It’s just before eight in the morning and most of the house is up and about, drinking coffee and enjoying time together on our last morning at the Makarios house. Just one of the simple things I will miss is sleeping with the windows open and waking up to glorious sunshine! For a moment there is that feeling of waking up in a strange place. Then I look outside at the mountains and remember I’m in the Dominican Republic and I am so thankful! Yesterday was our third and last day teaching at the school. One of my most precious memories is listening to the children singing outside on the porch before school begins. I love watching the little preschoolers as they crouch down to the ground singing, “Allelu Allelu Allelu Alleluia” and then pop up to their feet with arms raised and scream… “Gloria Dios!” It is crazy how quickly relationships have developed after only three days at the school. One little girl I had the joy of spending time with was precious five year old Lela. As our trip was coming to an end yesterday I started to wonder what else I could have done and if I had made the most of my time here in this country. But as I stood on the porch yesterday holding a sweet little Lela in my arms, I was filled with joy and peace. Lela rested her head on my shoulder, and at that moment I knew she felt loved. What a privilege I have been given to care for this beautiful child! Even if for just a few minutes, someone was paying attention only to her, and she could rest in my arms and allow herself to be loved.
As we leave for the beach this morning, I feel so blessed to have spent a week caring for this city alongside our team. I look forward to our time together today to rest and reflect on how we have been blessed this week. Part of me is sad to leave, but I am also so excited to return home to share more stories and live out the lessons the Lord has taught me during our time here in the Dominican Republic.
Elise Legate
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
June Trip Update 7
So today was our final day of helping out at Makarios. We were pretty worn down from running around at the basketball game yesterday, but exerted as much energy as we could for the kids. It was pretty sad knowing that it would most likely be the last time that most of us would ever see them again. Still, everybody had a lot of fun; much giggling, smiling, and piggy-back-ride-giving ensued. There are so many children whose faces and names I will remember forever, them probably never knowing how much they taught me. One little boy, Luis Fernando, refuses to leave my mind at the moment. He is a tiny lad, round and joyful, who somehow manages make the word “adorable” seem like a massive understatement. He must be held at all times and loves most of all to ride atop the shoulders of his older/whiter brethren in the most literal sense possible. For whatever reason, he clung on to me and would not allow me to pass without giving him his mandatory shoulder ride/airplane-toss/super-fast-spin. He gave me the highly personal and creative nickname of “mi amigo” and shouted it if I was anywhere in the vicinity. Every morning he showed up in his fancy Khaki pants and Makarios shirt with a huge smile looking quite professional as broke record speeds sprinting towards the school from his house down the street. So clearly, it was going to be hard never seeing this kid again. I said “adios” when he left school for the day, and that was about that. As we left Makarios for the last time in our overcrowded van, I was hanging out the window and saw Luis Fernando standing outside his house. He was standing almost naked in nothing but dull yellow underwear, a stark contrast to the dressy look he wore at school. Apparently I caught his eye, and he yelled, “Adios, mi amigo!” as we puttered past. God chose this to be the last image I saw, and though I am not yet sure what significance it holds, It will keep me thinking about this trip and the people I met whose lives have touched me as I return to my own reality in the states.
Nate Herman
Nate Herman
June Trip Update 6
Wednesday, our second day of class, was another wonderful day. The students arriving at the Makarios school were excited for another day of learning and spending time in community. For the second day in a row it’s been evident that each student is growing by leaps and bounds in Christ and their love is the love that has been poured out through Christ. The Austin Stone group again participated in their three separate classes (activities, crafts, and story). The classes went really well, with the students eager to participate and learn. I continuously blown away by what God is doing on at Makarios and how the kids are continually being shaped into Godly children. Wow…He is truly amazing!
In the evening, the Austin Stone group and Templo Biblico participated in a basketball game against a championship team from Montellano. We were excited to play in the basketball game, but we were even more excited to see what the Lord was going to do by bringing the community together. The game was supposed to start at 7pm, however, there was no power in Montellano so the beginning of the game was delayed for about an hour. After the delay and jumpstarting the backup generator with a car battery, the game began. Thankfully, we had several guys from Temlo Biblico who kept the game competitive. We played full court, and it was very hot! It was a fun, semi-competitive game with great sportsmanship. The highlight of the game/evening was at halftime. Ryan was able to give his testimony which was also translated in Spanish, to the people attending the game. It was such an awesome way for us to spread the word of God and what He’s doing. The crowd was gracious and genuinely engaged when Ryan was speaking. I’m excited to see what God is going to do in this city.
Jason Rottinger
In the evening, the Austin Stone group and Templo Biblico participated in a basketball game against a championship team from Montellano. We were excited to play in the basketball game, but we were even more excited to see what the Lord was going to do by bringing the community together. The game was supposed to start at 7pm, however, there was no power in Montellano so the beginning of the game was delayed for about an hour. After the delay and jumpstarting the backup generator with a car battery, the game began. Thankfully, we had several guys from Temlo Biblico who kept the game competitive. We played full court, and it was very hot! It was a fun, semi-competitive game with great sportsmanship. The highlight of the game/evening was at halftime. Ryan was able to give his testimony which was also translated in Spanish, to the people attending the game. It was such an awesome way for us to spread the word of God and what He’s doing. The crowd was gracious and genuinely engaged when Ryan was speaking. I’m excited to see what God is going to do in this city.
Jason Rottinger
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
June Trip Update 5
I am quite sure that I have no words which would suffice, in attempts to capture what God is doing in this place. I am humbled, and in awe that He uses His people for His glory and renown. Today was our team’s first day at Makarios, and it was a truly an indescribable day. It was such a joy, to see the reality of Christ’s love being poured through these teachers, into the eager and wide-eyed faces of these children. Our team divided into two groups with separate lessons: one consisted of threading a necklace with colored beads symbolizing the Gospel, and the other of coloring a book describing how Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. Continuing to being used by the Lord, I am quite certain has been a blessing to all. There were three different age groups that came throughout the day. Each group would begin by singing in rows, outside of the school building. Hearing their voices and seeing their wide grins, was simply beautiful. I saw one of the small children named Marta catch a glimpse of one of the Makarios teachers standing in the school doorway. While she was still about twenty feet away, Marta began sprinting down the gravel road towards her teacher. Marta leaped up into the teacher’s arms, and she simply barrel hugged her. To see the effects of Christ’s love being poured out by the Makarios’ staff, was a truly breathtaking moment.
After school, our team worked with Templo Biblico, a church in the DR, to pass out invitations for a basketball game being held at their facility. As we walked throughout the neighborhood to hand out invitations with a local teen named Benjamin, it was a truly sweet moment to see Benjamin interacting with members of his community, and inviting them to participate in the basketball game. I am eager to see what each new day holds in this place, as our short time here diminishes with each day. I am thankful, humbled, and in awe of the Lord.
Sarena Green
First day of school! As a teacher, I was so excited I could barely sleep last night. There are several elementary school teachers in our group, and we were all very anxious to meet the kids, but my mind was also busy worrying about planning, supplies, and the logistics of the classes. My team was to teach an arts & crafts lesson to the students. We decided to teach them to make hemp friendship bracelets with colored beads that represent the gospel (YELLOW=heaven, BLACK=sin, RED=sacrifice, WHITE=sanctification, and GREEN=growth in Christ). The students made one bracelet for themselves, and one to give away to a friend. A typical, type-A planner, I wanted everything to be perfect. However, all my anxieties were relieved the very moment I stepped, or rather squeezed out of our van (we pack 15-17 people into a standard mini-van!). Try to imagine a utopian school where students love you before they’ve even laid eyes on you. Where they can hardly contain their joy at the privilege of attending school! This dream school is a reality at Makarios. Students were waiting for us on the front porch and ran full-speed into our arms (and often up onto our shoulders) to get as close to us as possible. The only challenge in teaching came when students would refuse to let go of my hand, or unwrap their arms from my waist/leg, to enable me to help another student! The bracelets turned out beautiful, but far more precious was each child’s love for their teacher.
Raquel Rutledge
After school, our team worked with Templo Biblico, a church in the DR, to pass out invitations for a basketball game being held at their facility. As we walked throughout the neighborhood to hand out invitations with a local teen named Benjamin, it was a truly sweet moment to see Benjamin interacting with members of his community, and inviting them to participate in the basketball game. I am eager to see what each new day holds in this place, as our short time here diminishes with each day. I am thankful, humbled, and in awe of the Lord.
Sarena Green
First day of school! As a teacher, I was so excited I could barely sleep last night. There are several elementary school teachers in our group, and we were all very anxious to meet the kids, but my mind was also busy worrying about planning, supplies, and the logistics of the classes. My team was to teach an arts & crafts lesson to the students. We decided to teach them to make hemp friendship bracelets with colored beads that represent the gospel (YELLOW=heaven, BLACK=sin, RED=sacrifice, WHITE=sanctification, and GREEN=growth in Christ). The students made one bracelet for themselves, and one to give away to a friend. A typical, type-A planner, I wanted everything to be perfect. However, all my anxieties were relieved the very moment I stepped, or rather squeezed out of our van (we pack 15-17 people into a standard mini-van!). Try to imagine a utopian school where students love you before they’ve even laid eyes on you. Where they can hardly contain their joy at the privilege of attending school! This dream school is a reality at Makarios. Students were waiting for us on the front porch and ran full-speed into our arms (and often up onto our shoulders) to get as close to us as possible. The only challenge in teaching came when students would refuse to let go of my hand, or unwrap their arms from my waist/leg, to enable me to help another student! The bracelets turned out beautiful, but far more precious was each child’s love for their teacher.
Raquel Rutledge
Monday, June 9, 2008
June Trip Update 4
“What’s it like to be back?” I have heard that question a lot this week. I’ve been able to reunite with many familiar and loved faces that I knew so well during my time here. Camille, Jennie & Miguel and the new baby Diego, as well as those in Chichigua and Pancho Mateo – Evelyn, Kiko, Roslan, Gerda, Cristina, Katy & Fredy, Judy, and many others. My friends. Mi familia.
It is, of course, not my permanent home, nor are they my blood family. But there is something that binds us together. Something greater than geography and blood. Something that allows us to sit and talk and hug and laugh as if not a day has passed.
It is the spirit of community that I love about this place. And there are two communities that I love.
The first is the national community, whether that be Haitian or Dominican. It is the community that makes me a part of their family despite the color of my skin, despite my national origin, despite my native tongue, despite the months for which I have been “lost,” as Evelyn says. It is the community that, while they do have the same human struggles of us all, does not look at me in terms of status, does not value me for what I can do for them, but allows me into their homes and into their lives. It is the community that invites me to sit on their porch, to enter into their homes (along with 12 of my new friends), to drink their juice, and ask me to come back soon – and it’s not just a nice thing to say, but they mean it. It is the community that is community held together by one simple bond – humanity.
And then there is the Body of Christ with whom I share this experience. People I have known for several years, others just a few months, and others for just a few days. And though this community is much more homogenous than the first, we are still held together by one thing, one much stronger – no, the strongest bond – of our Lord Jesus Christ – and added to that is our love for this beautiful country and its beautiful people. It is a community in which we learn to live life – together. We eat together. We serve together. We rest together. We support and encourage each other and carry each others burdens when it becomes too heavy for them.
It is this practice of community that I hope we can all take back to Austin. To eat together. To serve together. To bear each others burdens. The independent American way has left so many of us lonely and weak. The community for which Jesus prayed will refresh and strengthen.
Alexia Shoemate
I am lost for words. It is amazing here. My first couple of days I felt nervous and out of place, I have never been in this type of environment before. However, going into day 4 now, I feel at home. The native people and missionaries are so kind, generous and warm that you have no other choice but to feel welcomed.
Today we visited the Makarios School. I was flabbergasted! The school consists of two rooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, medical room, garden and a ranchito (a place to keep cool in the shade). The school has made so many improvements all by the grace of God. The original school consisted of a small room in unpleasant conditions.
We visited the Pancho Mateo Village today (original location of the Makarios School). The kids were all so adorable. They will hold your hand and spend time with you as if they have known you for years. You can tell how much appreciation they have for our visit by just looking into their eyes. It’s amazing how much love these kids have to give.
Ryan, our team leader bought us drinks from the village. I had a Fanta type flavor and could not finish it (the bottles are HUGE), so I decided to share some with the children. While holding the bottle, it was precious to see them all sharing and taking small sips from this huge container that was almost as big as their heads.
Before dinner, fellow group members and I went on a short run. We were in desperate search of some ice cream or paletas (frozen fruit bars that are super yummy!). We went all the way to the beach and did not find any. What we did find was an amazing ocean. It was so calm and peaceful, the water looked amazing. I was hot and sweaty and jumping in looked like a good idea, I quickly changed my mind when I thought about running home with sand between my toes and in wet shoes….YUK!
Tomorrow will be our first day working with the kids at the school. I can hardly wait! So many wonderful experiences to come…
Jen Garcia
It is, of course, not my permanent home, nor are they my blood family. But there is something that binds us together. Something greater than geography and blood. Something that allows us to sit and talk and hug and laugh as if not a day has passed.
It is the spirit of community that I love about this place. And there are two communities that I love.
The first is the national community, whether that be Haitian or Dominican. It is the community that makes me a part of their family despite the color of my skin, despite my national origin, despite my native tongue, despite the months for which I have been “lost,” as Evelyn says. It is the community that, while they do have the same human struggles of us all, does not look at me in terms of status, does not value me for what I can do for them, but allows me into their homes and into their lives. It is the community that invites me to sit on their porch, to enter into their homes (along with 12 of my new friends), to drink their juice, and ask me to come back soon – and it’s not just a nice thing to say, but they mean it. It is the community that is community held together by one simple bond – humanity.
And then there is the Body of Christ with whom I share this experience. People I have known for several years, others just a few months, and others for just a few days. And though this community is much more homogenous than the first, we are still held together by one thing, one much stronger – no, the strongest bond – of our Lord Jesus Christ – and added to that is our love for this beautiful country and its beautiful people. It is a community in which we learn to live life – together. We eat together. We serve together. We rest together. We support and encourage each other and carry each others burdens when it becomes too heavy for them.
It is this practice of community that I hope we can all take back to Austin. To eat together. To serve together. To bear each others burdens. The independent American way has left so many of us lonely and weak. The community for which Jesus prayed will refresh and strengthen.
Alexia Shoemate
I am lost for words. It is amazing here. My first couple of days I felt nervous and out of place, I have never been in this type of environment before. However, going into day 4 now, I feel at home. The native people and missionaries are so kind, generous and warm that you have no other choice but to feel welcomed.
Today we visited the Makarios School. I was flabbergasted! The school consists of two rooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, medical room, garden and a ranchito (a place to keep cool in the shade). The school has made so many improvements all by the grace of God. The original school consisted of a small room in unpleasant conditions.
We visited the Pancho Mateo Village today (original location of the Makarios School). The kids were all so adorable. They will hold your hand and spend time with you as if they have known you for years. You can tell how much appreciation they have for our visit by just looking into their eyes. It’s amazing how much love these kids have to give.
Ryan, our team leader bought us drinks from the village. I had a Fanta type flavor and could not finish it (the bottles are HUGE), so I decided to share some with the children. While holding the bottle, it was precious to see them all sharing and taking small sips from this huge container that was almost as big as their heads.
Before dinner, fellow group members and I went on a short run. We were in desperate search of some ice cream or paletas (frozen fruit bars that are super yummy!). We went all the way to the beach and did not find any. What we did find was an amazing ocean. It was so calm and peaceful, the water looked amazing. I was hot and sweaty and jumping in looked like a good idea, I quickly changed my mind when I thought about running home with sand between my toes and in wet shoes….YUK!
Tomorrow will be our first day working with the kids at the school. I can hardly wait! So many wonderful experiences to come…
Jen Garcia
Sunday, June 8, 2008
June Trip Update 3
Here are a couple of stories from our team members . . .
We began the day by attending Church in Montellano. The service was beautiful, with the Pastor reading from Matthew 10:5-7 and his sermon calling the congregation to serve missionally, to go out and glorify God. They also translated the message in English for us, which was amazing. The Austin Stone group was able to contribute during worship and sing two songs for the congregation, Holy is The Lord and Mighty to Save. It was a great experience for us to see how their community worships the Lord.
After lunch we went to the village of Chi Chi Gua, where we spent time with the people of the village. Some of us spent time making bracelets with the little kids, while others were playing sports and learning Creole. Someone even served as a human jungle gym. It was nice for us to spend time with and love the kids of the village. It was a good outlet for them and allowed them to clear their minds from anything else. I think we’re all looking forward to visiting and spending time with them again.
Jason Rottinger
Our experience worshiping at Templo Biblico this morning was such a blessing. I was truly humbled by the time and effort that the members of the church put into making our group feel welcome and included. The service started with a welcome and worship music. It was a really unique experience to be a part of worship in a different language. Part of their effort to include us was having a little projector with the song lyrics on the wall so that we could follow along. So we stumbled through a couple of beautiful worship songs in Spanish. The most special moment for me was when their worship leaders started playing my favorite Easter morning song – Christ the Lord is Risen Today…in Spanish. But the Alleluia part…exactly the same in both languages! The world instantly felt smaller for me. I love to think that for the past 2 decades, as I’ve been singing that song in church with my family, the wonderful members of this special little church across an ocean from me was singing to the exact same tune.
Ashby Christian
We began the day by attending Church in Montellano. The service was beautiful, with the Pastor reading from Matthew 10:5-7 and his sermon calling the congregation to serve missionally, to go out and glorify God. They also translated the message in English for us, which was amazing. The Austin Stone group was able to contribute during worship and sing two songs for the congregation, Holy is The Lord and Mighty to Save. It was a great experience for us to see how their community worships the Lord.
After lunch we went to the village of Chi Chi Gua, where we spent time with the people of the village. Some of us spent time making bracelets with the little kids, while others were playing sports and learning Creole. Someone even served as a human jungle gym. It was nice for us to spend time with and love the kids of the village. It was a good outlet for them and allowed them to clear their minds from anything else. I think we’re all looking forward to visiting and spending time with them again.
Jason Rottinger
Our experience worshiping at Templo Biblico this morning was such a blessing. I was truly humbled by the time and effort that the members of the church put into making our group feel welcome and included. The service started with a welcome and worship music. It was a really unique experience to be a part of worship in a different language. Part of their effort to include us was having a little projector with the song lyrics on the wall so that we could follow along. So we stumbled through a couple of beautiful worship songs in Spanish. The most special moment for me was when their worship leaders started playing my favorite Easter morning song – Christ the Lord is Risen Today…in Spanish. But the Alleluia part…exactly the same in both languages! The world instantly felt smaller for me. I love to think that for the past 2 decades, as I’ve been singing that song in church with my family, the wonderful members of this special little church across an ocean from me was singing to the exact same tune.
Ashby Christian
Saturday, June 7, 2008
June Trip Update 2
We got up today at about 7am and went to see the Makarios farm after breakfast. We toured the farm with Wisley, a Haitian man who lives there with his family. Wisley’s wife cooked lunch for us and we heard a little about his life. From there, we stopped back by the house and picked up our luggage on the way to Puerto Plata.
We arrived here in Puerto Plata around 4:30 and settled in for the week. We met the Makarios staff (several of which are from the Stone) and practiced a few of the worship songs that we will sing in front of the church tomorrow.
The team is excited to begin ministering side by side with the people here. Tomorrow, we will go to the church near the schoolhouse, Templo Biblico. Afterwards, the team will visit the batey (village) in Chichigua and then stop by a co-op program that benefits women in the area.
Please pray:
1) That the team will be a source of encouragement for the local body here.
2) That the Lord would use the members of the team to display his grace and love to the families of Chichigua.
3) That the Lord would continue to cultivate and attitude of walking with our neighbors instead of doing for them.
Ryan King
Minister of Foreign Mission
We arrived here in Puerto Plata around 4:30 and settled in for the week. We met the Makarios staff (several of which are from the Stone) and practiced a few of the worship songs that we will sing in front of the church tomorrow.
The team is excited to begin ministering side by side with the people here. Tomorrow, we will go to the church near the schoolhouse, Templo Biblico. Afterwards, the team will visit the batey (village) in Chichigua and then stop by a co-op program that benefits women in the area.
Please pray:
1) That the team will be a source of encouragement for the local body here.
2) That the Lord would use the members of the team to display his grace and love to the families of Chichigua.
3) That the Lord would continue to cultivate and attitude of walking with our neighbors instead of doing for them.
Ryan King
Minister of Foreign Mission
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