Dinner with Robert

Before the Yucca

Today, my brother and I continued our renovation project with the yucca stalks. We finished a chapel and are ready to start on the second one. It is very cool to see the project getting close to being complete.

The First Finished Chapel

I went to dinner with an Apache elder named Robert that I had met at Sunday Mass. It was my first chance to talk one on one with an Apache. It was an informative and interesting meal. I had a lot of questions and I learned a lot about the Apache people. Judging from conversation with Robert, these Apache people are kind. They are respectful of everyone they meet. I learned about the Native Americans in today's information age and how they deal with everyday life on the Rez. One thing that Robert explained was the confusion he felt when it came to the conditions on the Rez. He found it so hard to understand that so many people in this country give so much to people outside of this country and nothing to those who live in their own country. The people of San Carlos and so many others endure the horrible aspects that so many third-world countries do. He was however not angry whatsoever. He was just confused at why nobody cared for his people even though they are in such need. He also explained to me what it is like being an Apache man in today's American culture. He acknowledged that it is a little difficult to balance living in an American culture and embracing his rich Apache background. He told me that it was almost like living in two worlds: the Apache world and the American world. Robert explained to me how he viewed himself as a person. He embraces the fact that he is American and one of the proudest of all. But he also said that he will never forget his Apache background and he will always embrace that he is an Apache.
Robert went on to explain to me the complex relationships that Apache people have with one another. He elaborated on how the Apache believe that they are all related and, even though there may not be documents to prove it, there is a special bond between them that will endure anything. Robert's kindness showed me one more thing: these people who have close to nothing are willing to share all they have with anyone who asks. He took me to dinner even though I had barely met him. There is a certian sense of humanitarianism and love that the Apache have for other human beings. Robert showed unrivaled kindness and hospitality that I will never forget.