https://www.musingsmemoirandmedicine.com/ Medicine and Miracles in the High Desert: My Life Among the Navajo People by Erica M. Elliott An intimate look at the mystical world of the Navajo people * Details the author's time living with the Navajo people as a teacher, sheepherder, and doctor and her profound experiences with the people, animals, and spirits * Shows how she learned the Navajo language to bridge the cultural divide * Reveals the miracles she witnessed, including her own miracle when the elders prayed for healing of a tumor on her neck * Shares her fearsome encounters with a mountain lion and a shape-shifting "skin walker" and how she fulfilled a prophecy by returning as a doctor In 1971, Erica Elliott arrived on the Navajo Reservation as a newly minted schoolteacher, knowing nothing about her students or their culture. After a discouraging first week, she almost leaves in despair, unable to communicate with the children or understand cultural cues. But once she starts learning the language, the people begin to trust her, welcoming her into their homes and their hearts. As she is drawn into the mystical world of Navajo life, she has a series of profound experiences with the people, animals, and spirits of Canyon de Chelly that change her life forever. In this compelling memoir, the author details her time living with the Navajo, the Din? people, and her experiences with their enchanting land, healing ceremonies, and rich traditions. She shares how her love for her students transformed her life as well as the lives of the children. She reveals the miracles she witnessed during this time, including her own miracle when the elders prayed for healing of a tumor on her neck. She survives fearsome encounters with a mountain lion and a shape-shifting "skin walker." She learns how to herd sheep, make fry bread, and weave traditional rugs, experiencing for herself the life of a traditional Navajo woman. Fulfilling a Navajo grandmother's prophecy, the author returns years later to serve the Navajo people as a medical doctor in an underfunded clinic, delivering numerous babies and treating sick people day and night. She also reveals how, when a medicine man offers to thank her with a ceremony, more miracles unfold. Sharing her life-changing deep dive into Navajo culture, Erica Elliott's inspiring story reveals the transformation possible from immersion in a spiritually rich culture as well as the power of reaching out to others with joy, respect, and an open heart. Read Less Erica takes a break while herding sheep. Red Rock, Arizona. July 1973. Erica Elliott’s memoir is about her colorful journey far off the beaten path in pursuit of the true purpose and meaning of her life. Her life begins as an exciting adventure, a general’s daughter stationed in Europe, with Swiss roots on her mother’s side. She was at home early on in foreign cultures, so returning to the US for college presented its own culture shock. By chance, Erica ended up at a radically experimental college and came face to face with the 1960s in America. Swept away by the times, Erica lost her footing and, in the process found the guide she had always longed for to help her explore her complex inner world. From her awakening and self-understanding came the first seeds of compassion that became one of the hallmarks of her life.
