No, that does not happen often. But honestly, I feel like it's one more thing to add to the list this week. Wow, is God testing me. Or more likely, I sure am testing Him.
Do you ever feel like you can't think anymore or breathe until you can write? Write it out? That's how I feel right now. I can't do anything else in this moment but write. I am screaming inside. I crave a release. This post will be all over the place, so I hope you're in the mood to stay with me. A sincere apology to those whose e-mails and messages are being avoided right now for my writing thirst that must be immediately quenched in this way.
Cockroaches in my hair -- Last night, I was leaving the bathroom in the dark, in mid-sleepwalk fashion, and this fast-moving object flew through my hair and brushed my cheek. Not only did it scare me, but it gave me that eerie feeling that makes you squeal and throw a quick fit (which I did). Jerked suddenly awake, I scanned the air around me with my flashlight and saw a cockroach scurrying back up my closet door. Gross. I felt violated. Back to bed for me, a little bit spooked.
Group pic -- Today at school, we had our all-campus and then all-staff photo. This was not announced prior to today, and as life seems to go, I hadn't taken a shower. Well, it was mad chaos (borderline organized chaos) getting everyone together. Ten o'clock recess rolled around -- time to head to the soccer field for the pic. People had forgotten, and I was trying to round up faculty and students here and there assuming we were still taking the picture. Surprisingly, the elementary students were organized first and somewhat patient in waiting for the picture-taking to begin. Of course, when the shutter was going off, no one was truly looking at the camera, and we couldn't really hear the photographer counting 1-2-3 or uno, dos, tres...was he? That should be an interesting product.
HEAT -- Hot as Hades. Wish I was joking or being exaggerative. Good Lord, it is hot. I feel much like my clothes have been painted on, and then they're melting off as the day goes on. Quite a change from last week; Mosaic work team from Ohio took all of the breezy, cooler weather with them when they left. (Come back!...like that's the only reason I wish they were still here.)
Spring Cleaning? -- There is a cubby in the classroom above the amphitheatre that needs cleaning out. Anyone who knows me well, (hey you, reading this), knows I love cleaning out things. I volunteered to clean out this area, and there was a time today that was perfect for such a cleaning break. If I wasn't hot before, I only got hotter smothered without a breeze in the little black hole of a space. This classroom would be placed in the semi-outdoor space category, so there's an open hole to the amphitheatre on one wall. There were spiderwebs; spiders in those webs; rat and bat droppings; mildewed, wet papers; dirt, dust, and more dirt and dust. I was scared to lift up papers and scrap pieces of filthy cardboard fearing what may surprise me from underneath. Thankfully, no such surprises occurred. I'm not finished just yet, but I had a great start. "Accomplished" would be a good word to describe the feeling I love to have when I've cleaned and organized a space. What all was in that hole you ask? A tall file cabinet, a chair, Scrabble, files, papers, candles in glass cups, maracas, a drum, books, carpet mats, a cardboard box of paint, a music CD, and a few other things that all aid in cluttering a space.
Art pictures -- This week, my main project has been taking pictures of students' artwork made throughout the semester, to help catalog and save Doulos students' work. Again, if you know me, you know I would love something like this -- a project, involving art and organization. Yes, please. I love taking pictures and the time alone. I love looking through the beautiful creations Erin has helped them create. It's a good reminder of how much I love photography too. I feel blessed in my internship positions for many reasons. Reason 506: I get to experience lots of different tasks and see so many angles of Doulos, its staff, and students.
Trying me -- That's what life here at Doulos does, mainly because we are lacking so many foreign comforts that are easily found in a US school setting. It's a good lacking, in my opinion. In fact, that's something I'll majorly miss when I go home -- being tried frequently. For my example, I'm referring to my art-picture-cataloging project. I don't have a computer to use and have to therefore wait until a stationary computer is available, or until I'm able to "check out" a library laptop to use. I have to go to and from Jonathan's upstairs loft office to the library in the other building to gather things I need for this project, like the camera. We have one campus camera to use. Oh, you need it right now? Ok, I'll work on this later. Flexibility, my friends. It's a good trait to work on or possess. Trying. The camera angle is slightly funky and doesn't take the picture like I see it in the viewfinder; take 4 for Picture #1. I don't possess memory sticks at school, and we have two-or one-stationary computer to use that has a USB drive available when I do need to use a memory stick. So, yeah. You get the gist.
Talent -- Staying on the whole art-review project theme, these kids have talent! Go, artists, go. Ms. Erin's got it goin' on as far as teaching goes. Talk about creativity and true craftsmanship!
Big A** Fans -- I just heard about this fan company you may be aware of already, but check it out for yourself. They made the fan that spins above check-in at the Santiago airport here. That is one BIG A** fan.
Music -- Thank you, God, for music. He never ceases to lift my spirits with His tunes. Right now, John Coltrane's "Vilia" is playing sweet melodies to my ears. I can feel like I am burning in these flames hot as blue blazes, and then my music transports me to a dreamlike state far, far from here and my feigned misery. What is one of the things I miss most about home? Live music. Concerts. Dancing to live music. Feeling the pluck of a bass's strings in my heart, a piano's soothing and energetic ascension. I could continue to describe, but then I might start crying. I'd say I'm doing fine if that's all that makes me want to cry.
We Wear Giant Capes -- Or so says Ciara, our 5th grade teacher. She described my sweaty mane of thick waves draping my neck perfectly. Hair sometimes feels like a cape. Superheroes look free in their costumes, right? Well, when I am hot, all I feel is trapped and smothered with this cape of hair seemingly tied around my neck throughout the day.
Young Life -- I was so excited to help Tim sing worship at YL club this past Tuesday night. For me, I look forward to those nights so much. I am not a leader and therefore cannot and do not attend clubs regularly; I only go when I am needed for worship. We sang "The Reason," "How to Save a Life," and U2's ballad to God, "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." Skits were a riot, the message was powerful and rockin', and kids were abundant. Praise the Lord.
Honest Kiss -- U2's "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" sings "I have kissed honest lips...but I still haven't found what I'm lookin' for." We are told in Proverbs 24:26 that "An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips." If you've kissed someone, you know how amazing that is. If you haven't, you can imagine. "An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips." How crazy is that?! Honesty is exactly as they say -- refreshing and hard to find. Well, maybe the kissing part isn't hard for you to find, but when it happens is it not great? I don't really give kisses out these days, but I do strive to be honest. I want my life to be an honest picture of walking with Christ. I want my answers to be honest, even when it's painful because as Proverbs tell us, to both parties it really should be like giving -- and I think receiving a kiss on the lips. Honesty. Try on being sexy for size. You know what I mean. There's nothing better than a Godly kind of sexy that has nothing to do with clothes on or off. See Rob Bell's Sex God for more of that bit.
True Rejection -- This is what's on my heart right now. Boy is God breaking me and giving me a reality check -- or a "God-in-my-life-check." In the book we're reading with our Bible study (Beth Moore's "Praying God's Word: Breaking Free From Spiritual Strongholds"), we studied Rejection this week. How powerful of a hold we let that feeling have on our lives. Blech. Ridiculous. They don't like me, I don't look cute, I'm not dating anyone when friends are getting married. LIES. Straight from you know who. Thankfully, God won't and doesn't stand for it. However, we've got to tap into that goodness He gives! I'm also reading this teenage girl book right now (yes, and I don't feel rejected by your thoughts-joke) called Girlfriend, You're a B.A.B.E.! I'm on "A." for "Accepted." I am so accepted, and you are too -- even if you're a boy reading this or a man or father or however you would describe yourself. I've got some blocks that need to be torn down between me and God. I have been here this whole time loving the work God's done in my life, which is so good; in reality, there's a lot more that needs to be done. I'm not truly trusting Him with my heart and His plans for one day "meeting Mr. Right." I've experienced healing from past relationships, I've grown in selflessness and grown out of selfishness (no, I'm sure not fully), I can now see myself married to someone one day soon rather than how I used to think about marriage -- 10 plausible years down the road. Well, Miss Maddie, do you not find your acceptance in Him? I am never, never, ever rejected by God. I am praised by Him and welcomed by Him. My Daddy. God's changed my heart toward that one special relationship, and now I give Him my timing and hopes. 1 Samuel 12:22 I am His and no other's. As I almost wrote "for now," I change it to "now" I am fully content in that knowledge and choose to walk in faith. "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Snakes in the Cafe -- Well now, Maddie. That's deceiving. That snake was welcome in the cafe. After school, I was running an errand and walking past the cafe. I heard all of these kids squealing with excitement and nervousness, and I looked over to see Chad holding a boa around his neck. I jumped up with my own excitement to pet it with an "Awww" sound releasing from my mouth. He asked me if I wanted to hold it, and of course my answer was yes! I carried it around, as it continued to constrict itself into a smaller form close to my neck, in perfect snake-like form. Kids wanted to see, wanted to touch -- and quickly pull away. They asked me so many questions I didn't really know the answer to, but I have to say, those snake-holding moments topped my list of best moments of the day. A 3rd grader had brought it to school for Chad to let go behind his house in the mountains. We don't have poisonous snakes here, only poisonous spiders. A friend asked what would happen if he bit me. I said, well, it would hurt but he's not poisonous. And there's comfort in that, right?
Staff Awards -- Today, we had to turn in a form filled out with our nominees for staff awards in true Doulos style. The categories were for one winner in each of the Outward Bound Expeditionary Learning Design Principles, for an overall best teacher and "Doulos of the Year" (see Philippians 2:5-8) staffer, and for each of the following character traits: Honesty, Self-Control, Trustworthiness, Humility, Faithfulness, Patience/Perseverance, Love, Goodness, and Kindness.
Done. And DONE.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
What's Been Shakin' Down South...
props to Julie Haylsip (middle right, blonde in black tee) - taken atop Spirit Mountain
A Typical Friday - April 16...
Had a killer nacho dinner at Erica's, with mango on the side and headed over to worship at Patrick and Erin's house. I walked around town for a bit with my pack on my back since I was heading to the Villas the next day; I felt so traveler-esque, and so American. A blondie with a pack roaming around town in Chaco's. Stereotyping made easy.
It turned into a karaoke night after having a blast lifting our voices to the Lord; Patrick continued to play on with Hootie and the Blowfish and other classic rock favorites. (Oh, and how could you forget desserts galore?) Praise night is my absolute fav.
Kymberlee and I walked back with Whitney and spent the night at her house. Even though the work team was coming the next morning, I stayed up spending time on frivolous things like Facebook, allowing myself to indulge in the internet.
Work Team Arrival - Saturday, April 17...Roomie, Jess's birthday
There are no curtains in the guest room, and Kymberlee and I awoke with the sun (Good Morning, Earth!) -- and many roosters, of course. Whit made us french toast, and I packed up my things to hop in the taxi when Gio arrived honking. Off to the airport again. I look forward to the rides with Gio, learning more about each other and practicing Spanish, on my end that is.
Mosaic was on the way from Ohio to New York to you guessed it, here. Check out their site to learn more about this amazing community in Christ.
Meet the crew...all-around fantastic friends, brothers, and sisters
Guys:
Ted Kruse- pastor, comedian (given title)
Kevin Locke- business owner, consultant, strategist, dad
Zach Locke- High School soccer, working/playing with kids
Ben Locke- High School soccer, I love kids!
Jack Thompson- High School soccer, skits, guitar, love kids
Brock Kertoy- college grad, evangelism, encouragement, soccer
Dave Smith- dad, drama, graphic design, sign maker, creative, insightful, love kids, draw, paint
Girls:
Alissa Kruse- mom and mom-to-be, kindergarten teacher, creative, leader, loves kids, teachers
Nicole Rice- mom, art teacher, creative, painter, organization, leading, excercise
Colleen Locke- mom, discipleship, design, creative, store owner - vintage interior design stuff
KC Locke- High School Volleyball, teaching kids, love kids
Julie Hayslip- social worker/Child services, talking, listening, leadership, crafts
Michelle Surrena- mom, art teacher, acting, painter, good with kids
Erika Hayslip- mom, R.N. (nurse), creativity, crafts, problem solving
Quick rundown of the day: "Hi, group!" at the airport where we loaded and met briefly.
-rested at the Villas for a minute
-had some grub made by the cafe: delicious tuna sandwiches and other wraps
-took a tour of Doulos where I tried my best to explain things and give a tour of campus without the buildings being unlocked
-got fresh and ate dinner before heading over to school
-where there was a bluegrass concert put on by the US Embassy's cultural branch at Centro Franklin..."The Student Loan" played, and man did they play. I was excited to see the workteam -- and Dominicans' -- response to bluegrass on a Saturday night. I was not disappointed with people dancin', hoopin', hollerin' and clappin'. I got up and danced around a bit too -- as previously mentioned, it's impossible to listen to bluegrass sitting still.
Sunday, April 18 - Tryin' out church...
I remember what it was like for me the first time at La Vid (the vine) -- overwhelming, exciting, and foreign. I imagine it was a lot of the same for the workteam.
We had some mango and cereal, then headed over to church at 10. We were surprisingly early. Music and worship was intense and all-in as it should be and as it always is there.
The group loved Pastor Luis singing a "Bienvenidos" song during the greeting time, where people travel all over the church not simply to the row behind them.
We had an interesting couple with YWAM (Youth with a Mission) and their son talk about their new ministry in Azerbaijan, near Iraq. They used to live in the DR and were back for a visit to share about their new ministry. The husband spoke for the message, which was a bit ironic; our group from Ohio came all the way from the US to hear an American speak at church. He talked about something that has really been on my heart in my time here, something that God has been showing me a lot about how to defeat -- strongholds. Por ejemplo, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
The group had lots of mixed reviews and opinions of the sermon, so it was a fun discussion throughout the afternoon.
We had lunch at church afterward, and I really enjoyed being the only ones in the open space of the shed, with the breeze blowing through and mountains in the background. (I love the view from La Vid.) Order up: huge carrot slices, tortilla chips, and ham sandwiches -- pretty un-Dominican. We changed clothes and headed up to Manabao to see Spirit Mountain.
Spirit Mountain is the cafe farm owned by Chad Wallace (Doulos Project Manager) and another partner. You drive out in a taxi to the bottom of the mountain, passing by all of these little houses and driving down windy, rocky roads where at the end you get out to hike. The hike starts out with a somewhat questionable suspension bridge, and when you get to the gate, you've hit Spirit Mountain. While Chad was explaining a bit about the coffee and how it's produced to us, Keren, his 7th grade daughter, was running around chasing baby chicks. I wanted to join in.
Then, we headed up by the river on the trail that the last Mosaic team cleared out. Some of the views look tropical, others remind me of home, while still some look like I could have been gazing out from a European mountaintop onto goats and green spances below.
When we reached the top, the view and almost equally the breeze were both killer. The stone stepping path was just put in by the 4th graders the week before, making it easier to get from the water source to the sheltered kitchen.
Sunday night, we hung out at the villas and enjoyed each other's company. Devo times are always special, especially with Mosaic!
Monday, April 19 - First day of chaos at school...
We started off the day right by making it to staff prayer on time!! (Woohoo! resounds in my head.) Afterward, the group checked out morning flag where we have student assembly: prayer, "Doulos" display of creativity, the pledge, and morning announcements.
Then, they participated in what we call a BBK (Building Background Knowledge) on Education in the Dominican Republic. It's a fun time for groups to learn more about education, while challenging themselves to engage and learn with the bits and pieces of information given. At the end, each group presents to the whole with a large web they've created.
During this time, I was trying to figure out exactly where everyone was heading. I decided to take it one day at a time. All of the teachers hadn't filled me in on when/where they needed help, and some didn't need help at all throughout the week. That meant creative problem solving needed to come into play -- (enter Maddie).
Some days run together, and I can't remember if this afternoon was one where Mosaic crew played some soccer with our kids, but that happened a few times throughout the week. Did I mention they were mad-skilled at soccer?? (for the whole, that is)
Tonight, teachers were hosting the team, which was something new and fun for everyone to participate in. I got a last minute text to join Jack, Nicole, and Julie at Tim & Whitney's house. (Yes!) I was going to hang out by myself, and although I was exhausted I love feeding off of others and re-energizing. We had amazing fajitas, homemade salsa, and a smorgasboard of dessert. I've never liked lemon squares more. The best part of the evening was the conversation, where we all exchanged stories about our lives and got to know each other.
We came back and shared our times with one another -- what did you have to eat, where did you go, what did you talk about, what did you learn. I know a lot of the Mosaic peeps loved hearing about life as a missionary here.
Tuesday, April 20 - on a roll...
BREAKFAST. We had a huge breakfast, full of choices almost every morning at Cafe Taino. What a surprise! Cheese, scrambled eggs with fixin's, grilled cheese/ham treats, juice, hot chocolate, toast, oatmeal, the list goes on...
Folks were squeezed in here and there again. Praise the Lord for patience and grace, because
Mosaic needed a lot throughout the week. They had to depend on me to tell them when and where to be, and it was not always immediate that they got those directions.
I really enjoyed the challenges presented to this team, because although they were different than one would expect on an average mission trip (i.e. physical tests, poverty...). Many were challenged by the slow, somewhat disorganized pace and way of life here in the Dominican Republic. We come from such a go-go-go society in America, where our culture appreciates material goods and use of time, the amount of your success, and so many other things that don't make much sense to me now. Our group was challenged by this throughout the week, and at the beginning I didn't have so much hope. By the end, God had really turned things inside out and showed up where He was least expected.
Here are some ideas of what Mosaic did throughout the week:
Erika, R.N. - helped with hearing/eye checks
Kevin, Jack, Zach, Ben, Brock - building lights for the garden (and working their bottoms off), digging trenches in the garden, moving rocks, you name it
Julie, Colleen, KC - helped Ciara in 5th grade, Erica in 1st, Amanda in 4th...
Dave - working on signs in the woodshop - and on paper in the library
Alissa - kindergarten teacher aid extraordinare
Time for family dinners!
--
There's so much more I want to write, but for now I'll have to conclude. If you want to know anything at all about the week, know that God stirred and moved. He shook and brought joy, tears and hope. Friendships were built, and memories were made -- ones I think will last a lifetime, but that's my opinion. Personally, I cherish my friends at Mosaic and can't wait to see them next.
Much love to you! Peace in Christ always.
Art at its finest
Please take some time to glance at beautiful final products from expedition week! All thanks due to the wonderful Mrs. Erin Pace, an art teacher muy talentosa y fabulosa y sus estudiantes y sus duro trabajo.
8th Grade Freshwater Ecosystems
-Christian-
-Marleny-
8th Grade Watercolor Pattern
-Darwing-3rd Grade Symmetry Study
-Nathan- 2nd Grade Line & Transparent Color
-Daniel-2nd Grade Australian Animals
-Cristina-
-Marberlin- 1st Grade "I Can Draw an Elephant"
-Helenita-High School Silhouettes--Sunset & Sunrise
-Sarah-
-Mariana-
-Glenys-
-Carter-
-Tobi-This is what I did all week. Hope you enjoyed the pictures.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Expedition Night
I will write more later (promise), but last Thursday night we had a grand celebration of hard work and learning at Expedition Night. My friend, Meredith Morton, and her 2nd grade class was spotlighted by the local Jarabacoa newspaper. Check out the pics and story, (and grab the opportunity to practice your Spanish!).
Oh...Colleen, a new friend from Mosaic church in Ohio, helped me make the train painting in the picture.
Monday, April 19, 2010
So little time.
To write that is. I always find myself in the same predicament, and oh how I wish my fingertips simply poured forth my thoughts as fast as possible. I am so impressed with authors now, mainly for their patience and ability to write when I would rather tell someone!
Bluegrass concert -- what a blast!! This band was kickin'. They were sponsored by Jazz at Lincoln Center, and all of the members went to Bowling Green together. Erin, my pregnant, art-teaching friend, was having a ball dancing on the floor with kids. The work teamers and I joined in, along with other kids. How can one possibly listen to fast-pickin' bluegrass sitting still?? Or sitting at all?? I can't.
Mosaic work team -- arrival=a success. I'm getting ready to go watch a soccer game of them and the Doulos kids playing together. This group's got a different mix than last time: about half and half men and women, including a family of five in that. Soccer talents run strong. God is really blessing me with feeling like I've finally got "it" down for my last work team, whatever "it" is!
Teaching English -- Today, I felt in command. I felt a calm peace, without anxiety. Can we say "Holy Spirit?" Thank you, Jesus. Father, you are good. I love those kids so much; they are hilarious and so unique in their own ways. I say mad props to you teachers in the world. Job well done. It is not quite my calling, but you are a gem to us as people, for all that you do and all that you give of yourself.
Cafe farm -- The trip to Manabao yesterday was exhausting and exhilerating; oh how I love being in God's creation. The view was breathtaking, the breeze was flowing, and the clouds were giving us perfect shade. We ate some raw beans and climbed the newly-built trail to the top. Then, we heard the thunder. Light showers came just as we reached the bottom: all in His perfect timing. (Praise Him, Praise Him.)
Nighttime journeys -- We had a fun time last night walking late in both directions (at different times of course) from the villas in search of Snickers. The quest was long, as most stores were closed. The collective "we" here is referring to me, Brock, Ben, Zach, and Jack, mostly the younger guys of the group. We stopped at a bar asking for candy, seeing other candies atop the bar, but then I wasn't sure if the guy working there was trying to find me a Snickers or "hook me up" with something I didn't want...a.k.a. some kind of drug. After changing our minds to his offer, we wandered further down the street and found the treasure. Snickers galore, and for cheap! That was a fun trip, and it was also my first memorable experience out at night in town. That may sound pathetic, but when you're an American blondie without perfect Spanish, you don't travel downtown at night [often] and never alone.
Short and sweet is not always the way I like it, but when you have little time and lots of thoughts, it's the way to go. Blessings to you! May God shine light on your dark places, and may you find comfort and joy in His goodness.
Bluegrass concert -- what a blast!! This band was kickin'. They were sponsored by Jazz at Lincoln Center, and all of the members went to Bowling Green together. Erin, my pregnant, art-teaching friend, was having a ball dancing on the floor with kids. The work teamers and I joined in, along with other kids. How can one possibly listen to fast-pickin' bluegrass sitting still?? Or sitting at all?? I can't.
Mosaic work team -- arrival=a success. I'm getting ready to go watch a soccer game of them and the Doulos kids playing together. This group's got a different mix than last time: about half and half men and women, including a family of five in that. Soccer talents run strong. God is really blessing me with feeling like I've finally got "it" down for my last work team, whatever "it" is!
Teaching English -- Today, I felt in command. I felt a calm peace, without anxiety. Can we say "Holy Spirit?" Thank you, Jesus. Father, you are good. I love those kids so much; they are hilarious and so unique in their own ways. I say mad props to you teachers in the world. Job well done. It is not quite my calling, but you are a gem to us as people, for all that you do and all that you give of yourself.
Cafe farm -- The trip to Manabao yesterday was exhausting and exhilerating; oh how I love being in God's creation. The view was breathtaking, the breeze was flowing, and the clouds were giving us perfect shade. We ate some raw beans and climbed the newly-built trail to the top. Then, we heard the thunder. Light showers came just as we reached the bottom: all in His perfect timing. (Praise Him, Praise Him.)
Nighttime journeys -- We had a fun time last night walking late in both directions (at different times of course) from the villas in search of Snickers. The quest was long, as most stores were closed. The collective "we" here is referring to me, Brock, Ben, Zach, and Jack, mostly the younger guys of the group. We stopped at a bar asking for candy, seeing other candies atop the bar, but then I wasn't sure if the guy working there was trying to find me a Snickers or "hook me up" with something I didn't want...a.k.a. some kind of drug. After changing our minds to his offer, we wandered further down the street and found the treasure. Snickers galore, and for cheap! That was a fun trip, and it was also my first memorable experience out at night in town. That may sound pathetic, but when you're an American blondie without perfect Spanish, you don't travel downtown at night [often] and never alone.
Short and sweet is not always the way I like it, but when you have little time and lots of thoughts, it's the way to go. Blessings to you! May God shine light on your dark places, and may you find comfort and joy in His goodness.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Ay!
so much to say, so much to say...(Dave Matthews background music fills in)
But so little time! I'll update on the fam visit later -- a blast! I miss them lots already. I have never, in fact, missed South Carolina, my family, or my friends more than I do living here.
NEWS UPDATE: "This just in..." The work team comes Saturday, and that night we're having a bluegrass band play at Doulos! Centro Franklin, the cultural division of the US Embassy, is presenting the Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program, featuring the bluegrass music group, "The Student Loan" in-country from 14-20 April. The group is described as bringing a fresh voice to the world of American folk music, and we're a stop on their country tour!
LOVE!
But so little time! I'll update on the fam visit later -- a blast! I miss them lots already. I have never, in fact, missed South Carolina, my family, or my friends more than I do living here.
NEWS UPDATE: "This just in..." The work team comes Saturday, and that night we're having a bluegrass band play at Doulos! Centro Franklin, the cultural division of the US Embassy, is presenting the Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program, featuring the bluegrass music group, "The Student Loan" in-country from 14-20 April. The group is described as bringing a fresh voice to the world of American folk music, and we're a stop on their country tour!
LOVE!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Woooweee! Who knew I could write this much...
Tonight’s meal ticket was spaghetti with aji (bell peppers) and tostones (our favorite fried banana treat).
I really am dumbfounded as to where and how to start catching you up on life here! So, in my favorite style, let’s start with today and work backwards.
MONDAY, April 5 –
Today, I was fully exhausted, which was not how I envisioned work starting upon return from spring break. Spanish lessons after school were fun, where we focused on “ser” and “estar” some more, along with vocab and alphabet review. (“k” – kuh sound) Nelly really is a fantastic teacher who puts up with my constant desire to learn vocab words and interrupt our lesson by finding them in the diccionario.
I talked to Mom, Wes, and Dad about their upcoming TRIP TO SEE ME!! They’re arriving tomorrow night, and I can’t wait! It’s the first time my dad has traveled internationally since my parents’ honeymoon cruise in ’87. May I remind you that they are now divorced; that was a completely different era! Hooray for Dad’s bravery (which is being tried).
For the first time, I felt the presence of building relationships in English class, rather than feeling like that random girl who helps out in class from time to time.
It really was great to be back at school today, to see friendly faces and share smiles and spring break stories. Afterschool on our way home, we felt like big shots. Not really, but boy do we love running into Dominicanos we know about town! That way, the groups of men who normally cat call in that area may stop, if even for a minute, while they see us talk to a local. (GASP! A local!!) For a split second, we are not the Americanas with arms, legs, and pale skin but rather people who are connected to the community. Take that.
LAST NIGHT, April 4/5 –
This is a significant entry because…DUDE. I could not sleep last night. I was not sure if it was from sheer physical exhaustion, giddiness and my planning ways toward my parents’ upcoming visit, receiving a dear friend’s recent text message, or who knows what. I could not sleep, for the life of me. Kymberlee and I attempted to drift off around 9ish, while we were lying in bed reading. Hours went by, and we shared a giggle fest at 11:30 PM for a good while, because as you must know, everything at that time is funny. Especially life in the Dominican Republic.
We took to pills. Benadryl, that is. I was ingenious and took two, following the box’s “1 or 2” order for adults over twelve. My logic was, well, I’ve lost hours already, I’m beat, and there’s only a handful of hours left to grab; I better get to sleepin’! Unfortunately, the pills had every effect but the ones I originally intended. A dual drug-induced sleepiness and steroid-like heart pumping occurred, where my heart was not allowing me to be still. My exhausted, drugged self wouldn’t allow for an awake state either. I tried reading my Bible, I tried pacing the floor. I shuffled down the hall. I even cried. Who knows what time I went to bed, because I don’t. I still don’t believe it really happened after all that mess. Benadryl, I now abhor you and will avoid you at all costs.
[RAT!!] I let out a blood-curdling scream while madly kicking off the covers and jumping onto Kymberlee at about 1:30 AM. A hot-blooded, large animal suddenly lurched itself onto my foot, causing this mid-slumber scene to startle Kymberlee out of her Benadryl coma. “WHAT,” she loudly whispers. I scared her half to death, which had to have been more than I scared myself. I told her there was a large animal in our bed, to which she threw back the covers and asked, “WHERE?” She was being the brave one, and I couldn’t believe it wasn’t moving, racing about the sheets. “THERE,” I said, pointing to the mound under the comforter. She grabbed the comforter and – yank – there was nothing there. Much to my dismay, the mysterious creature turned out to have been Kymberlee’s heel. All that excitement for nothing…but a good story.
EASTER, April 4 –
What a day! Praise, joy, and the resurrection. Jesus – the life, the way, the truth was celebrated in full with dancing and singing at church, La Vid (the vine). Youth With A Mission (YWAM) had their first kids camp in town, and at the end of the service, the kids performed for us! The 10-13 year olds gave us quite a show with a thug-like dance to the song “En La Calle.” Pretty dank, if you ask me. All of the acts were absolutely precious and worth every penny (joke).
My morning devotion and the message were linked; God so often blesses me in this way here. I really only need to say one thing:
“The evidence of knowing God is obeying God.” –Eric Alexander
…but I won’t. I’ll say more. A favorite line from my devotion went as follows, “God is looking for those who have the flexibility to pick up and go when He says to pick up and go, and to sit down and stay when He says to sit down and stay. “ Numbers 9:15-23 is a perfect illustration of this. Believe it or not, we are called, not to live our own lives, but to live HIS. Those of us (me, me!) who want to save our own lives must lose them, and if we lose our lives we will be saved!
During church, I was overjoyed hearing this because God has truly been transforming me, because I have let Him. (And hear this – I am far from perfect and know that to be so true.) However, in coming here to Jarabacoa, I gave up a piece of my plan, whatever that was. He has been teaching me to give up more and more of myself to gain more and more of Him.
The pastor, Keren, challenged us – Maddie [fill in your name here], if you really to walk with me, you have to stop walking with your old self. Living here, I have started shedding my old self and have never felt so vulnerable, yet so free. My ultimate fear was addressed. What if I start putting on my old self when I get home, back in the US? You know what, that’s what Satan wants me to think will happen. I blatantly refuse to accept living life as the old Maddie. The new one, who is growing in wisdom – the only wisdom that matters – is who I want to be. I really just ask you to peer into yourself and ask if you like what you see. It’s not easy. We almost never want to do it. Read Romans 11:29, and be comforted. His calling on our lives is permanent! He will never leave us, even if we do forget our new, better-in-Christ selves for awhile. Our imperfections never mar His flawlessness. (P.S. God made us in His image, and He thinks we’re each beautiful, as He made us unique!)
Easter dinner couldn’t have been more fun. It was one of those sit-back-and-take-it-all-in moments for me. There was a feast of food and thirteen friends around one big table. As we Americanos were far from America, I felt at home celebrating Jesus and His resurrection. Tim and Laura Stanley, a couple that works at Jarabacoa Christian School, were the hosts. Oh, how could I forget their dog Holly and cat, Mune (named after a Dominican hot chocolate cube). We brought the little we could contribute, which we decided would be carrot cake. We walked from church, sweating in our jeans, to La Tinaja Café and bought the best bundt carrot cake in town.
SATURDAY, April 3-
I slept in. And loved every minute. Jess and I walked into town to meet Julie Anne. We were heading to register for the 10K! What a Dominican experience that was. There was a “21 Maraton in Las Montanas” banner on a side street in town, and we heard registration was near some government building. I pointed us in the direction of the Ayuntamiento (City Hall). As we strolled in that direction, some boys with their numbers already on let us know we were heading the right way.
Rounding the corner at City Hall, we saw the registration table. We had arrived at 12ish to sign up for the 3 PM race. There was of course hardly no one else signing up, and very little direction was given from those “orchestrating” things. We signed up in the “Feminines Superior,” our delegated age bracket. We were given a floppy, magnetic-like red number. “09” I was the ninth girl to sign up in this category, and the race started in 2.5 hours. Filling out the registration form was tricky in our Spanglish. The girl asked me for my “phone number,” and I thought she was asking for my “full nombre.” From there, they gave us two white circles stamped and signed (very official) – one for medical, and one for food. What that meant, we had no idea.
We passed the table and asked around for what to do next. There was a long line waiting outside of a wooden door inside City Hall, that was supposedly where we entered for the Medical Exam. Wait, what? Is this required to race? I’m not going in there by myself. What are they doing? We waited in line for literally forty minutes, while the Dominican Red Cross took their lunch break. Oh, the food ticket? That was for lunch served before the race, logically. It was a Styrofoam box filled with rice, beans, and chicken – la bandera. Before a run? I think not. So, we continued to wait and wait in this medical line, not knowing what we were being examined for on the other side. Dominicanos waited in their non-line-like fashion and tried to cut us at every bat of an eyelash. Finally, we got into the little office set up for our “medical exams,” where I swear my blood pressure was not even measured correctly.
I felt like we were in an SNL skit, trying to shut people out of the room so people wouldn’t cut and the work would actually begin. As a Red Cross worker left the room, leaving the door open after her, a lady poked her head in. She craned her neck around the door, offering a bucket of baked peanut goods with outstretched arms. Really? Really? She was trying to sell us peanuts, while we were having our official medical exam performed before a race.
The race started thirty minutes late, with no instructions and without separated age brackets. BANG. The gun shot off, and we all (children, men, women, and all) headed out on the “course.” I have never wanted to laugh more in my life, if I wasn’t hurting and dying from heat. There were Dominicans cheering us on from corner to corner, but the race was barely marked off. Motos and cars would sneak in and drive alongside us, as we were trying our best to even stay on the [unpaved] roads.
It got better when we reached people with water. One fourth of the way through the race, our cheerleaders became water boys. We were trying to avoid dogs and rocks in the road, while little boys ran after us dousing us with water bottles. If we were lucky, we got soaked head to toe with a huge splash of a full-size bucket of water. That was honestly my saving grace. Had I not been soaking wet, I would have walked the race, limping home in the heat.
On a serious note, there were people from all over the country. We met some serious runners from Santo Domingo, and I didn’t want to run near them simply due to their fancy gear. Julie Anne got third place overall and won pesos, Jess got seventh, and I – well, I finished. There was a whole crew from Doulos. Krista, the Director, and Chad, her husband and the Project Manager, along with their daughters. Sara, Amanda, Jess, and I. Greibys, the IT star. Of course, we had our own Doulos cheerleaders too! Eric, Mark, and Joey were cheering us on in the spots where we needed it most. Rounding one turn, they awaited us with a Gatorade. Mark was filming our run, and I can’t wait to see that footage, I think.
I met my first SC friend, too! Sandy from Sumter now goes down in the books. She works up at Escuela Caribe at the foot of the mountain.
SPIRIT-FILLED, Saturday, April 3 –
Worship at the Pace’s topped off the day. We started walking over ten minutes after we were supposed to be there, in our Dominican custom. Then, we encountered a gentleman who was going a bit crazy down the road in the darkness, yelling out who knows what and running about on the street. We decided to go the other way, so our ten minutes turned into thirty minutes late. Or right on time.
Patrick plays the guitar. Erin plays the flute. Jonathan plays the violin. That, my friends, is what we call one talented group to set the worship mood.
I felt so pure sitting before God that night. It’s hard to explain, but I hope you’ll understand. I felt clean, broken, and humbled all at once, coming before Him with all that I had to worship. Cecilia, Maria’s daughter had blow-dried my hair, my legs felt broken with my knees throbbing from the earlier run, and we simply came to be with the One.
FRIDAY, April 2 –
A day in Santiago. WOOHOO!
We took Amanda’s dad to the airport, in the rental car (pchyeah). Even that was eventful. Amanda, Jess, and I got out to go to the bathroom and so left Kymberlee at post in the car. When Jess and I returned, Kymberlee was not in sight, and then I saw the car doing the drive-by in the parking lot across the way. The cop had made her move, so we hopped in and looped around again.
Okay, so driving at an airport doesn’t sound that difficult, right? Wrong. Try driving here where no one’s paying attention, there are little to no signs, and babies and children can be seen left and right. This is all occurring while people are pulling in and out of the curb section, and cars are driving by to the left.
So, in a panic, Kymberlee let me drive. Ha-ha! I was so excited to drive twenty yards – until Amanda spotted us and got back in the driver’s seat. Maybe next time.
As I am writing this, I am reminded of how hilarious life here can be. When we found the inner city of Santiago, we stopped at a nice supermarket (not before turning around first) to buy candy for the movies. We found the mall (Plaza Internacional) where we parked the car but did not get out. Is it open? I don’t know. Go check. Look, people just came out! Well, it’s Semana Santa. What do you think? A “gentleman” came up to the car and let us know he would gladly check the mall’s open status in exchange for pesos. We decided to check for ourselves. The mall was open, but we’re not sure why; nothing inside was. So, we headed to see what else we could do. After asking the Pizza Hut workers where the bigger movie theater was, we drove off.
I got excited to see a Tony Roma’s sign outside of the plaza down the street. Tony Roma’s!
Thursday, APRIL FOOLS DAY -
Twenty-seven waterfalls. Need I say more? After leaving the beach, we headed out on an our driving adventure to find Los Charcos. Hours later, we did it!
...gotta run, but will finish later!!
I really am dumbfounded as to where and how to start catching you up on life here! So, in my favorite style, let’s start with today and work backwards.
MONDAY, April 5 –
Today, I was fully exhausted, which was not how I envisioned work starting upon return from spring break. Spanish lessons after school were fun, where we focused on “ser” and “estar” some more, along with vocab and alphabet review. (“k” – kuh sound) Nelly really is a fantastic teacher who puts up with my constant desire to learn vocab words and interrupt our lesson by finding them in the diccionario.
I talked to Mom, Wes, and Dad about their upcoming TRIP TO SEE ME!! They’re arriving tomorrow night, and I can’t wait! It’s the first time my dad has traveled internationally since my parents’ honeymoon cruise in ’87. May I remind you that they are now divorced; that was a completely different era! Hooray for Dad’s bravery (which is being tried).
For the first time, I felt the presence of building relationships in English class, rather than feeling like that random girl who helps out in class from time to time.
It really was great to be back at school today, to see friendly faces and share smiles and spring break stories. Afterschool on our way home, we felt like big shots. Not really, but boy do we love running into Dominicanos we know about town! That way, the groups of men who normally cat call in that area may stop, if even for a minute, while they see us talk to a local. (GASP! A local!!) For a split second, we are not the Americanas with arms, legs, and pale skin but rather people who are connected to the community. Take that.
LAST NIGHT, April 4/5 –
This is a significant entry because…DUDE. I could not sleep last night. I was not sure if it was from sheer physical exhaustion, giddiness and my planning ways toward my parents’ upcoming visit, receiving a dear friend’s recent text message, or who knows what. I could not sleep, for the life of me. Kymberlee and I attempted to drift off around 9ish, while we were lying in bed reading. Hours went by, and we shared a giggle fest at 11:30 PM for a good while, because as you must know, everything at that time is funny. Especially life in the Dominican Republic.
We took to pills. Benadryl, that is. I was ingenious and took two, following the box’s “1 or 2” order for adults over twelve. My logic was, well, I’ve lost hours already, I’m beat, and there’s only a handful of hours left to grab; I better get to sleepin’! Unfortunately, the pills had every effect but the ones I originally intended. A dual drug-induced sleepiness and steroid-like heart pumping occurred, where my heart was not allowing me to be still. My exhausted, drugged self wouldn’t allow for an awake state either. I tried reading my Bible, I tried pacing the floor. I shuffled down the hall. I even cried. Who knows what time I went to bed, because I don’t. I still don’t believe it really happened after all that mess. Benadryl, I now abhor you and will avoid you at all costs.
[RAT!!] I let out a blood-curdling scream while madly kicking off the covers and jumping onto Kymberlee at about 1:30 AM. A hot-blooded, large animal suddenly lurched itself onto my foot, causing this mid-slumber scene to startle Kymberlee out of her Benadryl coma. “WHAT,” she loudly whispers. I scared her half to death, which had to have been more than I scared myself. I told her there was a large animal in our bed, to which she threw back the covers and asked, “WHERE?” She was being the brave one, and I couldn’t believe it wasn’t moving, racing about the sheets. “THERE,” I said, pointing to the mound under the comforter. She grabbed the comforter and – yank – there was nothing there. Much to my dismay, the mysterious creature turned out to have been Kymberlee’s heel. All that excitement for nothing…but a good story.
EASTER, April 4 –
What a day! Praise, joy, and the resurrection. Jesus – the life, the way, the truth was celebrated in full with dancing and singing at church, La Vid (the vine). Youth With A Mission (YWAM) had their first kids camp in town, and at the end of the service, the kids performed for us! The 10-13 year olds gave us quite a show with a thug-like dance to the song “En La Calle.” Pretty dank, if you ask me. All of the acts were absolutely precious and worth every penny (joke).
My morning devotion and the message were linked; God so often blesses me in this way here. I really only need to say one thing:
“The evidence of knowing God is obeying God.” –Eric Alexander
…but I won’t. I’ll say more. A favorite line from my devotion went as follows, “God is looking for those who have the flexibility to pick up and go when He says to pick up and go, and to sit down and stay when He says to sit down and stay. “ Numbers 9:15-23 is a perfect illustration of this. Believe it or not, we are called, not to live our own lives, but to live HIS. Those of us (me, me!) who want to save our own lives must lose them, and if we lose our lives we will be saved!
During church, I was overjoyed hearing this because God has truly been transforming me, because I have let Him. (And hear this – I am far from perfect and know that to be so true.) However, in coming here to Jarabacoa, I gave up a piece of my plan, whatever that was. He has been teaching me to give up more and more of myself to gain more and more of Him.
The pastor, Keren, challenged us – Maddie [fill in your name here], if you really to walk with me, you have to stop walking with your old self. Living here, I have started shedding my old self and have never felt so vulnerable, yet so free. My ultimate fear was addressed. What if I start putting on my old self when I get home, back in the US? You know what, that’s what Satan wants me to think will happen. I blatantly refuse to accept living life as the old Maddie. The new one, who is growing in wisdom – the only wisdom that matters – is who I want to be. I really just ask you to peer into yourself and ask if you like what you see. It’s not easy. We almost never want to do it. Read Romans 11:29, and be comforted. His calling on our lives is permanent! He will never leave us, even if we do forget our new, better-in-Christ selves for awhile. Our imperfections never mar His flawlessness. (P.S. God made us in His image, and He thinks we’re each beautiful, as He made us unique!)
Easter dinner couldn’t have been more fun. It was one of those sit-back-and-take-it-all-in moments for me. There was a feast of food and thirteen friends around one big table. As we Americanos were far from America, I felt at home celebrating Jesus and His resurrection. Tim and Laura Stanley, a couple that works at Jarabacoa Christian School, were the hosts. Oh, how could I forget their dog Holly and cat, Mune (named after a Dominican hot chocolate cube). We brought the little we could contribute, which we decided would be carrot cake. We walked from church, sweating in our jeans, to La Tinaja Café and bought the best bundt carrot cake in town.
SATURDAY, April 3-
I slept in. And loved every minute. Jess and I walked into town to meet Julie Anne. We were heading to register for the 10K! What a Dominican experience that was. There was a “21 Maraton in Las Montanas” banner on a side street in town, and we heard registration was near some government building. I pointed us in the direction of the Ayuntamiento (City Hall). As we strolled in that direction, some boys with their numbers already on let us know we were heading the right way.
Rounding the corner at City Hall, we saw the registration table. We had arrived at 12ish to sign up for the 3 PM race. There was of course hardly no one else signing up, and very little direction was given from those “orchestrating” things. We signed up in the “Feminines Superior,” our delegated age bracket. We were given a floppy, magnetic-like red number. “09” I was the ninth girl to sign up in this category, and the race started in 2.5 hours. Filling out the registration form was tricky in our Spanglish. The girl asked me for my “phone number,” and I thought she was asking for my “full nombre.” From there, they gave us two white circles stamped and signed (very official) – one for medical, and one for food. What that meant, we had no idea.
We passed the table and asked around for what to do next. There was a long line waiting outside of a wooden door inside City Hall, that was supposedly where we entered for the Medical Exam. Wait, what? Is this required to race? I’m not going in there by myself. What are they doing? We waited in line for literally forty minutes, while the Dominican Red Cross took their lunch break. Oh, the food ticket? That was for lunch served before the race, logically. It was a Styrofoam box filled with rice, beans, and chicken – la bandera. Before a run? I think not. So, we continued to wait and wait in this medical line, not knowing what we were being examined for on the other side. Dominicanos waited in their non-line-like fashion and tried to cut us at every bat of an eyelash. Finally, we got into the little office set up for our “medical exams,” where I swear my blood pressure was not even measured correctly.
I felt like we were in an SNL skit, trying to shut people out of the room so people wouldn’t cut and the work would actually begin. As a Red Cross worker left the room, leaving the door open after her, a lady poked her head in. She craned her neck around the door, offering a bucket of baked peanut goods with outstretched arms. Really? Really? She was trying to sell us peanuts, while we were having our official medical exam performed before a race.
The race started thirty minutes late, with no instructions and without separated age brackets. BANG. The gun shot off, and we all (children, men, women, and all) headed out on the “course.” I have never wanted to laugh more in my life, if I wasn’t hurting and dying from heat. There were Dominicans cheering us on from corner to corner, but the race was barely marked off. Motos and cars would sneak in and drive alongside us, as we were trying our best to even stay on the [unpaved] roads.
It got better when we reached people with water. One fourth of the way through the race, our cheerleaders became water boys. We were trying to avoid dogs and rocks in the road, while little boys ran after us dousing us with water bottles. If we were lucky, we got soaked head to toe with a huge splash of a full-size bucket of water. That was honestly my saving grace. Had I not been soaking wet, I would have walked the race, limping home in the heat.
On a serious note, there were people from all over the country. We met some serious runners from Santo Domingo, and I didn’t want to run near them simply due to their fancy gear. Julie Anne got third place overall and won pesos, Jess got seventh, and I – well, I finished. There was a whole crew from Doulos. Krista, the Director, and Chad, her husband and the Project Manager, along with their daughters. Sara, Amanda, Jess, and I. Greibys, the IT star. Of course, we had our own Doulos cheerleaders too! Eric, Mark, and Joey were cheering us on in the spots where we needed it most. Rounding one turn, they awaited us with a Gatorade. Mark was filming our run, and I can’t wait to see that footage, I think.
I met my first SC friend, too! Sandy from Sumter now goes down in the books. She works up at Escuela Caribe at the foot of the mountain.
SPIRIT-FILLED, Saturday, April 3 –
Worship at the Pace’s topped off the day. We started walking over ten minutes after we were supposed to be there, in our Dominican custom. Then, we encountered a gentleman who was going a bit crazy down the road in the darkness, yelling out who knows what and running about on the street. We decided to go the other way, so our ten minutes turned into thirty minutes late. Or right on time.
Patrick plays the guitar. Erin plays the flute. Jonathan plays the violin. That, my friends, is what we call one talented group to set the worship mood.
I felt so pure sitting before God that night. It’s hard to explain, but I hope you’ll understand. I felt clean, broken, and humbled all at once, coming before Him with all that I had to worship. Cecilia, Maria’s daughter had blow-dried my hair, my legs felt broken with my knees throbbing from the earlier run, and we simply came to be with the One.
FRIDAY, April 2 –
A day in Santiago. WOOHOO!
We took Amanda’s dad to the airport, in the rental car (pchyeah). Even that was eventful. Amanda, Jess, and I got out to go to the bathroom and so left Kymberlee at post in the car. When Jess and I returned, Kymberlee was not in sight, and then I saw the car doing the drive-by in the parking lot across the way. The cop had made her move, so we hopped in and looped around again.
Okay, so driving at an airport doesn’t sound that difficult, right? Wrong. Try driving here where no one’s paying attention, there are little to no signs, and babies and children can be seen left and right. This is all occurring while people are pulling in and out of the curb section, and cars are driving by to the left.
So, in a panic, Kymberlee let me drive. Ha-ha! I was so excited to drive twenty yards – until Amanda spotted us and got back in the driver’s seat. Maybe next time.
As I am writing this, I am reminded of how hilarious life here can be. When we found the inner city of Santiago, we stopped at a nice supermarket (not before turning around first) to buy candy for the movies. We found the mall (Plaza Internacional) where we parked the car but did not get out. Is it open? I don’t know. Go check. Look, people just came out! Well, it’s Semana Santa. What do you think? A “gentleman” came up to the car and let us know he would gladly check the mall’s open status in exchange for pesos. We decided to check for ourselves. The mall was open, but we’re not sure why; nothing inside was. So, we headed to see what else we could do. After asking the Pizza Hut workers where the bigger movie theater was, we drove off.
I got excited to see a Tony Roma’s sign outside of the plaza down the street. Tony Roma’s!
Thursday, APRIL FOOLS DAY -
Twenty-seven waterfalls. Need I say more? After leaving the beach, we headed out on an our driving adventure to find Los Charcos. Hours later, we did it!
...gotta run, but will finish later!!
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