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.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, November 14, 2008
And Now for the Good News
In case you thinks it's all bad.... It's not. Not by a long shot. There are many bright spots.
For one, and possibly the most obvious, I'm reminded every day, many many times a day, in this country, how blessed I am. It's "normal" to be so blessed in the US; it's no so normal here. And to think how blessed I am with the God I know, family I have, the up bring I've had; with the opportunities I've had, with the friends I have, wow.... seriously amazing.
Part of that blessing is that I get to have Thanksgiving at my home in Stuart this year with part of my family (Eulice/Wanda, Mike, Mark and Keith), the Bergs (David/Kathy/Kayla/Josh), and Mack and Jan. I could not have chose a better dinner party list. But there's more...
Luckson is coming to visit for a week, starting Dec. 12th. He's been my little brother from years and it will be a great time to catch up. And then, the Holiday season starts right after that with my sister Yuvonia and my Mom joining us all in Florida. And then.... when I do return to the DR (probably around Jan 6th), my Mom plans to join me for a few weeks.
So, I'll be surround by some incredible people for many weeks to come. Not that there are not some incredible people here; there is; but not quite the deep long relationships of family and life long friends.
I guess if I were to ask for one thing... it would be to try to capture the blessing of this day. Not the days ahead in the US. But this day. And secondly... to find the strength to love people that extort and manipulate. (Because in some ways, I would do the same thing if I were in their shoes; no excuses; just facts of life) And, no matter how much they try to extort, they will probably never see the blessings I've received. So, really it's mostly sorrow and pity I feel. And perhaps a little guilt. The "why me" questions of why I've been so blessed.
And some of the small blessings.... my dog Zoi is almost house trained. I thought it would never happen, and there are still setbacks, but she's 100% better than before. Thank you Lord.
And the kid that we've been fostering, Kevin, is doing much better. And I've even met with his Mom a time or two. She's much better (for the moment) and Nananina (Kevin's half sister) is also doing good, it appears.
And, while the first week of building the house was insane, and this week has been hard, not quite as hard. The shock of how hard it's going to be has kinda worn off... so I've gotten a little better at pacing myself.
And.... cross your fingers, I've had good electricity for almost 1 1/2 weeks now; not all the time mind you, but with an inverter and batteries, basically 24/7. That makes a huge difference!!!
And, I've started back on a somewhat regular running pace. I had not run for almost 4 weeks, but am back to 3 times a week, and surprised that I was not in any pain.
All in all, things are okay. Tough, but surviving. And I'm thankful God continues to bless, and protect and give me grace. Thanks for the prayers. That's the good news.
For one, and possibly the most obvious, I'm reminded every day, many many times a day, in this country, how blessed I am. It's "normal" to be so blessed in the US; it's no so normal here. And to think how blessed I am with the God I know, family I have, the up bring I've had; with the opportunities I've had, with the friends I have, wow.... seriously amazing.
Part of that blessing is that I get to have Thanksgiving at my home in Stuart this year with part of my family (Eulice/Wanda, Mike, Mark and Keith), the Bergs (David/Kathy/Kayla/Josh), and Mack and Jan. I could not have chose a better dinner party list. But there's more...
Luckson is coming to visit for a week, starting Dec. 12th. He's been my little brother from years and it will be a great time to catch up. And then, the Holiday season starts right after that with my sister Yuvonia and my Mom joining us all in Florida. And then.... when I do return to the DR (probably around Jan 6th), my Mom plans to join me for a few weeks.
So, I'll be surround by some incredible people for many weeks to come. Not that there are not some incredible people here; there is; but not quite the deep long relationships of family and life long friends.
I guess if I were to ask for one thing... it would be to try to capture the blessing of this day. Not the days ahead in the US. But this day. And secondly... to find the strength to love people that extort and manipulate. (Because in some ways, I would do the same thing if I were in their shoes; no excuses; just facts of life) And, no matter how much they try to extort, they will probably never see the blessings I've received. So, really it's mostly sorrow and pity I feel. And perhaps a little guilt. The "why me" questions of why I've been so blessed.
And some of the small blessings.... my dog Zoi is almost house trained. I thought it would never happen, and there are still setbacks, but she's 100% better than before. Thank you Lord.
And the kid that we've been fostering, Kevin, is doing much better. And I've even met with his Mom a time or two. She's much better (for the moment) and Nananina (Kevin's half sister) is also doing good, it appears.
And, while the first week of building the house was insane, and this week has been hard, not quite as hard. The shock of how hard it's going to be has kinda worn off... so I've gotten a little better at pacing myself.
And.... cross your fingers, I've had good electricity for almost 1 1/2 weeks now; not all the time mind you, but with an inverter and batteries, basically 24/7. That makes a huge difference!!!
And, I've started back on a somewhat regular running pace. I had not run for almost 4 weeks, but am back to 3 times a week, and surprised that I was not in any pain.
All in all, things are okay. Tough, but surviving. And I'm thankful God continues to bless, and protect and give me grace. Thanks for the prayers. That's the good news.
I’m Sure I’ve Lost My Mind
....Because despite all that’s happening and all the potential up coming changes in things around here, I have decided to start building a house in this country. And believe me the words cannot begin to express all that means. Not even close.
For one, for those that know, I can’t seem to do anything small. And this is no exception. Not that I want a big house; frankly I honestly don’t. But, the land that I purchased is practically right on the ocean, so it’s calling for a large house. And, that’s what I engaged an architect to design.
More probably said, I engaged an “architect” to complete the formal drawings of a plan I had already completed. He just had to make it suitable for Dominican review. And him taking 8 times to literally copy the plans should have given me a clue as to what I was about to get into. Literally I gave him practically every dimension and it was amazaing how many different version he could come up with, EXCEPT the exact copy of what I had given him. A sign of things to come.
Well, the logical question is... then why am I building? And, believe me, I ask myself the same thing over and over again. And, all I can come up with is that if I don’t build, about 15 families don’t eat. When we say things are bad in the US, it’s so so far from what’s happening here, and likely in most places that are called “third world”. The only thing I can’t imagine is how bad it is in places like Haiti. If this is bad, what’s Haiti like.
In the past, for this area, there are some folks we’ve hired to help build missionary houses, dorms, etc. And these folks are all mostly Haitian. So, when they heard that I was possibly building a house, 6 of them decided they would come from Haiti and, at the risk of not building the house, wait around Rio San Juan until I did start, if I did start. At that time, I really had no plans to start building. Quite the opposite; at the time, I had NO plans to build anytime soon, especially given how uncertain things are for me right now.
Well, on their way from Haiti to the DR, these 6 guys were beaten, robbed, and thrown in jail for one simple reason... they were Haitian. All done by the police. And they risked all they had for one reason; if they didn’t get this job, they had no job; which means no money, which means no food or anything else for their families. Literally nothing. No “welfare” in Haiti. So, they literally risk their lives to work in the DR, despite all the extreme prejudice.
And guess how much they get paid per day....??? Around 12 dollars. Yep $12 for a day of incredibly hard hard labor. Labor rarely seen in the US because we use all these fancy machines to do our work; especially the hard stuff. Not here; it’s all by hand and hard labor. And that’s the job they risk their lives for. To bust these huge boulders of rock with the most basic of tools (pike and shovel and sledge hammers) for $12 per day.
So, when they get out of jail they that are told that if they report the incident they will be killed. And in this country that is NOT an idle threat. And then, they show up in Rio San Juan and wait for me to start a house I had NO PLANS to start right now. So, what do I do? I prayed about it; got some counsel, and I started building a house I don’t want to build right now.
The first week was again an incredibly hard, insane, almost indescribable experience. Like I’m in a world; back a 100 years or more. Stress I’ve not seen in a long long time. These groups of “official” representatives of various “government” agencies in the DR, all wanting bribes or payoffs. Problems with everything from the details of the plans to the foundation and everything, everything in between.
And, to tie it all of with a nice bow, the architect, as it turns out, has been lying about almost everything he told me including fees he’s supposed to have paid, the accuracy of the drawings, and then.... He has the nerve to ask me for more money. I literally threw him out of the house.
I had previously agreed on a set price, and several weeks back, after listening to his sad story of all the government fees he had to pay, I paid him about 30% more than the total contract price I was obligaged to. Well, as it turns out, it was all a lie to extort money from me. And now, he’s refusing to cooperate with transferring the plans to another person whom I know better and trust more. But, he is being investigated by the town officials because evidently this is a common practice they are trying to stop. Welcome to the DR.
I also have studied the plans and as I suspected, they are not engineered correctly. While I know little about engineering, again the architect was responsible for having the plans engineered correctly (everything around here is building with concrete and steel, so engineering is extremely important). So, now the work has come to a stop and I’m having to pay about a 1/3 more in design and engineering fees, on top of what I’ve already paid.
So, basically I’ve had a week of extortionist and lies, one right after another. And all for one reason, because I’m white and some see me as rich and stupid. Well, at least half that version is not true. And, this is week 1 of what could easily be a year or more!!!
I’m now having to basically start again at many many level and realize that this experience is probably going to be the absolute hardest hardest hardest project I’ve ever done. And the funny yet sad thing is that I know this on the front end, and it scares me. But, I’m not stopping today.
I’m dead tired every night from fighting extornists and having to run from one place to another to keep the workers going (all 15 of them). And when I pay them $12 a day, they look in my eyes and say “thank you”. And I want to scream and say that I’m stopping, but I can’t stop. And, this is on top of the “ministry” I’m in the midde of, which does not stop either.
Surely, I have lost my mind. Or will soon.
For one, for those that know, I can’t seem to do anything small. And this is no exception. Not that I want a big house; frankly I honestly don’t. But, the land that I purchased is practically right on the ocean, so it’s calling for a large house. And, that’s what I engaged an architect to design.
More probably said, I engaged an “architect” to complete the formal drawings of a plan I had already completed. He just had to make it suitable for Dominican review. And him taking 8 times to literally copy the plans should have given me a clue as to what I was about to get into. Literally I gave him practically every dimension and it was amazaing how many different version he could come up with, EXCEPT the exact copy of what I had given him. A sign of things to come.
Well, the logical question is... then why am I building? And, believe me, I ask myself the same thing over and over again. And, all I can come up with is that if I don’t build, about 15 families don’t eat. When we say things are bad in the US, it’s so so far from what’s happening here, and likely in most places that are called “third world”. The only thing I can’t imagine is how bad it is in places like Haiti. If this is bad, what’s Haiti like.
In the past, for this area, there are some folks we’ve hired to help build missionary houses, dorms, etc. And these folks are all mostly Haitian. So, when they heard that I was possibly building a house, 6 of them decided they would come from Haiti and, at the risk of not building the house, wait around Rio San Juan until I did start, if I did start. At that time, I really had no plans to start building. Quite the opposite; at the time, I had NO plans to build anytime soon, especially given how uncertain things are for me right now.
Well, on their way from Haiti to the DR, these 6 guys were beaten, robbed, and thrown in jail for one simple reason... they were Haitian. All done by the police. And they risked all they had for one reason; if they didn’t get this job, they had no job; which means no money, which means no food or anything else for their families. Literally nothing. No “welfare” in Haiti. So, they literally risk their lives to work in the DR, despite all the extreme prejudice.
And guess how much they get paid per day....??? Around 12 dollars. Yep $12 for a day of incredibly hard hard labor. Labor rarely seen in the US because we use all these fancy machines to do our work; especially the hard stuff. Not here; it’s all by hand and hard labor. And that’s the job they risk their lives for. To bust these huge boulders of rock with the most basic of tools (pike and shovel and sledge hammers) for $12 per day.
So, when they get out of jail they that are told that if they report the incident they will be killed. And in this country that is NOT an idle threat. And then, they show up in Rio San Juan and wait for me to start a house I had NO PLANS to start right now. So, what do I do? I prayed about it; got some counsel, and I started building a house I don’t want to build right now.
The first week was again an incredibly hard, insane, almost indescribable experience. Like I’m in a world; back a 100 years or more. Stress I’ve not seen in a long long time. These groups of “official” representatives of various “government” agencies in the DR, all wanting bribes or payoffs. Problems with everything from the details of the plans to the foundation and everything, everything in between.
And, to tie it all of with a nice bow, the architect, as it turns out, has been lying about almost everything he told me including fees he’s supposed to have paid, the accuracy of the drawings, and then.... He has the nerve to ask me for more money. I literally threw him out of the house.
I had previously agreed on a set price, and several weeks back, after listening to his sad story of all the government fees he had to pay, I paid him about 30% more than the total contract price I was obligaged to. Well, as it turns out, it was all a lie to extort money from me. And now, he’s refusing to cooperate with transferring the plans to another person whom I know better and trust more. But, he is being investigated by the town officials because evidently this is a common practice they are trying to stop. Welcome to the DR.
I also have studied the plans and as I suspected, they are not engineered correctly. While I know little about engineering, again the architect was responsible for having the plans engineered correctly (everything around here is building with concrete and steel, so engineering is extremely important). So, now the work has come to a stop and I’m having to pay about a 1/3 more in design and engineering fees, on top of what I’ve already paid.
So, basically I’ve had a week of extortionist and lies, one right after another. And all for one reason, because I’m white and some see me as rich and stupid. Well, at least half that version is not true. And, this is week 1 of what could easily be a year or more!!!
I’m now having to basically start again at many many level and realize that this experience is probably going to be the absolute hardest hardest hardest project I’ve ever done. And the funny yet sad thing is that I know this on the front end, and it scares me. But, I’m not stopping today.
I’m dead tired every night from fighting extornists and having to run from one place to another to keep the workers going (all 15 of them). And when I pay them $12 a day, they look in my eyes and say “thank you”. And I want to scream and say that I’m stopping, but I can’t stop. And, this is on top of the “ministry” I’m in the midde of, which does not stop either.
Surely, I have lost my mind. Or will soon.
Friday, October 24, 2008
I Did Get Around to It
I did take the time to get at least these photos posted.
Meet Zoi, Doberman Pincsher Female. Born June 30th in Miami, FL. Adopted August 26th; taken to the DR on Sept. 1st. See more details in other blog post.
Meet Zoi, Doberman Pincsher Female. Born June 30th in Miami, FL. Adopted August 26th; taken to the DR on Sept. 1st. See more details in other blog post.
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