Practicing pure and faultless religion in Jaibon, Dominican Republic
Hello to all my Dominican Republic blog followers! I thought I would write a little update to all of you to let you know that....I AM RETURNING TO JAIBON!!!!!
On July 15th, I am leaving Oregon to fly back to my second home at the orphanage. I will arrive there early on July 16th. This summer I decided to only stay for 2 weeks in order to enjoy summer life at home and be around for job interviews in August. I am hoping to have a fun-filled reunion with my brothers at the orphanage and hopefully have another chance to teach camps in the local community.
I am excited to go back, but at the same time I know it will be different. I need to remember to go with that mindset so that I am not disappointed. It will not be the same, but it can still be good.
Please pray for me! Here are some ideas of what you can pray for:
1) Safety in travel
2) Health and safety while there
3) Fruitful conversations with the boys at the orphanage
4) Re-connecting with the boys and the community
5) Courage to do the hard things
6) Ability to teach well and organize/manage at the camps
7) That my eyes will be open to needs and my heart will be open to be changed (again)
8) For the boys at the orphanage
9) For the teams serving long term and short term
10) That God will change the Dominican Republic to be a place that glorifies himself!!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Saturday, September 18, 2010
How the DR Changed Me
Well, it has just about been one month since I have returned from the Dominican Republic. It seems like so much longer. Did it really happen? It wasn't just a dream? In my heart and in my mind, I cannot forget that I was ever there. I may not be there anymore, but the time I spent there is still changing me and making me different. God has used the DR in so many ways in my life, even still today.
*Little things do not bother me as much as they used to. Well, little things to me anyways. For instance, when my mom and I first moved into our new house only one week after I came home, there was no hot water turned on yet. As many people would freak out and avoid the shower at all costs. I was determined, however, and jumped right in (:D). After all, cold showers are all the rage in the DR, why not here? No problem.
*Just last week we encountered an emergency in which the plumbing system at our new house was plugged with roots and the fix appeared to be no less than 10,000 dollars (not going to happen) Everything we flushed in the house went out to the yard (yeah, not pretty). My simple solution? Well then, we will flush the littlest possible. If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down. Please, no flushing down the paper. If you drop it in, fish it out :D. Thankfully, we didn't have to do that because God sent help. BUT, I was not stressed by a situation in which before, I probably would have been.
* My organizational skills and ability to throw out things that will not get use has improved (thanks to countless times of cleaning out the almacen). I have thrown out things I don't need, also realizing that I lived without so much in the DR and was perfectly happy.
*When planning for teaching, or for anything really, instead of stressing when I don't have all the supplies I need, I use my creative juices and get by with what I have.
* On a more serious note, one thing the DR taught me was how quickly things can change. At one moment I was playing with a boy, the next moment he was gone. And then new ones came in at the drop of a hat. Events were canceled, time was flexible, people came and went. I hate change and always have. But when I was in the DR, something happened. I learned to live with it. I learned to enjoy the moment (this is it, why wait?), and not hold back-- because tomorrow it might be different. Don't put off until tomorrow what you can get done today. And with that, don't worry about tomorrow, because today may be all you have and you can't control tomorrow anyway. I have been constantly reminding myself of this and it makes changes so much easier to deal with. Just go with it, enjoy it, embrace it, you never know when it might change again. And change is not the end of the world, just a new opportunity and a new adventure.
*Some of my biggest fears in life are losing loved ones and having to go through natural disasters. I imagine I would never be able to handle it. But when I think about my brothers in the orphanage who have been through so much(losing parents, being abandoned, living on the streets, living through an earthquake and seeing your country be in shambles...) and the joy and peace they had...I know I will be ok if I ever have to live through what they did.
*Back to a humorous one...those dang mosquitoes can't touch me now! A few nights ago my mom and I were standing outside and she was complaining about all the mosquitoes biting her. I felt nothing and had no reaction to any of them. (Take that nasty blood-sucking bugs!)
*I learned how to play. This may sound strange to you, but I have never been one to get dirty or to wrestle or to play hard. But living with 25+ boys changed that. They taught me to have fun without worrying about getting dirty or hurt (although I successfully avoided getting injured). I even held a snake in my hand...I learned how to "play fight" and carry numerous people on my back. I also learned to throw a baseball (although after Jonel (age 5) hit me in the forehead with a ball, I was a little more scared the next time). But I did it anyway. The fear was not going to stop me from playing with my brothers. Hmmm...what else. I climbed a swingset, sweated like crazy playing tag and didn't get horribly upset when bubbles were spilled all over me or dirt accumulated on my clothing. After all, there is nothing a little soap and water can't take care of!
*I stepped out of my comfort zone so many times and stepped into a leadership role with an ability I didn't know I had. Now I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Now, I could probably go on forever and maybe I will write more when it comes to me. But for now, that will do (I know, it's a lot). BUT, before I sign off today I have to tell you a HUGE way that the DR has blessed me. It's a long story, but I think you will like it. Here it is...
This is a story of God's power and uncanny ability to take care of his children in ways never thought of:
It all started back in February. At the Salem-Keizer Public Schools job fair, I went through countless interviews and tests and came out of it being told basically that I was guaranteed a bilingual teacher job by May. I was super excited because I had just signed up for my trip to the DR, so I knew I would be gone all summer when they would be most likely interviewing and hiring. Well, after they finally started to post teaching jobs (like in April...) I started applying for the few bilingual positions that came up and was not hearing anything from any of them. Pretty soon I was called by the HR department and they told me that I was not qualified to be a bilingual teacher and should stick with ESOL. This was a shock because of what they told me and I was mad. I went to school to be a BILINGUAL teacher, and that is what I was going to be. I was determined. Well, no interviews and no jobs and it was well past May. June came, and at the end of June when I left for the DR, still no news of any jobs. While I was down there, a few jobs were posted, and then closed and filled without me hearing from any of them. I was getting super disappointed and figured I would just end up being a sub again. People kept asking me what I was doing when I got home and I kept telling them that I was just trusting God for a job, because that is all I could do. I was far from home and had no job, but I knew that God wanted me in the DR. Well I did end up getting email,ed by a few in August, but the interviews were happening before I arrived back home. Well at the end of my time there, I heard from a friend who works at Auburn (the school I most I wanted to work at) that there was a possible job opening. But it wasn't posted and it wasn't posted and it wasn't posted. I was very frustrated.
When I arrived home, it was finally posted and after fighting with Edzapp for a few days, I had successfully applied. However, it wasn't long before I found out that the job at Auburn was canceled (go figure). Well shortly after applying for a few other bilingual jobs, I got called by HR and they were questioning why I was applying for bilingual jobs (at this point I had forgotten they had advised me not to). I told her I wanted to and then she started asking me questions in Spanish and I was answering her fluently (this was within a week after returning, so my Spanish was excellent!). After the phone questioning, she changed her mind about my ability and instantly called the directors and told them I was now qualified! (Going to the DR to work on my Spanish was definitely a factor in choosing that location, but it was definitely not what I expected to get out of it). God had a plan all along. Well as soon as she changed her mind, I got called for an interview for a bilingual job. I was excited (even though it wasn't a place I wanted to work). But then, within the hour, the principal called back to cancel the interview. (This was all in one day, and it is not over yet). Later that day I got called back by HR because they wanted me to go in to take a Spanish written/comprehension test. On the way there, I got called by the Sub Department to sub for a bilingual vacancy at Grant Elem. (which could potentially become a job). I accepted it, in wonder at God's provision. After I completed (and passed) the test at HR, I was informed that the Auburn job was, after all, not canceled but still available. And she said she was going to call the principal there to tell him I passed the tests. So confused and excited, I left the office.
I went home and contacted the sub department and asked if I could sub at Auburn's vacancy instead of at Grant, since that is where I really wanted to be hired at. After a huge ordeal (not going to go through details) with the sub department, me and Auburn, I was finally placed at Auburn to be a sub for a first grade bilingual vacant position. In hopes to be hired, I went all out setting up the classroom and greeting them the first days of school. After being there for awhile, and going through the interview process with them, I was hired!! Now I get to continue the rest of the year at the school of choice, in the grade of choice, in the language of choice, with people that I already love working with :D
This whole situation was just such a God thing. The job was basically handed to me because I didn't even really fight for it. God was fighting for me (along with some great friends :)). I was simply trusting God to be in control, and he worked out all the details. The job opened when I was home to go through the process, it happened to be at the right school and the right time. So many of you were praying for a job for me, and I was trying not to stress (because I was fine with being a sub again). But God knew what he was doing and had a plan all along. I cannot take the glory for any part of how this happened. There are better teachers out there than me, more experience, better Spanish speakers, more educated, you name it! But God didn't want them to have this job, he chose it for me. It was all him, and to Him I will give all the glory!!
Thank you for praying and for having a part in all the changes that have occurred in my life through the experience!
*Little things do not bother me as much as they used to. Well, little things to me anyways. For instance, when my mom and I first moved into our new house only one week after I came home, there was no hot water turned on yet. As many people would freak out and avoid the shower at all costs. I was determined, however, and jumped right in (:D). After all, cold showers are all the rage in the DR, why not here? No problem.
*Just last week we encountered an emergency in which the plumbing system at our new house was plugged with roots and the fix appeared to be no less than 10,000 dollars (not going to happen) Everything we flushed in the house went out to the yard (yeah, not pretty). My simple solution? Well then, we will flush the littlest possible. If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down. Please, no flushing down the paper. If you drop it in, fish it out :D. Thankfully, we didn't have to do that because God sent help. BUT, I was not stressed by a situation in which before, I probably would have been.
* My organizational skills and ability to throw out things that will not get use has improved (thanks to countless times of cleaning out the almacen). I have thrown out things I don't need, also realizing that I lived without so much in the DR and was perfectly happy.
*When planning for teaching, or for anything really, instead of stressing when I don't have all the supplies I need, I use my creative juices and get by with what I have.
* On a more serious note, one thing the DR taught me was how quickly things can change. At one moment I was playing with a boy, the next moment he was gone. And then new ones came in at the drop of a hat. Events were canceled, time was flexible, people came and went. I hate change and always have. But when I was in the DR, something happened. I learned to live with it. I learned to enjoy the moment (this is it, why wait?), and not hold back-- because tomorrow it might be different. Don't put off until tomorrow what you can get done today. And with that, don't worry about tomorrow, because today may be all you have and you can't control tomorrow anyway. I have been constantly reminding myself of this and it makes changes so much easier to deal with. Just go with it, enjoy it, embrace it, you never know when it might change again. And change is not the end of the world, just a new opportunity and a new adventure.
*Some of my biggest fears in life are losing loved ones and having to go through natural disasters. I imagine I would never be able to handle it. But when I think about my brothers in the orphanage who have been through so much(losing parents, being abandoned, living on the streets, living through an earthquake and seeing your country be in shambles...) and the joy and peace they had...I know I will be ok if I ever have to live through what they did.
*Back to a humorous one...those dang mosquitoes can't touch me now! A few nights ago my mom and I were standing outside and she was complaining about all the mosquitoes biting her. I felt nothing and had no reaction to any of them. (Take that nasty blood-sucking bugs!)
*I learned how to play. This may sound strange to you, but I have never been one to get dirty or to wrestle or to play hard. But living with 25+ boys changed that. They taught me to have fun without worrying about getting dirty or hurt (although I successfully avoided getting injured). I even held a snake in my hand...I learned how to "play fight" and carry numerous people on my back. I also learned to throw a baseball (although after Jonel (age 5) hit me in the forehead with a ball, I was a little more scared the next time). But I did it anyway. The fear was not going to stop me from playing with my brothers. Hmmm...what else. I climbed a swingset, sweated like crazy playing tag and didn't get horribly upset when bubbles were spilled all over me or dirt accumulated on my clothing. After all, there is nothing a little soap and water can't take care of!
*I stepped out of my comfort zone so many times and stepped into a leadership role with an ability I didn't know I had. Now I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Now, I could probably go on forever and maybe I will write more when it comes to me. But for now, that will do (I know, it's a lot). BUT, before I sign off today I have to tell you a HUGE way that the DR has blessed me. It's a long story, but I think you will like it. Here it is...
This is a story of God's power and uncanny ability to take care of his children in ways never thought of:
It all started back in February. At the Salem-Keizer Public Schools job fair, I went through countless interviews and tests and came out of it being told basically that I was guaranteed a bilingual teacher job by May. I was super excited because I had just signed up for my trip to the DR, so I knew I would be gone all summer when they would be most likely interviewing and hiring. Well, after they finally started to post teaching jobs (like in April...) I started applying for the few bilingual positions that came up and was not hearing anything from any of them. Pretty soon I was called by the HR department and they told me that I was not qualified to be a bilingual teacher and should stick with ESOL. This was a shock because of what they told me and I was mad. I went to school to be a BILINGUAL teacher, and that is what I was going to be. I was determined. Well, no interviews and no jobs and it was well past May. June came, and at the end of June when I left for the DR, still no news of any jobs. While I was down there, a few jobs were posted, and then closed and filled without me hearing from any of them. I was getting super disappointed and figured I would just end up being a sub again. People kept asking me what I was doing when I got home and I kept telling them that I was just trusting God for a job, because that is all I could do. I was far from home and had no job, but I knew that God wanted me in the DR. Well I did end up getting email,ed by a few in August, but the interviews were happening before I arrived back home. Well at the end of my time there, I heard from a friend who works at Auburn (the school I most I wanted to work at) that there was a possible job opening. But it wasn't posted and it wasn't posted and it wasn't posted. I was very frustrated.
When I arrived home, it was finally posted and after fighting with Edzapp for a few days, I had successfully applied. However, it wasn't long before I found out that the job at Auburn was canceled (go figure). Well shortly after applying for a few other bilingual jobs, I got called by HR and they were questioning why I was applying for bilingual jobs (at this point I had forgotten they had advised me not to). I told her I wanted to and then she started asking me questions in Spanish and I was answering her fluently (this was within a week after returning, so my Spanish was excellent!). After the phone questioning, she changed her mind about my ability and instantly called the directors and told them I was now qualified! (Going to the DR to work on my Spanish was definitely a factor in choosing that location, but it was definitely not what I expected to get out of it). God had a plan all along. Well as soon as she changed her mind, I got called for an interview for a bilingual job. I was excited (even though it wasn't a place I wanted to work). But then, within the hour, the principal called back to cancel the interview. (This was all in one day, and it is not over yet). Later that day I got called back by HR because they wanted me to go in to take a Spanish written/comprehension test. On the way there, I got called by the Sub Department to sub for a bilingual vacancy at Grant Elem. (which could potentially become a job). I accepted it, in wonder at God's provision. After I completed (and passed) the test at HR, I was informed that the Auburn job was, after all, not canceled but still available. And she said she was going to call the principal there to tell him I passed the tests. So confused and excited, I left the office.
I went home and contacted the sub department and asked if I could sub at Auburn's vacancy instead of at Grant, since that is where I really wanted to be hired at. After a huge ordeal (not going to go through details) with the sub department, me and Auburn, I was finally placed at Auburn to be a sub for a first grade bilingual vacant position. In hopes to be hired, I went all out setting up the classroom and greeting them the first days of school. After being there for awhile, and going through the interview process with them, I was hired!! Now I get to continue the rest of the year at the school of choice, in the grade of choice, in the language of choice, with people that I already love working with :D
This whole situation was just such a God thing. The job was basically handed to me because I didn't even really fight for it. God was fighting for me (along with some great friends :)). I was simply trusting God to be in control, and he worked out all the details. The job opened when I was home to go through the process, it happened to be at the right school and the right time. So many of you were praying for a job for me, and I was trying not to stress (because I was fine with being a sub again). But God knew what he was doing and had a plan all along. I cannot take the glory for any part of how this happened. There are better teachers out there than me, more experience, better Spanish speakers, more educated, you name it! But God didn't want them to have this job, he chose it for me. It was all him, and to Him I will give all the glory!!
Thank you for praying and for having a part in all the changes that have occurred in my life through the experience!
Friday, August 27, 2010
My Time in Pictures
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
The boys playing at the orphanage
The orphanage
I wish that I could show you all of my pictures, but it would take forever to upload them. This hopefully at least gives you a taste of what I did and what I saw. If you have facebook, all my pictures are posted on there, if not, I hope you enjoy these few!
Once again, thank you for living this journey with me! ENJOY!
Monday, August 23, 2010
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
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
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Practicing pure and faultless religion in Jaibon, Dominican Republic
Well, I sit here writing to you for the last time from the Dominican Republic, my next update will be from Oregon! I cannot believe that the time here is coming to a close. I have had good times and bad times, but God has been there using me and teaching me through it all. As I sit here, the thunder is booming and the raining is pittering on the tin roof top. I'm hoping the rain stays and cools it off for the evening. The time here is starting to wind down as the boys start school on Tuesday and people are dwindling away. However, there is still time to love on the people here, so here's to the last week! This last week has been full of many adventures. Here's what went down:
*We had a church group here from Los Angeles and a family group from Pennsylvania. Both were awesome and all three teams (those two plus the interns) worked together well and became family quickly. There was a total of about 40 here this week.
*We had several groups this week and traded off what we did. More about that later. All the groups did a camp in Esperanza in the afternoon. We did one there my first week here, and we had over 300 kids. This time around, we ended with only about 150(which is still a lot). The camp went well, but the last day ended abruptly because a fight broke out on the street between some teen girls and guys. Some of the older boys at the camp were being rude and sexual towards some of our volunteers, so the men kicked them out. We think they might have been angry about that anyways, and the fight was the last straw. We skipped the closing and all left to the bus together. The kids grabbed on to the back of the bus and wouldn't let go. Thank God for safety!
*In the morning, two of the days we went back to La Caya to do a camp again. The little boys were crazy, the older boys would not participate, but other than that the camp went well. One of the girls (Jasmin) that was there before recognized me and we talked for awhile. It was awesome.
*The other days we stayed here to do work projects and activities with the boys in the morning. The boys are getting crazier and grumpier because it is the end of the summer (among other things, I'm sure). None of the games worked out. Remy spilled bubbles on my shoes and I went barefoot for awhile (ouch), about 5 of the boys got mad at me because I wouldn't give them marbles. But through it all, we had a great time just hanging out and being together. I still love them.
*Monday afternoon we went back to the Batey. I loved it, again. As soon as I got there a little boy grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go. Little boys and girls longed to be held by me and dragged me all around to color, or just be together. It is one of my favorite things to do here.
*Another new boy came in this week. His name is Martin. He is a little crazy, but has already acclimated to being here.
You know you are in the DR if...
swimming, jet skiing and/or jumping into the local canal is a day;s worth of entertainment.
chickens and roosters (with occasional goats, horses and cows) roam around freely.
you see a 15 yr old driving a big suburban, even though the legal age is 18 and he doesn't have a license...
(for those that know Spanish)...pescado and pecado are the same thing because the s gets dropped...
Well, that's it for now! Please pray for me during my last week. Thinking about leaving is hard for more than one reason. One, having to leave this country and my brothers behind, and also being afraid of the reverse culture shock and reacclimation to life at home. I want this week to be rich with blessings for me and for the boys.
Signing off for the last time from Jaibon,
See you soon and thanks for everything!!
Well, I sit here writing to you for the last time from the Dominican Republic, my next update will be from Oregon! I cannot believe that the time here is coming to a close. I have had good times and bad times, but God has been there using me and teaching me through it all. As I sit here, the thunder is booming and the raining is pittering on the tin roof top. I'm hoping the rain stays and cools it off for the evening. The time here is starting to wind down as the boys start school on Tuesday and people are dwindling away. However, there is still time to love on the people here, so here's to the last week! This last week has been full of many adventures. Here's what went down:
*We had a church group here from Los Angeles and a family group from Pennsylvania. Both were awesome and all three teams (those two plus the interns) worked together well and became family quickly. There was a total of about 40 here this week.
*We had several groups this week and traded off what we did. More about that later. All the groups did a camp in Esperanza in the afternoon. We did one there my first week here, and we had over 300 kids. This time around, we ended with only about 150(which is still a lot). The camp went well, but the last day ended abruptly because a fight broke out on the street between some teen girls and guys. Some of the older boys at the camp were being rude and sexual towards some of our volunteers, so the men kicked them out. We think they might have been angry about that anyways, and the fight was the last straw. We skipped the closing and all left to the bus together. The kids grabbed on to the back of the bus and wouldn't let go. Thank God for safety!
*In the morning, two of the days we went back to La Caya to do a camp again. The little boys were crazy, the older boys would not participate, but other than that the camp went well. One of the girls (Jasmin) that was there before recognized me and we talked for awhile. It was awesome.
*The other days we stayed here to do work projects and activities with the boys in the morning. The boys are getting crazier and grumpier because it is the end of the summer (among other things, I'm sure). None of the games worked out. Remy spilled bubbles on my shoes and I went barefoot for awhile (ouch), about 5 of the boys got mad at me because I wouldn't give them marbles. But through it all, we had a great time just hanging out and being together. I still love them.
*Monday afternoon we went back to the Batey. I loved it, again. As soon as I got there a little boy grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go. Little boys and girls longed to be held by me and dragged me all around to color, or just be together. It is one of my favorite things to do here.
*Another new boy came in this week. His name is Martin. He is a little crazy, but has already acclimated to being here.
You know you are in the DR if...
swimming, jet skiing and/or jumping into the local canal is a day;s worth of entertainment.
chickens and roosters (with occasional goats, horses and cows) roam around freely.
you see a 15 yr old driving a big suburban, even though the legal age is 18 and he doesn't have a license...
(for those that know Spanish)...pescado and pecado are the same thing because the s gets dropped...
Well, that's it for now! Please pray for me during my last week. Thinking about leaving is hard for more than one reason. One, having to leave this country and my brothers behind, and also being afraid of the reverse culture shock and reacclimation to life at home. I want this week to be rich with blessings for me and for the boys.
Signing off for the last time from Jaibon,
See you soon and thanks for everything!!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Practicing pure and faultless religion in Jaibon, Dominican Republic
I don't really know how to express what this week has been like. The end of it was wonderful, the beginning was the roughest time I have had since I arrived. I know what it is like now to lose someone you love. Before you jump to conclusions, hear me out on my story. Last Sunday was the last time I saw my brother Dorian. I went to church with him and helped him to lead a song. I joked and laughed with him walking back. Later that afternoon I heard that he broke a boy's arm in a fight and got sent back to live with his mom. I will never see him again and I never got to say good-bye. It was this moment that I realized how much I cared about him like a brother. I was heartbroken. I cried for hours. I had invested so much time in him so that he would learn how to read. Now I am afraid that he will never learn. Away from here, there is little hope for him. However, I know he is still in God's care. He was the closest to me and taught me so much. I will always remember what he taught me and who he was and what he meant to me. I didn't think I would be able to go on here, but God pulled me out of the pit and put my purpose back to the forefront and now I am living every day just as before, only more aware that things can change at any given time. Satan had led me to believe that I was only making a difference in Dorian's life, but God has showed me otherwise and I am able to continue. So that is what made the week horrible, yet a good learning time as well. So what made it good? Here are the highlights:
*The new boys, Jeffrey and Remy have changed in the last week. Last week's tears have turned to joy. They are now part of the family and in the healing process. It has been awesome watching the change take place in front of my eyes. Remy fell asleep on my during movie night.
*We got to do another camp with the boys, and I just got to play games with them this week. It was great.
*We got to go back to one of my favorite places to do camp, Damajagua! A beautiful mountain town with people that get so excited to see us. And the kids are so well behaved! The principal of the school hangs out and participates, as do other adults. I'm talking grown men making crowns and coloring pictures. Really cool actually. Never too old to have fun! Also, I challenged myself this week and did crafts. Not my strong suit, but it is where they needed me the most. It was a lot of fun, and actually really relaxing.
*We FINALLY got to take the boys to the beach. We went to the same beach we went to last week, but it was ten times more beautiful and fun with the boys. I carried Remy (5), Imanol (11) and Lolito (12) on my back for hours (not all at the same time). I splashed and chased balls with Jimmy (13)and just swam with a bunch of boys. They were sooo excited. It was awesome watching their faces glued to the window on the way there. So many sights they may have never seen before. And as soon as we got to the beach they were in the water. So much fun!!!
*We got to go to Santo Domingo this week!!!! I loved it so much!! So much history! I hung out in a fort put up by Columbus's crew and walked the first paved street in the Western Hemisphere, and sw the oldest church in the west and so much more! For those who don't know, Santo Domingo is the oldest settlement on this side of the world. Best culture day ever!
*Last Sunday we got to go to church with the boys. It was fun to learn and worship with them, and I understood the whole sermon!!!!!!!!!
*I got to do airport duty today. That means I was in charge of greeting the newbies and answering their questions. I loved it.
You know you are in the DR if...
2 cars can drive side-by-side in the same lane
There is nothing wrong with hanging out with strangers
Your birthday present is having buckets of water dumped on your head.
Thanks for praying!
I don't really know how to express what this week has been like. The end of it was wonderful, the beginning was the roughest time I have had since I arrived. I know what it is like now to lose someone you love. Before you jump to conclusions, hear me out on my story. Last Sunday was the last time I saw my brother Dorian. I went to church with him and helped him to lead a song. I joked and laughed with him walking back. Later that afternoon I heard that he broke a boy's arm in a fight and got sent back to live with his mom. I will never see him again and I never got to say good-bye. It was this moment that I realized how much I cared about him like a brother. I was heartbroken. I cried for hours. I had invested so much time in him so that he would learn how to read. Now I am afraid that he will never learn. Away from here, there is little hope for him. However, I know he is still in God's care. He was the closest to me and taught me so much. I will always remember what he taught me and who he was and what he meant to me. I didn't think I would be able to go on here, but God pulled me out of the pit and put my purpose back to the forefront and now I am living every day just as before, only more aware that things can change at any given time. Satan had led me to believe that I was only making a difference in Dorian's life, but God has showed me otherwise and I am able to continue. So that is what made the week horrible, yet a good learning time as well. So what made it good? Here are the highlights:
*The new boys, Jeffrey and Remy have changed in the last week. Last week's tears have turned to joy. They are now part of the family and in the healing process. It has been awesome watching the change take place in front of my eyes. Remy fell asleep on my during movie night.
*We got to do another camp with the boys, and I just got to play games with them this week. It was great.
*We got to go back to one of my favorite places to do camp, Damajagua! A beautiful mountain town with people that get so excited to see us. And the kids are so well behaved! The principal of the school hangs out and participates, as do other adults. I'm talking grown men making crowns and coloring pictures. Really cool actually. Never too old to have fun! Also, I challenged myself this week and did crafts. Not my strong suit, but it is where they needed me the most. It was a lot of fun, and actually really relaxing.
*We FINALLY got to take the boys to the beach. We went to the same beach we went to last week, but it was ten times more beautiful and fun with the boys. I carried Remy (5), Imanol (11) and Lolito (12) on my back for hours (not all at the same time). I splashed and chased balls with Jimmy (13)and just swam with a bunch of boys. They were sooo excited. It was awesome watching their faces glued to the window on the way there. So many sights they may have never seen before. And as soon as we got to the beach they were in the water. So much fun!!!
*We got to go to Santo Domingo this week!!!! I loved it so much!! So much history! I hung out in a fort put up by Columbus's crew and walked the first paved street in the Western Hemisphere, and sw the oldest church in the west and so much more! For those who don't know, Santo Domingo is the oldest settlement on this side of the world. Best culture day ever!
*Last Sunday we got to go to church with the boys. It was fun to learn and worship with them, and I understood the whole sermon!!!!!!!!!
*I got to do airport duty today. That means I was in charge of greeting the newbies and answering their questions. I loved it.
You know you are in the DR if...
2 cars can drive side-by-side in the same lane
There is nothing wrong with hanging out with strangers
Your birthday present is having buckets of water dumped on your head.
Thanks for praying!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Practicing pure and faultless religion in Jaibon, Dominican Republic
Well, this week has been very different. Only about 20 people here, and we didn't get to teach any camps this week. On the plus side, I had a lot of time to spend with my brothers this week. Here's what the week looked like:
*We did one or two work projects around the orphanage every day. Some of them included: weeding the orchard and creating a path, painting the bathrooms and ramadas, picking up trash along the road, taking down tents and praying for the orphans and the orphanage. It was hard work in the hot sun and it really wore me out. I would much rather be working with kids and building relationships.
*We got to do activities and games with the boys every morning and did a little mini-camp with them in the afternoon. I was part of the group that did "education". We did math, science, bracelet making and bingo to practice numbers. My favorite was the science because we did the floating test as to whether something would float or not. They loved it. The little boys liked playing with the water too...that got interesting and made quite the mess....oh boys...
*During one of the work projects, the boys were gardening next to us as we were also gardening. They were teasing us and then they started to sing as they worked. It was really fun to see and was awesome working alongside my family.
*I have been tutoring the 11 year old on how to read just about everyday. It is really fun for me, but frustrating at times too because I have to start from the very beginning. He doesn't even know the difference between sounds and letters and words. Step by step though, he is going to be able to do it. I have complete faith in him to have a successful future.
*The boys have officially decided that I am worthy of playing with...as in beating me up and climbing on my back. And, I have an announcement to make: I am officially Dominican. I passed the tests. I was able to climb up the swing set, among other things. Now I really belong :D
*Yesterday we went to Punta Rusia, another Caribbean-ish beach. I was turquoise and clear, and shallow very far out. It was wonderful, but once again I am sunburnt :(
*This week the orphanage received 2 new boys. They are brothers and have looked sad all week. The older boy holds on to his brother and just cries. It breaks my heart. But I am glad that they are here, this is a good, healing place to be. We are doing our best to bring them into the family and go out of our way to include them.
You know you are in the DR if...
people water the ground with hoses...sometimes even in the rain.
the side of the highway is a perfectly good hangout spot.
hanging out in your underwear...or less...is not unusual.
you are waved at by people standing along the road while in a bus.
Well, this week has been very different. Only about 20 people here, and we didn't get to teach any camps this week. On the plus side, I had a lot of time to spend with my brothers this week. Here's what the week looked like:
*We did one or two work projects around the orphanage every day. Some of them included: weeding the orchard and creating a path, painting the bathrooms and ramadas, picking up trash along the road, taking down tents and praying for the orphans and the orphanage. It was hard work in the hot sun and it really wore me out. I would much rather be working with kids and building relationships.
*We got to do activities and games with the boys every morning and did a little mini-camp with them in the afternoon. I was part of the group that did "education". We did math, science, bracelet making and bingo to practice numbers. My favorite was the science because we did the floating test as to whether something would float or not. They loved it. The little boys liked playing with the water too...that got interesting and made quite the mess....oh boys...
*During one of the work projects, the boys were gardening next to us as we were also gardening. They were teasing us and then they started to sing as they worked. It was really fun to see and was awesome working alongside my family.
*I have been tutoring the 11 year old on how to read just about everyday. It is really fun for me, but frustrating at times too because I have to start from the very beginning. He doesn't even know the difference between sounds and letters and words. Step by step though, he is going to be able to do it. I have complete faith in him to have a successful future.
*The boys have officially decided that I am worthy of playing with...as in beating me up and climbing on my back. And, I have an announcement to make: I am officially Dominican. I passed the tests. I was able to climb up the swing set, among other things. Now I really belong :D
*Yesterday we went to Punta Rusia, another Caribbean-ish beach. I was turquoise and clear, and shallow very far out. It was wonderful, but once again I am sunburnt :(
*This week the orphanage received 2 new boys. They are brothers and have looked sad all week. The older boy holds on to his brother and just cries. It breaks my heart. But I am glad that they are here, this is a good, healing place to be. We are doing our best to bring them into the family and go out of our way to include them.
You know you are in the DR if...
people water the ground with hoses...sometimes even in the rain.
the side of the highway is a perfectly good hangout spot.
hanging out in your underwear...or less...is not unusual.
you are waved at by people standing along the road while in a bus.
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