IT HAS SADLY BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE I POSTED ON THIS BLOG. MANY WONDERFUL THINGS HAVE HAPPENED TO ME PERSONALLY AS WELL AS FOR THE DEAF SCHOOL IN HATO MAYOR, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.
First of all, God gave me the bigger house for the school that I was praying so much about. We moved in January, 2011 with the much needed help of my husband who had come for two months again. We worked pretty hard but God gave us the strength that we needed. Unknown to Jet at the time he flew here, he was to teach the high-schoolers for two months! Cati, the high school teacher was in Miami and wouldn't be able to return until March. God gave Jet the patience and a great love for the kids. He was a bit frustrated as he doesn't know much Spanish but I translated everything for him and eventhough he felt inadequite for the job he took each new day and did great.
On September 6, 2010 (the beginning of the school year) God moved upon me to take Bladimir into my care and live at the school with me. He had wanted to be able to do something to help this poor little boy for two years and I finally reached that point where God was saying "Now"! It went quite smoothly as the grandmother who was "caring" for him was all too pleased to get rid of him. She had neglected him terribly and was not too happy to have a Deaf child to raise. Bladimir had been born to a 15 year old mother. She gave birth at 6 1/2 months to twin boys. One didn't make it but miraculously Bladi survived. When he was able to leave the hospital he was placed with the grandma. After finding out he was Deaf, his situation became worse. Deaf people are on the bottom rung of society in the Dominican Republic and subjected to alot of ridicule. He spent much of his time roaming the streets and getting hand outs from caring neighbors as the grandma would go to work and lock him out of the house to fend for himself. I am amazed that he is in no way bitter about his past treatment and eventhough he has some issues, he is a caring and loving child.
I am now his legal guardian and was able to get him a ten-year visitors Visa to the U.S. We flew the end of May and he has begun his immersion into the American culture! Wow! He has been awestruck and surprised with many things but has adapted and flowed into it very quickly. Eventhough the neighbors are still in shock at this little black boy riding like the wind down the street on his bike and screaming with joy at the top of his lungs!
We fly back to the D.R. on August 30th and begin the fourth year of the Deaf school in Hato Mayor on Sept, 5th. We now have 21 students ranging in ages from 4 through 17. The Department of Special Education has come along side us and wants to help the school become official as well as hire our teaches. We now have four teachers besides me. I am looking forward to the process of turning the school over to the Dominicans through this next year or two. My husband will join me again in Jan. and Feb. of 2012, God willing!
Whoever may read this Blog....please keep us in your prayers.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Thursday, February 25, 2010
My Soul Mate
My husband Jet, whom I have been married to for over forty years, came to the D.R. to be with me for almost two months. He celebrated his 70th birthday here. We were at a Retreat for Deaf Leaders. Dear friend, Ken Bell, bought him a huge beautiful cake. The Deaf leaders talked about Jet with glowing terms and then prayed for him. The setting was beautiful as were all outside under a huge gazebo with the palm trees and sunset in the background. I know he was a little apprehensive about turning seventy but....what is the alternative? LOL Jet is my Soul Mate and the love of my life. Thank you Jesus for him!
He has returned to Spokane now and I miss him already so much! What a blessing he was to me and the Deaf children. Especially the older kids who he played UNO with each day at recess time and made it so exciting for them with all of his yelling. He puts his whole heart into a game! He just left yesterday and all the kids asked if he had "flown away" and when will he be back? and Did you cry, Dana? So sweet! The kids get very attached to those who come here to visit and minister to them.
Also had a visitor from Virginia, Frances. She runs a Day Care and knows some sign language. She brought gifts of books and games and dove right in helping. The kids loved her! I will have another visitor for two weeks, my dear friend Yamile. She will be like a "tornado" hitting the place and I am sure the kids will fall head over heels in love with her. Her husband, my pastor, Allan was here in January and could only spend a couple of days but they loved his gentle spirit and serving manner. Our school is so blessed to have people who are willing to come and love on our kids. Think of how their lives were before the school started up.......being Deaf they are the bottom of society here in the D.R. and mostly ignored or called hurtful names.
All the kids are learning! Not only education but about our Lord Jesus Christ! I continually stand back in wonder! God you are so good! You spoke to me, I obeyed, and You have enabled, strengthened and provided for this work! This is truly Gods business!
Please pray for me and the School for the Deaf.
He has returned to Spokane now and I miss him already so much! What a blessing he was to me and the Deaf children. Especially the older kids who he played UNO with each day at recess time and made it so exciting for them with all of his yelling. He puts his whole heart into a game! He just left yesterday and all the kids asked if he had "flown away" and when will he be back? and Did you cry, Dana? So sweet! The kids get very attached to those who come here to visit and minister to them.
Also had a visitor from Virginia, Frances. She runs a Day Care and knows some sign language. She brought gifts of books and games and dove right in helping. The kids loved her! I will have another visitor for two weeks, my dear friend Yamile. She will be like a "tornado" hitting the place and I am sure the kids will fall head over heels in love with her. Her husband, my pastor, Allan was here in January and could only spend a couple of days but they loved his gentle spirit and serving manner. Our school is so blessed to have people who are willing to come and love on our kids. Think of how their lives were before the school started up.......being Deaf they are the bottom of society here in the D.R. and mostly ignored or called hurtful names.
All the kids are learning! Not only education but about our Lord Jesus Christ! I continually stand back in wonder! God you are so good! You spoke to me, I obeyed, and You have enabled, strengthened and provided for this work! This is truly Gods business!
Please pray for me and the School for the Deaf.
Monday, November 2, 2009
LIFE IN THE D.R. GOES ON
I HAVE BEEN BACK HERE IN THE D.R. SINCE THE END OF AUGUST. SCHOOL OPENED WITHOUT INCIDENT AND THE KIDS WERE SO HAPPY TO BE BACK IN SCHOOL. ONE OF OUR BOYS, BLADIMIR WHOM I HAVE MENTIONED MANY TIMES, THOUGHT THAT LAST YEAR WAS THE END OF IT ALL AND USED HIS SCHOOL SHIRT TO MAKE KITE TAILS! WOW! WAS HE EMBARRASED WHEN I ASKED HIM WHERE HIS SHIRT WAS!
THE KIDS ARE LEARNING SO FAST THAT I CANNOT HARDLY KEEP UP WITH THEM! LAST YEAR WAS MOSTLY LEARNING SIGNS AND GETTING USED TO "SCHOOL LIFE". THIS YEAR THEY ARE JUST CONSUMING INFORMATION. IT THRILLS ME EACH TIME THEY LEARN THE SMALLEST CONCEPT. WE STILL HAVE OUR DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS BUT NOTHING LIKE LAST YEAR. I HAVE ONLY GIVEN TWO SPANKING AND THAT WAS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. OUR FOUR YEAR OLD, ONDARY, IS ABOUT TO PASS UP EVERYONE ELSE IN HIS CLASS! HE IS AT THE PERFECT AGE FOR LEARNING. WE GOT HIM LAST YEAR AT THREE YEARS OLD. HE KNOWS ALL OF HIS LETTER AND NUMBERS TO TEN, AND MANY MANY SIGNS. I TOLD VIVIAN ONE DAY TO START ALBER, FIVE YEARS OLD, WRITING. SHE INSTRUCTED HIM TO COPY A VOCABULARY WORD UNDER A PICTURE AND BEFORE SHE GOT BACK TO HIM HE HAD DONE HALF THE BOOK! I NOW HAVE TWO ADULTS IN THE SCHOOL, ONE 24 AND THE OTHER 25. I TOOK THEM TO KEEP THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES FROM GETTING THEM. ANOTHER FAMILY RECENTLY MOVED THEIR DAUGHTER, 13, HERE AND TOOK HER OUT OF THE JW'S. TO SAY THE LEAST, THE JW'S ARE MAD AT ME! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING BUT PRAY!!! HALLELUJAH!
EACH DAY GOD SUPPLIES OUR NEEDS IN SUCH A WONDERFUL WAY. OUR COOK MAKES SUCH DELICIOUS MEALS AND SO MUCH OF IT THAT ONE DAY I JUST KEPT THINKING ABOUT TWO OF OUR STREET BOYS WHO SOMETIMES DON'T GET MUCH FOOD AND DECIDED TO HAVE THEM STAY AND EAT WITH US EVERY DAY. THEY LOVE IT! THEY ARE SO EXCITED TO BE WITH US AND HAVE ALL THEY WANT TO EAT. I LET THEM SHOWER AND WASH SOME OF THEIR CLOTHES. HOPEFULLY THEY WILL GAIN WEIGHT AS THEY ARE BOTH IN SIZE 6 PANTS AND THEY ARE NINE YEARS OLD. EDUARDO WHO IS MY "HYPER" KID IS MY TEST AND TRIAL EACH DAY BUT I LOVE HIM SO MUCH WITH GOD'S BEAUTIFUL LOVE AND GRACE. ONLY THROUGH GOD IS THIS POSSIBLE AS EDUARDO CAN STRAIN ONE'S PATIENCE TO THE LIMIT. I HUG AND KISS HIM OFTEN AS HE HAS HAD LITTLE LOVE IN HIS SHORT LIFE. BLADIMIR ALSO HAS BEEN SO REJECTED AND LEFT TO HIMSELF. HE IS LAUGHING ALL THE TIME AND A DIFFERENT BOY THAN THE SAD LITTLE WAIFE THAT CATI BROUGHT TO ME LAST YEAR. THEY BOTH HAVE LITTLE WATER AT THEIR HOMES, SHACKS. WHEN THEY SHOWER THEY JUST LOVE IT AND PLAY AND SHOUT AND JUST HAVE SO MUCH FUN THAT I DON'T HAVE THE HEART TO STOP IT AND LET THEM PLAY LONGER THAN I SHOULD.
FOR ME, MY HEALTH IS HOLDING STRONG. THERE ARE THOSE PRAYING FOR ME AND I CAN FEEL IT. EACH TIME SOMETHING TRIES TO TAKE HOLD OF ME, I CAN FEEL THE STRENGTH INSIDE OF ME TAKING CONTROL AND PUSHING IT AWAY. IT IS AWESOME! I DO HAVE TO REST ALOT THOUGH DURING THOSE TIMES AND TAKE CARE OF MYSELF.
NOW HAVING EIGHTEEN KIDS IS A DAILY CHALLENGE BUT ONE THAT GOD THROUGH ME MEETS EACH DAY! HE IS SUCH A GOOD GOD AND BECAUSE HE HAS CALLED ME TO THIS WORK......IT IS HIS! YESHUA, JESUS, IS MY CONSTANT COMPANION AND SHEPHERD.
IN OCTOBER, WE HAD VISITORS. DORENE CARDOZO AND KELLY MILLER FROM ILLINOIS AND OHIO. WHAT A BLESSING! DORENE TAUGHT BIBLE CLASS EACH DAY AND KELLY ASSISTED HER WHEN NEEDED. THEY ALSO HELPED WITH THE EDUCATIONAL PART. WE GOT TO GO TO SAN PEDRO FOR A SERVICE WITH THE DEAF CHURCH THERE. WE TOOK FIVE OF OUR OLDER KIDS AND THEY LOVED IT! THEN WE WENT TO THE BEACH! I WANTED TO TAKE OUR EDUARDO, BLADIMIR AND LUIS. I WANTED TO ENJOY THEIR REACTION AND JOY AT SEEING THE OCEAN FOR THE FIRST TIME. THEY WERE SO EXCITED THAT THEY ALMOST JUMPED OUT OF THEIR SKIN! THEY JUST RAN AND DOVE IN! WHEN THEY CAME UP THEY WERE SHOCKED THAT THE WATER WAS SALTY! WE LAUGHED SO MUCH! VIVIAN BROUGHT FIVE BEAUTIFUL CLOTH KITES AND THE KIDS GOT THEM ALL UP. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT IT WAS! THE DAY ENDED WITH US EATING PASTELES AND DRINKING NATURAL JUICE. THIS WAS AN EXPERIENCE THAT THESE POOR CHILDREN WOULD NEVER HAVE HAD IN THEIR LIVES. IT BLESSED MY SOCKS OFF!
HOW MANY MORE DEAF KIDS ARE THERE HERE IN THE D.R. WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO COME? HOW MUCH MORE TIME WILL THE LORD GIVE ME TO PERHAPS DO THIS AGAIN IN ANOTHER TOWN ONE DAY? HOW MANY POTENTIAL MISSIONARIES TO THE DEAF ARE OUT THERE AND HAVE NOT OBEYED GOD? THESE ARE QUESTIONS ONLY THE LORD CAN ANSWER.
THOSE WHO READ THIS BLOG......PLEASE PRAY FOR THE DEAF OF THE D.R. AND US.
THE KIDS ARE LEARNING SO FAST THAT I CANNOT HARDLY KEEP UP WITH THEM! LAST YEAR WAS MOSTLY LEARNING SIGNS AND GETTING USED TO "SCHOOL LIFE". THIS YEAR THEY ARE JUST CONSUMING INFORMATION. IT THRILLS ME EACH TIME THEY LEARN THE SMALLEST CONCEPT. WE STILL HAVE OUR DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS BUT NOTHING LIKE LAST YEAR. I HAVE ONLY GIVEN TWO SPANKING AND THAT WAS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. OUR FOUR YEAR OLD, ONDARY, IS ABOUT TO PASS UP EVERYONE ELSE IN HIS CLASS! HE IS AT THE PERFECT AGE FOR LEARNING. WE GOT HIM LAST YEAR AT THREE YEARS OLD. HE KNOWS ALL OF HIS LETTER AND NUMBERS TO TEN, AND MANY MANY SIGNS. I TOLD VIVIAN ONE DAY TO START ALBER, FIVE YEARS OLD, WRITING. SHE INSTRUCTED HIM TO COPY A VOCABULARY WORD UNDER A PICTURE AND BEFORE SHE GOT BACK TO HIM HE HAD DONE HALF THE BOOK! I NOW HAVE TWO ADULTS IN THE SCHOOL, ONE 24 AND THE OTHER 25. I TOOK THEM TO KEEP THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES FROM GETTING THEM. ANOTHER FAMILY RECENTLY MOVED THEIR DAUGHTER, 13, HERE AND TOOK HER OUT OF THE JW'S. TO SAY THE LEAST, THE JW'S ARE MAD AT ME! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING BUT PRAY!!! HALLELUJAH!
EACH DAY GOD SUPPLIES OUR NEEDS IN SUCH A WONDERFUL WAY. OUR COOK MAKES SUCH DELICIOUS MEALS AND SO MUCH OF IT THAT ONE DAY I JUST KEPT THINKING ABOUT TWO OF OUR STREET BOYS WHO SOMETIMES DON'T GET MUCH FOOD AND DECIDED TO HAVE THEM STAY AND EAT WITH US EVERY DAY. THEY LOVE IT! THEY ARE SO EXCITED TO BE WITH US AND HAVE ALL THEY WANT TO EAT. I LET THEM SHOWER AND WASH SOME OF THEIR CLOTHES. HOPEFULLY THEY WILL GAIN WEIGHT AS THEY ARE BOTH IN SIZE 6 PANTS AND THEY ARE NINE YEARS OLD. EDUARDO WHO IS MY "HYPER" KID IS MY TEST AND TRIAL EACH DAY BUT I LOVE HIM SO MUCH WITH GOD'S BEAUTIFUL LOVE AND GRACE. ONLY THROUGH GOD IS THIS POSSIBLE AS EDUARDO CAN STRAIN ONE'S PATIENCE TO THE LIMIT. I HUG AND KISS HIM OFTEN AS HE HAS HAD LITTLE LOVE IN HIS SHORT LIFE. BLADIMIR ALSO HAS BEEN SO REJECTED AND LEFT TO HIMSELF. HE IS LAUGHING ALL THE TIME AND A DIFFERENT BOY THAN THE SAD LITTLE WAIFE THAT CATI BROUGHT TO ME LAST YEAR. THEY BOTH HAVE LITTLE WATER AT THEIR HOMES, SHACKS. WHEN THEY SHOWER THEY JUST LOVE IT AND PLAY AND SHOUT AND JUST HAVE SO MUCH FUN THAT I DON'T HAVE THE HEART TO STOP IT AND LET THEM PLAY LONGER THAN I SHOULD.
FOR ME, MY HEALTH IS HOLDING STRONG. THERE ARE THOSE PRAYING FOR ME AND I CAN FEEL IT. EACH TIME SOMETHING TRIES TO TAKE HOLD OF ME, I CAN FEEL THE STRENGTH INSIDE OF ME TAKING CONTROL AND PUSHING IT AWAY. IT IS AWESOME! I DO HAVE TO REST ALOT THOUGH DURING THOSE TIMES AND TAKE CARE OF MYSELF.
NOW HAVING EIGHTEEN KIDS IS A DAILY CHALLENGE BUT ONE THAT GOD THROUGH ME MEETS EACH DAY! HE IS SUCH A GOOD GOD AND BECAUSE HE HAS CALLED ME TO THIS WORK......IT IS HIS! YESHUA, JESUS, IS MY CONSTANT COMPANION AND SHEPHERD.
IN OCTOBER, WE HAD VISITORS. DORENE CARDOZO AND KELLY MILLER FROM ILLINOIS AND OHIO. WHAT A BLESSING! DORENE TAUGHT BIBLE CLASS EACH DAY AND KELLY ASSISTED HER WHEN NEEDED. THEY ALSO HELPED WITH THE EDUCATIONAL PART. WE GOT TO GO TO SAN PEDRO FOR A SERVICE WITH THE DEAF CHURCH THERE. WE TOOK FIVE OF OUR OLDER KIDS AND THEY LOVED IT! THEN WE WENT TO THE BEACH! I WANTED TO TAKE OUR EDUARDO, BLADIMIR AND LUIS. I WANTED TO ENJOY THEIR REACTION AND JOY AT SEEING THE OCEAN FOR THE FIRST TIME. THEY WERE SO EXCITED THAT THEY ALMOST JUMPED OUT OF THEIR SKIN! THEY JUST RAN AND DOVE IN! WHEN THEY CAME UP THEY WERE SHOCKED THAT THE WATER WAS SALTY! WE LAUGHED SO MUCH! VIVIAN BROUGHT FIVE BEAUTIFUL CLOTH KITES AND THE KIDS GOT THEM ALL UP. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT IT WAS! THE DAY ENDED WITH US EATING PASTELES AND DRINKING NATURAL JUICE. THIS WAS AN EXPERIENCE THAT THESE POOR CHILDREN WOULD NEVER HAVE HAD IN THEIR LIVES. IT BLESSED MY SOCKS OFF!
HOW MANY MORE DEAF KIDS ARE THERE HERE IN THE D.R. WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO COME? HOW MUCH MORE TIME WILL THE LORD GIVE ME TO PERHAPS DO THIS AGAIN IN ANOTHER TOWN ONE DAY? HOW MANY POTENTIAL MISSIONARIES TO THE DEAF ARE OUT THERE AND HAVE NOT OBEYED GOD? THESE ARE QUESTIONS ONLY THE LORD CAN ANSWER.
THOSE WHO READ THIS BLOG......PLEASE PRAY FOR THE DEAF OF THE D.R. AND US.
Monday, July 13, 2009
HOME
Here's a picture of Vivian and I before we returned home. God made us truly sisters!
"There is no place like home". There has never been a more true statement! Home....that place where there is: love, family, familiarity, comfort....rejuvenation.
I returned home in May, had a few weeks of getting rested up, enjoying my kitchen and cooking again, fellowship with my dear husband, seeing family, and being blessed to be back in my Deaf church before I had to have a much needed and postponed surgery. I have not had any surgical procedures since I was saved in 1970! It all went well with lots of prayer and I am "up and running" again and feeling great!
Jet and I celebrated our 40th Wedding Anniversary on June 21st! God is so good! Eleven of those years were spent apart but we still count them. Those were years of testing but we remained faithful to each other as well as God. God definitely uses marriage to teach us the "fruits of the Spirit". If people would just "hang in there" and get over the rough spots they would find true love. True love is when we arrive at the place of being best friends. My husband and I have weathered it all and can truly say we enjoy each other's company more than any other. I wouldn't trade him for anyone in the world. I pray that we live together until we are very old and keep on working for the Lord until He takes us home to heaven.
I will return to the D.R. August 27th. to start up the new school year. I am so excited to see the kids again and see what God has in store for us! The kids will be going to the Annual Deaf Camp in the D.R. in August. They are so excited to meet Deaf from all over the island and make many new friends. There are usually around 2oo Deaf who attend each year.
Vivian will be able to return in September! Praise the Lord! It looked like she would have to wait until November. She has been a wonderful help in the school and has become a great teacher. She loves the kids so much and frequently done the home visits. It would be very difficult to do this without her.
PRAY FOR US!
Friday, May 22, 2009
REFLECTIONS ON GOD'S GOODNESS
In 2003 God led me and a young Deaf woman, Marina Garcia, to travel to Neyba, D.R. to start a school for the Deaf. We rented a house and started with 12 students. It was a time of learning for me as well. I had a dream of starting a school for the Deaf for many years and because of my years of working as an Interpreter and teacher's assitant in special education in the public school system, I had gleaned much from working with some great teachers. This was a fulfillment of my heart's desire but also this first attempt showed me how much more I needed to learn about educating the Deaf. In 2008 God called me once again to start a Deaf school, this time in Hato Mayor. I lean heavily upon the power and ability of my Great God who understands the Deaf completely. He is guiding me and giving me understanding step by step. I am still operating on "the fringe of my knowledge" but I also know that All-Mighty God has called me and He is in control! I also know that if I don't reach out to these neglected and forgotten Deaf children...who will? Because God called me to "GO" they now have hope, life and a future. Through the love and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus...HOPE & LIFE. Through education....A FUTURE.
I had the opportunity to revisit Neyba recently. I was absolutely thrilled to see all of the Deaf who had attended the school as well as the older Deaf we had ministered to still coming and now attending the Church. God was merciful to all of us involved! The Deaf seem to be growing and learning more and more about their wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ. I was so happy to see them and they showered me with gifts. As I spent the day with them I felt so thankful to God for His love for them and that He gave Marina and I the opportunity to be involved in their lives, even for those few months.
As I reflect on this past school year in Hato Mayor, I am amazed that I survived! People ask me, "How was it?" I reply, " It was one of the most difficult times of my life and one of the most wonderful times." I struggled with my health but finally overcame by the power of my God. I struggled with faith to hang on to what God had spoke to my heart but He showed His power and fullfilled each promise to me and I struggled with feelings of inadequacy but again He came through with His power to give me the needed wisdom and ability. I give Him all the praise and honor..... for this work truly is His work and not mine.
I am now home in Spokane for the summer. The last day of school was May 8th. The kids had been looking forward to a swimming party for several weeks. It was a blast! They had so much fun as they laughed and played. It blessed my heart to see some who have such a hard life to just enjoy themselves. Most of these kids would never have been able to go to such a beautiful swimming pool as we were able to take them. It was like a paradise for just a few hours. Afterward, we returned to the school and had a spagetti lunch for all. They left full, happy, and with gifts and school materials for the summer.
I am looking forward to next year with much anticipation. I saw most of these kids go from not even knowing that they had a name.....to knowing not only their own names but all of the names of the kids in the school. They learned sign language, writing, numbers, counting and some simple reading and math. Each new step they took blessed and amazed me. I feel like each one is my own child and God has put so much love in my heart for each one....even the difficult ones too!
It is good to be home and with my husband again. Jet is so patient and supportive of me! He keeps the "home fires burning" while I am away. He is planning on joining me for a few months this next school year. Praise the Lord! I am feeling weird though....like I am two people. One is the homemaker/wife here in Spokane and the other the pioneer/teacher in Dominican Republic.
Here at home life is so easy, abundant, convenient, and comfortable. In D.R. life is complicated, difficult, inconvenient and sometimes very uncomfortable but.......it is also great joy, fulfillment, and blessing. I am thankful for my time to "take a break" but already looking forward to returning.
I thank God each day for His "call" upon my life and the grace He gave me to say "yes".
Blessings to you all who read this bearing of my soul. Pray for me please!
Dana
I had the opportunity to revisit Neyba recently. I was absolutely thrilled to see all of the Deaf who had attended the school as well as the older Deaf we had ministered to still coming and now attending the Church. God was merciful to all of us involved! The Deaf seem to be growing and learning more and more about their wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ. I was so happy to see them and they showered me with gifts. As I spent the day with them I felt so thankful to God for His love for them and that He gave Marina and I the opportunity to be involved in their lives, even for those few months.
As I reflect on this past school year in Hato Mayor, I am amazed that I survived! People ask me, "How was it?" I reply, " It was one of the most difficult times of my life and one of the most wonderful times." I struggled with my health but finally overcame by the power of my God. I struggled with faith to hang on to what God had spoke to my heart but He showed His power and fullfilled each promise to me and I struggled with feelings of inadequacy but again He came through with His power to give me the needed wisdom and ability. I give Him all the praise and honor..... for this work truly is His work and not mine.
I am now home in Spokane for the summer. The last day of school was May 8th. The kids had been looking forward to a swimming party for several weeks. It was a blast! They had so much fun as they laughed and played. It blessed my heart to see some who have such a hard life to just enjoy themselves. Most of these kids would never have been able to go to such a beautiful swimming pool as we were able to take them. It was like a paradise for just a few hours. Afterward, we returned to the school and had a spagetti lunch for all. They left full, happy, and with gifts and school materials for the summer.
I am looking forward to next year with much anticipation. I saw most of these kids go from not even knowing that they had a name.....to knowing not only their own names but all of the names of the kids in the school. They learned sign language, writing, numbers, counting and some simple reading and math. Each new step they took blessed and amazed me. I feel like each one is my own child and God has put so much love in my heart for each one....even the difficult ones too!
It is good to be home and with my husband again. Jet is so patient and supportive of me! He keeps the "home fires burning" while I am away. He is planning on joining me for a few months this next school year. Praise the Lord! I am feeling weird though....like I am two people. One is the homemaker/wife here in Spokane and the other the pioneer/teacher in Dominican Republic.
Here at home life is so easy, abundant, convenient, and comfortable. In D.R. life is complicated, difficult, inconvenient and sometimes very uncomfortable but.......it is also great joy, fulfillment, and blessing. I am thankful for my time to "take a break" but already looking forward to returning.
I thank God each day for His "call" upon my life and the grace He gave me to say "yes".
Blessings to you all who read this bearing of my soul. Pray for me please!
Dana
Saturday, April 25, 2009
GOD IS AWESOME!
As I reflect upon the recent "waiting time" it really wasn't all that long but it sure felt like it! God has given me my heart's desire....a new place for the school!
Vivian and I had walked many miles through this town looking for "For Rent" signs and found none! We asked people to keep their eyes open and we prayed and prayed. One day our teacher Cati came early to the school to let us know that she had heard about a house and we could go look at it the next day. We liked it alot and told the owner that we needed to pray that we would let him know in a few days. When we went to tell him that we definately wanted the house, God shut the door! The current renter had refused to move out! Vivan and I looked at each other a began to laugh, but I felt peace. I continue to pray for God to show us another house but every time that same house came into my mind. Okay God, I prayed, you can work a miracle. Well, within one month, the owner showed up and said, "The house is empty. Are you still interested?" Absolutely! Within a week we had signed the lease and are now completely moved in and the school is up and running as usual!!! God is good! This is His work and His ministry. He just let me come and enjoy it with Him! Hallelujah!!
Some of the Deaf children who didn't even know their name this last October are now signing and doing some math and some simple reading. I am amazed and so proud of them! I have two more older kids and one 24 year old Deaf woman in the school. They are so open and hungry to know about God. All of the kids have memorized, "I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life..." John 14:6. When I showed them where it was in the bible they were all amazed and fascinated!
Vivian Spencer has been such a joy to this work and to me personally. She will be leaving for Canada tomorrow and won't be able to come back until the end of October. I thank God for sending her here to work with me and for God's ministry among these Deaf children. She has learned lots of signs and Spanish. I now have a young woman, Kim Warner, from Georgia here for one month. Her Mom is Judy Nielsen from Spokane. Kim jumped or was thrust (LOL) immediately into teaching and she has done great! She is an intercessor in prayer which is mightily needed here! She attends the International House of Prayer in Georgia. I appreciate her kind and loving spirit. Perhaps God will call her to Deaf Missions.
I love you Jesus (Yeshua).....Mighty God! Everlasting Peace! Those of you who read this and don't know Him yet, are missing out on experiencing the "kindest, most loving Person that you will ever know."
Thank you if you have been praying for me. I love you!
Vivian and I had walked many miles through this town looking for "For Rent" signs and found none! We asked people to keep their eyes open and we prayed and prayed. One day our teacher Cati came early to the school to let us know that she had heard about a house and we could go look at it the next day. We liked it alot and told the owner that we needed to pray that we would let him know in a few days. When we went to tell him that we definately wanted the house, God shut the door! The current renter had refused to move out! Vivan and I looked at each other a began to laugh, but I felt peace. I continue to pray for God to show us another house but every time that same house came into my mind. Okay God, I prayed, you can work a miracle. Well, within one month, the owner showed up and said, "The house is empty. Are you still interested?" Absolutely! Within a week we had signed the lease and are now completely moved in and the school is up and running as usual!!! God is good! This is His work and His ministry. He just let me come and enjoy it with Him! Hallelujah!!
Some of the Deaf children who didn't even know their name this last October are now signing and doing some math and some simple reading. I am amazed and so proud of them! I have two more older kids and one 24 year old Deaf woman in the school. They are so open and hungry to know about God. All of the kids have memorized, "I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life..." John 14:6. When I showed them where it was in the bible they were all amazed and fascinated!
Vivian Spencer has been such a joy to this work and to me personally. She will be leaving for Canada tomorrow and won't be able to come back until the end of October. I thank God for sending her here to work with me and for God's ministry among these Deaf children. She has learned lots of signs and Spanish. I now have a young woman, Kim Warner, from Georgia here for one month. Her Mom is Judy Nielsen from Spokane. Kim jumped or was thrust (LOL) immediately into teaching and she has done great! She is an intercessor in prayer which is mightily needed here! She attends the International House of Prayer in Georgia. I appreciate her kind and loving spirit. Perhaps God will call her to Deaf Missions.
I love you Jesus (Yeshua).....Mighty God! Everlasting Peace! Those of you who read this and don't know Him yet, are missing out on experiencing the "kindest, most loving Person that you will ever know."
Thank you if you have been praying for me. I love you!
Friday, March 20, 2009
"Waiting" is my middle name!
It seems like most of my christian life the Lord seems to have me "waiting" for one thing or another. I used to fight it so badly until a brother in Christ said to me many years ago, "Dana, the word "wait" is a verb and a verb is an action word." I realized that the "waiting time" is the preparation time...the learning time....the time when we concentrate on the "still small voice" of our wonderful Lord and He leads and guides us into His perfect will.
Well, I am once again in that "waiting time". This time it is for the perfect place to have this school for the Deaf. I had prayed for six months before I came here that God would provide the house for the school. What He did provide was a disaster in the beginning but now has become "home" and the school for the Deaf. We are crowded and really need more space. The church who rents to me needs this house for their Preschool and at first wanted me to move but now they are asking us to share the house with their preschool. This to us, will not work but.........there doesn't seem to be another house available to us so....... I am waiting! Waiting for a miracle! Waiting for my Commander and Chief, Jesus Christ, to say. "This is the way, walk in it."
On another note: the mice seem to have left my house! I have been wooing a stray cat. He comes and eats and leaves. Perhaps the mice sensed his presence and decided it was a good time to leave.....I don't know but I am happy to find little evidence of them. I had been praying about this as the mice here have a dangerous disease. I still find those giant cockroaches once in a while but not as many as before. They seem to "hang out" with the mice so maybe they left along with them.
The children seemed to have turned a corner in their education. This past week has been awesome! I see the "lights coming on" and as if a door has been opened. I have six children reading sight words and doing simple math. These are kids who six months ago didn't even know their names. The middle group is writing well and on their way to reading and the younger kids are signing and learning their letters and numbers. They are all learning their signs and communicating with each other. The most important aspect of it all is that little by little they are understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I started with just introducing vocabulary and signs and now they are understanding where Sin came from and what God has provided to cleanse that Sin.
I have two new students from Mamon. These children lost their hearing when they were little but had already learned to speak and they have maintained it pretty good. It's a challenge for me to teach them as they are much higher than all the other kids. God is helping me and they are adjusting very well. I did a full review of the Gospel message for them and they were just fascinated. They prayed with me to receive God's gift of salvation. Time will tell if it was with understanding or just copying.
I only have around six weeks left of this school year and then I will fly home on May 13th. I am anxious to be back home with my husband and family and friends but sad that the kids won't have anything for the three months of vacation. I am working on getting some people interested in helping take them to Deaf Camp in August. It will take some fund-raising as Camp is pretty expensive and they all come from poor families.
Life goes on here in D.R. One day at a time and sometimes one step at a time. And in every moment there is GOD! All-Powerful.....All-Knowing........and Ever-Present!
Blessings to you who pray for me and this ministry in the Dominican Republic!
Well, I am once again in that "waiting time". This time it is for the perfect place to have this school for the Deaf. I had prayed for six months before I came here that God would provide the house for the school. What He did provide was a disaster in the beginning but now has become "home" and the school for the Deaf. We are crowded and really need more space. The church who rents to me needs this house for their Preschool and at first wanted me to move but now they are asking us to share the house with their preschool. This to us, will not work but.........there doesn't seem to be another house available to us so....... I am waiting! Waiting for a miracle! Waiting for my Commander and Chief, Jesus Christ, to say. "This is the way, walk in it."
On another note: the mice seem to have left my house! I have been wooing a stray cat. He comes and eats and leaves. Perhaps the mice sensed his presence and decided it was a good time to leave.....I don't know but I am happy to find little evidence of them. I had been praying about this as the mice here have a dangerous disease. I still find those giant cockroaches once in a while but not as many as before. They seem to "hang out" with the mice so maybe they left along with them.
The children seemed to have turned a corner in their education. This past week has been awesome! I see the "lights coming on" and as if a door has been opened. I have six children reading sight words and doing simple math. These are kids who six months ago didn't even know their names. The middle group is writing well and on their way to reading and the younger kids are signing and learning their letters and numbers. They are all learning their signs and communicating with each other. The most important aspect of it all is that little by little they are understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I started with just introducing vocabulary and signs and now they are understanding where Sin came from and what God has provided to cleanse that Sin.
I have two new students from Mamon. These children lost their hearing when they were little but had already learned to speak and they have maintained it pretty good. It's a challenge for me to teach them as they are much higher than all the other kids. God is helping me and they are adjusting very well. I did a full review of the Gospel message for them and they were just fascinated. They prayed with me to receive God's gift of salvation. Time will tell if it was with understanding or just copying.
I only have around six weeks left of this school year and then I will fly home on May 13th. I am anxious to be back home with my husband and family and friends but sad that the kids won't have anything for the three months of vacation. I am working on getting some people interested in helping take them to Deaf Camp in August. It will take some fund-raising as Camp is pretty expensive and they all come from poor families.
Life goes on here in D.R. One day at a time and sometimes one step at a time. And in every moment there is GOD! All-Powerful.....All-Knowing........and Ever-Present!
Blessings to you who pray for me and this ministry in the Dominican Republic!
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