There were a few clouds in the sky on this morning in the Baca Chapter when we awoke.. and the wind was blowing strong. As the Core Team shared a morning meal and gathered for the daily planning and 'check-in' Talking Circle, the wind grew in strength and there was a lot of dust in the air. They packed their gear into the trailer and the relay vehicles and filled the containers with water for today's Walk. But it didn't take long to realize this would not be a 'safe walk' for the People. The wind blew powerful whirls.... some call these dust devils... and soon it was as if we were inside a never ending giant dust devil. The sand was so thick and heavy in the wind that it was decided it would not be safe to drive or walk in these conditions.

So what do you do when it's lunchtime and no one really relishes the idea of a bologna sandwich .... heavy on the sand ? !!! You marvel at the 'great fortune' we had in lunchtime co-inciding with us being in an area with fast food restaurants! At least that's what we did. Many times we had been in back country where we would not have had the convenience of quick shelter and warm food. We all had hot sandwiches and cold drinks and shared the message of the Walk of the Sacred Hoop with the locals and tourists who were having lunch there as well. It wasn't long before the skies cleared again and the wind calmed ... and we were on our way. Refreshed from the unexpected 'break' .... we began our Walk toward our next planned stop...The Navajo Pueblo of Acoma.

When we were about 10 miles from Acoma we were met by an Officer from the Pueblo who directed us to a large area where there were Acoma Community Members awaiting our arrival. They wanted to walk with us into their Community. Not only did we have a police escort to ensure our safety... there were also paramedics from the Pueblo available for any medical services any of our Walkers might require. With the People of Acoma on one side of the area and the Sacred Hoop Walkers on the other, there were introductions and then we all joined hands and formed a circle as an Elder from the Canoncito Navajo Chapter blessed our Circle and gave Thanks to Creator for our safe arrival to their Community. There were many smiles and greetings exchanged between the Walkers and the People of this Community.... and much powerful medicine in the form of good humor and laughter. With the Elder setting the pace for the Walk we covered the last 10 miles in record time !!! If it were not for the fast setting sun I believe this Elder would have had us all the way into Albuquerque in one day!

After we were settled into our housing for the evening we were honored to meet with the People of the Community at their Center. There ... inside the main hall of their building we were greeted with a feast and a huge and festive Banner that welcomed the Journey of the Sacred Hoop and the Walkers. The Story of the Hoop was shared with the People who joined us there on this night. The silhouette of Brandy which represents the pain of battered, abused, and murdered victims of domestic violence stood next to the Hoop as Don Coyhis told the story of her senseless death. The People listened to her story... and nodded. When I watch people in all these communities listening to Brandy's story I realize what the Silent Witness Program is about. Thru this Walk... thru the telling of her story... we give Brandy.... and all of the Victims of Domestic Violence a 'voice'. They are no longer silent. They are 'witnesses' in the truest sense of the word.

When a group of people meet as strangers in a parking area 10 miles from a community.... and walk together ... with the same purpose.... and share a meal ... and hear the 'voice' of a Silent Witness, they do not part company when the evening is over as strangers still. That is how it has been on this Journey. That is how it was this night. We were all very tired... yet we didn't want the day to end... When something is very right and very good... People don't want it to end. So... we stayed... and we danced together ... and we shared many good words with one another... lots of handshakes and hugs... and we left with the spirit of "The Coming Together Time" in our hearts.

Our deep appreciation to the Pueblo of Acoma and all of the People of this fine Community who opened their hearts to us and shared so freely of their time and their culture with us. The food was greatly appreciated and delicious. We will long remember our time with you.