I've Learned I Will Never Be the Same Again

Before dinner in Santo Domingo Saturday night with our team, Connie, Olivia, Jorge, Amy, and the other COPA girls...I shared this as our last devotion. 
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In the Dominican Republic I learned about excess…mine. 
I learned that I have more…than the whole island we stayed on. 
I learned they had more…than I could possibly ever understand. 
I learned simplicity…is a blessing. 
I learned that from where God is sitting…we all look the same. 
I learned that my skill level…does not matter as much as my desire level. 
I learned I cannot make an economic change in their lives…but they can in mine. 
I learned about love from people…who had only love to give. 
I learned why missionaries do…what missionaries do. 
I learned why beauty is as simple…as a child’s smile. 
I learned candy is just as sweet…in someone else’s mouth. 
I learned that even old men can learn from children…who do not speak the same language. 
I learned I needed my passport validated…with God’s entry stamp. 
I learned food to exist is so much better…than excess food to enjoy. 
I learned why God rested…on the seventh day. 
I learned how arrogant I must be…to think I gave them anything. 
I learned how little some people need…to get by. 
I learned that customs and culture…are part of God’s wisdom. 
I learned that a fellowship of believers feels the same…here and there. 
I learned sleeping in a one room shanty is different than sleeping in a five bedroom house…not worse – but different. 
I learned about sharing…from those who had so little to share. 
I learned how all beaches…are not the same. 
I learned that God so loved the world…that he gave.  
I learned the true meaning of the parable…of the widow’s mite. 
I learned God is fluent…in every language. 
I learned why I need reminding from time to time that I am such a small part…of a bigger picture and God is the painter. 
I learned that a shovel (hammer) does not care…who operates it. 
I learned that poor is not a definition…only an economic condition.  I learned why worship…has no specific time or place. 
I learned why I must never take for granted those things…I take for granted. 
I learned I will never be the same…or normal again.

Submitted by Bob Gourley, Rock Hill UMVIM team to Venezuela.
Adapted for Dominican trip by Paula Lambert 2005/2006/2007/2008,
 2009, 2010, 2011

Travel to Santo Domingo

“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

“People travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, the kind of people they ignore at home.” – Dagobert D. Runes

“Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quiestest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.” –  Pat Conroy

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.  Psalm 37:3-6

Love, Prayer...and a Little EGR...A Wonderful Way to End the Last Day of Work

We began this morning‎ with a wonderful devotion from Sandy.  Sandy told us a little about the devotion last night...about how she had to change it a little bit.  The clinic had gone up the coast on Thursday, so once again it was late when they came home.  Too late for Santa to go back to Batey 7...so she stayed with Sandy and Terri.  This had to be difficult for Terri and Sandy because Santa couldn't speak English.  So, for a 2nd night, they were very hospitable to Santa, giving up one of their beds so Santa could sleep. 

You have to know that Sandy is probably one of the sweetest people I know.  She and her dad's relationship is inspiring and I've never witnessed a mutual respect between a parent and a child.  You can see their faith in Christ all through their relationship.  Sandy speaks so lovingly of her dad, her mom, and her husband Chris.  So, for her to do a devotion on EGR...you have to know it's also as real.

EGR, she defined is 'Extra Grace Required."  Those people in all of our lives that are EGR people.  She admits to it...how there is something about all of us that require a little extra grace on someone's behalf to overlook our bad habits, our quirks, our special annoyances. 

Oh sure you do!!  We all have them.  We just don't like to think about them.  But the way Sandy gave the devotion made you aware that it's also those things that make us unqiue...my EGR use may be different than yours...but when you think...oh my, how our sweet Jesus must chuckle at the EGR.   His patience with us...knowing how we are, creating us the way we are?  Yet, we sometimes make it so difficult to offer others that EGR.

Sandy confidently gave us an example Thursday night of EGR...and laughed as she told us how she knew God was having a wonderful time watching her grow from this experience.  I love God moments...but when you can visually picture Him throwing His head back and laughing at our 'learning' ...priceless. 

I love you Sandy.  I thank you for your honesty...for your willingness to be 'real' with me...us. 

It was a wonderful way to start our day and it was a "God thing" that Santa stayed Thursday night.  After the devotion, Mike presented Santa, with the help of Pastor Pedro translating...with the love offering from the LRC game.  She was deeply touched and afterwards we asked her to stand in the middle while we all prayed for Sami through her.  A fitting last devotional morning...love, prayer...a little EGR. 

We all need it.  I need it constantly. 

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Our last work day was great.  We usually end up a little early so we can clean up, box up supplies and get back a little earlier for our celebration meal with our translators.  The clinic team usually is close to Batey 7, so they can take supplies by the Good Samaritan Clinic before heading in...today they were at Batey 9.

Surgically and medically the week went uneventful compared to last year with the earthquake.  We were all grateful for that...but it was eventful in the fact that there were things that touched my heart that will make it as special as years past. 

The love suitcase that was full of so many people's contribution to this mission, both in material things and money that was sent.

A wonderful conversation with a friend who without realizing it...made me aware of who and what I am at home...and in the DR.  I should be the same.

A beautiful church service that made me realize what a gift I have in my own daughter, and how God is...and will use her in a powerful way.

A team of people...some old friends, some new friends.  I listened as one expressed how blessed they were to have been there.  How they had had a bad experience in church and how this had renewed their faith what is good...

A reminder of how selfish, materialistic, and greedy I am...and how people who make as much a day that I spend for lunch can teach me more about life and priorities than I can ever learn from the U.S...anywhere!

Then...there are 2 people that make me want to be a better person just by "watching them" do what they do.  I love you Jorge & Connie!  God surely smiles down as He blesses you.

Lastly....Sami.  You are a beautiful child and your bravery as you face chemotherapy monthly.  Your smile is contagious and your faith in God will move mountains.  Dios' La Bendiga Sami!!   I will share your story with everyone I know and I will always pray for you.

At weeks end...633 patients seen in the clinic, 1700 prescriptions filled...78 surgeries at the hospital.  But...36 people were refreshed in their faith...tired from the work, but hearts full of love as we journey towards home beginning tomorrow morning.  Sunrises here...we'll they are perfect every morning.  No matter how cloudy it may be....God really shows off with His paint brush when it's about 6:15 or so...the EGR He grants us every day...hoping, I'm sure that we'll pause long enough...no matter where we are...to look up...notice the color, the beauty, His Grace, His Gift. 

As we journey home...God, I thank you for the extra Grace you grant me by blessing me with this trip.  We ask for travel mercies toward Santo Domingo, then home.  But, we pray also for all our Dominican friends that we leave behind.  May their health continue to be in Your Hands and through their lives and ours, we realize and see Your Grace and Mercy.

Amen "Amin"

Blessings!!

Left, Right, Center

Every year it seems we do something as a team to raise funds for a special cause...this year it's for Santa and her son, Sami. 

Below is information for Good Samaritan Clinic's December Newsletter:

SANTA CUEVAS MENDEZ
Santa is a 41 year old resident of Batay 7 whobegan working in the clinic officially in 2003.  She has long been know in her community for her volunteer efforts to help those in need day and night. Her jobs in the clinic include coordinating patient care and dispensing medications. Those who have witnessed her work while on mission teams can attest to her loving and giving spirit as well as her abilities to make order out of chaos. God has definitely placed her there to fulfill His work through the Good Samariatan Clinic. 

This year has been especially challenging for Santa. Her 11 year old son Drenifer De La Cruz Cuevas “Sami” was diagnosed with chronic myelocytic leukemia in October of 2009.

This 6th grader has been receiving chemotherapy for one year. He actually attends school 3 weeks per month and travels to Santo Domingo for a 1 week stay in the hospital. He has been very intent on staying in Batey 7 with his family and friends and contuing as normal a life as possible. Dr. Jorge Volquez, the clinic doctor, says Sami maybe the most intelligent kid in the batey based on his grades and the way he thinks

and expresses himself. What follows is a letter from Sami to those of you who have helped with

his medical expenses during these difficult times.

Hi,

Hope you are doing fine, and hope that you have a

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I want to

thank you all for every thing you have done for me.

I have nothing to give you back, but I can express

with my words how much I appreciate all the help

that has been given to me. Without God´s favor and

your help, I would have already been dead because

my mother had no resources to cover my

treatments. I hope that God blesses your health

and your economy. May God continue to touch

others through your helping hands. Hands that

helped me to keep the life that is in me. A life that I

so much need and want. Thank you all. SAMI

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So, the team decided we'd play Left, Right, Center again....buy in to play was at least $20.00 love offering and we played with single pesos that would also go to Santa and Sami.  We had a wonderful outpouring of love and offering, had fun playing the game after dinner on Thursday and depending on the exchange rate...raised pretty close to $1000.00, which will be enough for 2 months of treatments in Santo Domingo. 

Praise God!!


If you gave me money prior to coming on this trip to use 'wherever it was needed' then it either went to help Sami or to the church in LaHoya.  Bethpage UMC...$120.00 of the money you sent was given for Sami & Santa.  Wende your donation went to Sami, Linda...your donation went to Sami.  Thank you for trusting us to judge where to give your monies.  God is so good!

It's our job!

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Phillippins 2: 1-5

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Earlier in the week, I was having a conversation with a team member.  Someone I call friend, and value his history in missions.  I don't remember exactly how the conversation went there...but we were talking about how the week made us feel...I made the statement, of how it refreshed me...enriched me.  How it gave me perspective.  Then he made a statement that was probably the most profound of the week for me.  He said coming here (to the Dominican) was his job.  At first...it caught me off guard and I even questioned him...but after we talked a bit more and went our seperate directions...It hit me...While this week does give me perspective, renews my faith in manhood, grounds me in the material world...what goes on here and what I am here to do with my gifts and talents....is indeed 'my job.' 

Matthew 28:16-20 The Great Commission

 ¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

 

Matthew tells us that Jesus gave the command...to go.  He doesn't say to go to foreign land...he doesn't say to just stay in your own home town...he just says "Go."  "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name...."

 

It is my job..our job.  To go home and share our gifts and talents just as we do here.  I've talked this but still find myself being 'too tired' or 'too busy' or 'too...whatever.'  I am called to share the wave to strangers just as I do here...to share the "hello" greeting just as I do here, so share a "God Bless You" just as I do here to people I don't even know.  It's so easy here to say "Hola'", "Dios La Bendinga" as you don't feel  you'll be ridiculed or denied.  But why shouldn't we be denied...Christ himself was...still is.

 

So, M.B...I understand your committment and how it's the same...here and there.  How it's our job to use the gifts, talents, education that God has blessed us with to help everyone...everywhere.  I love you friend for the example you are to me...for introducing me to this team 8 years ago and allowing me to see God through their eyes.  I appreciate your spirituality and your love of our Savior and your willingness to share it with everyone.  You taught me the difference in being a warrior and a worker.

 

Yes...what was said to me in this conversation was probably the most profound thing I heard...that I will take home with me and will strive every day to do my job.    As the week is coming to a close. 

 

My body is tired, muscles aches, not sleeping well with my left arm going to sleep due to my back being out.  I miss my family but already dread leaving this place.  The smell of something burning all the time, the sound of the Carribean Ocean pounding the shores just feet from our hotel door...riding in the red truck every day, sweating profusely all the time....you can't possibly drink 'enough' ever, so we're all a bit dehydrated or a lot dehydrated.  Yet...tomorrow...being Friday, we'll wake with compassion for these sweet children of God and for each other.  We're all in it together sharing in this week...making His "joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."

Dream Ministries Team 2011

Blessings!!

Special People Doing God's Work

“When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter. Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these? He said to Him, Yes Lord, You know that I love You. He said to him, Feed My lambs.” John 21:15

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There are 36 team members on this years mission.  Most are medical and a handful or so are not....there have been years in the past when it's been the opposite.  But it does seem that it is changing.  It is a medical mission after all....but don't let that take your eyes off all the team.  Their feeding the lambs!!

Susan, my bestest...this is her 7th trip with this team.  She came the year after I did...there was a special something that touched her heart during my presentation at church.  She came, she loved, she was loved...she was hooked.  She found that she left a part of her heart in Barahona, and she took a big part of them home with her.  Susan is one of the ones on the team that is "non-medical" or so she says.  No, she doesn't have medical credentials at the end of her name but she has the heart to touch more hearts and shine the light of Christ than any medical person on this team.

Her first year, I laugh as I say she played...she cried, she had compassion, she prayed...she played.  I was so envious of her, with me now being 'seasoned' I had a job to do and at the time there weren't as many 'medical' people...so I played through her. She loved on the children, she painted, she took pictures, she delivered goodies to the patients...she "fed the lambs."


As the years have gone on...Susan has counted pills in the pharmacy, she's been a triage person at clinic, she's encouraged and been a cheerleader for the entire team.  She's a top notch pre-op nurse at the hospital.  She's learned how to do vital signs, how to reach the charts and complete the pre-op paperwork...she created a sign to go at the end of each bed to write/erase the patients name so you know when you walk in the room what the patients surgery is...she's learned how to flush IV's.  Last year, she literally began 'feeding the lambs' as she started being responsible for the teams lunches both at the clinic and hospital.  She planned, did the shopping, and recruited someone on the clinic team to help.  She has that way about her...that way to get you to do something before you realize you're doing it.





When she made the statement to me earlier in the week that the team was becoming more 'medical' than 'non-medical'...I sensed her maybe feeling a little less needed or wanted.  I quickly replied to her that it doesn't matter if you're medical or non-medical.  We ALL find our niche' and if committed...we're a part of the team. 

1 Corinthians 12  One Body, Many Parts

¹² The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. ¹³ For we were all baptized by^[a] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
¹⁴ Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. ¹⁵ If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? ¹⁸ But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. ¹⁹ If they were all one part, where would the body be? ²⁰ As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
²¹ The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" ²² On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³ and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unrepresentable are treated with special modesty, ²⁴ while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, ²⁵ so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶ If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Susan...she's the heart.  She shares this mission with my heart. She's always been so special to me, but this trip every year bonds us even closer.  We've shared tears, laughter, and prayer.  We've sweated together...heck, we've even slept together and spooned.  (her with me!!)  She belongs on this team and I won't let her think otherwise.  Kim shared with me that someone told her toward the end of the week that 'every team needs a Susan.'  That made me smile...because I knew it already, I was just happy others noticed it too. 


She's not into this for the recognition or the praise.  She would never want anyone to bring attention to it as she gives all the praise and glory for all that she has to her Jesus....our Jesus.  She's feeding the lambs....

Susan...you are so needed by this team, but more than anything YOU are needed by God to go 'feed His lambs.'  No question.  I love you and so look forward to our trip every year...our memories, our laughter that we share throughout the year, the planning for the next...I thank God for you in my life...the wisdom you give, the accountability, the friendship and sisterhood.  Like so many other people on this team....you are a vital member of God's plan every year...not to be diminished by a lack of medical training or credentials.  You and so many others have all you need by being willing to do whatever is needed. 

I cherish you and thank you for sharing my heart.

The Most Joyful People Alive

Today's devotion was done by Doug...Dr. Doug Boyette.  He's a wonderful, kind man from Shelby who is a Cardiologist. 


John 13:34-35 "“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

In Doug's devotion...it talked how the church is the servant society.  Christians are called to be servants.  To be in Christ is to be in the ministry.  Once we turn our lives over to Christ, then people become our agenda.  Our calling is to care about people-helping them to know the Savior, growing in grace, and face life's challenges.  Our happiness is related to pouring ourselves out for people.  That means giving up our privacy, schedules, monies, time, talents, and gifts....to make good judgements in relation to others.  The Lord puts people in our lives so that we can be to them what He has been to us. 

Today, Susan and I are going up the mountain with the clinic team.  Dr. Mike has told me it's a beautiful trip and he wants me to meet Darren, the missionary there.  He's from Columbia, S.C. and he just recently met him, himself.  The trip up was extremely slow starting...we had to make numerous stops around Barahona before FINALLY getting on our way around 10:15 or so...I think had we had this kind of delay and frequent stops in the states to leave for a trip, I would have been a basket case...but somehow today, I enjoyed it...tried to make the best of it by shooting some pictures and enjoyed the people on the clinic team...thinking about the people on the bus with me.


You see...these people, were the people who had become or are becoming the most joyful people alive...They are channeling the love of Christ to all those they meet.  Yes, it's still early and some are still finding their niche' on the trip...but they're all willing, able, and joyful.  All have already had a day of sharing in God's love...both to the people and from the people.  We can't care for others without some of the blessings spilling over onto us...My attitude always changes here.  I have said that it's easier to be 'the person Christ wants me to be here.'  It is...I don't have all the distractions, gadgets, electronics, my job....here I'm just me being me...the best of me.  I'm a better person when I'm being a servant to others...unconditionally. 

Life drags me down at home sometimes...responsibilities, making decisions...but while I'm here..the hard realities of daily life are replaced by joyfulness.  Are we tired at the end of the day, you bet...but as tired as you are during the day...you continue to move foreward...making a difference in the next life.  So often it's the little things we do for each other that matter the most...most often the little things is what makes someone else change...soften...come around.  If we can be a servant to others, it's easier for them to learn to be a servant themselves.  I can't say I would have the same attitude if I were here all the time...I've said before in this blog that "I'm not selfless enough" to do this...but my prayer is that each time, it makes a dent chipping away at my selfishness and materialistism.

Christ is calling us all to be servants, whether it's in your own home town or nearby state...or in a 3rd world country.   He calls us all to missions...to go serve.  Every year my goal seems to be to go home and never allow this experience take me back to the person I was...and at first that's not a problem.  My emotions stay so close to the service that I often have trouble adjusting to 'reality' of my life.  But...honestly within 3-4 months...LIFE as I know it, sucks me back in...back into a reality world, a materialistic world. 

Yet again, this year...I'll try yet again...to look at more and more opportunities to serve in Christ's name...whether it be in my neighborhood, my job, my church, within my sorority, or my family and friends. 

Today was a beautiful day.  There was only a small number that attended the clinic as the population around the clinic site was only about 200 people.  There was a truck load that arrived that probably came from across the border.  The majority of the patients had neck pain, back pain, high blood pressure...The one thing that struck Doug and I the most was the neck and back pain issue.  We asked how much one of the field workers, who works different crops,  makes a day...and were astonished to learn 200 pesos?  That's only about $6-7 U.S....I couldn't help but react as Doug and I just looked at each other.  I became emotional being reminded again who greedy I am...how I can spend that a day if I eat out for lunch...or Doug said that was 2 of his latte's...seriously!  Yet...they are joyful people.  I often think the happiest people here are the christians...the ones where when you say "Dios' La Bendiga"...they say "Amen."  It's the ones that when you smile at them...they'll smile back.  It's almost like you're looking at Christ at the same time. 


Am I one of the most joyful people alive...probably not. Most anybody that knows me, knows that I'm not a morning person...so joyful in the morning...definitely not.  But, I do love smiling into the face of a Dominican woman, man, or child and saying "Buenos Dia" or "hola" and show them some kindness.  In the morning...that takes effort for me, and as each one smiles back with a Spanish greeting...I wake up to the morning with Christ.

The day was filled with kindness, it had to be...and a lot of patience and grace on our parts.  We had multiple stops in the morning...was on the road to the location at least 1 1/2 hours...maybe more.  Once we got to the dirt road that took us to the clinic, we had to unload all the meds off the bus..transfer to a truck where 1/2 the team also joined in.  The bus was able to make the trip up the mountan but it was very slow....again, a reminder that the pace of this journey is not up to us...so walk away.  It also goes much smoother if you still objective and joyful.  I loved snapping pictures of the houses, the people sitting outside their homes.  The wild Poinsettas, Inpatience, Wandering Jew, and other plants & trees.  The mountainside of coffee...and a reminder of how big this world really is, if I can begin to even comprehend it?


On our way home our bus had a blow out...it's a long story but we ended up coming down the mountain with 1 left rear tire blown out on a double axel bus....we went slowly, Praise God.  But, we laughed and reminded ourselves of the slow start this morning, the late start getting going wiht the clinic...and the flat blownout tire this evening.  How all of this would etch a memory of this day in our minds for this trip...and through it all we were the most joyful people alive and were blessed.

Blessings!

Time to Get Started on the Reason We're Here! (Monday, January 24,2011)

At this point...I'm feeling like I've been on vacation...and a little guilty.  It's time to work...time for the reason we came.  We began with devotions from Carol Turner...devotions is always wonderful way to start any day...but especially here.  To remind us why we're here and that it's not about us. 

The new members of the team must be a little apprehensive at this point...we've fellowshiped and have gotten to know each other a little better but now starts the work...and although crazy at times...there is somewhat of an organized chaos to the days. 

"And all of us, as with unveiled face (because we) continued to behold (in the Word of God) as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree to another; (for this comes) from the Lord (Who is) the spirit.  - 2 Corinthians 3:18

This piece of scripture came out of my devotional book I took with me to the D.R....it seemed only fitting to apply it to Mondays work day...the beginning of the week.  A week of sore backs, legs, weariness as the week progresses...but today...we are here to empty ourselves and shine the light of Jesus to all that we meet...even each other.  It's been a wonderful couple days getting to know each other.  Some of us shared in 2 worship services together on Sunday.  We strengthen bonds with old friends and begin to start with new ones. 

But on this day...those non-medical will find their niche' in the mission...those that are medical...will also shine the Light of Jesus in ways that have nothing to do with their trade.  It's about gifts of the heart, the spirit, and the soul.  It's about looking into the eyes of these people...seeing their fear, seeing their pain, and understanding they are our sisters and brothers in Christ.

For some people...well, they're stepping way beyond their comfort zone.  They'll probably realize things about themselves on this trip they never would have thought...things about where God is?  What they believe?  They'll realize....that we are so bold to think we're "doing" for these people and WE are bringing Christ to them...when all along...He's already there and through their eyes, we'll encounter Jesus Christ.

I leave with so much more than I give every year.  I leave with an empty heart full of love.  A realization of how my life in the states is full of clutter and non-essential 'stuff.'  I think I've said it before...Here...I feel I am the person Christ calls me to be.  You either humble yourself...or you're miserable among the heat, work, and missing home.  You have to look beyond all that and find beauty, simplicity, and all the things that are good in the world.  You truly get to spend intimate, personal time with the Lord. 

The work of the day takes away the cleanliness of the morning shower, with the deodorant, powder, make-up...the work of the day, brings about raw sweat....body aches like you don't know...and through it all...once you've stepped beyond that selfishness person you are...you stand on equal ground with these children of God.  They laugh as you make a mockery of trying to speak their language...but are appreciative and help you.  There are so many similarities in our lives it's scary....it's when we lay it all aside...that we truly see Him, through them...looking at us.  I only hope and pray that I show them Christ as much as they do me.

On this day...our real work begins...the reason we're here. 

Blessings!!

Brandon Heath: Give Me Your Eyes

This is Karen, she received one of the prayer blankets from our church at Jackson Park UMC.  Our youth/kids tied the knots and prayed over this blanket.



Giving up control.........

"Letting go doesn't mean giving up, but rather accepting that there are things that cannot be." Unknown
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As you can see from the date, I'm posting these upon my return from the Dominican.  On Sunday night after being in church all day...I began to realize my focus was so intuned to keeping others informed of what was going on over there that I couldn't focus on what I was truly to be doing and how God would use us.

I had persuaded my supervisor to allow me to work a little, checking emails, responding with information the nurses would need, etc.  I stayed up very late a couple of nights in order to get just 4 hours of work done...WiFi connection was horrible and it would take multiple tries to stay on the internet.  I was so frustrated that I could see satan using it to defer my thoughts and attention.  So, Sunday night I made the decision to walk away from work committments and emailed my supervisor. 

Because of the schedule, being so tired in the evening....and having difficulty getting on-line.  I decided to also walk away from feeling like I had to  post a blog every day and instead kept notes and would do it when I came home. 

The next day...it became easier just to share with my family through IM'ing on Skype and no doubt in my mind...God eased that burden because I let my control issues go.  He allowed me just enough connection to at least be able to check in with them both each day.

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Faith

What is your faith level?  (Sunday 1/23/11)

We started today headed to LaHoya to attend Connie’s church.  This church has just been built in the past year, and they’ve already started on the 2^nd floor.  It’s mainly youth….but as I blogged earlier…God is truly working there.  It was so evident to me today. 

The church sits in this batey of about 1500-1700 people…the kids are walking or riding their bikes up and down the street.  There’s a couple horses walking up the sidewalk…yep, you heard me right!  People of the village, wave as we ride through on the bus…riding through here reminds me of how amazing Connie is, and the work she is doing and is inspiring others to do.  She and the leaders of the youth have prepared a special service today.  It is a celebration of the teams that have come to help in LaHoya & Bombita, and in all their honor, they will celebrate our team.  I have heard Connie share numerous times of how the church was built…how they would come upon things that had to be done, like clearing the land, and doing the footings…then putting up the walls.  She says it seems that everytime there was a question…she would say “I’ll let you know in a few days” and in a few days God would send someone to do whatever needed to be done.  I think if we have faith enough to ask God for something…we’ve got to have faith enough to realize and see when he’s going to make it happen.  What is going on in that community is absolutely God at work.  Connie wanted to build a church…a man in the village wanted to buy an old truck that belonged to COPA…and he traded her the land for the track.  He listens and he provides…what’s your faith level?

We arrive and the children are in sitting on the pews…Connie isn’t there yet but one of the children’s leaders is leading a prayer…several rows of little kids with their heads bowed.  You can sense that this is a safe place.  A place of happiness and great things going on in the name of Jesus. 

The church itself is still undergoing construction as the upper floor now needs to have scaffolding built and then the walls stucco applied.   There are some things still to be done downstairs but the things that have been accomplished, donated by teams, churches, people.  The tile was just recently finished & laid by Aldersgate UMC in Shelby, NC.  This is the church of several of our team members and they came down in November for a clinic trip as well as a few people from that church to do building.  The floor is absolutely beautiful.  There have been pews built as well.  It’s nothing fancy…but when you think about what you need to worship the Lord…it’s just perfect!

The church in LaHoya

The youth provided 3 skits/dances beautifully and several special songs.  We sang some of our contemporary worship songs in Spanish and they sang some of them in English.  It was pretty cool and Connie said they love some of the English versions better. 

In my earlier blog, I talked about Gracie and how I so wanted to get her here to be exposed to this culture, the simplicity…to both realize all the things that aren’t necessary in our lives but mostly to realize all that is…..

I sat there watching Amy, and the other girls with COPA being examples for these kids and I became very emotion thinking of my Gracie working with our  youth at church and how this would link her to them as well.  The last skit they did, well…it was the cake topper.  Gracie and our youth have done a skit at church to a song that Lifehouse sings.  If you go out on Godtube.com or Youtube.com, you can find it by just searching for “Lifehouse skit.” I won’t tell you the whole thing but it’s basically as a person, or a young person…the temptations in life that are faced…heck, it doesn’t have anything to do with age.  No matter what age I am…I am tempted by some of them.  There’s sex, money, drugs/alcohol, materialistic things…like focus on appearance, and evil…self mutilation…suicide.

I can’t get to the end of if without sobbing and thankful for the choices Gracie has made.  Knowing all too well, the temptations are out there for her even now. 

LaHoya wasn’t a Christian batey…it is so evident that God, through Connie is changing all of that.  At the end of her sermon she called out the names of all those who had newly accepted Christ since the start of the church…I couldn’t count everybody but there were at least 20 people.   Connie said it even choked her up as she read the names in realizing what God has done….

What’s your faith level?  Do you believe in miracles?  What’s a miracle to you?

Connie’s message was on the feeding of the 5000…also known as  the miracle of the five loaves and two fish.  In John 6:5-15. The story tells that this was the 1^st miracle by Jesus. All these people came to hear Jesus and there wasn’t enough food to feed them. 

“The crowds followed Jesus on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."

Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."

"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.

"Bring them here to me," he said.

Jesus directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Connie told the story but then posed a question…When did the miracle happen?  Was it after he blessed the bread & fish?  Is that when they multiplied with more than enough to feed everyone?  The miracle occurred when the disciples accepted the baskets and, in faith, turned to go feed the people.  The fish & bread wouldn’t have been enough had they not had faith enough to “turn and go.”

This struck me, in that all of us on the team have things going on in our life.  I honestly didn’t know the week of Thanksgiving if I would be here or not.  My step-dad was seriously ill and we were told he wouldn’t make it until Christmas.  I knew I would soon have to make a decision to stay or to “turn and go.”  God has blessed me with 2 wonderful men in my life as father figures…both have had health issues in the past couple of years.  Several years ago my mother-n-law had a massive stroke while I was here in the DR.  It was terribly difficult to be here knowing my husband was in so much pain.  So many of the team members have job issues, or issues within their family…people that are dealing with many things in their life…and yet, they’re here.   Not that this is any comparison to the loaves and fishes miracle and what was taught in that day to the disciples, but we do have to step out on faith so much in our lives to do things out of our comfort zone…totally relying on God.  Although, Barahona and this mission feels very comfortable to me…us.  We are all stepping out of our ‘normal’ routine or life to come do what we’re suppose to do anyway…to spread the love of Jesus.  We’re not doing anything in Barahona that we shouldn’t do at home.  To love and care for each other regardless of our language, skin color, or socio-economic status.  It’s easy to be here for 12 days…but could I step out and be here longer like Connie, Olivia, Amy?  I don’t know…am I selfless enough?  No…not yet, and not sure I will ever be…but I do know that every year here makes me want to be a better person…and every year I go home just a little bit better, although I fall way short.  I truly understand and have witnessed God’s Grace and Mercy in the lives of these people.  We are so bold to think we’re sharing the love of Christ with them….when THEY are what God is using to teach me, mold me into the person He wants me to be.  I still have a long way to go….but it’s a journey, not a destination.

Blessings!

children of LaHoya



Bethpage United Methodist Church Sunday School class...I want you to know that $140.00 of your donation went to LaHoya's church.  I know it will be spent to grow the church and provide more ways to spread the word of God just as it has already.  I loved the way they do their offering.  One person stands in front of the church and during song...you bring your offering up and put in the jar.

Offering at LaHoya