One of the most important and special things we did all week was to visit our sponsored child's home. We were able to go to Junior's home again Monday afternoon after missing them that morning. He and his family were home this time! We were so humbled to be able to meet Junior and his family, as well as see where he lives. Junior has an older brother, Fernando, and an older sister, Mireya. They all three looked a lot alike. Their home was very small, probably the size of our garage (on my Pictures post). It was very nice and well kept. They seem to take good care of what they have. The home was simple with curtains for doors and concrete floors. We were able to bring them a bag of food (as I mentioned in the last post) and a bag of gifts for Alexandra and the children. We brought them some toys that Grace & Lane had picked out for the kids as well as other toys.
As I mentioned before, they had not smiled much, and this visit was no different. They were grateful for everything, but still in mourning for the loss of their father/husband. Alexandra gave us a picture of her late husband and said he would have been glad to meet us. We chatted a little and then prayed with them as a family (with a translator). It was very emotional and something we will always remember.
One of the quotes that really opened my eyes to do more is this: "Don't fail to do something, just because you can't do everything. -Bob Pierce (founder of World Vision)
And another I like... "None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus." Max Lucado
Our someone is Junior & his family. Who is your someone?
October 12, 2010
September 16, 2010
Let the Work Begin!
Monday through Thursday went something like this... Breakfast at hotel, bus ride for an hour into Villa Tapia with a devotional on the way, work/VBS/home visits, lunch, work/VBS/home visits, back to Santiago to clean up, dinner, fellowship, & bed.
We were expecting to begin building a stone wall/protection fence around the center, but when we arrived they had already finished laying the stone. So our group started putting up the metal chain fence on top of the stone and cementing it to stay in place. That took about a 1 1/2 - 2 days to finish. Then we were busy Wednesday and Thursday putting on a VBS for two groups a day of at least 75 kids in each group. They were taught by science experiments tied in with Bible lessons in the church by Dave Lafon (a.k.a.- Professor Puff-a-lup-a-gus). Then they went to their normal classrooms along with their teachers and did crafts. We had some neat crafts, one including a duffle bag they decorated and then later brought home goodies in it. We came bearing candy, bubbles, games, and toys! There is such a blessing in giving!
On Monday we also started visiting homes in the village. We broke the group in half so some worked while others did home visits. We had to keep the visits to just the kids that had sponsors within our group and some that had sponsors from Crossroads Church, in Avon. Mark and I went first with the morning group. We were blessed to witness and be a part of visiting the children in their homes. In every home we were warmly welcomed. We brought each home a big bag of staple foods. We had a translator, Yunior, with us at each visit. All of us were able to chat and pray with our sponsored child and his/her family. Each child received many gifts as well. It is a pretty big deal to be able to meet your child and their family that you are supporting, not many have this opportunity. It was definitely something that we will never forget!
We were up! Mark and I grabbed our bag of food and bag full of gifts! We were walking up a big muddy hill to get to our sponsored child, Junior's, home. We were stopped by a neighbor before we walked too far. The neighbor explained to us that Junior's mother, Alexandra was not home. We were saddened to find out that Alexandra and her children had just lost their husband/father only 4 months ago. He was killed...there was some misunderstanding. Jose' would have been 31 (my age) on September 30. When we signed up to sponsor Junior, we did not know this information. We knew that his father was a farmer. Knowing the family needed financial help then, made us aware of how much more they need it now! I am so glad God led us to pick Junior when we signed up for a child. Jose' died right about the time that God started stirring Mark and I to want to go on a mission trip. This particular mission trip led us to Junior & his family. I pray that God will lift them up and comfort them through this terrible time. I know that God can use us to help them and lighten a financial load that they have...we are blessed to do so!
We were expecting to begin building a stone wall/protection fence around the center, but when we arrived they had already finished laying the stone. So our group started putting up the metal chain fence on top of the stone and cementing it to stay in place. That took about a 1 1/2 - 2 days to finish. Then we were busy Wednesday and Thursday putting on a VBS for two groups a day of at least 75 kids in each group. They were taught by science experiments tied in with Bible lessons in the church by Dave Lafon (a.k.a.- Professor Puff-a-lup-a-gus). Then they went to their normal classrooms along with their teachers and did crafts. We had some neat crafts, one including a duffle bag they decorated and then later brought home goodies in it. We came bearing candy, bubbles, games, and toys! There is such a blessing in giving!
On Monday we also started visiting homes in the village. We broke the group in half so some worked while others did home visits. We had to keep the visits to just the kids that had sponsors within our group and some that had sponsors from Crossroads Church, in Avon. Mark and I went first with the morning group. We were blessed to witness and be a part of visiting the children in their homes. In every home we were warmly welcomed. We brought each home a big bag of staple foods. We had a translator, Yunior, with us at each visit. All of us were able to chat and pray with our sponsored child and his/her family. Each child received many gifts as well. It is a pretty big deal to be able to meet your child and their family that you are supporting, not many have this opportunity. It was definitely something that we will never forget!
We were up! Mark and I grabbed our bag of food and bag full of gifts! We were walking up a big muddy hill to get to our sponsored child, Junior's, home. We were stopped by a neighbor before we walked too far. The neighbor explained to us that Junior's mother, Alexandra was not home. We were saddened to find out that Alexandra and her children had just lost their husband/father only 4 months ago. He was killed...there was some misunderstanding. Jose' would have been 31 (my age) on September 30. When we signed up to sponsor Junior, we did not know this information. We knew that his father was a farmer. Knowing the family needed financial help then, made us aware of how much more they need it now! I am so glad God led us to pick Junior when we signed up for a child. Jose' died right about the time that God started stirring Mark and I to want to go on a mission trip. This particular mission trip led us to Junior & his family. I pray that God will lift them up and comfort them through this terrible time. I know that God can use us to help them and lighten a financial load that they have...we are blessed to do so!
We're Finally Here!
We arrived at Hotel Aloha Sol in downtown Santiago late on Saturday night (9/4/10). It was a nice place with a lot of cultural characteristics. Now to get all 40+ bags off the bus! We filled the lounge with all our gear. The staff their brought us all welcome glasses of their special fruit punch. It was yummy! We finally settled in for the night with anticipation for the next day.
Sunday came quickly. We ate a delicious breakfast at the hotel before leaving to finally see the village we were going to be driving to every day. It took an hour to drive on our bus to Villa Tapia. We saw many interesting things along the way throughout the week driving there. I noticed there was trash any where you looked. The only place that I didn't see any were in the nicer areas of the city, but that was it. One day we saw a little car pulling a dead horse along the highway... Not your every day sighting in Indiana. Half of the population seemed to drive mopeds. We saw a guy somehow fit 4 children with him on his. Then there was the man riding with a small washing machine on his moped! You name it, they were selling it. On every street there was someone selling things ranging from cell phone covers & chargers, puppies, shoes (hanging from tree branches as a display), baby chickens, and many types of food. It is a largely populated city, so it is hard for many to find jobs, so they sell whatever they can.
After our first long, interesting ride, we finally arrived to The Manantial de Vida y Amor Child Development Center started by Mission of Mercy & diagonal in same courtyard was the Church. The Center is a safe, nurturing Christian environment where children's basic needs are met. They receive medical check-ups, education assistance, and opportunities for healthy social & emotional development. Most importantly, through a program of Christian education, they are introduced to Christ and given the opportunity to develop a lifelong relationship with Him.
We were greeted by the villagers with huge smiles and great excitement! The women greeted us with hugs and a kiss on the cheek. The children had worked on a program for the church service that morning. They were amazing in front of such a big crowd. I included a video of an 11 year old, Giannabel, singing in my Photos post. She had a neat and outgoing personality, as you can see. Throughout the week she and I grew a special bond.
One of our group leaders, Mark's friend, Brian Correll, preached with our interpreter/Mission of Mercy Coordinator, Dimos. He did an awesome job! The seats were filled, so there were many people standing in the isles and in the back...there were even people watching through the windows from outside. Maybe some were curious to see "Americanos! : )" When the service had ended we were flooded by children and villagers in the church's courtyard. We were thrilled to have such a greeting. The women and children love to have their pictures taken...most don't own a camera or have many pictures of their own, so they loved to look at ours.
While having fellowship with them, Mark recognized our sponsored child, Junior. We introduced ourselves with an interpreter and explained we were sponsoring him. His mother was nice but we noticed she didn't smile much as all the other people and Junior was extremely shy (which was totally fine). We were to visit their home later in the week to bring them gifts.
Once the crowd diminished, we enjoyed our first lunch of many: beans, rice & chicken. We toured the center and planned our work for the next day. The rest of the day was full of fellowship and rest.
Sunday came quickly. We ate a delicious breakfast at the hotel before leaving to finally see the village we were going to be driving to every day. It took an hour to drive on our bus to Villa Tapia. We saw many interesting things along the way throughout the week driving there. I noticed there was trash any where you looked. The only place that I didn't see any were in the nicer areas of the city, but that was it. One day we saw a little car pulling a dead horse along the highway... Not your every day sighting in Indiana. Half of the population seemed to drive mopeds. We saw a guy somehow fit 4 children with him on his. Then there was the man riding with a small washing machine on his moped! You name it, they were selling it. On every street there was someone selling things ranging from cell phone covers & chargers, puppies, shoes (hanging from tree branches as a display), baby chickens, and many types of food. It is a largely populated city, so it is hard for many to find jobs, so they sell whatever they can.
After our first long, interesting ride, we finally arrived to The Manantial de Vida y Amor Child Development Center started by Mission of Mercy & diagonal in same courtyard was the Church. The Center is a safe, nurturing Christian environment where children's basic needs are met. They receive medical check-ups, education assistance, and opportunities for healthy social & emotional development. Most importantly, through a program of Christian education, they are introduced to Christ and given the opportunity to develop a lifelong relationship with Him.
We were greeted by the villagers with huge smiles and great excitement! The women greeted us with hugs and a kiss on the cheek. The children had worked on a program for the church service that morning. They were amazing in front of such a big crowd. I included a video of an 11 year old, Giannabel, singing in my Photos post. She had a neat and outgoing personality, as you can see. Throughout the week she and I grew a special bond.
One of our group leaders, Mark's friend, Brian Correll, preached with our interpreter/Mission of Mercy Coordinator, Dimos. He did an awesome job! The seats were filled, so there were many people standing in the isles and in the back...there were even people watching through the windows from outside. Maybe some were curious to see "Americanos! : )" When the service had ended we were flooded by children and villagers in the church's courtyard. We were thrilled to have such a greeting. The women and children love to have their pictures taken...most don't own a camera or have many pictures of their own, so they loved to look at ours.
While having fellowship with them, Mark recognized our sponsored child, Junior. We introduced ourselves with an interpreter and explained we were sponsoring him. His mother was nice but we noticed she didn't smile much as all the other people and Junior was extremely shy (which was totally fine). We were to visit their home later in the week to bring them gifts.
Once the crowd diminished, we enjoyed our first lunch of many: beans, rice & chicken. We toured the center and planned our work for the next day. The rest of the day was full of fellowship and rest.
September 14, 2010
Pictures
Our first Day in the D.R.
Eating breakfast before attending church.
The little boys we sat behind at church. They thought we were funny because our Spanish wasn't the best ; )
Enjoying the church service the children put on for us.
This is my special friend, Giannabel, 11 years old! She is the little girl singing in the video.
Mark & I standing in front of the church in Villia Tapia.
The children's center is right behind it. This is where we worked every day.
This is what we ate every day for lunch: rice with beans in a special sauce, one piece of chicken, and plantains (a type of banana grown in that area).
Beautiful tropical fields on our daily hour drive from Santiago to the village of Villa Tapia.
Steve & Harry (part of our team) putting up the fence for the center.
After the fence was put up, we connected it to the stone wall with cement. Go Ladies!
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Dave Lafon (Professor Puff-a-lup-a-gus) led VBS with the kids by performing science experiments with a Bible lesson! He brought artificial snow for them!
All the guys just sitting around while the women work...ha ha!
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Kids in the classroom getting ready for a craft.
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Mark found a dead tarantula!  Our AWESOME interpreter & new friend, Perla (she is studying in Norway to be a missionary in Ethiopia)!  I spent a lot of time in this classroom! Proud to show off her new backpack!  Mark teaching the kids a game!  Cramming as many kids as possible in the van to go home. It's the church's van.  AWWW!  Mark, Holly, Sheli, Brian, Jessica, & Adam  Giannabel picking a toy. Every team member took the maximum limit of suit cases so we could bring toys, candy, crafts, etc.  I miss them already! Our last day with the kids.  Yason followed Mark everywhere!  Sporting the Crossroads bandanas!  My new friend & fellow teacher, Ivelisse!  The preacher of the church presented a plaque to Brian & Crossroads Church.  The whole gang in front of the children's center before saying goodbye.  Mark and Yunior our other interpreter for the week. They're exhausted from souvenir shopping.  Bringing all those extra suit cases was worth it! This picture shows some of what we were able to leave for the center and the church.  |
Dominican Republic 2010
What an AMAZING journey we had! We knew God wanted us to go on a mission trip. He kept putting in our hearts. We prayed for God to lead where. He opened the door to one of Mark's customer's, Brian, who just happens to be a former missionary raised in Africa (BTW-he is wrote a book about his life in Africa- powerful stories!)! Mark inquired about a mission trip Brian was leading...it was already full. We kept praying. A couple of months later, a call from Brian...two spots opened up for a trip to the Dominican Republic. The timing was perfect, we can't explain it, we just felt it was right.
Finally, time for the trip! We flew from Indy to Miami and then Miami to Santiago, Dominican Republic. As soon as we landed within the mountains and hills of Santiago, I was already in tears. God was moving in our hearts already! On the plane ride to Santiago, there was another passenger in our row of three sitting next to Mark. His name was Robert. We started talking with him while we sat on the runway for 2 extra hours because of a storm. Robert was flying to Santiago, where he grew up. He now lives in Jacksonville, Florida where he and his family have a restaurant/grocery store. He was flying back home for a funeral. His 27 year old brother had accidentally shot himself playing with his gun. He left behind his wife and two children. Robert was still in shock and kept saying, " I just can't believe it!" We got to know a little bit more about him on the flight. He and his wife are the same age as Mark and me. They also have three children. He asked us why we were going to the D.R. We explained our mission trip and what we were going to do. He gave us some tips upon visiting the large city of Santiago. What a sobering experience that flight was, to say the least. When the plane landed, Mark asked if we could pray for him. He agreed. When we stepped off the plane we said goodbye with hugs of compassion. Here came the tears. God had only just begun...
Finally, time for the trip! We flew from Indy to Miami and then Miami to Santiago, Dominican Republic. As soon as we landed within the mountains and hills of Santiago, I was already in tears. God was moving in our hearts already! On the plane ride to Santiago, there was another passenger in our row of three sitting next to Mark. His name was Robert. We started talking with him while we sat on the runway for 2 extra hours because of a storm. Robert was flying to Santiago, where he grew up. He now lives in Jacksonville, Florida where he and his family have a restaurant/grocery store. He was flying back home for a funeral. His 27 year old brother had accidentally shot himself playing with his gun. He left behind his wife and two children. Robert was still in shock and kept saying, " I just can't believe it!" We got to know a little bit more about him on the flight. He and his wife are the same age as Mark and me. They also have three children. He asked us why we were going to the D.R. We explained our mission trip and what we were going to do. He gave us some tips upon visiting the large city of Santiago. What a sobering experience that flight was, to say the least. When the plane landed, Mark asked if we could pray for him. He agreed. When we stepped off the plane we said goodbye with hugs of compassion. Here came the tears. God had only just begun...
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