where there is hope

St. Peter Indian Mission School, Gila River

In the middle of almost nowhere is this beautiful mission serving the Indian community of the Gila River Reservation, just south of Chandler, near Santan.

The school is by all means modest, but there is a joyfulness about it. The kids were dutifully preparing for a funeral service, yet seemed so intent and fulfilled in their countenance. The staff of a visiting priest and seven residing, Franciscan, sisters were equally glowing.

Maybe it was the way the warm desert sun lit up that mission on the day I happen to be there, but it made it feel like paradise to me.