Flight: Delta 1032
Departs: 9:20 pm from Atlanta, Georgia
Arrives: 10:46 pm at Raleigh, North Carolina
Seats: 24E and 24F
Gate: A06
WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
We're heading home tomorrow!
Flight: Delta 1032
Departs: 9:20 pm from Atlanta, Georgia
Arrives: 10:46 pm at Raleigh, North Carolina
Seats: 24E and 24F
Gate: A06
WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
8/8/08 and San Pedro
Hello Everyone,
Josh and I have been in the small country town of San Pedro since Friday. We are staying with some friends of friends of friends! It is a small, pretty town-- not as busy or crowded as Santo Domingo. On the map below, you can see some of the places we have visited.
If you first find Santo Domingo on the map, and then follow the coast to the right, you will see Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, and then San Pedro. Boca Chica and Juan Dolio are beach towns. Then from San Pedro, you can go up to Hato Mayor, Sabana del Mar, and El Valle. We visited all of those towns on Saturday. We also visited a small rural town called Consuelo, which is not on the map. It is extremely poor-- the poorest place we have seen yet. Mostly Haitians live there, so that they can work in the Sugar Cane fields, but a few famous baseball players have come out of Consuelo too, like Sammy Sosa.
We visited a pastor's family there and stayed with them for about three hours. I have a few pictures... and unless you guys have seen this kind of utter poverty before, you will be shocked. Basically, the "town" consists of shacks with scrap metal roofs and mud. The mud comes from the streets and ally ways, especially when it rains, which it was during our visit. It poured cats and dogs! The "homes" all have dirt floors and outside plumbing.
It was a great testimony to Josh and I to share and fellowship with these dear people in Consuelo. The two daughters that we were visiting, Luciel and Yina, did not speak any English and did not know a lot about the USA. They also get few visitors. We ended up singing almost the whole time.... because that's what we had in common! They love music! Josh and I would sing one "American" hymn and then they would sing another "Dominican" one. They were just as interested in our weird songs and we were in their beautiful, haunting ones.
I have pictures of them too, and some videos, but I can't post any of them right now. I might have to wait till we get back to the States. Yesterday we visited a new church, Iglesia Cristiana Evagelica de la Gracia or Grace Christian Evangelical Church. This church is a new plant in San Pedro that only has 10 members. I cannot describe to you what a blessing it was to worship with this tiny congregation, but, I have some beautiful pictures and videos which I think will help a little. They are so zealous and joyful in the Lord, and the little kids were really cute too!
They don't have a pastor yet, so all of the men (about 3) in the congregation took turns praying, preaching, and reading the Word. I had to work really hard translating everything for Joshua. It was very difficult, but the worst of it was that they have this phenominal speaker system that nearly drowned out everything I said. Josh told me later that I was either inaudible or yelling in his ear! Because I could understand them almost 100%, it was remarkably edifying and encouraging. I hope that we can come back some day when Josh has learned more Spanish.
Tio Simon and Tia Rosa have taken us everywhere with them the past few days. Besides the family in Consuelo, we have visited numerous Christian brothers and sisters on the side of the road and also in their homes. If any of you ever visit San Pedro or the surrounding countryside, a good number of the streets vendors are Christians, so if you stop, you might get more than just some nice tropical fruit.
Speaking of fruit, I had two cool new fruits: Sapote--- this time fresh, and Limolla... which is like a melon in a round, hard, green shell. The avocadoes, coconuts, chinola and stuff all grow fresh here in their backyards. One of the prettiest things we have seen yet is the Dominican countryside.... and as far as the eye can see all around: sugar cane fields. You can't even imagine how pretty it is! I will post pics soon, DV.
On Saturday, we also visited El Valle, and Los Haitises. These are not pictures, but I got the same exact ones, and this is WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!
WOW!!!
We were literally RIGHT THERE!!!!!!
Anyway.... I better go. It was great updating! I haven't been on the computer for ages cuz the family we were staying with lost their internet connection. I hope to see you guys really soon... a lot of you, NEXT SUNDAY!!!! yay!
Love,
kristin and josh
Josh and I have been in the small country town of San Pedro since Friday. We are staying with some friends of friends of friends! It is a small, pretty town-- not as busy or crowded as Santo Domingo. On the map below, you can see some of the places we have visited.
If you first find Santo Domingo on the map, and then follow the coast to the right, you will see Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, and then San Pedro. Boca Chica and Juan Dolio are beach towns. Then from San Pedro, you can go up to Hato Mayor, Sabana del Mar, and El Valle. We visited all of those towns on Saturday. We also visited a small rural town called Consuelo, which is not on the map. It is extremely poor-- the poorest place we have seen yet. Mostly Haitians live there, so that they can work in the Sugar Cane fields, but a few famous baseball players have come out of Consuelo too, like Sammy Sosa.
We visited a pastor's family there and stayed with them for about three hours. I have a few pictures... and unless you guys have seen this kind of utter poverty before, you will be shocked. Basically, the "town" consists of shacks with scrap metal roofs and mud. The mud comes from the streets and ally ways, especially when it rains, which it was during our visit. It poured cats and dogs! The "homes" all have dirt floors and outside plumbing.
It was a great testimony to Josh and I to share and fellowship with these dear people in Consuelo. The two daughters that we were visiting, Luciel and Yina, did not speak any English and did not know a lot about the USA. They also get few visitors. We ended up singing almost the whole time.... because that's what we had in common! They love music! Josh and I would sing one "American" hymn and then they would sing another "Dominican" one. They were just as interested in our weird songs and we were in their beautiful, haunting ones.
I have pictures of them too, and some videos, but I can't post any of them right now. I might have to wait till we get back to the States. Yesterday we visited a new church, Iglesia Cristiana Evagelica de la Gracia or Grace Christian Evangelical Church. This church is a new plant in San Pedro that only has 10 members. I cannot describe to you what a blessing it was to worship with this tiny congregation, but, I have some beautiful pictures and videos which I think will help a little. They are so zealous and joyful in the Lord, and the little kids were really cute too!
They don't have a pastor yet, so all of the men (about 3) in the congregation took turns praying, preaching, and reading the Word. I had to work really hard translating everything for Joshua. It was very difficult, but the worst of it was that they have this phenominal speaker system that nearly drowned out everything I said. Josh told me later that I was either inaudible or yelling in his ear! Because I could understand them almost 100%, it was remarkably edifying and encouraging. I hope that we can come back some day when Josh has learned more Spanish.
Tio Simon and Tia Rosa have taken us everywhere with them the past few days. Besides the family in Consuelo, we have visited numerous Christian brothers and sisters on the side of the road and also in their homes. If any of you ever visit San Pedro or the surrounding countryside, a good number of the streets vendors are Christians, so if you stop, you might get more than just some nice tropical fruit.
Speaking of fruit, I had two cool new fruits: Sapote--- this time fresh, and Limolla... which is like a melon in a round, hard, green shell. The avocadoes, coconuts, chinola and stuff all grow fresh here in their backyards. One of the prettiest things we have seen yet is the Dominican countryside.... and as far as the eye can see all around: sugar cane fields. You can't even imagine how pretty it is! I will post pics soon, DV.
On Saturday, we also visited El Valle, and Los Haitises. These are not pictures, but I got the same exact ones, and this is WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!
WOW!!!
We were literally RIGHT THERE!!!!!!
Anyway.... I better go. It was great updating! I haven't been on the computer for ages cuz the family we were staying with lost their internet connection. I hope to see you guys really soon... a lot of you, NEXT SUNDAY!!!! yay!
Love,
kristin and josh
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Hola Amigos!!
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for Josh and I. We have needed it! After three days as Pastor Castillo's guests, we decided that we would serve them better to travel in to work, perpared with our own food and water. It is alot of work to take care of, feed and manage a large group of visiting Americans and we did not want to be a burden to any while trying to serve them. So, we are back with our friends the Rojas who are very glad to have us with them! They have been very generous and kind. Esteban and Laura are coming with us tomorrow to help also! The plan is to travel in to El Dique and continue to help in anyway we can. This is VBS week and construction is a daily labor.
Sunday morning Josh was very sick. We think it was food posioning or something. Tuesday I woke with a horrible sore throat and tongue. I can explain, as words can not do justice to how horrible it looked in my mouth... It even scared Josh! God was so kind though, and within three hours medicine was delivered to our door! Today I was much better but later this afternoon stricken with a terrible migraine. Please pray I am able to work tomorrow.
We are very thankful for all that God is teaching us during this trip. We are told that we are having the "real Dominican experience," and that "Living in the Dominican is living on the edge...hand to mouth." How true...
God bless you all, we will be home in nine days. DV
Kiki and Josh
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Tu me vuelves loco! ... Just Kidding.
Hello, Everyone, how are you on this balmy Sunday afternoon?
Oh, I forgot, it's probably raining and cloudy where you are! The breeze is delicious here, although the heat is something incredible. Josh got food poisoning this morning from some food we ate out last night, so I have been at home all day reading and taking care of Josh.
I am also reading this cool book called, In the Time of the Butterflies, by Julia Alverez. It is about the Maribel sisters that were murdered for the revolutionary attempts during the reign of Trujillo the Domincan dictator. Trujillo was this horrible dictator in this country; he ruled for 30 years before he was "put out". He oversaw the killing of thousands of Hatians and Dominicans who opposed his tyranny. The Maribel sisters publicly opposed his influence, and for this reason three of them were killed.
Josh just woke up from his long slumber so I am going to go make him something. My next post will be pics of the kidlets!
Oh, I forgot, it's probably raining and cloudy where you are! The breeze is delicious here, although the heat is something incredible. Josh got food poisoning this morning from some food we ate out last night, so I have been at home all day reading and taking care of Josh.
I am also reading this cool book called, In the Time of the Butterflies, by Julia Alverez. It is about the Maribel sisters that were murdered for the revolutionary attempts during the reign of Trujillo the Domincan dictator. Trujillo was this horrible dictator in this country; he ruled for 30 years before he was "put out". He oversaw the killing of thousands of Hatians and Dominicans who opposed his tyranny. The Maribel sisters publicly opposed his influence, and for this reason three of them were killed.
Josh just woke up from his long slumber so I am going to go make him something. My next post will be pics of the kidlets!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Work at the church...
Yesterday, Josh and I spent the entire day at the church, Iglesia Fundamento Biblico. When we arrived at about eight thirty, there were about 30 americans there and about 10 dominicans from another church. The americans came from John Pipers church, and the dominicans came from Pastor Santanas church in Santiago.
Josh helped a lot with the construction. He shoveled sand with several other young people that was pulled up by pulleys in buckets. Then, he manned the recieving of buckets from the roof. The sand is being mixed with conctrete to make the floor.
I went with a group of young people into the streets of El Dique to spread the word about the upcoming VBS. We knocked on their doors and talked to people in the streets. The streets were very narrow, sometimes only ten feet wide, and the people that lived there were very poor. Two little guys acted as our guides showing us the houses that had children.
Later on, a whole group of young people gathered about 70 children from the town and played games and sang songs with them in front of the church. It was so precious to see these little kids (ages 3 to 10) laughing and enjoying themselves. We taught them songs about Jesus in Spanish like,
Ale lu ale lu ale lu ale lu.... GLORIA A DIOS!
We also sang this one,
Dios es tan grande, tan fuerte y amante...
God is so BIG so STRONG and so LOVING!
We had a great time with the little kids and their parents. The registration for the VBS is getting so big that most age groups are closed. lots of kidlets signing up!
At seven pm, we had prayer meeting and got a detailed report from Mr. Sena about the conference in Kentucky. It was really cool to see some of our friends in the pictures! Anyway, we love you guys and we are coming home soon. Only 13 days left!!!!
Josh helped a lot with the construction. He shoveled sand with several other young people that was pulled up by pulleys in buckets. Then, he manned the recieving of buckets from the roof. The sand is being mixed with conctrete to make the floor.
I went with a group of young people into the streets of El Dique to spread the word about the upcoming VBS. We knocked on their doors and talked to people in the streets. The streets were very narrow, sometimes only ten feet wide, and the people that lived there were very poor. Two little guys acted as our guides showing us the houses that had children.
Later on, a whole group of young people gathered about 70 children from the town and played games and sang songs with them in front of the church. It was so precious to see these little kids (ages 3 to 10) laughing and enjoying themselves. We taught them songs about Jesus in Spanish like,
Ale lu ale lu ale lu ale lu.... GLORIA A DIOS!
We also sang this one,
Dios es tan grande, tan fuerte y amante...
God is so BIG so STRONG and so LOVING!
We had a great time with the little kids and their parents. The registration for the VBS is getting so big that most age groups are closed. lots of kidlets signing up!
At seven pm, we had prayer meeting and got a detailed report from Mr. Sena about the conference in Kentucky. It was really cool to see some of our friends in the pictures! Anyway, we love you guys and we are coming home soon. Only 13 days left!!!!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Working at the Castillos
Hello everybody!
Today was our first day visiting the church, Iglesia Biblica Fundamento. It is still a work in progress, though the construction has a lot of potential! It has three floors, an office, and a already finished basement that they are using for the sanctuary for now.
From the top floor, you can see the river and the little homes that are along the shore. At night, when you cross over the bridge...the surrounding land is almost completely dark. El Dike does not have many lights.
For lunch, Josh and I ate one delicious mango a piece. Manuel Sena, the head of the construction, bought them for us. They were delicious. Tomorrow, we are going back to do painting and some other things. A large group from a sister church is coming as well. On Sunday, Chuck Davies from Trinity is going to be here. It should be exciting!
I have had a lot of opportunity to continue learning Spanish, and Josh has been learning a lot too. We only have 16 days left in the DR, and so we are trying to take adavtange of the time. I have to say we are pretty homesick too. The culture here is very diferent...nice, but different! It has been an interesting adjustment, but Josh and I always have each other to lean on. For this reason, we hae been doing out devotions together. I hope that God uses this time to draw us closer to himself.
I cannot post pics for some reason, but rest assured that we are taking them and will share them when we are able! We love you guys and thank you for your continued prayer!
Today was our first day visiting the church, Iglesia Biblica Fundamento. It is still a work in progress, though the construction has a lot of potential! It has three floors, an office, and a already finished basement that they are using for the sanctuary for now.
From the top floor, you can see the river and the little homes that are along the shore. At night, when you cross over the bridge...the surrounding land is almost completely dark. El Dike does not have many lights.
For lunch, Josh and I ate one delicious mango a piece. Manuel Sena, the head of the construction, bought them for us. They were delicious. Tomorrow, we are going back to do painting and some other things. A large group from a sister church is coming as well. On Sunday, Chuck Davies from Trinity is going to be here. It should be exciting!
I have had a lot of opportunity to continue learning Spanish, and Josh has been learning a lot too. We only have 16 days left in the DR, and so we are trying to take adavtange of the time. I have to say we are pretty homesick too. The culture here is very diferent...nice, but different! It has been an interesting adjustment, but Josh and I always have each other to lean on. For this reason, we hae been doing out devotions together. I hope that God uses this time to draw us closer to himself.
I cannot post pics for some reason, but rest assured that we are taking them and will share them when we are able! We love you guys and thank you for your continued prayer!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Today, Josh and I made an American dessert-- Magic Cookie Bars. Basically, it is coconit bars with chocolate chips. Well, I never knew before how to do this, but we had to get the coconut out of a real coconut! There is no pre-packaged coconut here! Josh sliced the coconut in half and scraped the meat out. It is very dry and not at all sweet. Strange, huh?
On Monday, Josh and I will be going to work at Pastor's Castillo's. I have already met him and his wife, but we still haven't met the family. One thing that has really impressed me about the culture here is how happy and content they are despite the trouble that they experience: lack of running water, electricity, internet connection, TV, certains foods, air conditioning, and ability to zoom around fast in the car. But everyone I have met here from the church has been so filled with the joy of the Lord. It is a huge testimony to me! IT is one thing to say you find your joy in God, but it is another thing to say you find your joy in God when you are suffering some trials.
There is a song by Juan Luis Guerra, a famous Dominican composer, which says,
"Ojala que llueve cafe en el campo"
"I wish it rained coffee in the fields."
I finally understand this sentiment. I really do wish it rained coffee in the fields here! How delightful that would be! Right now, we have no running water. But God is sufficient.
"Man does not live by bread alone!"