I guess it's been 9 weeks. I've not written maybe because a lot of what I'm experiencing is new, but old. New in a way, but not news worthy. But, after two weeks of not writing, there are a few things.
Name 5 words you don't want to hear while in a 3rd world country. Any guesses.... Answer is.... "you need a root canal". Yep, after faithful trips to the dentist before I left the states, and somewhat frequent checkups, an embedded cavity somehow missed the radar screen. And, then I had the challenge of finding a dentist that spoke English; felt comfortable with; agreed with his diagnosis, and proceeded with the procedure. As it turns out, that all went fine, as God would direct (claro). It did take 5 trips, including the dentist and the oral surgeon, but I think it's all fixed now. And, the advantage to a root canal here is that it's about 25% of the cost it would have been in the US. So a blessing in disguise, financially.
Another blessing. It has been 2 months with no warm water to shower. And, while the weather was extremely hot, that wasn't a huge problem, mostly just made for very quick showers. But, just before the tropical storm hit (btw, everything's fine, no problems, etc.), it got much cooler, and I was thinking warm water would really really be nice to shower in. Well, God provided. On the very day I decided that I was going to fix the "instant hot" that was already installed in the shower, but had not worked since I arrived, Nidia (home host) got it fixed. Without me prompting or asking (as God provides). But, I don't know it's fixed, so I announced to Marsil we were going to fix the warm water shower unit, and he announces to me it was fixed the day before! My only question was "when were you going to tell me!" Since then it has been soooo nice to have warm water. Not hot mind you, but not cool, quite adequate. A huge blessing. I've decided as an "American", I value at least three things. Electricity, A/C (at least in the car), and hot water.
And to address the A/C, I decided I was going to rent a car for the remainder of my stay. Not just for the a/c; that was one of many reasons. And I've done just that. It has made experiencing the country and getting around so much easier. It's a huge luxury for a Dominican to have a car, but something we take for granted. I didn't miss driving (still don't), but I did miss hopping in the car whenever I wanted to go somewhere; and I missed car A/C at 3:00 in the afternoon, when it is steaming hot outside and stuck in 3rd world country traffic. Believe me, traffic and driving in 3rd world countries is very very different (to put it nicely). All that's better now with a good car with a/c. Another great blessing.
But all that's the blah blah about my comforts. Really not that important, other than you grow to miss things you had. And, in some ways those things you miss, you miss more as time goes on. At least for a season. At first, it's all adventure and you hardly think of them. But as time goes on and routines get set, you think about them more. So, car a/c and hot water have been perfectly timed gifts from God.
The boys are doing well. We all spent the weekend in the Rio San Juan area. (2 hours from Santiago, on the coast) I wanted them to meet some "country" boys. And meet they did. Actually interacted with them very well. Paul had brought the game Monopoly for us to play. Then for some unknown reason, and without the "country boys" even knowing we had it in the car, the Rio San Juan boys asked if we could play Monopoly. And I said, well, as a matter of fact, it's Paul's favorite game and we happen to have it in the car with us. So, that evening we scheduled a Monopoly game. And it was standing room only. We had to setup teams, so many kids in Rio San Juan wanted to play. I placed Marsil and Paul in charge of teaching them the rules, being banker, and distributing the properties. I sat back and watched, and dosed a little as it neared 11PM and the game was still not through!! But, it went well. No fights, no major arguments, just good times with kids enjoying the game. Good times. Good good times. And I was extremely proud of both Marsil and Paul how they helped the other kids keep the game light and fun.
Board games are so readily available in the US, but are a real treat here. Even for Paul and Marsil. When I got here, they (Paul/Marsil) didn't have Monopoly or any games, so I bought some as a way to engage with them more. And we've played Monopoly a lot. It is Paul's favorite game now.
But, the real story is..... I'm watching the kids play in Rio San Juan and I begin to think, "Wow, we really should consider leaving the game here with them." But I also think that would crush Paul. So, I put the thought aside.
Side note: I'm attempting to teach the boys how fortunate they are compared to many many Dominicans. That was part of the reason for the trip to Rio San Juan, as all the kids there live in basically shacks (at best) and have little education or little hope really. And few good parents, no fathers.... all the disadvantages.
As we're driving to church the morning after the big GAME (Paul and me by ourselves; others in another car), Paul asks me, "Norm, do you think we should leave the Monopoly game here for these kids?" It was one of those times when you get a "sign" that God is working. And, He's definitely working on Paul's heart. I pause for a moment (thinking, Wow God, you are amazing), and say, "Paul, I think that's something you'll have to decide." He says no more about it; he's just quiet for a while.
Fast forward to the time we're about to leave that evening to go home, and I ask him, do you want to take the game, or leave it here (in Rio San Juan). He says, "I want to leave it here."
To put this in context, not only does Paul love that game, but he loves us playing it together, its the only game he has (except checkers and cards), he loves winning at it, he knows it's a relatively expensive game (relative to DR incomes), and it has brought him many hours of joy. And for him to volunteer to give it away, without me prompting, was like this moment when the clouds part, and sun shines bright, and I think, okay, I think he's going to make it. Paul has demonstrated how big his heart really is.
I wonder if God calls me to give up things that mean a lot to me; joys I get through material blessings, but I somehow miss the calling. What would I give up that means a lot to me? What could I give up, on a relatively scale, that means the same as Paul giving his game to those boys in Rio San Juan?
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
3 Shoe Shine Boys and a CD Salesboy
On my journey, I stopped at a Burger King in La Vega near Santiago. And 3 shoe shine boys and a boy selling CD copies of music all gather at the door of this Burger King to shine shoes, sell music, and beg. Mostly beg. Clothes dirty, worn, and smelly. They are so close to the door, that the manager runs them off, and they go scurrying away, only to come back in a few minutes when he's not looking. Scenes you just don't see much of in the States.
One of the boys eventually sneaks inside to ask some of the customers for, what I was assuming to be, food or money. All of the customers turned him down. I watch, but am not approached, much to my surprise. (normally grengos are the first target!) I'm sitting there watching and wondering if they (probably about 10-14 years of age) had ever had a Burger King meal, while I stuff my self with something I take for granted whenever I want. They probably have never eaten a whole meal there, since we're talking about $6 to $8 US for a Whopper Combo or chicken sandwich combo; possibly scraps and left overs.
So, after a short prayer of what to do I finish my burger and walked outside. Again, they were at the door, but again, they did not approach me, just kinda stared at me. I kinda stared back; just trying to get a feel for what I (& God) wanted to do. Then, after a few minutes I motioned for all of them to come inside.
Immediately their eyes lit up like Christmas morning! And they walked into the restaurant with shoulders back and heads high, and approached the counter, and announced (even though I couldn't understand their Spanish, I did understand) that the man behind them (me) was paying for their meal and they wanted to order! Their postures straight as a soldier, and smiles from ear to ear. The lady at the counter seemed skeptical and I motioned that yes, I was going to buy their meal. They looked back at her like "I told you so, now please take our order." And order they did. Nothing extravagant. Just burgers, fries, and cokes. But, I'm guessing it was extremely rare, if not the first time they had such a meal. I paid for the meal, said "enjoy it and I'm leaving" as best I could in Spanish, and watched 4 boys anticipating a few moments of pure pleasure as I walked away.
It is so rare to be blessed to be in a situation that you just know in your heart how fortunate you are to share God's blessings with someone else. And their eyes tell the true gratitude. I guess that's the true rarity. Even though I am reminded of my blessings so often here, I still loose my eyes of gratitude.
3 Shoe shines boys and cd salesboy (beggars) show me the eyes to have, once again.
I wanted to take their picture and even possibly watch them enjoy their meal, but I thought that would spoil the moment and make it into some circus show. So, I blog about it as a memory photograph. And just imagine the memory photograph they have of the day they got to eat at Burger King.
One of the boys eventually sneaks inside to ask some of the customers for, what I was assuming to be, food or money. All of the customers turned him down. I watch, but am not approached, much to my surprise. (normally grengos are the first target!) I'm sitting there watching and wondering if they (probably about 10-14 years of age) had ever had a Burger King meal, while I stuff my self with something I take for granted whenever I want. They probably have never eaten a whole meal there, since we're talking about $6 to $8 US for a Whopper Combo or chicken sandwich combo; possibly scraps and left overs.
So, after a short prayer of what to do I finish my burger and walked outside. Again, they were at the door, but again, they did not approach me, just kinda stared at me. I kinda stared back; just trying to get a feel for what I (& God) wanted to do. Then, after a few minutes I motioned for all of them to come inside.
Immediately their eyes lit up like Christmas morning! And they walked into the restaurant with shoulders back and heads high, and approached the counter, and announced (even though I couldn't understand their Spanish, I did understand) that the man behind them (me) was paying for their meal and they wanted to order! Their postures straight as a soldier, and smiles from ear to ear. The lady at the counter seemed skeptical and I motioned that yes, I was going to buy their meal. They looked back at her like "I told you so, now please take our order." And order they did. Nothing extravagant. Just burgers, fries, and cokes. But, I'm guessing it was extremely rare, if not the first time they had such a meal. I paid for the meal, said "enjoy it and I'm leaving" as best I could in Spanish, and watched 4 boys anticipating a few moments of pure pleasure as I walked away.
It is so rare to be blessed to be in a situation that you just know in your heart how fortunate you are to share God's blessings with someone else. And their eyes tell the true gratitude. I guess that's the true rarity. Even though I am reminded of my blessings so often here, I still loose my eyes of gratitude.
3 Shoe shines boys and cd salesboy (beggars) show me the eyes to have, once again.
I wanted to take their picture and even possibly watch them enjoy their meal, but I thought that would spoil the moment and make it into some circus show. So, I blog about it as a memory photograph. And just imagine the memory photograph they have of the day they got to eat at Burger King.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
From the Mouth of Babes
Paul (12) and I were having dinner together last night. And he summed up what I think several of us think about life. Certainly me.
Remember Marsil is his 15 year old brother.
His quote, "I'd love Marsil more if he was my sister!"
If we had things just a little different, then we'd love more?
Remember Marsil is his 15 year old brother.
His quote, "I'd love Marsil more if he was my sister!"
If we had things just a little different, then we'd love more?
Saturday, October 13, 2007
I Finally Passed It On
We had a great Mexican dinner planned for this evening. And we pulled out all the stops. Bought 2 lbs of ground beef, cheese, taco seasoning, chips, salsa, refried beans, all the fixings. It was a huge dinner. And we stuffed ourselves. And stuffed ourselves. Paul said it was the best dinner he had in a long time. We all enjoyed it all; maybe too much. See, the dinner was not the real story.
The real story was after Marsil stuffed himself with all the above, grape soda, and more things than I can remember.
And to top it all off, we’re having brown outs, meaning the lights are going off for hours at a time. Normally not a problem, but our inverter is not working properly, so we’re sitting in almost pitch black when it happens. And it did happen again just as we were finishing dinner.
About the same time, in the darkness Marsil gets up and heads down the hall to the bathroom. And the next thing we know, he’s making sounds of major heving (vomiting); up chucking everything he just ate. And then, in the pitch blackness there’s silence. I hear him running the bathroom water; hear him rinsing his mouth. (Stay with me on this….) I’m thinking, okay good, weak, but he’s back on his feet.
He comes back into the dining area and within minutes the lights come back on. He then dismisses himself back to the bathroom. I’m thinking, what else could he possibly deposit? But, he’s soon back to the table and announces, “NO ONE go into the bathroom; it’s unbelievable”.
I begin to get the picture that during the brown out, he’s throwing up in the bathroom, but it’s pitch black, and finding the porcelain target was not easy. Nope, better stated…. It was impossible!!
And for some strange and I promise, as unbragging and humbly as I know how to tell you, I knew for whatever reason I was going to clean it up. I got up from the table and made sure he was okay; he said he was okay and I suggested he go lie down; and told him I would clean it up. He said, “Not even Rosa (meaning our former housekeeper) would do that for me.” I said, “I promise it’s not a problem.” And walked into a war zone, called our bathroom. Vomit was EVERYWHERE. On three (three!) walls, shower curtain, sink, commode, floors, and some (a little) actually landed in the toilet. And I proceed to clean it up. I think you get the picture. Nasty!!
And that’s when it hit me. I was simply passing it on. See, years before I had left my dog in the care of a good friend (David Berg… sorry David, your secrets out). And I had also left my dog inside my master bedroom for him (Lucas) to feel more at home while I was away. And one day while I was gone, Lucas (all 145 lbs of him) decided that his upset stomach could no longer hold all the yuk he'd eaten, and it all came out in my master bedroom. Not from the front end of Lucas! It came out the back end of Lucas! And poor David walked in to find it. (And I’m miles away.) Perhaps David’s first thought was, “when’s Norm coming home??!!”, But, soon David proceeds to clean it up. And clean up he did. Spic and Span. I would have never known it happened if his wife had not told me later. See, David is quiet, even in his service to others. And he did serve me that time. And did incredibly well; with no “you owe me” or no “Norm, you need to know what I did.”. Just did it. I’m sure it was quiet unpleasant (to put it mildly), but did it none the less.
Well, David, I just want you to know that I knew then, and I know even more now how much that meant. And I truly appreciate it. By God’s grace, tonight I had the chance to pass the service on. I’m sure it was not as humbly or as quiet as you did it, but thank you. And, as weird as it sounds, it was truly a privilege to pass it on.
I hope Marsil gets the chance. I’m glad I did.
(You might want to send a search and recovery party, I’m pretty sure I must be crazy. Or maybe growing a little. Being around kids 24/7 changes EVERYTHING. Even vomit.)
The real story was after Marsil stuffed himself with all the above, grape soda, and more things than I can remember.
And to top it all off, we’re having brown outs, meaning the lights are going off for hours at a time. Normally not a problem, but our inverter is not working properly, so we’re sitting in almost pitch black when it happens. And it did happen again just as we were finishing dinner.
About the same time, in the darkness Marsil gets up and heads down the hall to the bathroom. And the next thing we know, he’s making sounds of major heving (vomiting); up chucking everything he just ate. And then, in the pitch blackness there’s silence. I hear him running the bathroom water; hear him rinsing his mouth. (Stay with me on this….) I’m thinking, okay good, weak, but he’s back on his feet.
He comes back into the dining area and within minutes the lights come back on. He then dismisses himself back to the bathroom. I’m thinking, what else could he possibly deposit? But, he’s soon back to the table and announces, “NO ONE go into the bathroom; it’s unbelievable”.
I begin to get the picture that during the brown out, he’s throwing up in the bathroom, but it’s pitch black, and finding the porcelain target was not easy. Nope, better stated…. It was impossible!!
And for some strange and I promise, as unbragging and humbly as I know how to tell you, I knew for whatever reason I was going to clean it up. I got up from the table and made sure he was okay; he said he was okay and I suggested he go lie down; and told him I would clean it up. He said, “Not even Rosa (meaning our former housekeeper) would do that for me.” I said, “I promise it’s not a problem.” And walked into a war zone, called our bathroom. Vomit was EVERYWHERE. On three (three!) walls, shower curtain, sink, commode, floors, and some (a little) actually landed in the toilet. And I proceed to clean it up. I think you get the picture. Nasty!!
And that’s when it hit me. I was simply passing it on. See, years before I had left my dog in the care of a good friend (David Berg… sorry David, your secrets out). And I had also left my dog inside my master bedroom for him (Lucas) to feel more at home while I was away. And one day while I was gone, Lucas (all 145 lbs of him) decided that his upset stomach could no longer hold all the yuk he'd eaten, and it all came out in my master bedroom. Not from the front end of Lucas! It came out the back end of Lucas! And poor David walked in to find it. (And I’m miles away.) Perhaps David’s first thought was, “when’s Norm coming home??!!”, But, soon David proceeds to clean it up. And clean up he did. Spic and Span. I would have never known it happened if his wife had not told me later. See, David is quiet, even in his service to others. And he did serve me that time. And did incredibly well; with no “you owe me” or no “Norm, you need to know what I did.”. Just did it. I’m sure it was quiet unpleasant (to put it mildly), but did it none the less.
Well, David, I just want you to know that I knew then, and I know even more now how much that meant. And I truly appreciate it. By God’s grace, tonight I had the chance to pass the service on. I’m sure it was not as humbly or as quiet as you did it, but thank you. And, as weird as it sounds, it was truly a privilege to pass it on.
I hope Marsil gets the chance. I’m glad I did.
(You might want to send a search and recovery party, I’m pretty sure I must be crazy. Or maybe growing a little. Being around kids 24/7 changes EVERYTHING. Even vomit.)
Two, For Those That Like the Pictures
Marsil wanted everyone to see that he won at Monopoly. I usually win but then again I'm an American capitalist. The kids have not learned to be that mean... (opps, "competitive"), yet.
If you google "tarantulas in Dominican Republic" you'll find that they are "rare" sightings, especially in urban areas. Wrong!! At least, that's my experience. Had another one yesterday! Four if you're counting! And, this time I wanted you to see exactly how big they are. So, grab a bic pen and see for yourself! For those with a high speed connection, you should click on the spider for more details. Really actually interesting. And believe it or not, I really didn't want to kill him (her), but seriously....
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Six Weeks
Yep, I did skip blogging last week. For the faithful few, I'm sorry!
Lots of travel and more adventure. Went to Santo Domingo with a bunch of my new amigos here in Santiago. Was a little apprehensive because none of them spoke much English and I speak little (but growing) Spanish. Guess what?? Had a great time. But, I'm sorry to say that if Santo Domingo is the diamond city of the DR, there's problems. From what I saw, it was EXTREMELY dirty and very crowded with cars. The breach front was full (I mean full) of trash. I was very surprised it was that dirty. But the people I went with made it all worth while.
But, here's where you may find a diamond just about anywhere - went to visit a family there in a relatively poor part of town. Wasn't expecting what I found. The master bedroom, with meager furnishings, actually had a working AIR CONDITIONER!! Only my second encounter in a home (plenty of stores have them) since I left Florida. It was a Kodak moment; me and two other adults (a tall man and average size woman) all three took a nap on the same bed with this amazing cool air blowing on us. In their broken ingles (English) I think I understood them to ask me if I wanted to join them for a nap on the bed. Well, this was one time I'm going to assume the best in what they were trying to say. I thought I could never relax if I didn't have a bed to myself. Well, things change quickly when the anty is upped with A/C! When I actually learn more Espanol I may find out that was NOT an offer to join them, but I don't care! It was so nice!
Rented a car and went to Rio San Juan, area where more of the DR missionaries are based, for the weekend. Good to catch up with TJ/Holly. Good good peeps. Also met the new team, Laura Beth and Corey Lamb. And what a great couple. Young and wide eyed, but amazing amazing, with spiritual maturity. Their sponsoring congregation is Henderson C/C in Henderson, TN. And, if this is any kind of sign of what that congregation of believers is producing, I'm extremely impressed. And of course time with Tammie Wallace was just the detox I needed. She reminds me of my aunt Jan. Amazing listeners.
The trip over the mountains between Santiago and Rio San Juan is almost indescribable. Bonito. Bonito. (beautiful!) And, past Rio San Juan, near a town call Nagua (I think) there's a forest of coconut palms you drive through. I'm talking forest. It was so beautiful. My favorite tree is a palm of any kind, but this was actually what I'd call a forest. Just tons of coconuts. And all hanging over the road, so the sky was almost somewhat covered. Never seen anything like it before. And, as I was driving, I was thinking, sights like this are exactly what I was hoping/praying for. And, that's exactly what this 6 weeks has been.... sights, sounds and experiences AND AMAZING PEOPLE I could never have experienced anywhere else.
Speaking of people....
The boys are great. We had what I'd call a (another) break through last evening. We've started a nightly family time where we all get together at the table and share about our day (yep, my Corny idea, but it's been really good). Well, this night both boys were more comedians than usual, and their mom was trying to share about a hard day she had, so I gave them a pretty harsh (but short) lecture about how hard their mom worked and how they should be more respectful and stuff like that. And, it went right to their heart. (which I didn't expect, as many of my "talks" seem to bounce right off their heads) So much so that Marsil let out some really deep emotional stuff about how hard it was to be the man he is trying to be, and work as hard as he does at school and how he does this all because he loves his mom, and telling it all through tears streaming, streaming down his face. It was a really really good night. It was good to hear Marsil express his deep emotions and good to see him let out some of the huge stress he's under. He's like 15 going on 25. Sometimes barely 15; sometimes carrying the load of someone much older.
And guess who volunteered to help me with the dishes. Paul!!! (yep, not a typo!) He's growing. Boy, it's slow, but he's growing.
The stories never end. Went out this morning with a friend. Ask her what is the best, very best place to have lunch in Santiago? Keep in mind, this is a married women of about 35 I'd say. She and her husband fast becoming good friends. This woman is no kid. And, I suggested a few good restaurants (The Pasta House, etc.) of places I wanted to treat her. And there are some decent restaurants here, but what did she consider one of the best restaurants in Santiago?? McDonalds!! My mouth dropped, but I closed it quickly and we proceeded to McDonald's where we had a great time. It again made me appreciate something I take for granted, to say the least. American Fast Food! It was good. Most excellent to see her enjoy it so much.
It blows my mind that these people, even those that have a little tiny bit of money, have never traveled more than 75 miles from their home their whole lives. And all their experiences and their entire world is in the radius of 75 miles. But, they see the world, through internet, TV, etc. But, they will probably never see the world. Still, they are no less happy (perhaps no more) than we are. Perhaps more "happy", whatever that means. So, the secret cannot be in the things of this world, or the experiences of this world, or the place you live.
If the next two months go by this fast, I'll be leaving sooner than I think, or perhaps want.
Yes, there are days, times, that I really miss what was familiar and comfortable and "controllable". But, I look back and ask myself, where do I want to be now. Do I want to go back to the job I had? Do I want to go back to anything I had? Not that it was bad; it was awesome, blessed blessed. But, it's past. And it's not something I want to go back to, or recreate or repeat. So, all I know to do is go/grow forward. And this is the life I choose to grow forward to/with. So, I don't really have a choice. I move forward because I have to and I don't really have a life to go back to (or want to go back to). And that's the choices I made. And I'm at true peace with that. As alone as it is at times; or strange; or just not "home", it is home, for this is where God has planted my heart, in this season. And thank you God for planting my heart deep here, even for a season.
Lots of travel and more adventure. Went to Santo Domingo with a bunch of my new amigos here in Santiago. Was a little apprehensive because none of them spoke much English and I speak little (but growing) Spanish. Guess what?? Had a great time. But, I'm sorry to say that if Santo Domingo is the diamond city of the DR, there's problems. From what I saw, it was EXTREMELY dirty and very crowded with cars. The breach front was full (I mean full) of trash. I was very surprised it was that dirty. But the people I went with made it all worth while.
But, here's where you may find a diamond just about anywhere - went to visit a family there in a relatively poor part of town. Wasn't expecting what I found. The master bedroom, with meager furnishings, actually had a working AIR CONDITIONER!! Only my second encounter in a home (plenty of stores have them) since I left Florida. It was a Kodak moment; me and two other adults (a tall man and average size woman) all three took a nap on the same bed with this amazing cool air blowing on us. In their broken ingles (English) I think I understood them to ask me if I wanted to join them for a nap on the bed. Well, this was one time I'm going to assume the best in what they were trying to say. I thought I could never relax if I didn't have a bed to myself. Well, things change quickly when the anty is upped with A/C! When I actually learn more Espanol I may find out that was NOT an offer to join them, but I don't care! It was so nice!
Rented a car and went to Rio San Juan, area where more of the DR missionaries are based, for the weekend. Good to catch up with TJ/Holly. Good good peeps. Also met the new team, Laura Beth and Corey Lamb. And what a great couple. Young and wide eyed, but amazing amazing, with spiritual maturity. Their sponsoring congregation is Henderson C/C in Henderson, TN. And, if this is any kind of sign of what that congregation of believers is producing, I'm extremely impressed. And of course time with Tammie Wallace was just the detox I needed. She reminds me of my aunt Jan. Amazing listeners.
The trip over the mountains between Santiago and Rio San Juan is almost indescribable. Bonito. Bonito. (beautiful!) And, past Rio San Juan, near a town call Nagua (I think) there's a forest of coconut palms you drive through. I'm talking forest. It was so beautiful. My favorite tree is a palm of any kind, but this was actually what I'd call a forest. Just tons of coconuts. And all hanging over the road, so the sky was almost somewhat covered. Never seen anything like it before. And, as I was driving, I was thinking, sights like this are exactly what I was hoping/praying for. And, that's exactly what this 6 weeks has been.... sights, sounds and experiences AND AMAZING PEOPLE I could never have experienced anywhere else.
Speaking of people....
The boys are great. We had what I'd call a (another) break through last evening. We've started a nightly family time where we all get together at the table and share about our day (yep, my Corny idea, but it's been really good). Well, this night both boys were more comedians than usual, and their mom was trying to share about a hard day she had, so I gave them a pretty harsh (but short) lecture about how hard their mom worked and how they should be more respectful and stuff like that. And, it went right to their heart. (which I didn't expect, as many of my "talks" seem to bounce right off their heads) So much so that Marsil let out some really deep emotional stuff about how hard it was to be the man he is trying to be, and work as hard as he does at school and how he does this all because he loves his mom, and telling it all through tears streaming, streaming down his face. It was a really really good night. It was good to hear Marsil express his deep emotions and good to see him let out some of the huge stress he's under. He's like 15 going on 25. Sometimes barely 15; sometimes carrying the load of someone much older.
And guess who volunteered to help me with the dishes. Paul!!! (yep, not a typo!) He's growing. Boy, it's slow, but he's growing.
The stories never end. Went out this morning with a friend. Ask her what is the best, very best place to have lunch in Santiago? Keep in mind, this is a married women of about 35 I'd say. She and her husband fast becoming good friends. This woman is no kid. And, I suggested a few good restaurants (The Pasta House, etc.) of places I wanted to treat her. And there are some decent restaurants here, but what did she consider one of the best restaurants in Santiago?? McDonalds!! My mouth dropped, but I closed it quickly and we proceeded to McDonald's where we had a great time. It again made me appreciate something I take for granted, to say the least. American Fast Food! It was good. Most excellent to see her enjoy it so much.
It blows my mind that these people, even those that have a little tiny bit of money, have never traveled more than 75 miles from their home their whole lives. And all their experiences and their entire world is in the radius of 75 miles. But, they see the world, through internet, TV, etc. But, they will probably never see the world. Still, they are no less happy (perhaps no more) than we are. Perhaps more "happy", whatever that means. So, the secret cannot be in the things of this world, or the experiences of this world, or the place you live.
If the next two months go by this fast, I'll be leaving sooner than I think, or perhaps want.
Yes, there are days, times, that I really miss what was familiar and comfortable and "controllable". But, I look back and ask myself, where do I want to be now. Do I want to go back to the job I had? Do I want to go back to anything I had? Not that it was bad; it was awesome, blessed blessed. But, it's past. And it's not something I want to go back to, or recreate or repeat. So, all I know to do is go/grow forward. And this is the life I choose to grow forward to/with. So, I don't really have a choice. I move forward because I have to and I don't really have a life to go back to (or want to go back to). And that's the choices I made. And I'm at true peace with that. As alone as it is at times; or strange; or just not "home", it is home, for this is where God has planted my heart, in this season. And thank you God for planting my heart deep here, even for a season.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
One Month
Hard to believe. It’s been one month. Never would have guessed it to go by so fast!
How’s it going? Going good; surreal but good. This past week was a bit of a challenge. Got a real bad cold. Probably not as bad as I would have thought on the offset, but in a place where the choice of cold medicine products is pretty limited (to say the least), you suffer through all the symptoms. It’s amazing how much you can appreciate (or want) a good cough drop, when it’s not available. Or even access to home remedies of honey and tea and lemon. Or a good night time cold medicine to knock you out. Nope, nada, not this time. Several long nights. I’m just saying.
Missed 2 days of Spanish classes because of my cold, so not much progress on the lingo side. Worked a little on the on-line lessons, but not feeling like doing much when I was sick. Back on track now, but feeling a bit behind.
I was emailing a friend today about leaving a former life behind, and pushing forward. And seeing the joys and challenges of that process. Speaking of which, my mom calls me later that same day. And informs me that… here’s the good news….and bad. Things are going great between her and my dog. Well, now more properly stated HER dog. She has informed me that the dog is now officially hers. And she has NO PLANS of giving him back (the bad news). I know that’s a good thing, but when your dog is/was (for better or worse) a big part of your life, letting go is not easy. The right thing, but not easy. I’m glad to know Lucas is happy and she’s happy with him. But I still miss him. But, the irony is that she’s about to learn things about a human and dog bond that she may not have known before; both the joy and pain. It was a similar enlightenment when I had my first dog, Copper. Just be careful Mom, my only word of advice is… even dogs can break your heart when/if you let them in.
And for the surreal… in mean time God continues to show me a glimpse of life that people like my Mom know well, but I never did. The life of parenting, and kids 24/7, and all things there of. And no, I’m not a dad, but I’m telling you, it’s like I’ve stepped in a worm hole, and instantly this new simulated/temporary life of fatherhood. And it blows my mind. I was actually at a parent/teacher school conference last night getting the period grades for Marsil, (while his mom was at the university taking night classes for her master’s in psychology). Marsil asked me to go and I was glad I did. But, talk about surreal. Probably not unlike my mom waking up one day and realizing the last thing she every thought would happen… a dog living 24/7 INSIDE her house – and she loves Lucas! And me, going to a teacher/parent conference, and actually feeling like it was a place where I was suppose to be for that moment (this season). Too weird, way too weird. And before that, I’m running around signing the kids up for swim lessons; going to the clinic to get their lab results (routine school stuff); dropping bills by the utility companies; grabbing some food for all of us on the way. But I’m in SANTIAGO, DR with this family I didn’t even know 30 days ago.
So, Mom has Lucas, and I have Paul and Marsil (for a season). Each is a great challenge in their own way. And it’s still touch and go cause I don’t have a clue for what I’m doing (I can hear God saying, “You think Paul is touch and go, you should see my son Norm!”). And yes I’ve had to say “I’m sorry” several times to them for things I know I didn’t handle well. I may never know true blood fatherhood to a 12 and 15 year old, but I’m glad I got this glimpse.
And the funny thing is, life is so routine. So day in, day out. But not in a bad way. I can definitely get a glimps as to how time slips away; and kids are grown and gone. Each day we’re up; off to school (all of us); home early afternoon. Chores and running around. Joke and play. Homework; eat; daily wrap up; off to bed. Day after day. And my time here slips away so fast; too fast.
Went with some great new friends to the beach (Ava and Jose Luis), along with Roberta (an incredible friend in her own right!) and her son Thomas from Haiti this past weekend. And all of them are a huge blessing to me.
One last thing. I’ve set a record. For automobile accidents (Luckson would say incidents). I’m hoping he’s not reading this or I’ll never live this down. I’ve actually been hit three (3) times by taxi drivers in the past 2 weeks. I was hit twice!!! Twice!! In one day!! Two drivers rear ended me. The third one, I’d had enough. I jump out and started talking, not quite yelling, but certainly making sure he could hear me (but of course not understanding English) that this was the third time I was hit; twice in one day and he needed to learn how to drive. In the mean time, Paul and Marsil (of course they’re with me) are laughing up a storm. There was no major damage to the car, so we went on. But seriously, rear ended twice in one day. Both times, I was at a complete stop and bam. These drivers are very very crazy. I tell Nidia later, and she gets a good laugh too. It is kinda funny, now!
Headed to a big family get together this evening (Sunday). A cousin's 18th birthday party. Here we go again!
How’s it going? Going good; surreal but good. This past week was a bit of a challenge. Got a real bad cold. Probably not as bad as I would have thought on the offset, but in a place where the choice of cold medicine products is pretty limited (to say the least), you suffer through all the symptoms. It’s amazing how much you can appreciate (or want) a good cough drop, when it’s not available. Or even access to home remedies of honey and tea and lemon. Or a good night time cold medicine to knock you out. Nope, nada, not this time. Several long nights. I’m just saying.
Missed 2 days of Spanish classes because of my cold, so not much progress on the lingo side. Worked a little on the on-line lessons, but not feeling like doing much when I was sick. Back on track now, but feeling a bit behind.
I was emailing a friend today about leaving a former life behind, and pushing forward. And seeing the joys and challenges of that process. Speaking of which, my mom calls me later that same day. And informs me that… here’s the good news….and bad. Things are going great between her and my dog. Well, now more properly stated HER dog. She has informed me that the dog is now officially hers. And she has NO PLANS of giving him back (the bad news). I know that’s a good thing, but when your dog is/was (for better or worse) a big part of your life, letting go is not easy. The right thing, but not easy. I’m glad to know Lucas is happy and she’s happy with him. But I still miss him. But, the irony is that she’s about to learn things about a human and dog bond that she may not have known before; both the joy and pain. It was a similar enlightenment when I had my first dog, Copper. Just be careful Mom, my only word of advice is… even dogs can break your heart when/if you let them in.
And for the surreal… in mean time God continues to show me a glimpse of life that people like my Mom know well, but I never did. The life of parenting, and kids 24/7, and all things there of. And no, I’m not a dad, but I’m telling you, it’s like I’ve stepped in a worm hole, and instantly this new simulated/temporary life of fatherhood. And it blows my mind. I was actually at a parent/teacher school conference last night getting the period grades for Marsil, (while his mom was at the university taking night classes for her master’s in psychology). Marsil asked me to go and I was glad I did. But, talk about surreal. Probably not unlike my mom waking up one day and realizing the last thing she every thought would happen… a dog living 24/7 INSIDE her house – and she loves Lucas! And me, going to a teacher/parent conference, and actually feeling like it was a place where I was suppose to be for that moment (this season). Too weird, way too weird. And before that, I’m running around signing the kids up for swim lessons; going to the clinic to get their lab results (routine school stuff); dropping bills by the utility companies; grabbing some food for all of us on the way. But I’m in SANTIAGO, DR with this family I didn’t even know 30 days ago.
So, Mom has Lucas, and I have Paul and Marsil (for a season). Each is a great challenge in their own way. And it’s still touch and go cause I don’t have a clue for what I’m doing (I can hear God saying, “You think Paul is touch and go, you should see my son Norm!”). And yes I’ve had to say “I’m sorry” several times to them for things I know I didn’t handle well. I may never know true blood fatherhood to a 12 and 15 year old, but I’m glad I got this glimpse.
And the funny thing is, life is so routine. So day in, day out. But not in a bad way. I can definitely get a glimps as to how time slips away; and kids are grown and gone. Each day we’re up; off to school (all of us); home early afternoon. Chores and running around. Joke and play. Homework; eat; daily wrap up; off to bed. Day after day. And my time here slips away so fast; too fast.
Went with some great new friends to the beach (Ava and Jose Luis), along with Roberta (an incredible friend in her own right!) and her son Thomas from Haiti this past weekend. And all of them are a huge blessing to me.
One last thing. I’ve set a record. For automobile accidents (Luckson would say incidents). I’m hoping he’s not reading this or I’ll never live this down. I’ve actually been hit three (3) times by taxi drivers in the past 2 weeks. I was hit twice!!! Twice!! In one day!! Two drivers rear ended me. The third one, I’d had enough. I jump out and started talking, not quite yelling, but certainly making sure he could hear me (but of course not understanding English) that this was the third time I was hit; twice in one day and he needed to learn how to drive. In the mean time, Paul and Marsil (of course they’re with me) are laughing up a storm. There was no major damage to the car, so we went on. But seriously, rear ended twice in one day. Both times, I was at a complete stop and bam. These drivers are very very crazy. I tell Nidia later, and she gets a good laugh too. It is kinda funny, now!
Headed to a big family get together this evening (Sunday). A cousin's 18th birthday party. Here we go again!
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