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!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
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!
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
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
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:
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.
Friday, October 11, 2013
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 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
Saturday, October 5, 2013
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.
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!
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
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Relampago
Happy Sunday! Yesterday, we got to be a part of the Christian Sports' Association "clean up Sosua" event. This event was hosted by the Association for all of their coaches and teams. This is something they try to do 3-4 times a year as a great way to give back to the community and more importantly show God's love through the work. What was even more exciting was that while we worked in El Batey (one area of Sosua), another team worked in La Cienega, another worked in Cangrejo, and another worked in Maranatha. It was one of those moments when you feel God smiling as His Kingdom works throughout the city to bring glory to His name. Here are a few pictures of the boys and the day (we forgot to get pictures after starting off):
And then as we all know, trials come in so many forms and Satan knows our weaknesses. After a great day of work, the evening brought with it a storm. The sky grew very dark and we saw flashes of lightning in the distance. As the storm grew closer, we closed all the windows and turned off all the electricity. The lightning began to hit all around when I noticed our outdoor light was still on. So I quickly opened the door and reached my hand to turn off the switch. At that moment, lightning struck within 100 yards on our neighboring hill (it was so bright it hurt your eyes). You could feel the explosion of the thunder frightening us all but especially Aubrey. This is not our first experience with lightning in the Dominican. In fact, 2 weeks ago J had gone off with Raphael (one of our AIM staff members) to another community when a similar storm blew through. In this instance, lightning struck either our roof of the roof of one of our neighbors. It was then (and again last night) when we were reminded of the warfare being waged around us. We sought refuge not from our physical home but from the fortress that is our God. God reminded me this morning in 1 Peter 1:6-9:
Praying before the event starts.
The boys and their coaches/leaders at El Batey.
During devotional time before the event.
And then as we all know, trials come in so many forms and Satan knows our weaknesses. After a great day of work, the evening brought with it a storm. The sky grew very dark and we saw flashes of lightning in the distance. As the storm grew closer, we closed all the windows and turned off all the electricity. The lightning began to hit all around when I noticed our outdoor light was still on. So I quickly opened the door and reached my hand to turn off the switch. At that moment, lightning struck within 100 yards on our neighboring hill (it was so bright it hurt your eyes). You could feel the explosion of the thunder frightening us all but especially Aubrey. This is not our first experience with lightning in the Dominican. In fact, 2 weeks ago J had gone off with Raphael (one of our AIM staff members) to another community when a similar storm blew through. In this instance, lightning struck either our roof of the roof of one of our neighbors. It was then (and again last night) when we were reminded of the warfare being waged around us. We sought refuge not from our physical home but from the fortress that is our God. God reminded me this morning in 1 Peter 1:6-9:
"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 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."
p.s. Thanks for all the continuous prayers. Bible Study/ESL went great on Wednesday (Saturday was cancelled for the "Clean Up Sosua" event, but we restart this Wednesday hopefully with a book.) It was actually a lot of fun to help teach (J is the teacher, I'm the teaching assistant, and Aubrey is the student aide.) :)
p.p.s. And I had my first Spanish "lesson" with some neighbors on Friday night. More of a communication partner but very much needed. I am working on conjugating verbs again in the present, past and future. I even bought a notebook (and most of you know how much I love getting new school supplies!). The good news is it's slowly all coming back! (or most of it) Thanks mom for making me take Spanish in high school. :)
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Pigtails
Hey prayer warriors! Things are going really well here. We continue to play with the neighborhood kids almost everyday and yesterday we had 14 (including Aubrey) in our driveway. Fun but exhausting. Sometimes I think J enjoys it more than they do as I watch him running around screaming or bending over making farting noises. Oh boys! :) It has been VERY hot, but I am hoping for some "fall" weather soon. We start the Bible study/ESL tonight for the coaches and people we know from the community (it will be Wednesday and Saturday nights from 4-7 pm), so please be praying for this. Also, we will be making a trip to Haiti later this week, so please pray for travel mercies. So, I just wanted to let you all in on a few recent conversations in our lives. :)
Allow me to set the scene...
Sunday morning I asked J if we had anything going on today besides church. J responded, "No, dear, we don't have anything going on unless they surprise me with needing to translate or preach of some kind." To which we both chuckled knowing it's just like those Dominicans to call you on the spot.
Fast forward six hours later...
J, Aubrey and I are sitting in church worshiping and attempting to listen to basically everything said. Now you must remember, I hear bits and pieces here and there. J can understand more, but it is still easy to slightly drift away for a second. One of the men in the church is speaking in between worship songs when suddenly we both hear, "Mi hermano Jaime..." Knowing J is the only Jaime in the church, both of us look up unsure of what's to come. J walks up there as the man finishes his statement and quietly asks:
J: What do you want me to do?
Man: In Spanish- You have the opportunity.
J: Blank stare
Man: In Spanish- If you want to sing a song, if you want to say something, whatever you want.
J: I ain't singing... Candace let me have that Bible.
Luckily, our nephew Cael was learning Bible verses before we left to which we were a part of. So, J used Joshua 1:9 ("Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid." - with motions). Big thanks to Cael for saving the day! :)
Another sweet moment...
Neighborhood kids: In Spanish- How old are you? 21? (Bless those sweet kids.)
Candace- (big smile) 27.
Kids- (shocked faces) 27. Wow!!
Candace- J is 30. (yes, I totally threw him under the bus.)
Kids- (larger shocked faces- I might as well have told them we were 100.)
Lastly, God again placed another missionary family in our lives (they are originally from Tennessee) and have been here 2 years. They work with youth in the area, so after exchanging contact information, we are looking forward to meeting up with them to talk about their work, our work and what we can do together. It is amazing to meet so many people working for God in the Dominican. As we keep saying, God is moving in the DR and we are blessed to be a part of it!!
And a few pictures...
Allow me to set the scene...
Sunday morning I asked J if we had anything going on today besides church. J responded, "No, dear, we don't have anything going on unless they surprise me with needing to translate or preach of some kind." To which we both chuckled knowing it's just like those Dominicans to call you on the spot.
Fast forward six hours later...
J, Aubrey and I are sitting in church worshiping and attempting to listen to basically everything said. Now you must remember, I hear bits and pieces here and there. J can understand more, but it is still easy to slightly drift away for a second. One of the men in the church is speaking in between worship songs when suddenly we both hear, "Mi hermano Jaime..." Knowing J is the only Jaime in the church, both of us look up unsure of what's to come. J walks up there as the man finishes his statement and quietly asks:
J: What do you want me to do?
Man: In Spanish- You have the opportunity.
J: Blank stare
Man: In Spanish- If you want to sing a song, if you want to say something, whatever you want.
J: I ain't singing... Candace let me have that Bible.
Luckily, our nephew Cael was learning Bible verses before we left to which we were a part of. So, J used Joshua 1:9 ("Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid." - with motions). Big thanks to Cael for saving the day! :)
Another sweet moment...
Neighborhood kids: In Spanish- How old are you? 21? (Bless those sweet kids.)
Candace- (big smile) 27.
Kids- (shocked faces) 27. Wow!!
Candace- J is 30. (yes, I totally threw him under the bus.)
Kids- (larger shocked faces- I might as well have told them we were 100.)
Lastly, God again placed another missionary family in our lives (they are originally from Tennessee) and have been here 2 years. They work with youth in the area, so after exchanging contact information, we are looking forward to meeting up with them to talk about their work, our work and what we can do together. It is amazing to meet so many people working for God in the Dominican. As we keep saying, God is moving in the DR and we are blessed to be a part of it!!
And a few pictures...
These are Aubrey's first pigtails!! It was basically a pigtail mullet with business in the front and pigtails in the back. But I thought it was too cute. :)
Another picture of the pigtails. You can see the business side here.
And I didn't think we had actually posted any pictures of the outside of our house. Obviously we are living on the ground floor. They are still working on the second and third story. It will probably take another year or so to finish all of it. The house to the right is where the awesome Jose and his family live. He is our "fix it" man who can do everything.
A little closer up. We actually have flower beds to keep up with. :) That's our water storage and our propane tank for the stove/oven.
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