A fun surprise was awaiting when Don and our daughter Nella drove me to our church parking lot at 2:45 a.m. My sister Janice and two of her kids, Michelle & Joe, were there to see me off! They stayed through all the loading of over 100 50# bags onto buses, Don and Joey helping with that muscle work. They stayed for our circle of prayer time. They stayed as we drove out of the lot, doing 'The Wave' to bless us on our way. Jan presented me with a package of envelopes. I was to open one on the way and then one each morning. Each held a Bible verse and then encouraging words. A very thoughtful gift from one of my prayer partners!
Two uneventful flights later we landed in rainy Santiago. Hearing predictions of a rainy week to come didn't sit well with the group. John Martinez of G.O. was there to welcome us. A very nice 30 something man from Long Island who has lived and worked as a missionary in the D.R. for eight years now. He told us that as he prayed to prepare himself for our week that God had placed the Galatians verses about The Fruits of the Spirit on his heart. That's what we were all to be focusing on...and the first Fruit would begin then and there as we loaded bags and began our journey...PATIENCE.
The evening started with a lovely welcome in the home of Gabrielle, a gentleman involved with G.O. Ministries. His family hosted our group of almost 60 people, all with wet shoes, allowing us to invade his home and eat his food. Heart warming hospitality! Chicken and rice were the main dishes, and during the week we found out these would be our staples for the most part.
As most of the team continued visiting there, about 15-20 of us were bussed to another location to meet our sponsored G.O. Kid. I had my envelope of gifts for Yonaris, hoping her family was able to be there on this nasty, rainy night.
We were told that the Dominicans do not like the rain. If it's raining, they do not go out. So between that and the fact that our travels got us there late, there was a slim chance.
But as I came up the stairs I saw a little girl sitting on a woman's lap, their backs to me. But the girl's profile was visible. It was Yonaris! And she was lovely. Such a beautiful face!
I was able to enlist the help of a translator to have a conversation with Jasmine, her mother. We learned things about each other, finding out our husbands are both 'laid back', hers is a mechanic, mine sells tools to mechanics...Yonaris is very intelligent and loves to color and read books, exactly how my little girl was as a child...Jasmine was working until she had Yonaris, as a secretary, exactly what I did before having Seth. We had a lot of parallels in our lives as Jasmine said through the translator. Yonaris was shy but smiled a lot as she opened her gifts. She loved the Dora The Explorer book I bought her. Jasmine said she only wants to watch Dora on TV and then pointed to the little buckles on her daughter's shoes - the face of Dora! I guess I picked the right book! Jasmine thanked me for my generosity and said they have an extra room in their home where I am always welcome to stay if I want to visit them. I was very touched and so happy that I was able to connect with our sponsored child.
Then came the end of a long day and the beginning of what will go down in history as the worst walk of my life! Because of all the rain our large bus was not able to travel the last part of the trip to our dorm. So we were dropped at a corner and asked to carry our backpacks about a half mile, staying in groups for safety.
It was dark, luckily not raining, but the muddy, potholed, rocky road was extremely difficult to navigate. I honestly don't know how I never slipped and fell in the mud! It was a slow, careful, uncomfortable walk that seemed to never end. And all the way down the road were people watching us from their doorways, from chairs in front of homes, from groups of motor bikes on corners. We must have been quite a sight!
Arrived in our first dormitory where bunks were stacked three high and set up our mosquito netting on our bed of choice. 33 women sharing one sleeping room, three or four showers, three toilets and three or four sinks...hmmm...recipe for disaster? Fruits...Fruits!
It was a bad night's sleep. No air movement on my bottom bunk. After 12:30 a.m. lights out, it took me over an hour to fall into a restless sleep...and wake up call was at 4:30 a.m.!
Welcome to the world of mission work, Donna! And don't forget your Fruits!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
It's 2:00 a.m.
I'm up. I'm showered. I'm dressed in my G.O. Ministries team t-shirt.
Here's what it reads...
'But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen'
If you're in JFK airport around 6 a.m. today, look for 57 of us wearing this smokey gray t-shirt!
I found myself very emotional last night. Hugged Seth goodnight/goodbye before my 8 o'clock bedtime. Had some quiet time with Don, wiping away tears the whole while. Nella was at class and Adam was still gone--I had said goodbye to him two days earlier.
Not sure how many hours I actually slept, but I'm ready now. Hungry tummy at 2 a.m.!?
Nella's home and ready to go with Don and me to the church...this is it!
God bless us, everyone!
Here's what it reads...
'But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen'
If you're in JFK airport around 6 a.m. today, look for 57 of us wearing this smokey gray t-shirt!
I found myself very emotional last night. Hugged Seth goodnight/goodbye before my 8 o'clock bedtime. Had some quiet time with Don, wiping away tears the whole while. Nella was at class and Adam was still gone--I had said goodbye to him two days earlier.
Not sure how many hours I actually slept, but I'm ready now. Hungry tummy at 2 a.m.!?
Nella's home and ready to go with Don and me to the church...this is it!
God bless us, everyone!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Final Stages
Our mission team has had two trip prep gatherings in the last week. Wednesday night was medicine sorting/packing in the church office basement. About 15 people ripping open boxes and bottles of meds and transferring them to labeled Zip-Lock bags for ease of packing in our donation bags. POUNDS and POUNDS of medicine!
Some was purchased specifically for certain needs of the clinic, while much of it was donated by many caring folks who took the time and energy to clean out their medicine cabinets, or shop for items.
My client Alice has a husband and a brother-in-law who are pharmacists...four large boxes of meds donated. My sister Maureen and Monica each gave me a bag. Other clients and friends dropped off bags. So thankful for everyone's generosity!
I drove to the meeting on Wednesday with my Trailblazer filled with drugs - hoping nothing would cause a cop to pull me over! How to explain...would they believe me? No worries...all went well.
This Sunday our team was at both services in order to be on the platform with Pastor Matthew for a blessing. He asked everyone in the church to surround the platform, placing hands on it, or on the shoulder of the person in front of them. Our team was all holding hands. First service Matthew placed his hand on my shoulder, since I happened to land front and center, and said a beautiful prayer. All was repeated after second service (with another person front and center). What a great send-off from our church members! Very touching. Wish all my friends and family could have been there!
After services was our donation bag packing. Don was kind enough to stay to help. We all enjoyed Panera Bread lunch, then around 12:30 we began the free-for-all packing party! Hundreds of bags of clothing, shoes, school and medical supplies littered the chapel floor. Somehow areas were staked out for sorting the different donation categories.
I became known as The Recycling Queen as I moved around gathering anything that shouldn't be put in the regular garbage. Men were hoisting giant bags filled with clothing and medicine onto a hanging scale...no more than 50 pounds per bag allowed! Somehow we were done packing 57 huge bags by 2:30 or so. Mark Derry, our fearless leader, stood on a chair and said, 'If this is how well we're all going to work together this whole week, it's going to be a GREAT week!'
How amazing that the contents of all 57 50# bags will be left for the folks in Batey Nueve! How wonderful!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Packing Reality Show
My reality show would look something like this...
It's the weekend before leaving for the D.R. As in two days left to prepare. I know it's time to really get serious with the pile I've stacked up on the card table in our bedroom.
But first...
I go outside at 8:30 a.m. to enjoy my cup of coffee while watering a few plants. Temps in the 90's day after day - could it be that God is prepping us for D.R. weather?
So, watering plants turns into trimming bushes and pulling weeds which then turns into washing two vehicles which then turns into 'Oh! My bird bath needs cleaning and refilling - and so do the three bird feeders!' Out comes the ladder and the cleaning brush.
Two and a half hours later, covered in mud and plant bits, I'm in the shower cleaning up so I can go with Don to do my lap swimming at the YMCA. I'm in training, after all.
So what does all this say about me? Maybe I'm easily distracted? I procrastinate? Whatever it says...I sure got some good work done today!
But I've got to PACK!
It's the weekend before leaving for the D.R. As in two days left to prepare. I know it's time to really get serious with the pile I've stacked up on the card table in our bedroom.
But first...
I go outside at 8:30 a.m. to enjoy my cup of coffee while watering a few plants. Temps in the 90's day after day - could it be that God is prepping us for D.R. weather?
So, watering plants turns into trimming bushes and pulling weeds which then turns into washing two vehicles which then turns into 'Oh! My bird bath needs cleaning and refilling - and so do the three bird feeders!' Out comes the ladder and the cleaning brush.
Two and a half hours later, covered in mud and plant bits, I'm in the shower cleaning up so I can go with Don to do my lap swimming at the YMCA. I'm in training, after all.
So what does all this say about me? Maybe I'm easily distracted? I procrastinate? Whatever it says...I sure got some good work done today!
But I've got to PACK!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Someone I Hope To Meet
Yonaris Rivas Alonzo is a special little person I'm hoping to meet in the D.R.
Don and I 'adopted' her through G.O. Ministries just a few months ago. And word has it, G.O. is trying to help any mission team members who are supporting a child to actually meet that child.
I would love for that to happen! Why, oh why don't I know Spanish?!
Now to find a cute little gift for a cute little girl...
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Living With Gratitude
I am back from two wonderful days in Three Rivers, Michigan. Spent precious time with my husband, two great girlfriends and their families. Wish my kids were there, too...maybe next time! But it is definitely times like these when I realize how blessed I am.
My friend Laura asked both Don and me this weekend, in so many words, what it is that makes us happy. Caught a little off guard by the question, while I was helping grill some meat for everyone's dinner, I said that right now in my life I'm enjoying all of the new adventures that I'm having. Then Don came onto the deck and she asked him and he immediately pointed toward me and raised his eyebrows as if to say 'you need to ask?' but Laura said, 'Of course, Donna, but what else?'
What I realized after her question kept popping back into my brain as that evening and the next day continued is that it's so much more than that.
For me what it really all boils down to is this: I am grateful. I am thankful. I do not take my life for granted. I appreciate every little thing that each day unveils for me, whether it's a gorgeous sky or the bird song I listen for, or a rainy day that waters my garden so I don't need to. And that is the underlying reason for my happiness.
And that sense of gratitude can be boiled down yet again into another, more concentrated form. My belief that my life is a gift from God is what brings out this feeling of gratitude every day. I am so grateful for the gift I've been given! Most gifts we receive lose their luster after days, weeks, or months. Not this one. Not my life!
I know the D.R. will awaken things in me that I can't even imagine. That's both scary and exciting. I may need a little reminder once or twice when I'm hot and sticky and exhausted to remember how blessed I am. Betting I'll be fine with the help of my two prayer partners, my sister Janice and my friend, Gloria. They have both been praying for my team and me personally to have a safe and successful mission. I will take any prayers and pray-ers I can get, but again feel so grateful for Jan & Glo's caring prayers.
Will I come home from The D.R. feeling even more grateful for what I have? Will I feel guilty for all that I have been blessed with? Will I feel helpless or frustrated or angry or depressed? God only knows. But God is the one who gave me the courage to take this trip, and God's power is what I will be 'plugging into' when I need a recharging during the mission. My strength is nothing compared to God's. And my life is nothing but for the grace of God. And I am so grateful.
My friend Laura asked both Don and me this weekend, in so many words, what it is that makes us happy. Caught a little off guard by the question, while I was helping grill some meat for everyone's dinner, I said that right now in my life I'm enjoying all of the new adventures that I'm having. Then Don came onto the deck and she asked him and he immediately pointed toward me and raised his eyebrows as if to say 'you need to ask?' but Laura said, 'Of course, Donna, but what else?'
What I realized after her question kept popping back into my brain as that evening and the next day continued is that it's so much more than that.
For me what it really all boils down to is this: I am grateful. I am thankful. I do not take my life for granted. I appreciate every little thing that each day unveils for me, whether it's a gorgeous sky or the bird song I listen for, or a rainy day that waters my garden so I don't need to. And that is the underlying reason for my happiness.
And that sense of gratitude can be boiled down yet again into another, more concentrated form. My belief that my life is a gift from God is what brings out this feeling of gratitude every day. I am so grateful for the gift I've been given! Most gifts we receive lose their luster after days, weeks, or months. Not this one. Not my life!
I know the D.R. will awaken things in me that I can't even imagine. That's both scary and exciting. I may need a little reminder once or twice when I'm hot and sticky and exhausted to remember how blessed I am. Betting I'll be fine with the help of my two prayer partners, my sister Janice and my friend, Gloria. They have both been praying for my team and me personally to have a safe and successful mission. I will take any prayers and pray-ers I can get, but again feel so grateful for Jan & Glo's caring prayers.
Will I come home from The D.R. feeling even more grateful for what I have? Will I feel guilty for all that I have been blessed with? Will I feel helpless or frustrated or angry or depressed? God only knows. But God is the one who gave me the courage to take this trip, and God's power is what I will be 'plugging into' when I need a recharging during the mission. My strength is nothing compared to God's. And my life is nothing but for the grace of God. And I am so grateful.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Journaling Will Do
It's a spectacular July 4th morning and I'm itching to bring my decaf coffee to my deck and look for my song birds while I read for a bit. But if I don't share with you now, I won't have another moment today. After church and maybe some parade watching Don and I are off to Michigan to join friends for an overnight!
I got my answer about my hope to be able to blog while in the D.R. And the answer really goes back to the trip meeting we had last week at church.
We learned about what is expected of us as a team and what we can expect culturally in Batey Nueve.
Let me start with something that was said in the very first informational meeting that really set the tone for this adventure, in my mind at least.
Kirby, a veteran leader for our church mission trips, stood up and said,
'I want to tell you that if you have any fears about doing this, don't let that stop you. If there is a financial worry, put that out of your mind...the money will somehow be taken care of. But let me be perfectly clear about this...when we're there, we must put ourselves last. You have to be willing to be a servant. That is our role there. Everyone else's needs, including those of the team, are above our own. And this will be a life changing experience for you.'
He spoke to my heart with every one of those statements and I know he was speaking truth! I've already seen it happening! I've been praying for my fears to stay at bay and even more importantly, for a servant's heart. What? Not tell people a better way to do things? Me? Uh...I don't think that's going to be so easy for this strong headed woman! But I'm looking forward to...could it be?...another challenge?
But back to the second meeting. Expected of us? Plenty! And one of the main points about how we are to support each other as a team is stay engaged with the group. This is not a trip to use as a retreat for self. We can't go off in a corner with music in our ears or a good book (and as our leader said...even if it's THE Good Book!) too often or for too long or we'll be asked to come back into the activity or group.
Add to that the fact that this small village may or may not have the power needed to use a laptop and there is my answer.
I will only be journal writing on the trip and put my thoughts to my blog after returning. But I'm okay with that. I've been journaling all my life, every since I received my first diary somewhere around the age of 12. I always say, 'My life is an open book' and I can say that literally now!
Happy 4th, friends! God bless this wonderful country we live in.
I got my answer about my hope to be able to blog while in the D.R. And the answer really goes back to the trip meeting we had last week at church.
We learned about what is expected of us as a team and what we can expect culturally in Batey Nueve.
Let me start with something that was said in the very first informational meeting that really set the tone for this adventure, in my mind at least.
Kirby, a veteran leader for our church mission trips, stood up and said,
'I want to tell you that if you have any fears about doing this, don't let that stop you. If there is a financial worry, put that out of your mind...the money will somehow be taken care of. But let me be perfectly clear about this...when we're there, we must put ourselves last. You have to be willing to be a servant. That is our role there. Everyone else's needs, including those of the team, are above our own. And this will be a life changing experience for you.'
He spoke to my heart with every one of those statements and I know he was speaking truth! I've already seen it happening! I've been praying for my fears to stay at bay and even more importantly, for a servant's heart. What? Not tell people a better way to do things? Me? Uh...I don't think that's going to be so easy for this strong headed woman! But I'm looking forward to...could it be?...another challenge?
But back to the second meeting. Expected of us? Plenty! And one of the main points about how we are to support each other as a team is stay engaged with the group. This is not a trip to use as a retreat for self. We can't go off in a corner with music in our ears or a good book (and as our leader said...even if it's THE Good Book!) too often or for too long or we'll be asked to come back into the activity or group.
Add to that the fact that this small village may or may not have the power needed to use a laptop and there is my answer.
I will only be journal writing on the trip and put my thoughts to my blog after returning. But I'm okay with that. I've been journaling all my life, every since I received my first diary somewhere around the age of 12. I always say, 'My life is an open book' and I can say that literally now!
Happy 4th, friends! God bless this wonderful country we live in.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
How Did I Get Here?
So last year my church, Christian Church of Clarendon Hills, showed a video about their 2009 mission trip to The D.R. It made me cry, which, as my kids will tell you, is not very difficult. But as my husband and I drove home from church that morning I informed him that I wanted to go on the next trip.
And so here I am.
Looking forward to 19 days from now (!) when I will be arriving at my church parking lot, delivered by my hubby, at 2:45 a.m.
I am excited. I am nervous. I am humbled. I am hoping to share the experience with anyone who is interested enough to read my ramblings. I don't yet know if I'll be able to blog while I'm there...but I am working on finding out.
Here are a few facts I know...
~Batey Nueve is our destination...Sugar Worker's Town #9...the Bateyes are the poorest areas of the D.R.
~Our trip goes from Tuesday to Tuesday, coordinated through G.O. Ministries
~Mission focus is medical, children's ministry, church construction
~57 people in our group, more than double their largest team so far!
~2 bags per person, 50# each allowed. One will be our belongings, one will be medicines, donated items, etc.
~$1,500.00 per person is the fee...some folks receive donations from friends or family who believe in the trip but maybe can't go themselves.
~There are rules and regulations as to appropriate attire for women...in the expected heat, I will definitely miss my spaghetti strap tops!
~Women & men of the team will sleep in separate dorms...nights are noisy in the neighborhood...earplugs a must!
Preparation has so far been getting first two shots for Hepatitis B, buying my over the bed mosquito netting,leather work gloves, powerful sunblock and bug repellant, shopping for light weight, loose, Salvation Army store shorts and tops.
I know I need to get more serious with beginning to stack and pack, but until the calendar said July 1, I didn't feel like it was imminent...now I know differently!
And so here I am.
Looking forward to 19 days from now (!) when I will be arriving at my church parking lot, delivered by my hubby, at 2:45 a.m.
I am excited. I am nervous. I am humbled. I am hoping to share the experience with anyone who is interested enough to read my ramblings. I don't yet know if I'll be able to blog while I'm there...but I am working on finding out.
Here are a few facts I know...
~Batey Nueve is our destination...Sugar Worker's Town #9...the Bateyes are the poorest areas of the D.R.
~Our trip goes from Tuesday to Tuesday, coordinated through G.O. Ministries
~Mission focus is medical, children's ministry, church construction
~57 people in our group, more than double their largest team so far!
~2 bags per person, 50# each allowed. One will be our belongings, one will be medicines, donated items, etc.
~$1,500.00 per person is the fee...some folks receive donations from friends or family who believe in the trip but maybe can't go themselves.
~There are rules and regulations as to appropriate attire for women...in the expected heat, I will definitely miss my spaghetti strap tops!
~Women & men of the team will sleep in separate dorms...nights are noisy in the neighborhood...earplugs a must!
Preparation has so far been getting first two shots for Hepatitis B, buying my over the bed mosquito netting,leather work gloves, powerful sunblock and bug repellant, shopping for light weight, loose, Salvation Army store shorts and tops.
I know I need to get more serious with beginning to stack and pack, but until the calendar said July 1, I didn't feel like it was imminent...now I know differently!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)