I've got an all points bulletin out for the kid I first met here when I arrived in the DR. His name is Paul and I seem to be missing him. There is a kid here living in this house that goes by Paul, looks like Paul, sounds like Paul, and sleeps in Paul's bed, but I'm pretty sure it's not Paul.
The Paul I met when I got here was allllll about Paul. His every waking thought seemed to be about Paul. And it almost drove me crazy.
But, this kid that lives in this house now and goes by the name "Paul" doesn't even remind me of the other kid. Here's the story.... (long and blah blah)
I started an "earn your allowance" program. Similar to a program my parents did when I was young; I give Marsil and Paul each $7.5 USD in dominations of 5 pesos coins (which is a total of 250 pesos; 50 coins), at the beginning of the week (a HUGE amount of money for a kid in the DR;which really concerned me). However, each time there is a violation of a house/family rule, or misbehavior, or something that needs correcting, I take away pesos. Mostly at 5 peso increments, but up to 20 pesos at a time, based on the issue. At the end of the week, whatever money they (Paul and Marsil) have left, that's their allowance for that week, and it starts over again every week. At the end of this past week, Paul and Marsil got their first payment. Paul earned 155 pesos (lost 95 pesos), out of a possible 250 pesos. Marsil's was 185 pesos (lost 65 pesos), out of a possible 250 pesos.
After I gave them the money last night, I gave them a long (and probably boring) talk about how God blesses. How he's blessed them. How God has blessed me. How I believe God calls me to help others, and blesses me (in many ways) even more when I do help. I challenged them to consider giving a part of their allowance to someone, and do it in God's name. It could be church, a person in need, anyone they felt needed encouraging. And, this was strickly optional; voluntary. It was not a requirement or a rule; it was suggestion to merely show how they recognized God's blessing and their desire to bless others, as God has them. And, through it all, they had smirks on their faces and half laughing (typical reactions of a 12 and 15 year old), but I got through the "talk" and let it go. Hoping they heard a little of it for future reference.
We then headed to the store 'cause the money is burning a hole in their pockets (like me at their age). And I'm expecting candy, and cartoon magazines, and junk for themselves, right?? That's what I would have done; that's that I DID do when I was their age. We get to the store, and Marsil, instead of junk, buys basically school supplies!!! And spends ALL his money. He did buy some candy, but it was for his brother!!! Okay, I'm confused. But not surprised, because it's Marsil and that's typical impressive Marsil. But, the story gets better....
Paul has been talking about a magazine he's wanted to buy. And has looked forward to buying it all week. Mentioning it to me several times; his plans to buy this Pokemon magazine. He goes to get it at the store; thumbs through it and then asks me a question. "Norm, I need your advice, would you buy this magazine if you were me?" Hard question! For one, cartoons were never my bag and I'm 43. 12 years old was a long time ago. I basically say all that, and tell him that I really think it needs to be his decision. He mills it over for like 5 minutes.
By now Marsil is getting anxious to leave the store; he has his stuff and is ready to head to the check out. Then, all the sudden, Paul puts down the magazine and goes over and gets a little plastic dump truck. Like a toy suitable for a 5 year old, not Paul. And out of ear shot, Marsil starts making fun of him. I immediately correct Marsil telling him it's VERY wrong of him to judge how Paul spends his money. It's Paul's money; he can spend it any way he likes. (this, all out of ear shot of Paul). I'm thinking to myself it's a bit childish, but it's truly Paul's choice. Paul does buy the truck. Marsil still snickers behind his back.
We pay for it all and head out of the store. As we're leaving, Paul asks me to pull close to the parking attendant, and Paul proceeds to give the attendant some change. The attendant gladly accepts the change. (I'm thinking, okay, this is Paul's way of giving back. A good start.) Then, we get to a street corner, and a lady is begging, and Paul then gives some of the candy that Marsil had given him, to the lady. Okay, I'm now impressed. And I'm thinking where did the old Paul go??? First the monopoly game (read early post), now this!
BUT then.... Paul asks for the phone number of our housekeeper, Nigrita. Keep in mind Nigrita is making like around $120 US per month; very poor. I tell him I doubt she has a phone; she's very poor. Not only a poor family but has a young son of about 5 years old. I begin to put the picture together (at least, so I think). But, before I do, Paul asks, "Norm, if I do something good, do I have to tell you??" I tell him, if he does it in secret for the right reasons, then no he doesn't have to tell me. But, if he does it in secret because he knows it not being who God wants, then that's not a good reason for a secret. He's quiet the rest of the way home. That was last night.
Fast forward 24 hours. Tonight, at "family time", I ask Paul if he's decided on any more ways of sharing, thinking about the dump truck and pretty sure (but not certain) he bought it for the housekeeper's son. (Still thinking I have him figured out!) He tells me he knows I know his plans. I ask him to tell me and Marsil his plans anyway.
Paul proceeds to tell me he did talk with the housekeeper this afternoon (while I was gone) and gave the dump truck to her, for her little boy (about 5 years old). Paul tells me that Nigrita shared with him that her son is not doing well in school and is having other problems.
Paul tells Nigrita that he'll make a deal with her son..... If her son's behavior improves, each week he (Paul) will buy her son a special gift!!! This is all coming from a 12 year old boy named Paul!!
Seriously I'm about to fall out of my chair as he's telling me this story. Rarely have I seen anything like it. And perhaps it's just a short lived jesture (I hope not), but it's one of the most incredible things I've seen from any 12 year old. I ask him, where in the world did he get the idea to help her son. And he tells me, "From you Norm. If we do good, we get our money at the end of the week; I'm doing the same for Nigrita's son".
I have to confess the tears start rolling down my eyes. I have no idea if this blog can even begin to describe the scene. But this boy of 12 is showing me and his brother Marsil how to give. Marsil is now speechless himself. He now realizes the dump truck he made fun of Paul for buying was NEVER for Paul! I turn to Marsil and ask him what he thinks about all this. I see something in Marsil's eyes I don't think I've seen before. His is truly truly proud of his brother. (speechless and proud, for once).
I tell them both how extremely proud I am of them and how they've grown so much in two short months. Paul, for this season, has literally changed his life (and a little of mine). The former whiny, apparently self centered little boy has vanished. In his place is this incredibly generous kid. Still only 12, with all the perks and problems, but perhaps one of the most generous kids I've ever met at 12 years old.
Instead of buying anything at the store for himself, he ends up only buying something for Nigrita's son. Touching this kid's life. And, offering to help him in the future.
So for all you prayer warriors out there that have lifted Paul up. Please know that God has answered your prayers. In perhaps one of the most dramatic changes I've ever seen.
I could freak out about wondering if it will last. If they'll be different when I'm gone. But, I'm going to rest in knowing it was God, NOT Norm, that blessed and changed Paul heart, and He is still on the throne and will prayerfully continue to change Paul's heart, and mine.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
What Would I Give Up That Means A Lot to Me
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?
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, 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....
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