Practicing pure and faultless religion in Jaibon, Dominican Republic
Well, here I am writing to you from my home in Oregon. It seems unreal that I was ever in the Dominican Republic, like it was all a dream. Yet I was there only 2 days ago. As I left the country I came to love and the people that have become family, tears flowed from my eyes. I told people when I got home that I cried leaving Oregon, and I cried leaving the DR; showing that they have both become my home. I have comfort in my heart however, knowing that the boys are in good hands. God has not left and there will always be people there to love them. The time there was beyond description and the memories and the people will never leave who I am. The Dominican Republic and all my brothers there have forever changed me and part of my heart will always belong to them. Once brothers, always brothers.
So the last week was a good conclusion to everything that went on over the summer. John called it the "beginning of the end". Here's what the week looked like:
*On Sunday we got to go to church in Laguna Salada, a nearby community. The church was tiny, but family. The service had Spanish, English and Creole. Americans, Dominicans and Haitians all worshipped together. Little kids played the worship instruments. It was great!
*Since the kids started the school year on Tuesday, we threw an "End of Summer Vacation" party for the boys. The day started with tie-dying(which they LOVED). We had more of a party planned, but it turns out there was a professor there who was researching physical fitness of kids around the world, starting with the kids at the orphanage. Therefore, the day turned out to be a day of giving the presidential fitness test to the boys. They loved it and excelled. Little Alex (6) did 10 pull-ups. They are so strong and fit. But they also work all the time and are constantly playing and running around.
*On Tuesday and Wednesday we started tearing down camp and cleaning up. We organized the almacen (the big storage room with lots of toys, art and educational supplies) and the laundry room. We stacked mattresses, took down mosquito nets and tents, put all extra bedding together and swept and closed down the dorm that wasn't in use. We cleaned banners and picked up around the dining/hang out area and moved heavy cabinets into the almacen. Everything we did was putting away and cleaning so that when teams come in December, it will be ready to go. Ending the summer activities while preparing for future people coming down to bless the boys.
*In the midst of cleaning, another very difficult thing occured. Jimmy (one of the Haitian boys) came and started hugging everyone and told us that he was leaving. We were all very sad because Jimmy is awesome and friends to a lot of the boys. We were worried that his best friend Lorenzo would be left without him. However, soon Lorenzo came and started hugging us and took us down to the front of the orphanage where we realized that all of our Haitian brothers were being taken from the orphanage. It was heartbreaking saying good-bye and watching them leave. We were crying and they were crying. A part of our family, gone. Just like that. And all of those boys were close to us and brought so much life to the orphanage. Despite being sad, we also realize that they were being taken away for a good reason. They were only there temporarily after the earthquake because none of their family was found. The fact that they were taken means that most likely their family was found and they get to be reunited. Haiti is a place full of turmoil and fear, but God is there too. God will bring comfort to my brothers and take care of them. They still have a hope and a future, because God is with them. They were at the orphanage for a reason. They brought joy to us, and we got to bring joy to them.
*On Thursday we took care of personal business like journaling, packing and cleaning. All afternoon we played with the boys in our hang out spot. We hugged, laughed, played board games and were crazy together.
*Thursday evening we left to go to Monte Cristi, the sight of the other orphanage. As we were leaving, the boys were attacking the bus and teasing us through the windows. They waved as we drove away. When we got there, we went out to eat at a delicious pizza place run by an Italian. The building looked more like a warehouse than a place to eat food, but it was cutely decorated and served great food. The only problem was the attack of the mosquitoes as we ate. That night the interns and some of the staff went up to the roof at the Monte Cristi orphanage and looked at the stars while singing to the One to created them. It was a great way to end our time together. We spent the night there.
*On Friday we went back to one of my favorite beaches--Cabarete! The water was once again wonderful and the sun was nice and bright. I ate lunch with the Hopkins family (the long-term OO family living in Jaibon at the orphanage) at an Irish pub and restaurant, on the beach front. I spent all afternoon on the beach and in the water. What a great finish to an awesome two months!!
*When we got back to Jaibon, we all ran down to the boys and played with them until we had to say good-bye. It was extremely hard to part this particular night, knowing it was the last time I would see my brothers for what could be a very long time.
*Saturday was a day full of travel. I left the orphanage at 5am and after 3 flights and long lay-overs, I made it back to Salem after midnight. But all is safe and well with me!
Somewhere along the way, this became more than just a trip. It became life. Thank you for sharing it with me and for all of your prayers. I know they were heard and I wouldn't have been able to do it without all of your at my side.
And now, for one final time...
You know you are in the DR if...
the little things excite you
you get bombarded by salespeople on the beach a hundred times that will not leave you alone
you eat pizza INSIDE a restaurant and still get attacked by mosquitoes
Well, that's the end of this journey. Thanks be to God for all that it was and all he will continue to do with this country, even when I am miles away. With every boy in Jaibon (and now the city of Mao and Haiti) in my heart para siempre, yo voy con Dios y el queda alla todavia, cuidando por mis hermanos con un amor eterno. (in my heart forever, I go with God and he remains there still, caring for my brothers with an eternal love).
Signing off,
E-li-se
ayleesay (the DR pronunciation of my name ;D)
I am going to post one more blog with a few pictures of my trip, stay tuned! :D
These are the skinnies. And Carlos.
Sorting books in the new education room
Hanging out with Jeffrey and Ramon
Jimmy thinks he looks like this boy.
Showing the book to Lorenzo and Jimmy.
Reading "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"to Galan
My sleeping quarters
The historical district of Santo Domingo
Back to the batey with the precious kids!
Teaching Arts and Crafts in Damajagua
Beach Day with the Boys
My brother Luis Alberto and me
The house of the Mirabel sisters in Salcedo. They are famous, look them up!
This baby is one of my favorites. Only a few mos. old.
My friends from Laguna Salada
Teaching about Jesus in Laguna Salada
After many camps we were chased after, I loved it.
This little girl attached herself to me--ADORABLE!
Teaching at camp in Jaibon
The local Baskin Robbins--and amazing!
Sorting through donations
Loving on the batey kids!
The batey
On a hike over the beach in Monte Cristi
The Clock Tower in Monte Cristi
The boys got to join us for dinner
Relays with the boys, Best Day Ever #2
Camp in La Caya
Me at the beach in Cabarete
Sumo Wrestling with pillows
Best Day Ever after cancelled beach trip #1-Team Azul!!
Teaching English in Laguna Salada
My tent set-up team with our tent
The Monument in Santiago
Beautiful post-storm sky
Teaching Bible (Jer. 29:11) in Damajagua
The camp in Esperanza with 350 kids
