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!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
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.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Practicing pure and faultless religion in Jaibon, Dominican Republic
Well, I've officially made it to my half way point, the end of my first month and the longest period of time ever of staying away from home. This weekend is sad because all of the interns that came with me left today, and the ones that were here to greet me mostly left too. We went from 25 interns to like 6. We have 5 new ones coming in today, but we will only have a total of 20 people here the next week. My time here is getting more and more precious. Here's what the week looked like:
*We had a total of 102 people here this week. 3 church groups, and several families and individuals plus the 25 interns. It was happening and full, and challenging at times. However, it was a good week and now it seems really quiet.
*I was one of three interns that worked with a church group from Arizona at camps this week. What I had to do in leadership last week was pushed even farther. I helped to lead song and make the camp run smoothly. We also were there to answer questions and help with Spanish and leading the team.
*On Monday afternoon I went to Batey Libertad. A batey is like a slum where Haitians live. Haitians here are basically forced to live in a batey because they are hired by Dominicans to work for less than 50 cents a day(almost as slaves). We went to the batey to play with the kids. It was intense. I felt like I was back in Africa, but worse than anything I saw there. I saw kids running around naked, with sores all over their bodies, with rounded bellies from worms and hunger, and a 6 mo. old that looked like a premie newborn with only half a head of hair. Malnourishment was rampant. The adults were busy working and none of them had a sparkle in their eye. The "park" we held the games in was muddy, with cement benches and a tiny gazebo. It was in the middle of people's houses....or shacks. But, in the midst of all that, the kids were so excited that we were there to show them love and to care for them. Some just wanted to be held, others ran away with one crayon and thought they had just gained the world. It was a hard thing to see, but an amazing experience and opportunity to shine God's love.
*We taught one camp in the morning that we held at the wrong church and started with no kids. After inviting, we had many kids trickle in. By the last day, we had over 120 They were crazy and it was chaotic, but full of energy and excitement for sure! In the afternoon on Wed. and Thurs, we went back to a camp in Laguna Salada at the tiny church, the kids were great and they were so excited to have us come back. The pastor invited us to her sister's house again for soft drinks and I got to hold the most precious newborns ever!
*On Monday night I got to go to a nearby city called Mao to eat ice cream and hang out in a park with some of the interns. It was beautiful and a fun experience.
*I started tutoring some boys in English this week. The boys are 13 and 11. It is so fun to be teaching them. They are so eager to learn and study hard to improve.
*One boy, who is 11, can't read, as we found out this week. The education system here is awful. Most older boys don't even know the letters of the alphabet, but most can read. This particular child is so precious and awesome and I get to start teaching him how to read. He is so excited that I am willing to help him in that way. I can't imagine not knowing how to read at such an old age.
*On Thursday night we invited the boys to our worship night. We sang 2 songs in English and 2 of their songs in Spanish. They sang out so clearly and passionately, it was so amazing.
*I have realized this week that I now have 25 Dominican little brothers. That is how much I love them. I am comfortable with them, play with them, laugh with them, tease them and just hang out. It is wonderful.
* On Friday we went to Moca and Sacedo to see a museum of a house where 3 very important women lived before they were murdered by the government of Dictator Trujillo in 1959. They led to the freedom of the country. We also saw a cathedral and went back to the monument in Santiago. One of our interns had to go to the emergency room so we sat in the bus for 2 hrs while we waited. She is going to be ok and is already back in the states.
You know you are in the DR if...
Men come and tap on the window of the bus to sell you things. And if men driving by in trucks start flirting with the pretty American women.
You show up the wrong church for camp and no one cares. Camp turns out great.
Election posters are posted everywhere...3 months after the election
Red lights mean nothing. You stop at a red light and get passed by every car going straight through the intersection.
Thanks for all your support and prayers! I would not be able to be doing any of this without all of you!!!
Well, I've officially made it to my half way point, the end of my first month and the longest period of time ever of staying away from home. This weekend is sad because all of the interns that came with me left today, and the ones that were here to greet me mostly left too. We went from 25 interns to like 6. We have 5 new ones coming in today, but we will only have a total of 20 people here the next week. My time here is getting more and more precious. Here's what the week looked like:
*We had a total of 102 people here this week. 3 church groups, and several families and individuals plus the 25 interns. It was happening and full, and challenging at times. However, it was a good week and now it seems really quiet.
*I was one of three interns that worked with a church group from Arizona at camps this week. What I had to do in leadership last week was pushed even farther. I helped to lead song and make the camp run smoothly. We also were there to answer questions and help with Spanish and leading the team.
*On Monday afternoon I went to Batey Libertad. A batey is like a slum where Haitians live. Haitians here are basically forced to live in a batey because they are hired by Dominicans to work for less than 50 cents a day(almost as slaves). We went to the batey to play with the kids. It was intense. I felt like I was back in Africa, but worse than anything I saw there. I saw kids running around naked, with sores all over their bodies, with rounded bellies from worms and hunger, and a 6 mo. old that looked like a premie newborn with only half a head of hair. Malnourishment was rampant. The adults were busy working and none of them had a sparkle in their eye. The "park" we held the games in was muddy, with cement benches and a tiny gazebo. It was in the middle of people's houses....or shacks. But, in the midst of all that, the kids were so excited that we were there to show them love and to care for them. Some just wanted to be held, others ran away with one crayon and thought they had just gained the world. It was a hard thing to see, but an amazing experience and opportunity to shine God's love.
*We taught one camp in the morning that we held at the wrong church and started with no kids. After inviting, we had many kids trickle in. By the last day, we had over 120 They were crazy and it was chaotic, but full of energy and excitement for sure! In the afternoon on Wed. and Thurs, we went back to a camp in Laguna Salada at the tiny church, the kids were great and they were so excited to have us come back. The pastor invited us to her sister's house again for soft drinks and I got to hold the most precious newborns ever!
*On Monday night I got to go to a nearby city called Mao to eat ice cream and hang out in a park with some of the interns. It was beautiful and a fun experience.
*I started tutoring some boys in English this week. The boys are 13 and 11. It is so fun to be teaching them. They are so eager to learn and study hard to improve.
*One boy, who is 11, can't read, as we found out this week. The education system here is awful. Most older boys don't even know the letters of the alphabet, but most can read. This particular child is so precious and awesome and I get to start teaching him how to read. He is so excited that I am willing to help him in that way. I can't imagine not knowing how to read at such an old age.
*On Thursday night we invited the boys to our worship night. We sang 2 songs in English and 2 of their songs in Spanish. They sang out so clearly and passionately, it was so amazing.
*I have realized this week that I now have 25 Dominican little brothers. That is how much I love them. I am comfortable with them, play with them, laugh with them, tease them and just hang out. It is wonderful.
* On Friday we went to Moca and Sacedo to see a museum of a house where 3 very important women lived before they were murdered by the government of Dictator Trujillo in 1959. They led to the freedom of the country. We also saw a cathedral and went back to the monument in Santiago. One of our interns had to go to the emergency room so we sat in the bus for 2 hrs while we waited. She is going to be ok and is already back in the states.
You know you are in the DR if...
Men come and tap on the window of the bus to sell you things. And if men driving by in trucks start flirting with the pretty American women.
You show up the wrong church for camp and no one cares. Camp turns out great.
Election posters are posted everywhere...3 months after the election
Red lights mean nothing. You stop at a red light and get passed by every car going straight through the intersection.
Thanks for all your support and prayers! I would not be able to be doing any of this without all of you!!!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Practicing pure and faultless religion in Jaibon, Dominican Republic
The 3rd week here has flown by so quickly!! I am getting used to life here and it is beginning to feel like home. I am loving spending time with the boys and teaching camps in the community is so fun.
I realize that many of you may not even know exactly what I am doing each week. So here is a synopsis:
On Saturday we do work projects, say good-bye to teams and greet new teams. We also relax after a busy week.
Sunday we have a day of orientation for the new teams and have a church service either here or at a church.
Monday through Wednesday or Thursday we have camps in the community at churches or schools. Sometimes we have 20 kids, sometimes we have more than 300. The camps consist of group singing, and then kids rotate through Bible, English, Art and Recreation.
Friday we go into the country as tourists. To the city or the beach usually.
Sometimes we do work projects here at the orphanage.
During our free time we get to play with the boys at the orphanage. We take them games, instuments, books or just go to hang out and talk.
Ok, so here are this week's highlights:
*The team that was here this week was made up of families. All ages. Including a 2 and 4 yr. old. That cry. A lot. But, I loved having the younger kids here. They were energetic and very interactive with the kids. Also, I tend to get along really well with adults older than me, so I really bonded with them. It was great working with all of them. And they said I can come visit them in Virginia and they would take me all over the place :D
*Since we had a large group, the interns were spread out among the volunteers. I was on a team with a mom, a 10 yr old and a high schooler. None of them knew Spanish. I really had to step up to the plate as the leader of them Bible team and God helped me to do it. As a team we came up with lots of good ideas and they were great helpers. However, I did all of the teaching because of my Spanish. I improved my ability to speak greatly and I loved it.
*For one of the Bible lessons, I had the kids pretend to be sheep. The young boys liked it so much, they wouldn't stop being sheep. They were sheep for the rest of Bible class, and the next day. I couldn't teach because I was laughing too hard. Priceless.
*We went to a mosquito infested museum. I left early. A guy (who I thought was the one who owned the museum)came and gave me mangoes. I thought he was thanking us for coming so I thanked him for letting us. He started talking to me and I didn't understand him very well. I thought it was his strong DR accent. Turns out it was because he was slurring his words. He was drunk, as I soon discovered. He was hitting on me and calling me "mi amor". I took out my camera to take a pic of me and the mangoes and he came into the picture. He then wanted a picture with all the ladies who had cameras. He even picked one lady up and hugged her. Good times, but kinda scary too.
*Beach day with the boys was cancelled again. Once again we put on an awesome day for them.
*We went to the other sight on Friday at Monte Cristi. We got to see the other orphanage, a clock tower built by the same guy that built the Eiffel Tower, eat at an authentic DR restaurant, go on a hike over the ocean and play in intense waves.
You know you are in the DR if...
Your bus driver drives on a skinny one lane bumpy road for a few blocks...backwards.
Teenagers aren't too old to participate in all the activities.
You show up to teach a camp at a church and they didn't know you were coming. They come anyway and open the church for you. 20+ kids still show up.
Lines in the middle of the road mean nothing.
I wish I could write so much more, but I have limited time to keep you all updated. To sum it all up, the boys here all have a future, a hope, passions, skills, a hero inside of them. We are here to release the hero within and give them a future. God sees them as they really are, and he is giving us the ability to do the same thing.
Thanks for praying!!!
The 3rd week here has flown by so quickly!! I am getting used to life here and it is beginning to feel like home. I am loving spending time with the boys and teaching camps in the community is so fun.
I realize that many of you may not even know exactly what I am doing each week. So here is a synopsis:
On Saturday we do work projects, say good-bye to teams and greet new teams. We also relax after a busy week.
Sunday we have a day of orientation for the new teams and have a church service either here or at a church.
Monday through Wednesday or Thursday we have camps in the community at churches or schools. Sometimes we have 20 kids, sometimes we have more than 300. The camps consist of group singing, and then kids rotate through Bible, English, Art and Recreation.
Friday we go into the country as tourists. To the city or the beach usually.
Sometimes we do work projects here at the orphanage.
During our free time we get to play with the boys at the orphanage. We take them games, instuments, books or just go to hang out and talk.
Ok, so here are this week's highlights:
*The team that was here this week was made up of families. All ages. Including a 2 and 4 yr. old. That cry. A lot. But, I loved having the younger kids here. They were energetic and very interactive with the kids. Also, I tend to get along really well with adults older than me, so I really bonded with them. It was great working with all of them. And they said I can come visit them in Virginia and they would take me all over the place :D
*Since we had a large group, the interns were spread out among the volunteers. I was on a team with a mom, a 10 yr old and a high schooler. None of them knew Spanish. I really had to step up to the plate as the leader of them Bible team and God helped me to do it. As a team we came up with lots of good ideas and they were great helpers. However, I did all of the teaching because of my Spanish. I improved my ability to speak greatly and I loved it.
*For one of the Bible lessons, I had the kids pretend to be sheep. The young boys liked it so much, they wouldn't stop being sheep. They were sheep for the rest of Bible class, and the next day. I couldn't teach because I was laughing too hard. Priceless.
*We went to a mosquito infested museum. I left early. A guy (who I thought was the one who owned the museum)came and gave me mangoes. I thought he was thanking us for coming so I thanked him for letting us. He started talking to me and I didn't understand him very well. I thought it was his strong DR accent. Turns out it was because he was slurring his words. He was drunk, as I soon discovered. He was hitting on me and calling me "mi amor". I took out my camera to take a pic of me and the mangoes and he came into the picture. He then wanted a picture with all the ladies who had cameras. He even picked one lady up and hugged her. Good times, but kinda scary too.
*Beach day with the boys was cancelled again. Once again we put on an awesome day for them.
*We went to the other sight on Friday at Monte Cristi. We got to see the other orphanage, a clock tower built by the same guy that built the Eiffel Tower, eat at an authentic DR restaurant, go on a hike over the ocean and play in intense waves.
You know you are in the DR if...
Your bus driver drives on a skinny one lane bumpy road for a few blocks...backwards.
Teenagers aren't too old to participate in all the activities.
You show up to teach a camp at a church and they didn't know you were coming. They come anyway and open the church for you. 20+ kids still show up.
Lines in the middle of the road mean nothing.
I wish I could write so much more, but I have limited time to keep you all updated. To sum it all up, the boys here all have a future, a hope, passions, skills, a hero inside of them. We are here to release the hero within and give them a future. God sees them as they really are, and he is giving us the ability to do the same thing.
Thanks for praying!!!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Practicing pure and faultless religion in Jaibon, Dominican Republic
Week number 2 is complete!! This week has been much better for me. I am less homesick and enjoying my time here. I am even getting used to the heat and bugs.
Highlights of the Week:
* The week started with a mini Fourth of July celebration. Since we couldn't be at home, the leaders here set up the tables with decorations, and we watched skits and a little video with America the Beautiful and pictures of America and fireworks. Then we ate dulces and helado :D YUM
*One of the projects we worked on this week was sorting through donated books and putting them away in a brand new education room here at the orphanage. It was fun to look through all of the books and get the room started. I really want to have a literacy program for the boys while I am here and use all the awesome books. They really need more Spanish books though..
* I discovered that half of the money I raised to come here goes directly for the boys to attend school. That is so amazing to me, and for those of you that gave to me, that is your gift to these precious boys!
*Our morning camp this week was with the boys here at the orphanage. It was so fun to get to know them better and spend more time with them. They are great.
*After camp on the last day, we gave shoes to all of the boys. It was such a privilege to watch them pick out new tennies just for them.
*I got to spend countless hours this week simply playing games with the boys. They are so special and make every day awesome.
*On Thursday, we were supposed to take the boys to the beach, but their director opted out on it at the last minute. We were all really sad because the boys had been looking forward to it all week. However, we gave them the best day possible. We played Capture the Flag in the morning, and then had a Scavenger Hunt where they had to look for all of us and do something, and then we set up a bunch of mattresses and had them run through sheets, sumo wrestle and just have fun on the mattresses. We ended the day by watching Tarzan on the mattresses and letting them hit a pinata and eat candy. They absolutely loved it, probably more than the beach. Seeing the smiles on their faces and hearing their laughter was the best. I could do it forever.
*This week we had to set up tents for the new groups coming in. I never knew my tent skills would come in handy, but I was one of few that knew how to put up a tent, so I was a team leader and taught my team how to put up 2 successful tents :)
*Our afternoon camp this week was a tiny little church in Laguna Salada. The pastor invited us to her sister's house afterwards and gave us all refreshments. The church was tiny, hot and crowded, but the kids did not care. They were so excited to be there and hang out with us Americanos. I got to teach them English this week, which they get excited about. They would always run out to greet us and wave as we left. The kids here are wonderful. Indescribable really.
*Yesterday we went to Cabarete beach. It was very touristy and very awesome. Warm water, white sands, palm trees. Be jealous :)
Hardships:
One thing that was hard this week was teaching English with a team. I had so many ideas of how and what I wanted to teach, but working with a team is difficult. Also, we only had 3 days to teach them, so I had to keep reminding myself that we were only giving a foundation, not all needed knowledge. Others will come in and cover what we couldn't, and God never leaves them!
Interesting stories of the week:
*I woke up one morning to an announcement that we couldn't take showers until after breakfast because they forgot to fill the water tanks...oops!
*I saved a fellow intern from having to sleep with these large green beetles by taking them off her net one by one and putting them outside.
*On Thursday night, all the girls discovered hundreds of stink bugs in our sleeping room. They were everywhere. Most girls moved out to the tents, but I btaved the bugs and was safe and sound under my mosquito net.
*On Wednesday we had to cut afternoon camp short because a storm was moving in quickly and we didn't want the kids out in the lightening. It poured and lightenined and thundered for hours...but it was so cool at night that we were wearing sweatshirts and pants....AMAZING!!! :)
You know you are in the DR if...
You get pushed out of the way on the street.
You get cut in line.
You take showers with very large spiders.
You eat a lot of rice, chicken, eggplant, yucca and plantains.
Thanks for praying!!
For the record,
I h ave swallowed every pill so far with no problems!!!! Praise God!!
Please pray for me, the kids I reach, the other interns and the boys at the orphanage.
Muchisimas gracias para todos!!
Week number 2 is complete!! This week has been much better for me. I am less homesick and enjoying my time here. I am even getting used to the heat and bugs.
Highlights of the Week:
* The week started with a mini Fourth of July celebration. Since we couldn't be at home, the leaders here set up the tables with decorations, and we watched skits and a little video with America the Beautiful and pictures of America and fireworks. Then we ate dulces and helado :D YUM
*One of the projects we worked on this week was sorting through donated books and putting them away in a brand new education room here at the orphanage. It was fun to look through all of the books and get the room started. I really want to have a literacy program for the boys while I am here and use all the awesome books. They really need more Spanish books though..
* I discovered that half of the money I raised to come here goes directly for the boys to attend school. That is so amazing to me, and for those of you that gave to me, that is your gift to these precious boys!
*Our morning camp this week was with the boys here at the orphanage. It was so fun to get to know them better and spend more time with them. They are great.
*After camp on the last day, we gave shoes to all of the boys. It was such a privilege to watch them pick out new tennies just for them.
*I got to spend countless hours this week simply playing games with the boys. They are so special and make every day awesome.
*On Thursday, we were supposed to take the boys to the beach, but their director opted out on it at the last minute. We were all really sad because the boys had been looking forward to it all week. However, we gave them the best day possible. We played Capture the Flag in the morning, and then had a Scavenger Hunt where they had to look for all of us and do something, and then we set up a bunch of mattresses and had them run through sheets, sumo wrestle and just have fun on the mattresses. We ended the day by watching Tarzan on the mattresses and letting them hit a pinata and eat candy. They absolutely loved it, probably more than the beach. Seeing the smiles on their faces and hearing their laughter was the best. I could do it forever.
*This week we had to set up tents for the new groups coming in. I never knew my tent skills would come in handy, but I was one of few that knew how to put up a tent, so I was a team leader and taught my team how to put up 2 successful tents :)
*Our afternoon camp this week was a tiny little church in Laguna Salada. The pastor invited us to her sister's house afterwards and gave us all refreshments. The church was tiny, hot and crowded, but the kids did not care. They were so excited to be there and hang out with us Americanos. I got to teach them English this week, which they get excited about. They would always run out to greet us and wave as we left. The kids here are wonderful. Indescribable really.
*Yesterday we went to Cabarete beach. It was very touristy and very awesome. Warm water, white sands, palm trees. Be jealous :)
Hardships:
One thing that was hard this week was teaching English with a team. I had so many ideas of how and what I wanted to teach, but working with a team is difficult. Also, we only had 3 days to teach them, so I had to keep reminding myself that we were only giving a foundation, not all needed knowledge. Others will come in and cover what we couldn't, and God never leaves them!
Interesting stories of the week:
*I woke up one morning to an announcement that we couldn't take showers until after breakfast because they forgot to fill the water tanks...oops!
*I saved a fellow intern from having to sleep with these large green beetles by taking them off her net one by one and putting them outside.
*On Thursday night, all the girls discovered hundreds of stink bugs in our sleeping room. They were everywhere. Most girls moved out to the tents, but I btaved the bugs and was safe and sound under my mosquito net.
*On Wednesday we had to cut afternoon camp short because a storm was moving in quickly and we didn't want the kids out in the lightening. It poured and lightenined and thundered for hours...but it was so cool at night that we were wearing sweatshirts and pants....AMAZING!!! :)
You know you are in the DR if...
You get pushed out of the way on the street.
You get cut in line.
You take showers with very large spiders.
You eat a lot of rice, chicken, eggplant, yucca and plantains.
Thanks for praying!!
For the record,
I h ave swallowed every pill so far with no problems!!!! Praise God!!
Please pray for me, the kids I reach, the other interns and the boys at the orphanage.
Muchisimas gracias para todos!!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Practicing pure and faultless religion in Jaibon, Dominican Republic
Hola de la republica dominicana! I have arrived safely and have been here already for one week, though it seems like a lot longer. To be honest, it's been a hard week. I arrived homesick and was regretting my decision to come down here for so long. I am doing somewhat better now, but I could still use your prayers. It is super hot here and it burns all my energy. Also, I would like to enjoy my time here to the fullest, without being homesick.
Despite the mosquito bites all over my body, the sweat dripping down my face and my homesickness, this week was still amazing in so many ways. Here are some highlights of the week:
*I was part of a team that taught 2 VBS's in the local mountain communities. The first had around 80 kids waiting for us when we got there and they cheered us on. The second had over 200 on the first day and by Thursday, there were 350! It is amazing how easy it was to get them to all come and how excited they were to come back. It is so hard to get kids to clubs and VBS in the states...
*The kids all ran after us and grabbed the bus after making us sing a bajillion songs. They did not want us to leave!
*The mountain villages are beautiful. Banana trees, vibrant greens and a view of the valley and grenn mountains...so amazing!!! Furthermore, the people are beautiful too. So many awesome people live up there....
*I worked with 3 other ladies to teach the Bible lessons...in Spanish! It came so naturally and I loved it! We taught about Jesus, Samuel, Paul and Daniel.
*The boys here at the orphanage are a lot of fun. This week we put on a festival for them, played bingo, watched Toy Story and played board games. During our free time, we go visit them and play all kinds of things like bubbles, keyboard, basketball, etc. They get so excited to see us and play with us (and our toys that we bring...)
*There was a crazy thunderstorm here, it felt wonderful!! We played in the rain with the boys.
Here are some things for you to enjoy...
You know you are in the DR when...
Seeing a dog fight
a cow in the street is totally normal
Seeing cows walk by on the street doesn't excite you
Sweat is part of your daily attire
Mosquitoes are your worst enemy. And flies.
It is considered cold when it hits 80 degrees
MORE TO COME!!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
1) Homesickness
2) Bug bites are driving me crazy and the heat too!
3) That God will continue to use me and teach me!
FUN ADVENTURE OF THE WEEK: Exploring Santiago: shopping, monuments, cultural museum, Pizza Hut, McDonalds!!
THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS!!!!
Hola de la republica dominicana! I have arrived safely and have been here already for one week, though it seems like a lot longer. To be honest, it's been a hard week. I arrived homesick and was regretting my decision to come down here for so long. I am doing somewhat better now, but I could still use your prayers. It is super hot here and it burns all my energy. Also, I would like to enjoy my time here to the fullest, without being homesick.
Despite the mosquito bites all over my body, the sweat dripping down my face and my homesickness, this week was still amazing in so many ways. Here are some highlights of the week:
*I was part of a team that taught 2 VBS's in the local mountain communities. The first had around 80 kids waiting for us when we got there and they cheered us on. The second had over 200 on the first day and by Thursday, there were 350! It is amazing how easy it was to get them to all come and how excited they were to come back. It is so hard to get kids to clubs and VBS in the states...
*The kids all ran after us and grabbed the bus after making us sing a bajillion songs. They did not want us to leave!
*The mountain villages are beautiful. Banana trees, vibrant greens and a view of the valley and grenn mountains...so amazing!!! Furthermore, the people are beautiful too. So many awesome people live up there....
*I worked with 3 other ladies to teach the Bible lessons...in Spanish! It came so naturally and I loved it! We taught about Jesus, Samuel, Paul and Daniel.
*The boys here at the orphanage are a lot of fun. This week we put on a festival for them, played bingo, watched Toy Story and played board games. During our free time, we go visit them and play all kinds of things like bubbles, keyboard, basketball, etc. They get so excited to see us and play with us (and our toys that we bring...)
*There was a crazy thunderstorm here, it felt wonderful!! We played in the rain with the boys.
Here are some things for you to enjoy...
You know you are in the DR when...
Seeing a dog fight
a cow in the street is totally normal
Seeing cows walk by on the street doesn't excite you
Sweat is part of your daily attire
Mosquitoes are your worst enemy. And flies.
It is considered cold when it hits 80 degrees
MORE TO COME!!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
1) Homesickness
2) Bug bites are driving me crazy and the heat too!
3) That God will continue to use me and teach me!
FUN ADVENTURE OF THE WEEK: Exploring Santiago: shopping, monuments, cultural museum, Pizza Hut, McDonalds!!
THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS!!!!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Victory!
Thank you to all who prayed! I just swallowed the pill with absolutely no problem! Praise God!!
7 days until I leave!! I am gone up until the moment I leave, please pray for sanity and safety in travel!!
7 days until I leave!! I am gone up until the moment I leave, please pray for sanity and safety in travel!!
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