Chapter 1 - Just Being Lazy - THE NOVEL - Be Warned!

The truth of this blog is that I'm just being lazy. Instead of writing the same thing to several friends who I want to stay in touch with, I'm writing this blog for anyone who might want to keep up with how I'm doing, what I'm doing, or where I'm going. This is the first page. I don't want to claim that I'll even keep this updated. But, at least I will start, and see how it goes. Kinda like everything else that's ahead of me.


Just got to the Dominican Republic (DR) yesterday. After wrapping up what seems to be a mountain of obligations, commitments, and promises I had made, but had to date failed to keep. By the time I left, many were finished. But, truth be told, many were transferred to other friends or family who would be more faithful in finishing than I was. But, if you're one of those faithful family members or friends reading this, please know how much I appreciate what you did or what you are taking on to help me to get to where, prayerfully, God is leading me.


I guess there are two sides to my journey. The people and the places.

The people first. The amazing threads of people that God has woven into my life. And, for some strange and stupid reason I seem to think that when one chapter of my life has ended, none will compare or come close to the people of that past chapter. In some ways that is a great complement to the people I’ve known. Amazing and generous people. But, in some ways that’s a huge insult to God, because that means that at some point God stops being God; stops being generous and gracious. And, He proves over and over that’s not true.

I left Florida thinking and feeling that perhaps some of the best years of my life were over. Thinking that some of the best people I’ve been privileged to know would be the last of that breed; who could compare? Feeling really sad about the chapter closing, even though I knew it was time to close and God was calling me onward.

But then, as only God/Spirit can do, I get to the DR, and what has been prepared for me? A group of people, young and old that He has prepared for my arrival. Hearts He has prepared. Places He has prepared. Situations He has prepared that allow me to continue to be whom and what He has called me to be.

All that to say, that I arrived into my host family, and God starts reveling this family that has been prepared, it seems, just for me. A mother and her two boys. Typical of broken families everywhere (here, the US, everywhere). A father that’s left the picture long ago. Two boys growing into adulthood with no father. A mother struggling to keep things together (which explains why she takes in boarders). A mother rightly skeptical of this strange man (me) coming into her home. So skeptical that she makes it plain that this is a “TRIAL” period. She will have to see how things go. I think she is very wise. I too see it as a trial period. But, an awesome start.

But as the days go by, God opens doors and hearts. Hearts of these two young boys (15 & 12) who are ready to possibly take a chance on letting another man in their life. Despite all the abandonment they’ve experienced.

And a young mother that sees hope in her boys eyes as they get to know me and prayfully see that God is bring me here. I’ve not brought myself here. Who could put these threads together but God?

I settle quickly into the “trial” period. Quickly because this family, as skeptical as they want to be, are also wanting to share their lives and their hopes and their struggles with someone else, that barriers start falling. Almost too fast. Almost like there’s something that I can provide; but I know that I really can’t provide. Almost like, even if I do stay 3 ½ months; it’s only 3 ½ months. Almost like I’m afraid to bond too much with them knowing the pain it will cause us both if I should stay around and plant some roots for 3 ½ months and then leave.

You get in these situations and you’re surrounded by not only need, but also see how privileged and gifted God has made you to make a difference. You to them; them to you. Not that I’m making a difference, but again God has planned from the start, the difference He could make, if I was/am willing. Not to mention how much I need them. Need to be needed. Needing to bond with people going in the same direction and wanting to fill the void of leaving incredible people in my past. And I wonder early on (too early) if leaving them is going to be as painful as leaving those behind, like so many in S. Florida and other places I’ve put roots down.

But, for now, they seem to trust more than they should. They seem to need someone in their lives more than they have doubts about the stranger. Or perhaps God is reveling something to both of us that for now, this is His plan for a short journey for us together.

I know this all sounds like a long drawn out drama, but it’s based on what has happened with some amazing people and places of my past. And, I just want to be sure that I don’t repeat the mistakes of pain and hurt that I have caused. But, I also want to be sure that if there’s something I can share of myself and God is calling me to do here and now, then I will try to be obedient.

This journey is mostly, no is completely about the people in the journey. Not the places, not the things; not the language; not the conveniences or inconveniences. A good friend of my past has taught/shown me that.

So, at least for now, it’s about this family. Not sure how long it will last. But, for now, meet Nidia, Marsil, and Paul. Nidia, divorced, probably mid to late forties (yes, I know the warnings! I promise I will); needing to trust; needing help raising two boys. But also needing boundaries and trust and honor in her family. Marsil is all of 15. The man of the house. At first, plants his foot as the man of the house. Good for him. But then, his young age of 15 shows and his fatigue of being the man of the house also shows. And it’s like he’s wanting to just be a kid and let someone else be the man for a while. He hasn’t seen his father in 3 years; talks to him a couple of times a week on the phone, but that’s not the same as being here. His father lives near Seattle, WA. Marcel and his younger brother Paul, spent 2 years in that area of the US. Thus they have excellent English. Two really neat kids, from all first appearances.

They have spent almost every moment they’re not in school at my side. Laughing, joking, eating, telling stories, playing games (Monopoly and Scrabble) and showing me sites and sounds of Santiago. But, they are not typical Americans. We went to Taco Bell the first night for dinner. It was my treat. It was the first time in 3 years they’d been to Taco Bell. Talk about gratitude. Marsil kept saying what a great evening it was. This is a 15 year old kid that seems amazingly grateful for what would be taken for granted in the US.

I’m babbling too much, but if I were to get to the heart of why I want to take this journey, it would be to be a part of something, or more like someone’s life that would otherwise not have the opportunity unless God sends it through me. And maybe, just maybe (time will tell) it starts with Marsil and Paul, and Nidia. I wonder who’s next?

I keep thinking that my ministry with “kids” is over. For a lot of good reasons, at least so I thought.

But, then comes kids (young men really) like Kyrie and Tyler and Annie (sorry guys if you’re reading this) into my life. Makes no sense why or how we became as close as we did, but it was a God thing. Just leave it at that. They were and are amazing young people, and it was/is my privilege and honor to be a part of their lives. And they blessed me in many many ways. Ways a successful career and worldly blessings could never.

But, that being said, I left the US yesterday thinking… okay that was awesome but that type of ministry is surely over. I need to move forward and thinking that young “missionaries in training” are my next step. And who should God open me up to? Well, so far two kids that have few close male role models in their lives. And believe me, that can be very scary, very humbling. I’m no father figure. Have no experience at it. Could seriously list many others who would be far better role models. Not sure what it’s really like But, here I go again, at least trying to fill a gap, by God’s grace, that should have never existed in the first place.

But you may be wondering about the accommodations and logistics. Well, in some ways I wish I could say I’m roughing it. Like no water; no electricity, and rice and beans morning, noon, and night. Mosquitos as big as dogs. Etc. Etc. I could say all that, but it would NOT be true!

Try electricity almost 24/7. Excellent water; not hot, but great pressure in the shower. A great house; pretty small by American standards, but extremely clean. No AC, but the evenings have been so cool, that I’ve used a sheet to cover up with! Excellent fans. My own private room (which was my answered prayer). And a full time housekeeper/cook that lives on the premises. She, Rosa, has my bed made while I’m at breakfast every morning. Cleans my room. She’s also an excellent cook. But, beyond all that, she has a great smile and a warm heart, and it’s been my privilege to meet and share some time together. I look forward to more time shared with her. Yes, she’s spoiling me! I try to let her know how grateful I am for her help.

Also a good run this morning. 10 kilometers. Around the famous “monumento” in the heart of the city. Good run.

Also included with my accomodations. Cable TV with American channels. High speed internet service at the house. KFC, McDonalds, Burger King, and Taco Bell around the corner. An in-house land line phone that was as clear when I called Mom as it would have been between Alabama and Florida.

And of course there’s the great places to get ice cream. And my cell phone is now working! Magic touches in the DR get my razor cell phone from the US working. New number; but for a fraction of the cost, I now have cell phone service in the DR. And supposedly will now work anywhere in the world (we’ll see?!). And there’s the great taxi service Nidia has provided. Also, Nidia has loaned me the car to run around with the boys by ourselves. Good times. And to top it all off, for those that really know me will appreciate this; there’s actually a Costco want-a-be here!!!! It’s actually probably owned by Costco. Has to be. It’s like 85% just like Costco, right down to the Kirkland brands everywhere. And good hot dogs and pizza. And very very similar supply of goods. It was amazing. Like a part of Heaven was dropped in Santiago. Of course I signed up to be a member!

And, I now have 2 bank accounts in the DR. One for DR pesos; one for American cash.

So, not exactly roughing it. Not at all. It’s been an amazing 2 ½ days. Great people. Great place. Really feeling surprisingly at peace and almost at home. I know that sounds crazy, but I truly have been privileged to merge into this family just like God has prepared them for years for my visit. It’s almost scary! Like waiting for the other foot to drop; it’s been so amazingly perfect so far. I guess that foot drops on Monday, when I start language school.

Oh, and most most important. The host family appears to have a very strong Christian faith. Marsil has lots of American Christian music on his I-pod (gift from his father). We’ve had a couple of God talks already. He listens to some very deep music. Very unusual for a boy of his age. Excited to hear and share more of his faith. Will go to church with them on Sunday. Really looking forward to it.

And, along with the taxi service, I’ve been meeting this host of friends and family of Nidia. Like I’m the new kid in town and need to be introduced to as many people as possible. Now have almost ten cell phone numbers in my phone in case I need to reach any of these new friends. I’ve been very blessed.

I know this is the honeymoon. I’m too old to think otherwise. But what a great honeymoon. Nothing I expected. Nothing could have been further from my expectation. It’s been incredible.

But, I guess that means only one thing. All of you that have been praying and are praying for me. The prayers are being answered. From the Christian friends, to those I can love and be loved by, to the comforts of Costco want-a-be. I could not have scripted a better two days. My eyes still well up when I think of all of you that I’ve left behind for this season, but you have to know that God is doing what He always does. Takes incredible care of his children. Despite their (my) stubborn ignorance, stupidity, and missteps, His faithfulness comes shining through. And, for all your prayers and thoughts, please keep it up. And, please add a prayer of thankfulness for the prayers He answered through you. Your prayers. Thank you. Seriously. Thank you.

Marsil and I are up at 12:00 midnight with me finishing this first blog. He's updating his Hi5 blog; check him out at www.marsil16.hi5.com. I’m writing my first blog. Both just hanging like old friends. Really good.

Tomorrow’s Saturday. After Marsil studies, we’ll probably tool around Santiago again with Paul in tow.

(I will post several phone numbers to get in touch with me via email. Didn’t want to post via Blogspot.)