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.