Through the years of supporting Rehoboth Christian School by way of our Faith Promise offerings, we have connected with different people at the school. For 2020 we hope to connect most closely with DeLyssa Begay, who teaches English in the High School. Below is a newsletter to help us get to know DeLyssa better.
Nizhónígo Nináánááhai Dooleeł!
by DeLyssa Begay
Yaa’teeh! Hello, the above heading is “Happy New Year” in the Navajo language.
My name is DeLyssa Begay, I am from Rough Rock, Arizona. My Navajo clans are the root of who I am in the Navajo culture. My mother’s clan, which is now mine, is Dibe Lizhini which translates into Black Sheep. It means that I am born into the Black Sheep People and they are my relatives. The Black Sheep clan is an adopted clan in the Navajo Clan system. My ancestors on my mother’s side are from the Pueblo people of New Mexico.
My father’s clan is Honagaanii/One-Who-Walks-Around People, and I am born for his clan. My maternal grandfathers are Todicheenii/ Bitter-Water People, and my paternal grandfathers are Tachiinii/Red-Streak-into-Running-Water People. All of these people are my relatives. I grew up in a very rural part of Arizona. Rough Rock is located in the foothills of Black Mesa. My extended family has a mix of religions: Quaker Friends, Non-practicing Catholics, Navajo Traditionalists, and the Native American Church. I grew up in the mix of these different traditions and cultures. I identify as a member of the Quaker Friends, but attend many of the Christian Reformed services.
In the picture above, I am in the woman in blue standing next to my dear friend and Rehoboth’s admission’s director, Mrs. Verlena Livingston. My Navajo name is “Going-to-War.” Traditional Navajo female names often referenced to “war” and “battle.” I grew up immersed in the Navajo culture - many of my mannerisms and behaviors are the result of my Navajo upbringing. For example, I am used to the doorway facing the east direction, I call all elders my grandmothers and grandfathers, I do not step over people who are sleeping or lying on the floor, and I will often roll or run in the first snow so that I am accustomed to the cold. These are just a few things that have cultural significance and are habits that I have formed since childhood. Many of these are also signs of respect to older Navajo people. I was not aware of how these behaviors were ingrained in me until my nieces and nephews were born. When they arrived and we as a family raised them, I noted what we taught them. We taught them to know their clans, to work and help others, and to know the importance of prayer. I took this picture last week; it is my Black Sheep family’s homestead. This is part of Rough Rock, Arizona.
I accepted Christ as my savior in March 2011. Even though I grew up in a mix of traditions, it was not until the end of an unhealthy relationship that I gave my heart and life to Christ. My Aunt Helen was a pastor of the Quaker Friends Church in Rough Rock. I went to church to see her, and I felt pulled into the church and sat through the service. I called on God and He answered. Later, I encountered several life changing and challenging events and He stayed with me through it all. Actually, through a series of events, He led me to Rehoboth Christian High School. Rehoboth has been a place of refuge as I started to heal from past situations. I was surrounded with colleagues, friends, and community who are God-centered. As I continue my journey, I hope to share God’s love and compassion with my students and community.
I feel selfish in focusing on my healing, but I hope to share with students what God can do in our lives. I previously taught in Arizona’s public and federal schools for fifteen years before Rehoboth. In my six years at Rehoboth, I’ve taught English Communications 1 & 2, New Mexico History, Drama, Media, and Academic Support. I have taken on subjects I had not previously taught, but with God placing me in a supportive environment I have expanded my teaching experience.
Prayer Requests:
Last semester, I read several journal entries from students who experienced moments of hopelessness and challenges in their faith. Several Native students shared that they may feel like outcasts in their family because they believe in Christ. I often pray for my students who have lost a parent or guardian or cannot be with their biological parents because of divorce or substance abuse issues. It is common and challenges students’ concentration in class and self-esteem.
