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