I’m headed to Haiti in a few days. Didn’t really plan to go, but there’s possible administration changes with some of the work in the Cap Haitien area, and Brian Wallace (the program director here in RSJ, I and all other missionaries report to Brian) wants to consider getting involved again. So I’m headed there with a group from Colorado and Harding (including Luckson) to do a survey of the work that needs some attention and possible administration change. I’m praying the Lord shows what He wants. I’m concerned about many things including us getting to distracted with multiple programs, and the constant and difficult challenge of knowing how to help in Haiti.
After that, a missionary retreat where all 10 of us (yep, there’s 10 here now!) will be team building. For those of you what know of the DISC personality profile that I’ve shared with you, that’s part of what we’ll be doing. I’m looking forward to it. Some are a little nervous, but I think it will be good. So far the team is growing well together. I hope God keeps it up. We all seem to have different roles (children’s home, children’s outreach, evangelism, and administration), which seems to help us all get along. Working with one another, but also having our own responsibilities.
And then visiting couples and individuals considering joining our work. TJ/Holly McCloud roll off in September, so we need to find a couple to continue their work, plus at least one more couple or individuals to help grow their work. We’re blessed to have several people interested in becoming a part of this team.
Plus keeping the ball rolling with the building plans and land purchase.
All in all, I’ve been extremely busy. Running more than I have in a long time. (Part of my excuse to be out of touch recently) I’m hoping it will slow down or at least I’ll figure out how to balance it all. I’m a little rusty on multi-tasking so it’s taking a bit to get me in full swing.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
My Santiago Family
Have visited with Marsil, Paul, and Nidia several times. It’s gone really well with Paul and Marsil. Just like old times. Nidia has been a bit distant, but not sure what that’s all about. Kind but distant. I basically ignore it. As she’s single, I am careful to keep a well-defined line.
Marsil recently passed a test that allows him to continue at the school he’s been attending. They have competency tests to insure suitability with the technical program they are studying. Supposed to be the best native school in Santiago. So, it was a huge relief when he passed (he had failed the test 2 times before, and this was his last shot). He did it!! Paul is also good. He’s continuing to grow. And is just so much easier to be around than when I arrived back in August. The old whiny Paul almost never surfaces anymore. I’m very proud of him.
Marsil recently passed a test that allows him to continue at the school he’s been attending. They have competency tests to insure suitability with the technical program they are studying. Supposed to be the best native school in Santiago. So, it was a huge relief when he passed (he had failed the test 2 times before, and this was his last shot). He did it!! Paul is also good. He’s continuing to grow. And is just so much easier to be around than when I arrived back in August. The old whiny Paul almost never surfaces anymore. I’m very proud of him.
Other Misc Stuff
Looks like I may have my first intern this summer. My good friend and brother, Luckson, has a friend who’s a senior at Harding. He’s finishing up but before starting his teaching career, he wants to work with the poor this summer. He’s also a starter on their basketball team, and with the basketball courts just across the street, there’s a possibility that God’s got some amazing things in store for him this summer. He will also assist with visiting groups and help manage the construction project, but hopefully (and probably most importantly) will also make a big impact on the local kids.
I also have my first “employee”. Although perhaps employee is not quite the right word. He’s a native of RSJ named Osvaldo (pronounced Os-bald-o). About 25 years old, and has recently married an American girl (former mid-term missionary) but she’s in the states finishing her teaching degree. They are awaiting his spousal visa for him to go to the US. The current missionary team (TJ & Holly McCloud) had employed him up to now, but we think transitioning him to me makes more since giving the huge challenge we’ll have in getting the outreach center built.
I also have my first “employee”. Although perhaps employee is not quite the right word. He’s a native of RSJ named Osvaldo (pronounced Os-bald-o). About 25 years old, and has recently married an American girl (former mid-term missionary) but she’s in the states finishing her teaching degree. They are awaiting his spousal visa for him to go to the US. The current missionary team (TJ & Holly McCloud) had employed him up to now, but we think transitioning him to me makes more since giving the huge challenge we’ll have in getting the outreach center built.
What I've Been Doing
We finally have the first round of title papers to confirm that we can make a formal offer to buy the vacant lot in Rio San Juan (RSJ) to begin building the outreach center. It was, as all things are, an amazingly frustrating and typical process. Six weeks of waiting for one simple piece of paper. Attorneys here are slow and lie a lot. Always say the papers will be here tomorrow. Tomorrow never comes. Finally, after telling the owner that their attorney was bad (malo), he actually got another one. And, it took the new one 3 days to get the papers.
But, the good news is that we do have a copy of the owner’s title for the property, so we have engaged our attorney to put together a buy/sell contract; begin title search, and hopefully in about 2 months, we’ll be the owner of a vacant lot.
Several good things have happened. For one, we were expecting the price of the property to be about $30,000, but, if we understand the property owner correctly (which is a big if), the price is actually around $24,000. Not sure why or how the original price got confused. But, we suspect our own local assistance was asking for a “middle man” commission, and when we excluded him from the deal, the price lowered. Keep in mind this guy is one of the locals working with us, so it’s been a real challenge to understand why he’d try to get a commission as our representative. But, the property representative told us about it, and we confronted him. He, of course, denied everything. So, the truth is probably somewhere out there possibly never to be found.
In any case, we’re off and running. Also working on plans to submit to the town for approval. If you are native and/or know the right people, plans are unnecessary, but since we’re foreigners they’ll probably require “fees and payments” before we get approval. All in the name of God, for the children.
The building will basically take up the entire lot (only about 63 feet by 63 feet). About 3600 square feet per floor, with 3 floors likely (if approved). First floor will be generally meeting area, second floor offices and classrooms; third floor will be living quarters. Little or no green areas, but for the price and location, it’s ideal for our continued outreach to the children and people of RSJ.
The other time has been spent getting to know the area more. I was in Santiago before, so getting to know RSJ better. And, getting settled in. Finding stores that sale what you want is like a treasure hunt. No Wal-Mart’s here. You’re fortunate if you find what you want in 5 stores. But generally, you settle on about finding 60-70% of what you wanted, and live the rest for when you make a trip over the mountain to Santiago.
But, the good news is that we do have a copy of the owner’s title for the property, so we have engaged our attorney to put together a buy/sell contract; begin title search, and hopefully in about 2 months, we’ll be the owner of a vacant lot.
Several good things have happened. For one, we were expecting the price of the property to be about $30,000, but, if we understand the property owner correctly (which is a big if), the price is actually around $24,000. Not sure why or how the original price got confused. But, we suspect our own local assistance was asking for a “middle man” commission, and when we excluded him from the deal, the price lowered. Keep in mind this guy is one of the locals working with us, so it’s been a real challenge to understand why he’d try to get a commission as our representative. But, the property representative told us about it, and we confronted him. He, of course, denied everything. So, the truth is probably somewhere out there possibly never to be found.
In any case, we’re off and running. Also working on plans to submit to the town for approval. If you are native and/or know the right people, plans are unnecessary, but since we’re foreigners they’ll probably require “fees and payments” before we get approval. All in the name of God, for the children.
The building will basically take up the entire lot (only about 63 feet by 63 feet). About 3600 square feet per floor, with 3 floors likely (if approved). First floor will be generally meeting area, second floor offices and classrooms; third floor will be living quarters. Little or no green areas, but for the price and location, it’s ideal for our continued outreach to the children and people of RSJ.
The other time has been spent getting to know the area more. I was in Santiago before, so getting to know RSJ better. And, getting settled in. Finding stores that sale what you want is like a treasure hunt. No Wal-Mart’s here. You’re fortunate if you find what you want in 5 stores. But generally, you settle on about finding 60-70% of what you wanted, and live the rest for when you make a trip over the mountain to Santiago.
How I Get Around
I purchased a used 2000 Toyota Surf. Which is like a Toyota 4-Runner SUV in the states, except it was built in Japan. And it was driven in Japan until it was shipped here just a few weeks ago. Japan’s driving is on the opposite side as American and DR cars, so everything in the front seats had to be switched. Some things were not switched. I still turn the wipers on when I want to turn my turn signal on (probably always will). The vehicle is diesel, which makes cars last longer, better mileage, and diesel is cheaper in the DR than gasoline. While it is 8 years old, the exterior body condition of the vehicle is excellent. Interior is also good. And, it came with a 3-month bumper-to-bumper warranty; with a 5-month engine/transmission guarantee.
The search for the vehicle was interesting. I know just enough about cars to be dangerous. But, in the looking at vehicles on the used car lots in Santiago, it was SO obvious that every single one of them (every one!!!) had the mileage odometer rolled backed. All of them probably had nearly 200,000 miles on them in reality, but all the odometers read between 70,000 and 80,000 kilometers. You think used car dealers are snakes in the US, you ain’t seen nothing!!! So, I ended up contacting the local mechanic that all the missionaries use, and some have used to purchase vehicles, and ask him to try to fine me one. He did. I still think the odometer was rolled back, but not to the extreme of the others, and having just come from Japan, it has never been driving in the country with its rough roads. So, all in all, I’ve been very pleased with it.
So far a few minor issues, but Henri (the mechanic) fixes everything, including replacement of the battery with a new one when it failed and left me stranded yesterday!
In this country, and most outside of 1st world countries, car problems are typical and expected (though unexpected). But everyone around is helpful and gets involved in solving the problem. It’s pretty neat in some ways. Strangers start the hunt for battery cables. You stand there looking ignorant, and others around start asking everyone passing by if they have battery cables to start your car. I’ve been stranded 3 times since I’ve been here for various reasons, and each and every time, strangers (from a 2 to 5) basically rally around me and get the problem solved.
One last thing about cars, if you had washing your car, the DR is for your. Granted, in the DR, you car gets dirty in one day, but for $3 dollars, you get it detailed. And I mean DETAILED. I sat there for almost 2 hours in amazement as this kid washed and detailed my car. Reaching all the way in the wheel well and washing behind the wheels!! Every inch of that car that he could reach was washed. Never seen anything like it. At first I thought, wow, $3 US, was high for washing a car, but then when I realized that it was a FULL detailing, I feel guilty. Ended up giving him a $3 tip. It was still only $6 and the kid was probably paid about $.25 of the base price. He then said “ask for me every time you need your car washed!” His name is Juan Carlos. I plan to.
The search for the vehicle was interesting. I know just enough about cars to be dangerous. But, in the looking at vehicles on the used car lots in Santiago, it was SO obvious that every single one of them (every one!!!) had the mileage odometer rolled backed. All of them probably had nearly 200,000 miles on them in reality, but all the odometers read between 70,000 and 80,000 kilometers. You think used car dealers are snakes in the US, you ain’t seen nothing!!! So, I ended up contacting the local mechanic that all the missionaries use, and some have used to purchase vehicles, and ask him to try to fine me one. He did. I still think the odometer was rolled back, but not to the extreme of the others, and having just come from Japan, it has never been driving in the country with its rough roads. So, all in all, I’ve been very pleased with it.
So far a few minor issues, but Henri (the mechanic) fixes everything, including replacement of the battery with a new one when it failed and left me stranded yesterday!
In this country, and most outside of 1st world countries, car problems are typical and expected (though unexpected). But everyone around is helpful and gets involved in solving the problem. It’s pretty neat in some ways. Strangers start the hunt for battery cables. You stand there looking ignorant, and others around start asking everyone passing by if they have battery cables to start your car. I’ve been stranded 3 times since I’ve been here for various reasons, and each and every time, strangers (from a 2 to 5) basically rally around me and get the problem solved.
One last thing about cars, if you had washing your car, the DR is for your. Granted, in the DR, you car gets dirty in one day, but for $3 dollars, you get it detailed. And I mean DETAILED. I sat there for almost 2 hours in amazement as this kid washed and detailed my car. Reaching all the way in the wheel well and washing behind the wheels!! Every inch of that car that he could reach was washed. Never seen anything like it. At first I thought, wow, $3 US, was high for washing a car, but then when I realized that it was a FULL detailing, I feel guilty. Ended up giving him a $3 tip. It was still only $6 and the kid was probably paid about $.25 of the base price. He then said “ask for me every time you need your car washed!” His name is Juan Carlos. I plan to.
Where I Live
Rio San Juan is probably about 15,000 in population, but still basically a very poor town. It used to be a fishing village right on the ocean, but now is growing from tourism. But, it's not exactly a tourist destination, at least by American standards. More Europeans than Americans come here. Possibly in part, unfortunately, for the sex tourism/trade. Nothing is overt like maybe in Las Vegas, but it’s well known that there's a big problem. And the biggest problem is that young girls and boys are often at the center of the trade. Tourism is big dollars compared to anything else that someone could do around here.
There is the usually mix of mostly poor, but some rich folks. Mostly basic housing, but some amazing homes on the hills overlooking the ocean. Lots of opportunity to help.
I live in a barrio known as “hospital” (pronounced “ospital”; drop the “H”), because it’s behind the local hospital (Note: if you need a hospital, DON’T go to this one!) I’m about ½ mile outside of town so it’s much quieter than living in town. Still very loud by American standards, but quiet by DR standards. Easy to walk to town if I need to.
My apartment is like a duplex; with mine being the upstairs apartment. 2 Bedrooms, large living room/dining room; large bathroom, decent size 2nd bedroom, tiny kitchen, front balcony, and large back terrace/patio; probably around 1200 square feet or more. Fairly new, possibly one year old, Nice size. Tile everywhere, which is nice. Tacky tile, but tile none the less.
The owner and his wife live downstairs and run a small colemado (tiny store). He’s from Spain and she (much younger) is from the DR. Having them living down stairs from me is actually good in that he’ll keep a very close eye on my place when I’m gone (which I’ve been gone a lot lately to Santiago, etc.). And, he has a generator which is necessary to run his refrigerators at the store, which basically insures that I have some level of electricity 24/7. It’s nothing to rave about in terms of strength, but does make the fan go around, mostly, during the night. We’re used to about 110 in the States, and I probably get may 25-50 during the night, so things like fans run much slower and fade in and out, but again, GREAT in comparison to most people around me.
I also have cable TV, which is included (probably 50 channels, of which about 10 or so are US channels including CNN, major networks, etc.). I have a front patio overlooking the local sports park. And, again while nothing like American parks, there’s a great view of all the kids playing baseball with sticks. Plus a huge, very nice, covered basketball court/stadium. Also great view from my front patio. Other houses in the area range from a few like the one I live in, to much smaller, many unpainted CBS block. The neighborhood would be considered one of the nicest in the area, excluding the “all foreigner” neighborhoods up in the hills. Some of those are unbelievable!
The apartment was furnished, all the way to dishes and towels. I had to get a lot of “American” conveniences, but mostly had the stuff I wanted. Including two TV’s, living room furniture, small refrigerator, stove/oven, great master bedroom furniture, and extra bunk beds in the 2nd bedroom. Some say I have one of the nicest bathrooms in RSJ. You’ll have to judge for yourself when you see it. Here’s a hint: the landlord is from Europe.
Weather here has been absolutely amazing. Beautiful. If you want to visit (and please please do) and you hate hot weather, come in the winter. It really is very mild. It has surprised me how nice the weather has been. Almost like south Florida. Warm in the day and cool at night. Humidity is lower now. Incredible breezes blow through my apartment. It’s been great. (Note; no screens yet, but hopefully my brother (Wanda, pass this to Eulice) can send me the supplies to make them. The bugs are HUGE. Not to mention the occasional rat!
Oh, and did I mention that is comes with a housekeeper. Yep, like all places like this, the guy downstairs has a housekeeper, so she cleans my apartment as needed. So far once a week, but that just because I’ve not really needing it more. She’s offer to clean more often. And, she does my laundry. So, not so rough so far.
Most people in RSJ would consider this an extremely nice apartment. I would agree. Very blessed.
There is the usually mix of mostly poor, but some rich folks. Mostly basic housing, but some amazing homes on the hills overlooking the ocean. Lots of opportunity to help.
I live in a barrio known as “hospital” (pronounced “ospital”; drop the “H”), because it’s behind the local hospital (Note: if you need a hospital, DON’T go to this one!) I’m about ½ mile outside of town so it’s much quieter than living in town. Still very loud by American standards, but quiet by DR standards. Easy to walk to town if I need to.
My apartment is like a duplex; with mine being the upstairs apartment. 2 Bedrooms, large living room/dining room; large bathroom, decent size 2nd bedroom, tiny kitchen, front balcony, and large back terrace/patio; probably around 1200 square feet or more. Fairly new, possibly one year old, Nice size. Tile everywhere, which is nice. Tacky tile, but tile none the less.
The owner and his wife live downstairs and run a small colemado (tiny store). He’s from Spain and she (much younger) is from the DR. Having them living down stairs from me is actually good in that he’ll keep a very close eye on my place when I’m gone (which I’ve been gone a lot lately to Santiago, etc.). And, he has a generator which is necessary to run his refrigerators at the store, which basically insures that I have some level of electricity 24/7. It’s nothing to rave about in terms of strength, but does make the fan go around, mostly, during the night. We’re used to about 110 in the States, and I probably get may 25-50 during the night, so things like fans run much slower and fade in and out, but again, GREAT in comparison to most people around me.
I also have cable TV, which is included (probably 50 channels, of which about 10 or so are US channels including CNN, major networks, etc.). I have a front patio overlooking the local sports park. And, again while nothing like American parks, there’s a great view of all the kids playing baseball with sticks. Plus a huge, very nice, covered basketball court/stadium. Also great view from my front patio. Other houses in the area range from a few like the one I live in, to much smaller, many unpainted CBS block. The neighborhood would be considered one of the nicest in the area, excluding the “all foreigner” neighborhoods up in the hills. Some of those are unbelievable!
The apartment was furnished, all the way to dishes and towels. I had to get a lot of “American” conveniences, but mostly had the stuff I wanted. Including two TV’s, living room furniture, small refrigerator, stove/oven, great master bedroom furniture, and extra bunk beds in the 2nd bedroom. Some say I have one of the nicest bathrooms in RSJ. You’ll have to judge for yourself when you see it. Here’s a hint: the landlord is from Europe.
Weather here has been absolutely amazing. Beautiful. If you want to visit (and please please do) and you hate hot weather, come in the winter. It really is very mild. It has surprised me how nice the weather has been. Almost like south Florida. Warm in the day and cool at night. Humidity is lower now. Incredible breezes blow through my apartment. It’s been great. (Note; no screens yet, but hopefully my brother (Wanda, pass this to Eulice) can send me the supplies to make them. The bugs are HUGE. Not to mention the occasional rat!
Oh, and did I mention that is comes with a housekeeper. Yep, like all places like this, the guy downstairs has a housekeeper, so she cleans my apartment as needed. So far once a week, but that just because I’ve not really needing it more. She’s offer to clean more often. And, she does my laundry. So, not so rough so far.
Most people in RSJ would consider this an extremely nice apartment. I would agree. Very blessed.
Back in the DR
I know these blogs get long. And I’m way behind. So at least I’ve broken them up into some major topics. Getting access to the internet has been extremely challenging. I am settle in the DR (Rio San Juan). But, don’t have internet at my house, so it’s much harder to communicate. I did finally get my email working on the local PC, so hopefully I’ll be able to write and read emails at my house, and send/receive when I’m near a wireless connection. Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. Things are going well.
I have had a good time so far. Not met my new Marsil and Paul yet, and may never again. Still, it’s been good. (See below an update of my old Marsil Paul)
So, by blog topic, at least you can choose what (if any) you want to read. God speed and blessings to you all.
I have had a good time so far. Not met my new Marsil and Paul yet, and may never again. Still, it’s been good. (See below an update of my old Marsil Paul)
So, by blog topic, at least you can choose what (if any) you want to read. God speed and blessings to you all.
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