J attended an Association meeting last Friday and the overall theme was service. Service to the communities, service to the people, getting out and doing something. And none of this was on the "agenda" for the day. Rather, our staff and coaches have seen a need within the community and felt the call to "go" and help where needed. November in the Dominican is considered the "rainy season" and we definitely received a lot of that last week. So much rain that several areas flooded causing people to lose everything. When this was discussed, it was decided to hold a clothing drive for these people as so many were already working on restoring houses, furniture, and other needs. Again what is phenomenal is the way people (just like in the States) come together to help their fellow brothers and sisters in need. Mercedes (from Cangrejo which is one of the poorer areas we work in) immediately raised her hand to donate 2 large boxes of clothes and a suitcase of shoes. Others immediately offered help and pretty soon we had an overflowing CR-V with clothes (it took J two trips to get it all there).
As the night continued on, more ideas for service came about (holding a camp in Moca, creating a fund to help provide for each other when they are in need, etc.) As J said, he was very proud of these coaches. What you may not know is that 6 years ago these people hated each other (they could barely stand to play against each other much less meet together), 2 years ago it was all about what they could receive, presently it's about what they can give. Thank you God for the growth in these men and women. As these leaders become more like You, the community can come closer to You!!
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Today and last Saturday, Checo's team hosted a tournament. The teams played in La Union, Los Castillos, Maimon, and at the Air Base in Cangrejo. It has been a great opportunity for some of the smaller teams to participate (Bella Vista, La Grua, Cangrejo), and it is always a great time for everyone to hear God's Word. Here are some pictures of the 2 days:
The honor of the first pitch was given to the General of the Air Force Base in Sosua.
As of lately, our life has filled up with meetings. We still meet weekly with our AIM staff and now Luis Chingping has jumped on board during those meetings. Just like every organization, it helps us stay up to date with the work everyone is doing and organize our needs and activities. We have been meeting several weeks now individually with each of our staff to allow for time for all the housekeeping duties (receipts, work logs, etc) and time to reflect on their work and their life. I think these have been going fantastic, and God has been shaping each meeting into something different.
In our family life, the girls are growing and learning and having a blast. Although I miss having cold weather, it is nice to still be able to go outside in shorts and play all afternoon. Ryann is rolling over now and "tripod-ing". We have learned that when she wants to do something or learn something, she will focus all her time on this. So, once she figured out she could roll, she spent the next several days perfecting this and getting over her arm. (Aubrey was different and very much like J- it will happen when it happens, why rush things!) Aubrey is great and growing. We are working on incorporating more Spanish into her language (and because everyone asks- she does not speak Spanish but she will respond to it.) And J and myself are cruising along. Loving our life and all the ups and downs that come with it.
Harriet Potter!
One evening we had a "gajillion" mosquitoes in the house. J eventually mastered the art of giving the mosquitos "a high-five to the face". However, they left their revenge as we had to clean the walls and ceiling. Here J is using Aubrey's broom and a baby wipe to clean the ceiling. (P.S. we don't call them baby wipes but how on earth do you spell wipey, wipee, wypee, wipey, whypee)
Checo has started an old man softball time. All invitees are at least 40 years old with the exception of J. He was given honorary 40 year old status. He's not sure how he feels about this but is grateful for the opportunity to hang out with the old folks.
A visit with Mercedes.
A couple of Mercedes's girls with Aubrey. Yup, it's Christmas time in the Dominican. (Further proof was seen today at the grocery store because grills are on sale.)
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