to take them up on the offer.  A motto of Mending Wings is "helping our people to fly again".  They have various programs for youth on the reservation during the school year, and they host summer S.L.A.M. (Students Learning About Mission) trips for youth from other areas to come and learn about Yakama culture as they serve people in the community. See www.mendingwings.net for more info. 

Corey follows the Jesus way and taught us a few similarities between the tribal culture of the Hebrews and some traditions they have at the Yakama Nation.  One example was that as the Hebrews use water as a ceremonial cleansing agent to prepare themselves for worship, sage smoke is used by the Yakama.  We worshipped together by passing a stick around the circle.  Each person has the opportunity to speak, read a scripture, offer a prayer, sing a song, dance, or whatever they would like to do as the stick is in their possession.  In this way all the participants learn from one another.  The stick had an eagle feather attached; as a bird flies up into the air, this represents the eagle acting as a messenger, carrying the prayers up to the Creator.

We are happy Corey and Gina. Kwathlanishash