Joy

What an incredible day!  I am simply beaming with joy in our lives and all we have been blessed with.  It started with practice with the orphans (second week and going pretty well minus a few behavioral issues) followed by time spent with Checo (one of our AIM guys).  Then, J made hamburgers and French fries (pretty great burgers and I always love French fries) for lunch followed by my attending my first sewing class at the church (might I add in Spanish)! :)  I did not understand half of what they said, but I could follow the visuals and I learned how to make my own skirt pattern.  And to top that, Aubrey stayed with J at the house so it was me time (I have not been away from Aubrey other than quiet time since August so it was great!).  I came home for a meeting with the AIM staff spent praying and singing followed by a spontaneous dinner with the neighbors!  And then we continue to receive kind words, thoughts, prayers and support from so many people back home.  It makes being far away so much easier.  God is so good and continues to lavish us with blessings!   

What has been going on here...
-As I said, practice with the orphans has been going on for 2 weeks now.  It is going well overall and the boys just adore Aubrey (Aubrey of course loves the attention).  In fact, she sometimes gets them in trouble as they are paying attention to her and not the Bible lesson.  Here is a picture of practice last week.  Due to some confusion we were actually at their facility, but we will be at Los Castillos from now on.

-Last week we had another mission organization (Meeting God in Baseball) come into our area.  J and I spent a good deal of time with them discussing both organizations, the commonalities, the differences, and how we can come together for God.  We actually drove to a site with a few of their coaches and were able to exchange information as we are located much closer to the coaches than MGB.  Here are a few pictures from the trek back down the mountain.  (What we thought would be a 30 minute drive ended up being 1.5 hours.)  But Praise the Lord, Aubrey was fantastic throughout the trip and it simply gave us more time for fellowship.





 -J and Checo had a meeting last week with Luis (the Christian Association President) to discuss starting the coordinator position for the Association.  (Basically, it would place some of the coaches in a leadership position to communicate with their coaches, pray for and with their coaches, disciple their coaches and keep them accountable.)  It was very exciting for us as Luis has truly taken this idea and made it his own.  He gave his thoughts on the position and benefits/downfalls and how to fix it.  It is exciting for us because it has a much better chance of survival since it was basically his idea and not us coming in telling him to do this.

 

-ESL is still going great and we actually had to purchase additional books (we started with 30).  We introduced them to Bingo last week (they were learning numbers) which was a hit!  No one wanted to stop playing (and mind you they are almost all adults.)  :)  Who doesn't enjoy a good game of Bingo though? 

 

-Please be praying as we are planning on doing a small Financial Peace class this Spring for our AIM team and Pastors we work with.  It has become apparent that the people we work with do not know how to manage their money because it is simply not taught.  Thanks to the Ablacks for researching for us and finding a Spanish financial peace course aimed at the Latin culture.  We are excited about what this can do for the Dominicans and what freedom it could give them.

 

I know there are more things in the works and going on, but I must save something to write about next time.  :)  I will leave you with a few more pictures:

 



Just one of Aubrey taken recently.  I thought everyone would want to see how big she is getting.  J calls her the shark because of all her teeth (and she is getting 2 more molars).  She is really starting to "talk" (she is attempting to say words and often repeats them in her own way so I guess that's talking).  She loves to be outside and as I keep saying, loves all her "brothers and sisters" here in the Dominican. 

 

And as always, please keep praying for our brothers and sisters here in the Dominican.  We have so many people hurting and needing around us.  Please lift up our AIM brothers and sisters to stay strong in their faith, to raise up these children they work with, and to ultimately bring glory to God.  And please keep praying for us.  That we would continually seek God's direction and obey the paths He lays before us.  Also, a Canadian mission health team is coming into town for 3 weeks, please be praying for their work here. 

 

We love you guys!!

 

 

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  1 Peter 1:8-9

Ready... Action

Hey family!  What a blessing you all are in our lives.  We could not do anything without the love, support, kind words and ultimately prayers from each of you.  We are blessed to have such an amazing team with us all the time and it is an honor to be able to work alongside you as we all together spread the love of Jesus Christ!!  I have been reading 2 Peter and finished chapter 3 yesterday.  It was again a reminder that our time on this Earth is short and "the day of the Lord will come like a thief" 2 Peter 3:10.  We do not know when our Lord is to return, but we best be ready and waiting for Him.  There are days when I feel I am not progressing in the ways I should be and not spreading the knowledge of the love and salvation of Christ like I should.  As DC Talk so cleverly puts it, "The single greatest cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips but deny Him with their lifestyle."  This is not a call to silent action but rather a call to action.  Are you sharing your freedom with those around you?  Are you sharing this love with your family?  Are you praying for God to open the hearts of those closest to you?  I pray each of you will proclaim the Gospel with love even to those who may be scariest to reach (your family).  I lift you all up in this endeavor knowing our time on this Earth is short and we must be like the virgins waiting for their bridegroom (Matthew 25).  Do not be like the foolish ones who did not take any oil with them but rather be ready and prepared for the coming of the bridegroom.  "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." Matthew 25:13

Lots of love to all of you!

Amazing Fall Weather

Happy Sunday gang!  Hope you all enjoyed your weekend.  Ours was great and things here are moving and grooving. 

On Friday, we actually took part in a gathering in Cangrejo (one of the local areas).  A few weeks ago, the Association/AIM had a meeting with the mayor to raise awareness of the needs in Cangrejo (specifically the baseball field), inform her of the importance of this field for the children and the community, and ultimately ask for her help.  She was on board basically from the beginning and told us she would "make some calls."  Last week, the mayor requested/advised that we hold a gathering in Cangrejo with as many kids as possible to raise awareness to the importance of having government aid in the fields of Sosua.  We ended up having 4 different members of the press taking video, pictures and interviewing.  We had 10 or so coaches who work with AIM with kids from several different areas.  And you have to remember that these kids are not simply dropped off my mom or dad but rather transportation must be found for them by the coaches.  It is often by safari (like a big bus) or by hitching a ride with someone.  As we waited (J and I again were not thinking in Dominican time, but rather showed up a few minutes early), the kids and coaches started arriving and it gave me chills to see more and more children and adults who are being reached through God's ministry.  It was very humbling to see a piece of God's work and know He has chosen us to work along side Him.  And even more, God has brought this need and His ministry to the attention of Sosua.  Who knows what doors will be opened and what work will begin from this! 

Shot of the preaching and prayers during the time at Cangrejo.

A panoramic picture of all the children and coaches gathered up.  Although the picture shows the people, it lacks the emotion felt that day.

 A picture of the press and their motorcycles.  (No news vans here.) And to the back left is an example of a safari.

 



A picture of J being interviewed.  He's famous now! :)

 

For all of our prayer warriors, please be praying for our brother Raphael and his family.  They continue to endure a barrage of attacks from the enemy.

 

And one last little tidbit for you all...  To all of you enjoying your hot coffee on a crisp morning or wearing your jackets and fall boots or attending the fall festivals, we wanted to let you know that we went to the beach this morning and the water was perfect.  I will no longer be jealous of all the "amazing fall weather" I keep hearing about. :)

 

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

Chorizo and Juice

J made it home safely Sunday night.  Praise the Lord!  Overall the FCA camp was great and 6 men accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior!!  Gloria a Dios!  J drove the whole way home (about a 6 hour drive due to the availability of roads) so is now a true Dominican.  The ride home was interesting as twice the national police stopped J.  (Imagine a road with the police stopped on the side and they walk to the middle and put their hand out to stop you.)  We know from previous stories exactly what the police are looking for.  They are looking for someone who has a nice car but not too nice so they can stop them and get money from them. 

First police conversation: (In Spanish)
Police: (rifle in hand) How are y'all doing?
Pachuli (one of AIM coaches on trip): We're fine.  How are you?
Police: Good, what are y'all doing?
Pachuli: We're coming home from a baseball clinic in Hato Mayor.
Police: Oh, then y'all must have money.
Pachuli: No.  The clinic was for missionaries...
(20 seconds later as J continues to stare at police)
Police: Go ahead and keep going.

Second police conversation: (Again in Spanish)
Police: (rifle on shoulder strap) Where are y'all going?
Pachuli: We are going home to Sosua near Puerta Plata.
Police: Okay.  Do you have anything for me to get juice?
Pachuli to J (remember J knows exactly what the guy is asking for but is acting aloof): He wants a juice.
J to Pachuli: We don't have juice!
Pachuli to J: No, he wants money for juice.
J to Police: We don't have much but here's some change.
Police: (took money) Get going.

J then explained to the Dominicans in the car that he prefers someone to come out and ask for what they want rather than fish around with statements like "you guys must have money."  J also said he knows that the "juice" probably comes in a green bottle and is flavored with hops and barley. 

On another note, we visited an orphanage in Sosua yesterday.  It is an all boys orphanage ranging in ages from 6-16.  It is a beautiful facility and we wanted to see what there needs are and will be.  We are excited as J and Checo are going to start practicing with the boys on Monday and Wednesday mornings.  Again, kids spell love in P-L-A-Y, so I am pray these boys will feel the love of Christ through this time. 

And one last little tidbit to bring a smile to your face...  We enjoy eating chorizo con huevo (chorizo with egg) in the States.  We found some chorizo at the Supermercado and thought "Hey, let's try it.  It looks a lot like ours back home."  Fast forward to dinner time last night.  J opens the package and immediately notices a difference, but we think "let's push through and see what happens."  2 minutes later... "We're done."  J puts it this way, "I've never smelled spoiled Italian dressing, but I'm pretty sure this chorizo is what it would smell like."  The odor (not smell but odor) which made J queasy was mercifully overtaken by the smell of burning wood and trash from our neighbors.

And some pictures:

This was from the "girls weekend."  One of our neighbors, Genesis, helped us bake some cookies.  Genesis is like a big sister to Aubrey.

 Aubrey and Jhosiel at the AIM meeting on Monday.  He is 20 months old and it has actually been decided by the Decker family that they are to have an arranged marriage later in life.  :)

Daddy and Aubrey testing out some equipment to take to the orphanage yesterday.

Copy Machines and Almonds

Happy Friday prayer warriors!  Just wanted to catch you all up on what's going on...

J is currently in Hato Mayor (about 4 hours away) for a coach clinic and discipleship camp with some of our local coaches.  They left yesterday afternoon and from what I have heard, it is going great.  It is hosted by FCA (just in case you don't know, that is Fellowship of Christian Athletes which is a big organization in the US as well) and is a time to build up coaches from all over the island in skills, drills and more importantly the Word of God and how to disciple their teams.  Even more exciting is that 2 of the men helping host the clinic are interested in joining up with AIM to host a clinic on the North side of the island (where we are living).  This would be an amazing opportunity to reach coaches in our general area with knowledge and to educate them in so many ways.  Please start praying for this possibility as we seek God's direction.

ESL and the Bible study are going great!  We had 22 people on Wednesday.  Praise the Lord!  It started pouring down rain in the middle of ESL which is an issue because the buildings/houses have tin roofs here; therefore, the rain is VERY LOUD and you have to literally yell at one another while sitting a foot apart.  But charades came to the rescue as we acted out "turn off the light", "close the window", "sit down please"...  Just a few of week 1's phrases.  And then, it turns out all of the books were missing page 4 (which was this week's vocabulary).  But, God is so good and we managed to finish the lesson in perfect timing!  (What I would have given for a copy machine at that time.  I don't know if I have truly appreciated the ease and use of one.  J wrote all the vocabulary on the chalkboard- yes chalk- and the participants wrote all the words down.  And I am beginning to understand the need to "bang erasers" as our eraser is fit to bust.  Oh the things you learn and grow to appreciate in the Dominican!) :)

We had a learning adventure with our neighborhood kids a few days ago.  It turns out we have an almond tree right in front of our driveway (I knew it as that tree that drops stuff all the time).  They were showing us how to bust open the shells for the almond.  I again now appreciate almonds so much more, and I can understand the high price as well.  After several minutes trying to open one shell, you get 1 (read that ONE) almond.  Phew!  And it is hard work with lots of muscle.  The kids are much better than J and myself.  We kept demolishing our almonds so they were just crumbs whereas Jeffrey was going at a ridiculous speed with beautiful almonds.  Apparently, the rock you use to open them is very important as well (rounded is better).  Who knew?  And we also found out we have a pea bush(?).  I am not sure if it's a bush or tree or what, but it has pea pods on it.  Very exciting.  :)

Aubrey is great.  Growing and talking and teething.  Poor girl.  We have been here 8 weeks and she has grown 4 teeth (including 3 molars).  She loves playing with the kids and really loves all the attention she gets.  She has her Dominican grandma, Tati, (Pastor Rivas' wife) who loves on her.  In fact Tati was holding a new baby at church 2 weeks ago and Aubrey was not happy with that at all.  Can someone say jealous?  She did not want her Dominican grandma holding any other babies.  (Tati loved it!) 

Well, there is always more to say, but I think we will stop today (the novel must reach an end).  Here are a few pictures of our almond adventure.

 J and the regular gang working on their almonds.

Miralee and Angie posing.  Miralee is only 4 but has the best laugh.  One of those laughs that makes you laugh because it is so rich.  Praise the Lord for a child's insight into life and laughter!

 

 

Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;

sing, all you who are upright in heart! Psalms 32:11

Power Rangers

So I haven't blogged in basically a week.  Things have been moving along and as you all know, the hours fly by into days and the days into weeks...  J and I have both felt an sense of urgency as our time here in the Dominican is limited (at least our initial assessment of time needed- we will see what God has planned for us) and seems to be quickly passing.  We are trying to utilize each day to its maximum however God sees fit.  Lately that has been continuous relationship building.  In fact we had lunch with an American missionary couple and their 5 children today.  They have been here 2 years and have a beautiful family.  It was so nice to spend time with other native English speakers and relax (After lunch I realized I haven't been that relaxed in a long time.  I am constantly at an 11 out of 10 trying to understand the language and culture here in the DR.  But I know the culture of a Southern family from Tennessee and it was very refreshing.)  But what was more exciting about the lunch was talking about God's work here in the Dominican and what we each have been called to do.  Ultimately, we realized we are here doing the same thing- relationship building and discipleship. They work with youth in several areas (many of which we work in to) and are working to raise up the next generation to be disciples of God, strong community leaders and respectable men and women (sound familiar?!).  J and I were pumped after leaving their house for what work God has planned for us as a team together. 

As I mentioned earlier, the family has 5 children.  This is number 4 of 5 when Aubrey and her were playing together. 

Power Ranger shot!  This is child number 3 of 5 for the missionaries and yours truly.  I was able to wear the pink mask because "I'm a girl".  (And sleepy Aubrey.) 

In other news, ESL is going great.  We had another class on Wednesday and tonight.  We have about 25 people taking it and they are so pumped up.  It has been a lot of fun watching their enthusiasm.  Here are a few pictures of the professor and his helper:

Also, we made it safely to and back from Haiti yesterday (and wasn't that an adventure) and were able to accomplish our goals!  Praise the Lord!  And please be praying as J and several coaches will be going to the South side of the island from this Thursday to Sunday for a coaches' training and discipleship camp.  Please also be praying for peace for me and Aubrey as we will be staying in Sosua during the camp. 
Thanks to each of you for your love and support.  We feel your prayers constantly.

And for some amazing news, 10 kids prayed to accept Christ today during practice at Cangrejo!  Praise the Lord!!!  Please pray for our new little brothers in Christ!

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8