I Really Need A Camera

Truth is, I have a camera, but it's too big to carry around all the time. So, I'm asking Santa for a really thin, almost credit card size digital camera so when I tell these stories, I can have a camera in my pocket at all times to snap a picture. Because without the camera, the story is not quite the same.....

We're riding down this country road back from a place called Bobita. The road is rough to say the very least, but well traveled by kids walking to school and back home again. Remember the stories of your parents walking miles (up hill both ways) to get to school? Well, if they live in the country in the DR, the stories are true. Lots of walking.

So, we're riding along, and it's starting to drizzle a little, and we're on our way back from Bobita. Me, Kevin, and Zoi, the our doberman pinscher (who's full grown by now, but still really cute). Keep in mind most Dominican's are really really afraid of dogs. Even nice ones. Which "nice" is the way I would now describe Zoi. She's been around so many people, she's hardly a good guard dog. Just loves people. But to look at her, you wouldn't know that.

So, we pull up to these kids (ages probably like 8, or 10, or so), 3 of them along the road as it's dizzling rain, to see if they want a ride. And Zoi's in the back seat, basically laying down on the seat, out of site. I begin to think, this is going to get very funny. We do the usual offering them a ride and their eyes light up because a ride in a car is a very very good day especially when it's raining (them still not seeing my "surprise" in the back seat). So, I tell them okay, and I reach behind and open the back door.

Just as I open it, they all see the surprise lying on the seat, and almost in perfect harmony, all 3 kids SHRILL!!! No way! They're not getting in the back of the car with that thing!!! I'm laughing the whole time. Too funny. Zoi's just happy to have the potential for some company (she's always acting attention starved).

We finally convince the kids to get in the car; no easy feat. Very cautiously, very slowly the three kids enter the car. Eyes dead on the dog. But, also brave, if you ask me, that they get in. Zoi immediately starts her "LOVING" thing, and just as quickly they realize that my words "amable" are true. Amable means nice in Spanish.

We're now back on track headed down the road and now the kids are totally relaxed and starting to chatter. (of course I have no idea what they're saying). But, I glance back and Zoi is practically lying across the lap of two kids, head sprawled down just as gentle as a lamp, and the kids are petting her head in their lap. It was Zoi's finest moment. Cute as could be. She look up with her cute doggy eyes, keeping her head in the kids lap, with that look of "thanks Dad, these kids are great". And they, the kids, look at me as well with that, "Hey, you're right, this is a nice dog." And now stories of their dogs start flooding the car.

If I had a camera, I would have snapped a picture. Zoi's such a baby and these kids loved it. They go from terrified to having this dog laying across their laps, almost fighting to get to pet her. And Zoi's loving all the attention. I really need a camera. A picture would tell the story so much better. It was a good ride for us all.

Check out www.mannaglobalministries.org for more info or to get involved.

So When Are We Doing It Again

.... I was on the bus, on the DR side of the Haiti boarder crossing, and a boy caught my attention. Not sure why this boy did, as the entire bus was surrounded by kids and adults begging while we waited for permission to cross into Haiti. But he did; maybe his eyes.

Eventually I remembered I had a boxed lunch at my feet that I never intended to eat (it was given out on the bus; just some cold rice, beans, and mystery meat that I had turned my nose up at). I decided that I was going to try to get this box of lunch to this boy. Not easy, as the windows on the bus didn't open. And opening the front door would not have been a good idea; can you say mob rush?? Anyway, the bus driver's window did open, so I managed to indicate to the boy to follow me around to that window, and out goes the box to the boy.

What happens?? This boy opened this box of "reject" food, and you'd have thought I had given him gold. His eyes light up. He sticks both thumbs straight up in the air. God had just made his day. He uses part of the box as a fork, and begins his passionate journey through rice, beans, mystery meat, and raw cabbage. And as the journey ends, not one speck of food remained in the box. And after he was finished, again, the thumbs shoot straight in the air, and a smile from ear to ear you rarely see on any child's face, even at Disneyland. The bus starts moving, and he waves goodbye (or at least I thought it was goodbye). And we cross the boarder, and wait for Haitian customs to clear the bus, and who appears again, same smile, same thumbs in the air? This little boy. We pull away again, and he's given his best and quite amazing version of "thank you". Did I cry? You betcha. I always do.

This country Haiti remains the saddest thing I've ever seen. And it's sad at so many levels, not the least of which is that 8 years later, and I have less answers than I did when I started. But, I do know that it was priceless to be in that moment with that boy. But, that moment would never had occured if someone else had not inspired me to come to Haiti, or come back to Haiti. The blessing was really mine. So, I'm now in the role of trying to encourage others to receive the same blessing. To come to these places and do things bigger than themselves, and maybe get a glimpse of who God is from another corner of the world. A bigger God, I believe. Do things that don't make sense in any business model. And look for success in far more obscure places. And work for things beyond themselves. And cry.

Gayle, when I think of that time you and I were completely nuts in the back of that little church in Haiti, and just remember how blessed I was to be with someone who makes me laugh, even in the most saddest of places. Well, I just hope God surrounds you with folks like that, for your journey. I wish I had more Gayles in my life. I need them more than ever. I loved everyone on that trip; special folks. But, I laughed and just allowed myself to enjoy that trip (surrounded by hopelessness) with one person in particular, you. So when are we doing it again?

Check out www.mannaglobalministries.org for more info or to get involved.

So How Do You Prevent A Flood

Well.... if you're poor in a developing country and the road was built higher than your house.... you have a truck load of dirt brought into your house!! It may be tough to see, (you can enlarge the picture) but that's how we roll around here. I took the pic from my front balcony, through the bars and plants so I wouldn't be too noticeable to my neighbor. She's standing outside supervising the hauling of the dirt.

But doesn't that make your ceiling much lower?? Ah, yes.... But, if you're tired of shoveling water out of your house each time it rains, I guess a low ceiling is better than flooding every good rain.

Houses below the grade of the roads are all around my place. Each time it rains, my heart goes out to all of them. Can you imagine your home flooding at least once a month, more in rainy season!! Different world.

Check out www.mannaglobalministries.org for more info or to get involved.

So What About Africa - A Truck full of Ostriches

Most of you know that I, along with Brian Wallace and Brad Gautney went to Africa this past month, July 2009. Basically in search of another possible opportunity for us to be involved. Our focus (Manna) has been and will likely continue to be humanitarian relief and helping folks connect with God, but how we do that effectively is always allusive.

But, we did see some amazing things in southern Africa. And, there's door opening in Swaziland. We still have much to do and much to consider, and much to pray about, but we're now more planning when and how, instead of if. So, we're making progress.

We're also restarting our group program in Haiti. Not to mention continuing to try to help in the DR, so it's busy. We also have a good list of folks wanting to be involved either short term or long term but we're looking to see how we can provide the support they need in terms of training, proper placement, right fit for responsibilities, skills, etc. So, tons going on, but so much wisdom needed, and at times, feeling so stupid. Maybe like a bunch of dumb clucks (Ostriches) on their way to who knows where.

Check out www.mannaglobalministries.org for more info or to get involved.

One More Spider

Seriously, the Lord has a sense of humor because He knows how much I hate spiders, but am living in the land of giant spiders. Why oh why??? The above is called a wolf spider. Don't know why, but they are fast and ugly!

And, ah yes, fall is in the air. NOT because it's cooler, but because we've started what I call "The Running of the Tarántulas". Where I get to see them everywhere walking "sauve" in my path. This will last until November or so. Ah yes, Fall.....

Check out www.mannaglobalministries.org for more info or to get involved.

Just When You Think Your Efforts Make No Difference

I was finishing up my language classes this past school year. Teaching English to 3rd and 7th graders was certainly challenging. (thanks for the advice Adam) I wish I could begin to describe the smell from the outhouses (yes, outhouses) just a few feet from the classroom window that always gave a good breeze, and that breeze carried such a rank odor!! But, that was our class! And on a hot day, words can hardly describe. Tin roof. Sun beating down. Outhouse a few feet away; you get the picture.

But, the kids were great for the most part. Some got it; most didn't but we weren't really there to teach English so much as develop a relationship that would hopefully encourage them to choose God in their future. You know that "let them see the good you're doing so that they can see how amazing God is" verse.

Well, I wasn't sure it was working.... Until the "party". And, to keep in mind how poor this village is. I was asked to attend a "celebration" for what we had done throughout the year, a year end party. And much to my surprise and great honor, they had prepared an amazing spread of fresh fruit, mystery meat (at least a mystery to me), and cookies, and sodas. All the works for me and the kids. I was just incredibly honored to be there, because it told me that they got what we were trying to do. And, this is the photo of all the kids we taught (Osvaldo, William, Vicki Graham, and myself). Wow, some days it just pays to get up in the morning. A great way to cap off a school year end.

I am in the photo; you have to search for the white guy!

If You Can't Be with the Ones You Love...

Love the Ones your with. My July 4th (yes, this is slightly behind) was spent in the DR, like most all my days. Very different from many prior years of celebrating places like with my brother and sister in law (Wanda and Eulice) in Melbourne, with Eulice’s incredible hamburgers and Wanda’s awesome sides and desserts.... hmmm hmmmm!!

But it was special, because I was able to share it with some guys (and Zoi) that don’t get to roast hotdogs very often, if ever. I even slighty burned the hotdogs, but that didn’t interrupt their appetite. And it was accompanied by Pringles and sodas, American cheddar cheese, chili for toppings, mustard, and ketsup. I perfect meal for them.

And still I felt very blessed. I would want everyone to know how blessed they are to be American, if only by spending time in countries like this one, even in a so called democracy in the DR, where true freedom is hard/impossilbe to find.

And while my crew probably didn’t get the signifance of how amazing my country is, largely based on it’s true independence, still we celebrated. And I loved the ones I was with.

Okay, this will be the real test

Months have passed since I blogged. I'm actually thinking Facebook will be easier, but maybe not. For the one (or two) that may still check this, seriously, thanks. The funny thing is that I did write some blogs, and even took photos, but then never published. You now know the level of my laziness.

The true test will be to see if anyone still checks this blog.

The first one was titled "Missed that Shot". I typed it on my I-touch one day when I was disconnected at church. (yes, that happens, especially when it's in Spanish and I'm just way to tired to listen - now you know more faults.) But, I lost it; so here's a shorter, better version.

Just across the street from where I live in Rio San Juan, DR, these kids were playing with this... what could only be described as a shell of a moto scooter. I mean nothing left, except the frame. And it was like 5 kids riding this thing, well more properly stated, pretending to ride this thing. But, boy did they have great imaginations. You'd think they were on a ride at Disneyland, laughing and playing with vigor. And, I ran to get my camera to snap a shot, but when I returned, they had all left. But, for whatever reason it impressed me that this kids could find such joy in riding this thing that could hardly be called a motorcycle. I guess that's kids for you. They can find joy in things that are simple, trivial, or things we adults would just discard.

So, here's the shot of the bike. Not the kids; I missed the shot. Just imagine this thing packed full of kids. It was funny.

By the way, someone suggested that if you want to check out more about what we do, that I should mention our website, www.mannaglobalministries.org. There you can check out what we do, and even help out, if you can.

From My Perspective

Below are a couple of shots I took from my windows and/or balcony of my upstairs apartments, above the Centro Cristiano. It's a pretty interesting world out there, in a slow small town sort of way. I'm not always sure what's going on, but it's interesting to watch.

There's always the never ending parade of people coming to buy their lottery ticket at the local "banca" just across from me. And, just in case you don't want to walk very far, it seems there's a 'banca' about every 200 to 300 feet in this town. For some reason the poor always seem to be the victims and trying to buy a dream comes easy. But only the owners of the "bancas" ever get rich.

This house below stores recyling of beer bottles. And, Presidente (local Dominican beer) rules the day. Dominican's do love their Presidente. I've never tried it; beer's not my thing.

My house sits at an angle in the street, so you can pretty much see down the street from both sides. The below picture is looking north up the street from my balcony. I'm in a fish bowl. People tell me, "Hey I saw you in the window last night." People watching I think should be the official past time in the DR. We are always being watched. You get used to it.

Getting to Be a Real Missionary

I don't think you get the official "missionary" title until you have to kill a rat in or near your oven. Well, I've finally made it into the club of rat killers. Well, more properly stated, I supervised the killing of the rat in my kitchen, but I still think I'm in. I have to confess I sorta ran in the opposite direction when it first popped out of the oven, but then realized it was a Kodak moment, so headed back into the kitchen to watch the battle and subsequent killing. It was pretty amusing. Kevin and William were the real killers! You may have to click on the picture to get it big enough to see the varmint.

And then there's the never ending mosquitoes, see below. This is just a small fraction of mosquitoes I kill seemingly on a daily basis. And for what ever reason, I am choice meat for them. Others, including my Mom when she visited, were uneffected, but I get bitten on a daily basis. It's another battle between the forces of nature. And, the really funny thing is that it's just part of what you have to do. It becomes "normal". I think I killed about 50 that time, but you only see half in this picture. I'm guessing dengue fever is in my future. Kinda surprised I haven't already had it. And, one of the things I look forward to each time I go home, no mosquito bits for a week or two. Pretty nice!

English Classes Started

We started with a bang. Well sort of a bang. It was quite the stir. A gringo (white guy) walking into this poor poor school with all eyes on him. They're used to seeing white guys, but not walking into their school to teach.

But, the reception was warm. I was wondering if the teachers minded giving up their time to me to teach English. It seems they welcomed it, not because they got the break (that may have been a part of it), but I think they really believe in the need to teach English (or any second language). I continue to be impressed with the willing hearts of this school, Acapulco. Good hearts; no resources.

Class size was a pleasant surprise. Only about 10-12 students per class. Makes it so much more manageable. And thanks to Adam Copeland, I'm using a techique of just trying to teach them (4th graders and 7th grades) to speak English. No reading or writing to speak of. So far we've use a lot of pictures from the internet and projecting via LCD projector, for them to practice viewing and repeating the English version. Basic vocabulary stuff. But that of course required us to bring our own equipment, including the generator to generate electricity to run the computer and projector. Despite being here now a year and a half, I sometimes just shake my head; it's so unbelievable.

William and Osvaldo are also helping. I'm responsible for preparing the "lesson plan", and they assist with finding pictures and other resources on the internet to use. Then they watch me teach the first class, and they in turn teach the second class. It will be about as good for their English as anyone else. It's amazing how difficult it is for them to pronounce the word "street", and many other words we roll off our tongues.

The kids have surprised me. Even though they have very poor education skills, they seem to pick up on the language minimicing very quickly. Next week will be the real test when I see how much they remember from this week. But, all in all, a very good first experience. Some kids are just really neat to see the gleam in their eyes when they remember a word in English we've taught. Like little triumphs. Those are not so common here.

And with fancy things like a computer and projector, we get kids standing at the windows and doors trying to peer in to our class to see what we're doing. The new will wear off soon enough, but it's fun for now.

And lastly their a captive audience so really the endurance test is mine and my crew. The kids be in school (most of the time) rather we're there or not. Keep us in your prayers that we can impact and love.

The Widow's Gift

Well, okay, he's not actually a widow. He's not even married. He's not even old enough to be married. But, he gives amazing gifts just the same.

His name is Angel. (how appropriate.... sometimes) And, he's literally the only one that brings me gifts. I guess because I appear rich and have everything I need (or possibly other reasons) gifts from the locals are rare. But, not from this kid. He brings me a small box of milk, fruit, candy....

Nothing mind you that I really want or even eat most of the time, but I don't tell him that! Because strangely enough I see these gifts as super amazing. Amazing that he thinks of me and is generous. This kid is also incredibly poor, father in jail, mother who knows where, living with his grandma whom he calls his mom, torn and well worn clothes.... All the usual broken family stuff. But, the gifts come. Not every day mind you, but often. About every two weeks. Something small, but a gift none the less. Just something to say we're friends. Not because I gave him something. Not because he wants something. I think they are truly just gifts. And in this place, that means more than you could possibly imagine. So, even though I don't drink the milk or eat the almost rotten banana (which the locals really like them that way, I guess), I almost anticipate and look forward to them.

I think I understand the widow's gift more now than ever. I wish I could give like that.

Endurance Test

We've all taken them in one form or another. And I would actually consider reading this blog an endurance test. I thank each of you for reading it.

My endurance test remains squarely in the DR. Many many times I want to change the page. Go for something more "my style". Like Santiago, not Rio San Juan. Not this tiny fishing village that's so tiny in so many ways. But rather than change, my true test is to embrace and love for this season. So, another step is to start English classes in the local schools.

I actually start next week. I'm teaching 4th and 7th graders English. And hopefully with the help of Adam Copeland (specialist in teaching English as a 2nd language) we will all learn something. Of course our goal is more English. It's hopefully opening more doors to communicating about a God that is wanting to connect with us all. So I hope whatever we do will be another step in connecting ourselves (my live and theirs) to God.

Looks like we will also start on the other school/city projects. Actual running water in the elementary school; new bathrooms in the school (out with the outhouses!!), 4 new classrooms in the high school, new play ground (no more mud pit for a play ground) at the elementary school. All these are to be completed by August, 2009. And, true to form (even if I brag a little), my family has stepped up and helped a lot. The city of Rio San Juan and the mayor have also committed their fair share, which is exciting to know that it's a community project, not just a "missionary" project. (But, don't let that stop you if you want to help; always more to do than can be done; always need more help!)

Our plan remains involving as many locals to help as possible. Osvaldo and William will be helping teach, coordinate the projects, etc. We're planning for local children to help where they can, and to involve others in the community to lend a hand. We're so wanting it to be a joint venture with the locals. We're hoping the connection in working will lead to connections in the heart.

But, it will be an endurance test. Things are almost expected to go wrong. Problems unforeseen. Miscommunications. Misapropriations. The usual. Thus, endurance.

From My Perspective

Much has happened since I’ve returned. Zoi (my 6 month old Doberman) and I got back on Jan. 6th from the US with my Mom joining me for 2 weeks. She left a week ago Friday.

But there’s more.... some I can blog about, some stuff you would almost not believe, but out of respect for confidential commitments, I can't blog about yet. Just know that there are tons of hurting people that have had horrible things done to them, and unfortunately, they, in turn find themselves repeating the cycle. I had always wanted to get more exposure to the "real" DR, well, a part of me almost regrets that wish now. Thus the quote at the end of this blog.

What I can tell you......

Reentry back into 3rd world conditions can be difficult, especially having been gone for 5 weeks. But surprisingly enough, it’s been pretty easy from a physical perspective. For one, I returned to find that my house was not only in good order, but actually better than I left it. While I was gone, I actually got a sink installed in what can now officially be called a kitchen. I no longer have to wash the dishes in the clothes washer. (Yep, that was my life.) Mom saw my clothes washer and said it reminded her of a 1950's style. I took that as a compliment. Believe me, I'm thrilled to have one!

And, electricity is working consistently enough to keep the batteries charged; all appliances are funcational; car is working. And possibly the best news of all, for the next 3 months, the heat (weather) has broken. It’s warm, but comfortable. Not the swelting of the other 7 months. I don’t even miss A/C right now. It’s not common, but all in all my reentry was perhaps the easiest one yet. Thank you Lord.

The kid, Kevin, (at least a kid to me) is still in my home. It did take a substantial amount of readjustment for him. He had grown accustom to less responsibilities, so getting him back into a routine with school and chores has been a challenge, for both of us. But, he’s getting back into the swing of things, slowly. It was a bit confusing when Mom was here in that she let him slide on stuff (like washing the dishes, etc.), but now that she’s not here to spoil him, he’s realizing it’s back to a more normal routine.

I think one of the main things that made Mom’s trip so good is that she was able to bond with Kevin, and sensed a real need for another person in his life to love and care for him. And, she did that quite naturally and quickly. When her time to leave came, I think they (she and Kevin) were more upset than me. I found her crying in her room just after Kevin has paid her a final one-on-one visit. I hated to see her go, but Kevin even more so I think. It was neat to see, but also sad.

I'm having lots of meeting with the local schools. It still surprises me how little funding the schools operate on. No wonder their outcomes are so weak. We’ve been asked to help. I’m now trying to come up with a program of helping, but also involving the kids and parents in the process. You should see some of the conditions of the schools. Leaky tin roofs; out-houses for bathrooms, with sewage spilling over; a playground full of mud and water about 50 by 50 feet; for over 250 students. I really need to take pictures but even they don’t tell the real story. Mom did take some of the school to show her folks back in Alabama.

One program we are doing is buying a generator for them to have lights during the evening. They have night classes for adults that work during the day, but city electricity is so spotty at night that they have to learn by candle light when the power is out, which is very frequent, or no learning at all. Well, my Mom’s church has raised money to buy a generator to allow them to have lights while they attend school in the evening. And they plan to charge the night students a minimal amount to help pay for gasoline.

We’re also considering starting English classes in the same night program. All of this to continue to develop relationships and hopefully show them the love that God has for them.

That’s just the beginning. They seriously need new bathrooms. There’s literally no running water for a school of 250 children. NASTY!! The rain is so loud on the leaky tin roof that you can bearly hear yourself talk, much less a teacher. The windows, if you can call them that, are basically rotting plywood. Neither the windows or the roof keeps the rain out much.

For those of you that go to these countries, this is nothing new, and the fact that there is a school is good, but still, so much to do. And behind each face is a story; and so so many of them are sad and hurting. Surviving, but not really. I’m reading Ecclesiastes right now. How true.

"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief "

Not sure about the wisdom part, don't feel particularly wise, but sure have more knowledge of the "real" world.

We're taking baby steps in hopes that we find a diamond in the rough. An opportunity that can really change lives. But, I'm glad I'm back; for now it's where I belong, and I'm honored to be here. If you're a praying person, please please pray for me and the team here.