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.