Blessings in La Cienaga

We have officially been back a week and it has been great.  After getting settled and reorganizing (we always come back with more and more stuff), we have been preparing and planning for summer camps!  Although it's only a start, I am getting very excited about this summer and all the youth and communities we can reach.  So on that, join us this year!!  We need more people to love on the Dominicans, the Guatemalans, the Cubans, the Puerto Ricans and the Mexicans!  We will basically be having a camp somewhere in Latin America every week of summer (or the vast majority), so look at your calendar now and decide when you can come.  (And get your passport!)

We had our first official meeting with the guys last night and it was fantastic to see and hear the growth in them.  They had several ideas at continuing to outreach to the coaches and how to continue reaching out to other communities.  There is still some work to be done for these guys to be independent, but we are so excited about the growth we have seen and as always their hearts for Christ and sharing the Gospel.  Please lift up all our brothers here but especially Freysy who has been very sick with bronchitis.  Pray for healing for him and easier breathing.

We have had the privilege to meet some amazing Canadian brothers and sisters who are working in La Cienaga the past few weeks. They have constructed a house for Pastor Johnny (on the same lot as the church), are painting the church, school and orphanage and are constructing a jungle gym. Without knowing each other face to face, we have worked alongside these brothers and sisters for years. It is a privilege to meet them in person!  And now I have had the opportunity to meet the famous Alan.  Alan has been outreaching for many years in Latin America and through God's circumstances (I'm not going to say various because God has had it all planned out for the beginning) we have followed in Alan's footsteps through the DR, in Cuba and Guatemala. Thanks to his heart for Christ, maturity, and love, he has helped set the foundations in these countries to trust and accept our ministry.  Thank you Alan for listening to God's commands and following His lead! 

Alan and myself in La Cienaga today.

 

Our house is still a hotspot for neighborhood kids and we have had a great time being here playing and loving on them.  All of our new Christmas gifts have been a hit and Aubrey is loving spending time with each of them.  (But I must say the biggest toy has been the whiteboard and markers we bought to use during meetings.  Just like all kids, might as well give them the box because they are actually going to have more fun with the box than the toy in it!) 

We are restarting our individual meetings this week and are looking forward to hearing what God is doing in each of our staff's lives and how the future looks for them.  Please continue praying for these meetings!

And for some pictures of Pastor Johnny's new house:

The front of the house.

 

The kitchen and livingroom.

The indoor bathroom.

Johanna's new room.  It is a beautiful pink!

 

Pastor Johnny.

Aubrey, Johanna and me outside the house.  (And Hendy on the right.)

The men working on the jungle gym.

 

The jungle gym.  (To the right is the church.)

The inside of Pastor Johnny's church with a fresh coat of paint.

Outside our house, Genesis (left) and Angie (right) posing next to their artwork.  It said "Casa Arredondo" beneath the rainbow. (Genesis is a true blessing with both girls.  She is basically a babysitter who loves to be here and gets paid in cupcakes or cookies.)

Ryann and Aubrey playing.

Since we got back, we have been low on water.  Well, one morning we were completely out of water in both the cistern (the container outside) and the water tank on top of our house.  So, we used bottle water to wash our dishes.  A little while later it started raining...

 

And here's a picture of the empty cistern.  But basically the entire day we used only bottled water (to clean dishes, for the toilet and to bathe).  Our neighbor, Jose, the best neighbor in the entire world, hooked us up to his tank Sunday night so we could receive more water.  (Basically the city "sends" water at night to varying areas of Sosua to fill up the cisterns.)  Jose gave us his portioning to add to ours to help.  When we finally received enough to turn our pump on, Aubrey was ecstatic running around saying "the water's on, the water's on."  We are still running low and being extra cautious with our usage.  Please pray for us as we continue to seek God's provision.

 

Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. -Matthew 7:7

 

Blessing upon blessing

Bienvenidos a la Republica Dominicana!  We arrived safely yesterday afternoon and were greeted with 6 of our Dominican brothers!  It was such a blessing to be so warmly welcomed and they followed it up by having a pizza and soda ready for us for dinner.  It was very nice not having to run to the store and make something for dinner while getting resettled.  And it has been great seeing all our friends on the street.  :)  They came over yesterday afternoon and basically have not left since (minus a few hours overnight and morning school time).  But it is great to be home again and back into our routine.  However, we are all still adjusting to the 2 hour time difference.  We are excited for the work we have ahead including (God willing) moving to Las Terrenas, more discipleship and SUMMER CAMP PLANNING!  I know God has HUGE things in store for this summer and I cannot wait to get started on this. 
But, first our stay in the States was such a blessing.  It was refilling and rejuvenating and prepared us for more time here.  Family time was amazing between both J's family, my family and all our extended family through church and friends and the world!  We were blessed in numerous ways and God continues to pour out His blessings on us.  If you don't know, we actually hosted a Dominican fundraising dinner while in the States to ask for donations for our time here.  When we initially set out, we agreed on 1 year to 18 months.  Now that the specified time had passed, we needed to renew and increase our fundraising for both our family and our ministry.  And you know, God provides!!!  Although He may not always provide or answer prayers in the way you think, He answers in His perfect way.  :)  This past Monday alone was so joyful as God poured blessing after blessing into our lives.  We are humbled to be on this journey with Him and I pray we continue to seek Him in all we do both in the ministry and in our lives. 

Now for some pictures of our time in the States...

We visited my mom in Amarillo over Christmas.  It's hard to see but it's actually snowing in this picture.  (Can you tell we are raising a Caribbean little girl?  She was not overly excited about the freezing weather nor the snow.)

A picture of my mom and Aubrey playing.  (Sorry Mom, I liked this one!) :)

Ryann's first Christmas morning!

Aubrey on the drive back to Houston with her new "Frozen" blanket.  But I had to take a picture of that hair and all the static.  It was crazy.  (Something I am definitely glad to have again- humidity.)

The girls playing at J's mom and dad's house.

 

 Aubrey and Grandpop (J's dad) posing for the camera.

 

Aubrey waiting in the airport to head back to the DR.  We bought her some Minnie Mouse kid headphones for Christmas not knowing exactly when she would use them.  However, God provided an amazing gift from Dr. Ramsey when she gave us this Nabi Jr. tablet on Monday night!  What a gift and blessing!  (It's like God has everything planned out and knew what was to come!)  :)

Back in the DR.  We always bring a few crafts back.  So here they are painting butterfly magnets.  (Another blessing, most of the clothing Aubrey will be wearing for quite some time was donated from the Forward family including this shirt!)   

Playing on the patio.  (Morris family- the princess shoes are getting LOTS of wear here!)

Loralee and Ryann playing this afternoon.  (And, yes, it's mid 80s here!)

 

 

Being the worrier I am, I tend to over stress about the little things and how to provide this or that.  I know our God is sovereign and takes care of all of it (even the red lights).  So why do I spend so much time worrying and stressing?  Because I am human.  This is part of my faith and my spiritual life I am growing in.  It is hard (very hard) and I try to take control of it EVERYDAY!  But it's at moments like these when I realize and see God provided us everything including the needs and some desires.  We are humbled for the blessing to live here in the DR with our brothers and sisters.  And I pray God continues to grow us to be more faithful and more dependent on Him. 

 

 

 

"You are radically dependent on God to do something in your life that you could never do." 

-David Platt

 

 

p.s.  Ryann has a tooth!  I can see it and feel it.  Please be praying for comfort for her as she is definitely uncomfortable.

 

p.p.s. Funny moment of the day... mix up of the words enojado for mojado. 

What was said: Be careful, the butterflies (magnets) are still angry (enojado).

What was meant: Be careful, the butterflies are still wet.  #spanishfails (not a real twitter but should be)

 

p.p.p.s.  Speaking of Twitter... AIM is on twitter now!  @AIMforGod  And thanks to the best Director of Communications, J and I are on twitter.  @JaimeAIMSforGod

Although I do not fully understand (showing my age here) how to use twitter, this is going to be awesome to share God's story here in the DR and all across the world.  So please follow us, or join us, or like us or whatever you do with twitter so you can be a part of the work God is doing all around.



Unspeakable Joy

My blogging is a time for me to share my thoughts, struggles, joy and love for Christ.  I often have several drafted and written but don't post as I continue to work on them.  I came across this one and wanted to post as a reminder in this new year.  Let's seek joy in all we do for this year to come.  Let's be joyful in the story God is writing in our life (even when it's hard) and show others the joy we receive when we make that decision to accept him as our Lord and Savior.----

(written early November)
A few nights ago I stayed up way past my bedtime watching the movie "God's Not Dead" (an excellent movie if you haven't seen it).  It was a blessing from God to see it because it was the reset I needed for the work we have been called to.  Lately life has been hard.  And I don't mean with the kids or family, but we have been under attack spiritually for quite some time now and it's tiring.  As soon as one thing clears up our enemy presses down on us with another.  A few days ago J was struggling with the work needed to be done.  One of his gifts is mercy.  While this is an essential part of him and makes him who he is at heart, our enemy likes to take and twist this so J ends up allowing others to take advantage or run over him.  His eyes get blinded to the truth at hand and a haze sets over him.  When the situations are brought up, he can see the truth but does not necessarily want to deal with it.  It's easier if there is no conflict.  And I'll admit this is something I deal with (people pleaser- I don't want anyone upset with me and I will often let people take advantage of me) but not to the degree J struggles.  We have had many tasks present themselves that makes us ask ourselves, "why is this happening?  why do I have to deal with this now?"  J gave the example of your All Star 3rd baseman who makes 3 errors during the final game of the World Series- why now?  And ultimately, we understand and know (thanks in part to Fred- president of AIM) that these attacks are simply our enemy fighting with all he has.  Fighting to get us down, fighting to make us feel alone and tired, fighting to make us lose our joy.  And believe me, it can be very easy to lose your joy.  But seeing this movie helped renew and restore my joy.  As J and I discussed these attacks, I realized that at the heart of it this is the goal- these attacks come to steal our joy. Because let's face it, this world is not all rainbows and sunshine.  But thanks to one sacrifice, one death on a cross, one Son, we are renewed with a hope of something far greater and better.  Praise God for these reminders of the joy we have now and the joy to come.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16 

Tessa Comes to Visit

Whew!  What a week we had.  One of our new counterparts within AIM came to visit the Dominican and it was a fun, crazy, exhausting week.  But I do believe she is now up to par with the Dominican and all the people in it!  :)  We had a wonderful week with Tessa and have decided we are going to adopt her into our family.  (I know there will be some competition as others will want her, but I am making it official on our blog that we want her!)  She arrived a week ago Tuesday and we hit the ground running with the Rivas family, Gary's practice and the softball game with Banco Santa Cruz.  We visited San Luis and Pastor Joaquin, visited many of the fields in Sosua, La Cienega, Sabaneta, and others.  Visited the school Salomon is volunteering and got to take part in another event planned by the Service Club at Freysy's school (more on that later).  Participated in a 1 day camp planned completely by Dominicans, interviewed lots of people and attended an end of year party with the Christian Sports Association and the majority of our coaches in the greater Sosua area.  It was one of those weeks that flies by.  We traveled back with Tessa and arrived in the States a few days ago.  As always, our girls traveled very well, praise God!  And we are here, unpacked, enjoying the cooler weather and time with family and friends in the States.  Praise God for these times of rest and rejuvenation.  And Praise God for this time of refilling in spirit.  One of the things we have seen (and something our enemy will use against us) is that it is unbelievably easy to pour out, pour out, pour out until there is nothing left but an empty shell.  Just sheer exhaustion and mental blockage.  As Christians, it is so important for us to be poured into so we can continue pouring out, and these times of rest, family and quiet are a blessing.  It is very hard for me to see the times I need to be refilled, and even harder for me to take the time to allow that to happen.  One of my prayers throughout these few weeks back in the States is for us to be renewed and rejuvenated and ready to hit the ground running. 

And now for a few pictures of the week:

A picture of Aubrey at the school in Villa Liberacion.  Merry Christmas!!  (Or Mele Kalikimaka from the DR)

During our time at the Pier Giorgio hotel.  The breeze and waves were crazy high but beautiful as always. 

For a few years now, Freysy's school has gathered food items to provide Christmas dinner to local families in need.  This year, the service club Freysy leads took charge of the event.  Last year they had 22 boxes of food (which often gives the family enough food for 1 month).  This year they provided 54 boxes!!  Praise God!  We were asked to attend the luncheon in honor of the event and as a representative of AIM in the community.  It was one of the most spirit filled Christmas parties we have ever attended.  And to top it off, one of the Assistants for the Superintendent attended the luncheon and is planning on incorporating this event into all the schools next year!  Can you imagine how many people will be reached?!!  God is good all the time!!

During the luncheon they invite the people who will be receiving the boxes.  (You can see a few of them at the table behind the boxes.)

Some of the service club gathered together before the luncheon.  (Aubrey with her friend again!)

 

After arriving in San Luis with Tessa, we met up with Pastor Joaquin and visited several leagues where we had camp this past Summer.  Here Pastor Joaquin is delivering a small message, singing and praying with the boys.

During the Christian Sports Association party in honor of all the work the coaches do within the greater Sosua area.   Here is Tessa, Pastor Rivas and Victor.

Many of our coaches gathered together.

Alfre and Ryann.

More coaches and more fun!

Freysy saying a few words... but little did we know J and I (and our girls) were about to be honored and recognized with a beautiful plaque.  These guys are mischievous!  :)

 After arriving in Guaragao for camp, Tessa is loving on some kids.

We got to spend a day playing with 200 kids, and 5 adults accepted Christ as their Savior!!  Praise God for His faithfulness!

 

 

We are humbled and grateful for the time we get to spend in the Dominican.  We are blessed for our brothers and sisters who are growing and learning how to disciple and use their God given talents to reach others.  Please continue praying for these men and women to share their hearts and love for Christ on and off the field!



Blessed

Happy Tuesday!  It's crazy to think in 1 week we will be heading back to the States for Christmas, work and fundraising.  I cannot believe it has already been 3 months since we came back.  This past week was so much fun and if you cannot tell, we are having too much fun here with this work. (But don't tell anyone, especially Fred, I don't want him finding out how much we enjoy it here.)  :)

This past week we had our regular meetings and gatherings with a few special events.  One of the amazing things God has been doing through our guys is incorporating AIM into schools here (kind of like FCA in the schools).  Both Freysy and Salomon have been working extra hard in this, and on Friday we were invited to the school Salomon has been volunteering for a "special presentation".  From what we gathered, they had cause to celebrate and wanted to meet us in regard to the great relationship they have built with Salomon.

All the kids are gathered here and the "directora" (principal) talking to them.

 

Speaking to the kids and saying our appreciation.

 

The students currently participating in the solidarity club (a community service club) in Salomon's school.

As a special gift for us, this girl prepared a song and I must say this girl can sing.  She is 11 years old and has a voice that will bring tears to your eyes (it did mine at least).

A picture with her.

 

After the presentation we were asked to stay and watch a gymnastics performance they are working on.  It was more of a rhythm gymnastics but was awesome to see.  Again, how do children interpret love?  By playing with them.  And how can we show them Christ's love?  By spending time with them and playing with them.  So, who wants to come love on these kids and teach them gymnastics?? 

Who wouldn't want to play on this court??  The Dominican is a BEAUTIFUL country.

 

It was such a great afternoon and as always Aubrey and Ryann were well loved on.  :)  (Sometimes a little too much for Aubrey's own comfort.)

I told J we need to have more "gringo" kids for all the Dominicans.  :)  Hahaha

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Also on Friday, Juan Salazar, a Dominican born and New York raised man who lives in Santo Domingo with his family and works in the community presenting the Gospel and discipling athletes through basketball (sound familiar?), came into town.  He was asked by a basketball team in Puerto Plata to come hold a 1 day camp for them.  We met up with him and a few local pastors on Friday.  As we are always trying to outreach with other people and organizations with the same heart and goals, J and a few of our guys participated in the camp on Saturday.  Juan Salazar did a devotional with the athletes (boys between 12-16 years old) and did a basketball clinic.  Everyone involved was very motivated by the experience and on fire to continue spreading God's love through sport!

After the meeting on Friday with Juan Salazar, J, Rafael and several pastors in Puerto Plata.

 

Juan Salazar doing the devotional on Saturday.

The group of boys.

 Some of the drills.

 Recognize him??  :)  Jhose was able to join us for this camp.

Another drill.

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On Sunday, we were invited to the Rivas's house for a special lunch.  They were celebrating 27 years being here in Sosua.  Pastor spoke about him coming here 27 years ago with nothing and thanks to God has been blessed abundantly.

Ruth (Pastor's oldest daughter) with Ryann.

Praying over the Rivas family.  (And something extra special is they specifically took Aubrey and Ryann into this prayer.  We are beyond blessed for this family who truly loves us like their own.)

With Christine.

Ryann with Niriel (Jose and Flor's daughter.)  Ryann looks like a beast here.  :)

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Please be praying for the work this week as we currently await the arrival of Tessa (for those who don't know, Tessa is working with AIM and is an expert at all things computer-ical)  :)  If you haven't visited the AIM website in awhile, you should see it.  She has done a phenomenal job with it (http://aimissions.net/).  We are very excited to spend the week with her working and showing her to the Dominican family and life.

 

 

Much love to all of you!!

 

I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God;

I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you -

I, whom you have redeemed.

Psalm 71:22-23