Traffic, Garbage, Guns, and Dogs

These are the four things that most foreigners notice first about the Dominican Republic.

First, transportation. There are rarely traffic jams because everyone just makes his or her own way. Suggested lanes are painted on the streets, but I think I am one of the few that notice them. Where two lanes of traffic should be exist four, complete with zigzagging motorcycles and street vendors. There are truly no words to accurately describe Dominican traffic, however, the phrase "organized chaos" does come to mind. Here are some examples of their driving "skills"....

-- One ways are only one ways if you allow them to be
-- You can park ANYWHERE at ANYTIME...even in the middle of a one-lane road during rush hour.
-- If you're driving a motorcycle, you're exempt from following any rules or laws. Please, do as you'd like.
-- Use you horn for any of the following reasons: "Excuse me, please" , "Don't pull out, I'm coming!" , "Go ahead, it's you turn" , "Let's get a move on, people!" , "Get out of the way!" and "Pay attention!"
-- Where there is a will, there's a way. I've seen entire families, kids included, zipping through traffic on a single motorcycle; oh and incase you're wondering, Yes, ALL the furniture in your house can fit in and be transported by a single vehicle.

And we must not forget the street vendors that add to the excitement. You can literally buy ANYTHING on the streets of Santo Domingo: puppies, fruit, phone cards and accessories, candy, water, Gatorade, peanuts, newspapers, coffee, shoes, window wipers, sugar cane, fish, sport pennants, ice cream, rugs, plants, banks...you name it, and you can buy it from your car window. All day long, no matter what street or time of day, I watch as people dodge traffic in the attempt to make a buck.

The second thing, garbage, is one of the sad things about Santo Domingo. This could be a pretty city if its citizens did more to keep it clean. But trash is so plentiful and no one seems to care. Entire road lanes have been overtaken by refuse and yet, no one comes to clean it up or haul it away. There's one street in particular that I ride down every day on the way to Jackie's that contains so much smoldering trash that Hernando and I have to roll up the windows and tuck our noses inside of our shirts. There are city trash collectors but they don't work very often because the government frequently forgets to pay them. And they only collect the trash that's in bags...not the trails and mounds that spill into streets and onto walkways.

Thirdly, if you ever get the chance to visit, don't be alarmed by the rifles. They're part of the staple uniform for any security guard...regardless if he's watching a bank, cars, or a daycare. :-)

Finally, the stray dogs....I wonder who has the higher population here, people or homeless pets. EVERYWHERE you look there are dogs lounging, running, digging in piles of trash, love making, or awaiting death. Santo Domingo is a dog catcher's paradise! But don't be alarmed, most of them won't bother you. But it's wise to carry a stick just incase.

The God of ALL Nations

"By the means of people speaking strange languages

I will speak to my people, says the Lord."

1 Corinthians 14:21

Saturday morning, I walked my neighborhood in search of a church. After nearly giving up, I finally found one. I was hot, sweaty and tired, but felt a twinge of hope knowing that I could finally attend services!

Several hours later, an acquaintance stopped by for a Spanish/English lesson and spotted the church bulletin laying on the table, "You're Catholic?" he asked. "Because this is for a Catholic church." Imagine my disappointment!

After he left, I made a couple more phone calls in desperation. It was now getting late, and I didn't have time to walk the neighborhood again. The calls were all dead ends and I thought I would spend yet another Sunday listening to I-pod worship music and a pre-recorded sermon.

And then the doorbell rang.

It was a couple that live upstairs, who had received the brownies and wanted to say thank you. The husband, Renee, informed me that he and wife are both Christians and told me to take comfort knowing that I have family just a few floors away. My heart leapt to my throat. Almost too quickly I asked, "Do you have a local church?"

He smiled and said, "Yes. We go to church five blocks away. Would you like to go with us tomorrow night?"

I could barely contain my excitement as I instantly accepted the invitation!

And so, at promptly 5 p.m. last night, Renee, his wife Katherine and their three children, Renee (age 13), Salma (4) and Camila (2) escorted me to Ministerios Betel (www.ministeriosbetel.com). It was a long service, nearly 3 hours, and although I only understood bits and pieces of the sermon, I was so happy to once again be in the House of God!

I was warmly welcomed by many and enjoyed the sounds of my heavy accented Spanish mixing with the beautiful tones of the Dominicans while we worshipped; Two countries, two languages, and One Mighty God.

As Renee sat beside me, he whispered, "Tasha, this was all prepared for you by God. He had this made for you long before you even knew it existed. And all this time, that you've been looking, it's been so close."

Oh Jesus, I thank you! You know my heart, my fears, my needs, and my desires. Before I was even born, you knew what my days would hold. Thank you O Lord for the life you have given me! You are so much more than my tiny mind can understand and there's NOTHING I can give you that you don't already have. But thank you Jesus, oh thank you, for still loving me! And Lord, thank you for Renee, Katherine, their children, and their church. Please Father, bless them!! Thank you Jesus, oh thank you.

Baked With Love

I will admit it....I am a procrastinator.

At least with some things.

Recently, I have been procrastinating making brownies.

Sounds weird, yes, but the brownies were an outreach idea that was launched last week when the team was here. We decided I needed to connect with my neighbors, and what better way to do that then to give a present? This is when brownies entered the picture...

The team bought all the supplies and allowed me to do the rest.

This week I've been busy teaching Jackie's kids and preparing lesson plans, so baking three batches of brownies wasn't a priority. However, I did make attempts to work on the project. On Tuesday, I walked to a store and bought cake pans. I spent all afternoon on Wednesday baking and wraping the brownies. With each packaged, I included a note (in Spanish) that said: Hi! My name is Tasha. I am a missionary from the United States. I am new to this country and speak a little Spanish. But I want to learn more Spanish, find a church that is nearby, and meet the people who live close to me. I live in apartment E-1. I hope to meet you soon! God Bless you!"

Thursday afternoon arrived and I knew it was time to deliver the baked goods. I couldn't put off the task much longer if wanted the sweets to still be fresh. Not to mention that I didn't want to compete with Halloween because of culture reasons.

At 2pm I got came home from Jackie's and attempted to make lunch. However, within 10 minutes of being home, the power cut off. This is not uncommon; electricity outrages are the norm here, but usually my generator kicks on and still runs the lights and fans. But not even these basics were functioning. By three o'clock the temperature in my apartment was a stifling 85 degrees. It started raining and I justified waiting on the brownie delivery because it would be easier to do it when the rain stopped...and I wanted a nap.

Two hours later the electricity STILL had not come on and I found it impossible to sleep with sweat rolling down my forehead. Just after five, the rain ceased and I felt it was time. I said a quick prayer, asking for favor and courage to meet my neighbors. I was nervous because of my limited Spanish skills.

And so, just before 5:30, I stepped across the cultural threshold of my apartment and literally ran into Jose, the maintence guy. Without requesting any help, he took it upon himself to lead me door-to-door with the brownies in tow. He showed me which apartments are occupied and which ones are empty (something I never thought about). He allowed me to talk in broken Spanish but filled in the gaps when necessary. Those that were home were incredibly receptive to the gifts and although I couldn't understand everything they said, their smiles and hugs conveyed enough.

I also left several packages on the doorsteps of occupied apartments where no one was home. And last night, three families stopped by to say thank you! It was incredible!

A guy who lives next door (who speaks great English!), welcomed me into his home and introduced me to his wife and their two children. A family of three, who lives upstairs, stopped by to shake hands and say that if I need anything, just ask! And finally, the woman across the hall came over and gave me her phone number and directions to a local church. It was SUCH a God thing!!

Please pray that relationships with these people and their families would continue to be built. I want to know their names, their childen, and to be accepted into their families.

God is here, and He's opening doors!

Exhausted!

Today has been utterly amazing. I'm so tired part of me doesn't want to type this blog, but I know it's incredibly important so I’m going to find the energy.

For those who have been following my journey, we have reached an incredibly wonderful place - the point of WORK!! THANK YOU JESUS!!

After two days of sulking and feeling alone, God answered our prayers and brought me a day so full of activity that the only thing I long for is my bed. :-) Before I jump to the good parts though, let's back up a bit….

Jackie and Hernando were supposed to come over last night to have dinner and enjoy each other's company. By three o'clock, I hadn't heard from them and was beginning to worry that I was going to be stood up. I tried calling but didn’t have much luck. Hernando's phone went straight to a recorded message in Spanish and Jackie's phone was answered by someone who claimed they didn't know who she was!!

By five, I had given up that they were coming and was frustrated and disappointed. I thought, "You mean to tell me NOTHING has changed?! Still?!"

Two hours later, Jackie called and vehemently apologized for not doing so sooner. She hadn't been feeling well all day and a nurse suggested she spend the afternoon resting and sleeping. Hernando's phone had been turned off so it wouldn't wake her and her phone was being fixed (explaining the recorded message and the strange man). She said sorry over and over, asking if everything was alright and repeatedly saying how much she loves me, how proud she is of me, and how much she needs me. She continued by saying that after the team and I left on Friday, she prayed and God told her that all the communication problems are things the devil has put in our way to slow us down and to stop what God wants to do.

Jackie said that she felt convicted that it wasn't something wrong with her or with me, and that more than ever before, we need to become a team. She stated that she wants to spend one day a week talking, praying, and really building a relationship. I can't tell you how excited all of this makes me!! It was like all my prayers were being answered at once!

And today! WOW! Hernando picked me up at 7:45 and the minute I stepped in the door at Jackie's I began teaching. I had VERY little planned but ended up giving 5 HOURS of lessons!! God is good! Before I left this morning, I prayed, asking for patience and wisdom. I was a bit nervous because I have NO teaching experience and the only materials I had were some flashcards I made while passing time at Beth's.

Upon my arrival, I was given a whole arsenal of supplies that Jackie gathered last night. Whole slew of materials awaited me including crayons, books, more flashcards, pencils, and notebook paper! And God used everything during my five hour session with the kids! We practiced colors, parts of the body, numbers, the English alphabet, spelling, matching, and math. Although trying and sometimes overwhelming (being the only teacher amongst 30 kids is EXHAUSTING) it was a wonderful day!

I was dropped off just before two and have spent the last several hours making lesson plans for tomorrow!

And now, at 8:15, I'm ready for bed! :-)

My Life Song

"I Am"

If you ask me to leap

Out of my boat on the crashing waves

If You ask me to go

Preach to the lost world that Jesus saves

I'll go, but I cannot go alone

Cause I know I'm nothing on my own

But the power of Christ in me makes me strong

Makes me strong

Cause when I'm weak,

You make me strong

When I'm blind,

You shine Your light on me

Cause I'll never get by

living on my own ability

How refreshing to know You don't need me

How amazing to find that you want me

So I'll stand on Your truth,

and I'll fight with Your strength

Until You bring the victory,

by the power of Christ in me.

If You ask me to run

And carry Your light into foreign land

If You ask me to fight

Deliver Your people from Satan's hand

To reach out with Your hands

I'll go but I cannot go alone

Cause I know I'm nothing on my own
But the power of Christ in me makes me strong
Makes me strong

To learn through Your eyes

To love with the love of a savior

To feel with Your heart

And to think with Your mind

I'd give my last breath for Your glory.

--Casting Crowns--

A Servant of the Most High God

"The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
He thwarts the purposes of his peoples.
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever."

Psalm 33:10-11

I came across this verse just a few hours ago, when I was really struggling to remain positive. A few people from the church spent the previous four days here, trying to iron out a work schedule for me and attempting to figure out what we should do next. Some possibilities discussed were sending me a local university to take classes and meet students, volunteering at a nearby daycare, starting some community outreach projects, teaming up with some other organization that's already in the area, and even bring me home.

I'm sure their trip wasn't everything they expected...in fact, it wasn't what I expected either. We had a car and driver at our disposal, and yet, we STILL struggled to do something productive! Emotions and stress were running high for everyone. We tried many times and ways to get a hold of Jackie but weren't having much luck until last night, when thanks to Beth, we were able to meet with Jackie and sort out some of the miscommunication problems she and I have been having.

The new plan is that on most days, Hernando will pick me up by 8:15 in the morning and drop me back off in the early afternoon. While at Jackie's, I will teach English to the kids and some days, I will go with them to the communities to deliver food, medicine, and other supplies. On the days that Hernando can't come get me, I may be able to take a taxi (although that could get expensive) or I may be able to volunteer at the daycare mentioned earlier.

It sounds like a great plan, and I left Jackie's with hope that things will start to improve. However, this morning, after taking Jess and Leigh to the airport, I came home with a huge sense of emptiness. The house seemed extra quiet, and everywhere I looked, there were reminders of where they had been...and where I was forced to stay. I felt utterly alone.

After a little while of self-loathing and some tears, I realized something...

This whole time I've been praying for strength, provisions, favor, courage, work, comfort, and peace. And while all these things are very important and definitely needed, I wasn't asking for them because they would further God's kingdom or impact the Dominican people, I was praying them for me. I wanted to feel better and productive.

Although the Bible promises that what we ask for in Jesus's name will be given to us, I have failed in a major way. For the past six weeks, I have been selfish, even if I didn't acknowledge or realize it. I'm ashamed to admit this, but sometimes I feel like God owes me something for coming here. I know it's completely absurd and ridiculous, but it's easy for my sinful nature to take over and say, "Look at everything you've left behind: your family, your friends, your boyfriend...there's so much else you could be doing! And yet you're here and not doing a blasted thing! This isn't what you signed up for! You deserve better!"

And yet, this is EXACTLY what I signed up for!! I have prayed for YEARS to be a missionary and God has heard my cries! He delivered the exact thing I desired for so long. And on top of that, when I became a Christian four years ago, I gave God permission (not that He needed it) to rule my life. I said where you go, I will go - whatever you ask, I will do. And He has asked me to come here. So everything that the Dominican Republic includes is part of the deal. Good or bad. Happy or sad. It's all part of the same package.

But God is sovern. He is the creator of the EVERYTHING and yet, he has shed mercy on me. If he had been any other king I would have undoubtedly been killed or jailed long ago for my disobedience and greed. And yet the BIGGEST and most POWERFUL King of ALL has said that he will overlook all my mistakes and still accept me as his servant. So often I forget that small fact. I'm HIS servant. Not the other way around.

And so, after realizing how selfish and spoiled I've been , I've asked for forgiveness and have made a promise that I will stop trying to implement MY plans and what I think is best, but instead, I will truly submit to the will of Christ. What ever that might be.

I ask that you join me in prayer. Pray that I will be obedient, submissive, sensitive to His spirit, and courageous in taking the steps that great faith requires.

May the God of the Universe and the King of all Kings be glorified in the way that His heart desires.

A Small Token

Sometimes God gives us a small token of love to remind us that we are not alone. I experienced such a gift today.

For the past couple of weeks my boyfriend, Daniel, and I have been using an internet service called Skype to talk. We both have web cams and can "see" one another in addition to hearing each other's voices. It has been an AMAZING blessing! We can talk as long as we want, absolutely free, and I get to SEE him!!

Well tonight God gave me an extra special gift. Before moving to the Dominican Republic nearly 6 weeks ago, I attend three church services a week: Christ United Methodist's contemporary service on Sunday mornings, and two campus ministries called Refuge and Experience the Life (ETL) on Thursday and Sunday nights respectively. Since moving here however, I have yet to step inside of a sanctuary. I've tried to compensate for the lack of fellowship by spending daily time in the Bible and in prayer, but I can still sense that my spirit desires more.

Thankfully, through the amazing blessing of technology, I recently discovered that I can download my church's sermons and listen to them here!! It takes awhile to download the message, but it's worth it! Today, for the first time in weeks, I had "church!" I chose a few songs from my I-pod and listened to a sermon that was delivered weeks ago at CUMC. It was great.

And if that weren't enough, I was able to "attend" ETL!! Unsure if Skype would work or not on campus, Daniel took his laptop and webcam to ETL and I got to see many of the people that I so desperately miss! It was amazing!! During worship the Holy Spirit overwhelmed me as I realized that the praise my friends were singing on a campus in South Carolina was reaching the heavens and the nations!! Their voices were being broadcast all the way across an ocean and into a tiny apartment in Santo Domingo!! WHAT A THOUGHT!! I couldn't help but cry sweet tears of joy and thanksgiving.

God is sooo good!!

And so I leave you with this thought: wherever you are, sing songs of praise...and sing them loudly! Because your voice may be traveling farther than you could ever imagine. :-)