Entrekin Family Notes

Our Feb trip

2012-03-03T19:41:00.001-06:00

Last month we were able to visit our families in TN thanks to a generous gift from the church where Brian grew up. We were so glad to see them all. Here are a few pic we made with Brian's parents while we were visiting.

Too cute not to post

2012-03-03T18:52:00.001-06:00

Today we are welcoming four groups of students and adults to work with us in our ministry. Short term groups help to fuel our work by adding extra hands. They also become a mission tool themselves, opening the eyes of visitors to the wonderful things that God is doing in the DR and how they can support the work. This week I will once again be stepping into "site leader" mode and helping out at our special education site. What could be more fun?!? Looking forward to seeing these bright smiles- and many others- for the next few weeks.

Thank you HFUMC

2012-02-04T10:08:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Hendersonville First United Methodist Church (the church where Brian grew up) we will be headed to the states for a quick trip to visit Brian's family on Monday afternoon. It is hard to be away- especially since his mom cannot speak. We are so grateful for their generosity to provide this trip for us. (We usually only budget one trip stateside per year!) Thankful that God provides more than we hope or imagine.

Heart Broken

2012-02-01T15:25:00.000-06:00

This is Juan Carlos. He is an 8-year-old boy that attends Genesis. The first day he entered the school, my heart nearly dropped. He reminded me so much of a precious girl named Ruth. (Link to picture of Ruth) I soon found out that he is her cousin. And it seems to me that he has the same disorder. She was never fully diagnosed, but I have my own ideas of what it might be. And if I am right- well, to say the least it is not good news. (google: ataxia telangiectasia for more info) Over the weekend he went to the hospital where he was also diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. He has been in a lot of pain lately. Tomorrow he goes to Santiago to a Rheumatologist. They are a poor family. Please pray for healing and provision for this family. (Juan Carlos's mother died when he was 2 from cancer.) My heart breaks to see a child in pain, and to know that the road ahead will not be an easy one.
1 Cor. 3-4 (TLB) What a wonderful God we have- he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials.

Link

2012-01-31T15:43:00.003-06:00

Here is one way to look at RAIN- from group members that are visiting.

Back in the saddle again

2012-01-27T19:45:00.000-06:00

This week and next I get to be a site leader at our special education school. We have a large group of students- five of whom are working at the school. Our current director just gave birth to her second daughter, and our new SI staff for the school will not arrive until late spring.
Working all day at the school has been tiring at times- but energizing at others. The kids we have at the school are so much fun. And I feel like everyday I get a "new joy" to carry home with me. The biggest joy this week was 30 minutes of therapy time with a little boy named Junior. He is 5 years old and has cerebral palsy. He walks with a walker, but during therapy took four independent steps! I remembered all over again why I wanted to be a physical therapist....but I also was reminded of much more.

Living parable: In many ways, we are all spiritually like Junior. We have damage in our lives and hearts that paralyzes us in one way or another. We can make excuses- and let the damage disable us. Our we can understand that God works all things for good for those that love him and are called according to his purpose. That call does not negate the damage or make light of its impact- but brings us back to the transforming work of grace. I want to be more like Junior- pressing on to the goal set before me.

Reading

2012-01-19T11:55:00.002-06:00

We are starting out the year with a collection of books on our "To Read" shelf.
Next up, "The Age of Opportunity" by Paul David Tripp (Ted's brother for those of you who have read "Shepherding a Child's Heart"). Reading this book has brought me back to my "More like Christ" goal time and time again as I contemplate what it means to parent a teen. (Yes, in just a few short months Brian and I with be parents of a teenager!) Really we can't expect too much from a teen if we as parents segregate our lives into secular and sacred. (Well, we can- but we will be disappointed time and time again.) We will drive behavior changes- and completely miss the most opportune time to impact our children's hearts. The heart drives our words and actions, and ultimately what we think is hidden will come into the light.
Step One: Encourage vs. Criticize
Step Two: SEEK WISDOM vs. act foolish (most importantly in the way I parent)
I know myself well enough to know that I will not blog much about how step two is transforming my life, but I can recommend the book (even if you just read a few chapters, it is worth it.) There is an interesting discussion on isolating versus entering culture and what culture really is...

Books on the "Read It" shelf for this year:
10 Second Rule
The Way of the Heart

Please leave a comment if you have been reading anything inspirational/ instructional lately. We love suggestions.

Rocky

2012-01-06T20:26:00.001-06:00

Our family puppy is now 6 months old...and the size of most full grown dogs. Unfortunately his age and size match up to create over-sized messes. In the past two days he has pulled up and eaten the largest of 3 broccoli, dug a large hole next to the foundation, pulled off the screen from our front windows, drug the water hose through the yard and around various trees, turned our front porch into an artistic collage entitled "Muddy Paw-prints", and made a pile of his favorite chew toys- namely bricks from the flower bed and various pieces of concrete...
He is now in timeout (possibly permanently) in our backyard.
If you have knowledge of how to train a mastiff, please leave a comment.

Encourage vs. Criticize Day 3

2012-01-05T17:43:00.002-06:00

After a critical word to my daughters (yep, confessing and repenting!) about their inactivity - namely choosing only sedentary activities during free time- I decided I should encourage them by my actions and words. So off to walk/jog I went. Starting to realize

that silence is a great way to not be critical. (Thanks Henri Nouwen for you encouragement in the The Way of the Heart)
that I should think before I speak
and that my actions and words are closely knitted (Yes Mom, actions do speak louder than words)

Encourage vs. Criticize day 2

2012-01-04T06:26:00.000-06:00

Lu 6:45 - [ In Context | Read Chapter | Discuss this Verse ]
[ Multi-Translation ]

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

Ps 51:10 - [ In Context | Read Chapter | Discuss this Verse ]
[ Multi-Translation ]

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

(copied from studylight.org website)

New year, same goal

2012-01-03T16:20:00.001-06:00

Many make New Year's resolutions. Many forget about them by Feb. The only one I really remember making was to never make a New Year's resolution!
But a new year does make us reflect on changes we would like to see in ourselves, and attempt - however feebly- to make them. This year I desire to be more like Christ- primarily with the words I speak and the actions I choose. I have no measuring stick to grade my "more like Christ"- ness. But the process should be an end in itself.
Today's reflection on this desire:
Choose to encourage not criticize.
Encourage: contribute to the growth of, inspire with confidence, give hope, spur on
Criticize: to find fault, to point out real OR perceived flaws
Prayer for my day: Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T08:06:00.001-06:00

At midnight on the 31st, fireworks were bursting, horns were honking, music was blaring, and we were smiling. New Year's Eve in the DR! (Pretty sure I heard a random rooster or two joining in the celebration.) Sunday we worshiped with our Columbian, Dominican, and American brothers and sisters in Christ. And now Monday morning brings us back to our ever-changing "routine" of life and work.

2012 looks to be a full year of work and activity.

Tomorrow Brian heads to our home office in California for a week of training with new staff. As soon as he returns we have a vision tour followed by a two week outreach of over 60 people. No starting slow!

Please pray with us as we continue to wrestle with how to best serve our communities (in ways that are truly helpful and not just well intentioned!), serve our missionary staff (so they remain invigorated spiritually, physically, and mentally), and serve our family (so our closest relationships grow stronger not weaker as a consequence of our work).

Thank you for joining us in this journey. Happy New Year!!

Visitor

2011-12-17T14:08:00.001-06:00

This weekend/next week we get the pleasure of sharing our home and new country with Shohei. He is a young man from Japan living and working in Guatemala. He and Brian both stayed in the same house when studying Spanish in Antigua.

Christmas Program at El Callejon

2011-12-14T16:07:00.002-06:00

Mae has been helping one day a week at one of SI's preschools. She is a teacher's aide, and she has learned a lot the last few months about working with preschool-aged kids! Today the children performed songs for the parents at a Christmas program. So cute- especially the ones who try to hide on stage or just stand and stare out of complete fright. Memories are being made- for them and for my big helper. So proud to have a 12 year-old daughter who loves to serve.

Staff Christmas Party

2011-12-12T13:03:00.001-06:00

We helped of hospitality staff (yeah for Mary Ellen and Dick!) prepare for 140 guests to attend this year's Christmas party...our missionary staff, auxiliary staff, and their families. What a night! We ate lots of food, played games, read the Christmas story, and gave out gifts. But the best part, being together. So blessed by the group of people we get to work with.

Coming up next

2011-12-12T11:47:00.000-06:00

~~Brian's bible study group for dinner-~~ Had a great time with new friends and some good food. We loved opening our home to others, and hope we get to do this more in the coming year. God has sent some talented and energetic servants to Jarabacoa with many great ministries. So glad to be a part of a bigger story.
~~WyldLife Christmas Party~~ Not a ton of kids, but Mary Emily said it was a fun night. Thankful for a ministry where she can interact with peers.
Five days spent with Shohei Shimada (Brian's Japanese roomate from Guatemala Lang. School)
Airport runs with American/ Canadian staff and semester students heading north
~~Christmas cards for all the sponsors at our 3 preschools and our Special Ed school~~ Need a few address, but pretty much can check this one off the list. Loved hanging out with the Lanier girls while stuffing cards and addressing envelopes. Thankful for the families that give to help our schools.
~~Mailrun ...here is hoping presents make it down before Christmas~~ Think they all made it. Still have to secretly open a few boxes.
Church Christmas dinner (our first Dominican potluck!)
Picking up Sissy's parents who arrive DEC 25th- (Thank you Santa!)
Painting and cleaning spare bedroom that has lately been used as storage...guess that probably needs to move up the list ....

Somehow December here seems almost as busy as it is in the states!

Looking back at November

2011-12-02T10:04:00.001-06:00

Well, we can hardly believe that we have entered the month of December. The last few weeks have flown by. Here are some of our "going on's" from the past month- in no particular order.
We visited some college friends who came down to the island for an anniversary trip and a former SI staff member and her family doing medical work in La Romana.
We helped decorate and serve a Thanksgiving dinner to our semester students (who thankfully helped us clean up afterward.)
We began decorating at the base for our HUGE Christmas dinner.
We spent a weekend at the beach (with pouring rain) getting to know one of the SI families a little better.
We began making our house a little homier with furniture (YEAH for a comfortable couch) and paint.

Brian (along with the leadership team) planned and executed a two-day workshop for our staff- which was a great team building experience.
Sissy worked with teachers at the special ed school to develop some standardized objectives and learning goals for the spring term.
Mary Emily continued volunteer work and Isabelle continued piano lessons. Both continue to learn at home- whew!
November was a full month- and one for which we are thankful.
THANKS for YOUR PARTNERSHIP that allows us to work and minister here.

To Rivertree Church

2011-11-16T16:03:00.001-06:00

It is beginning to look like Christmas

2011-11-12T14:00:00.001-06:00

For weeks, Christmas decor has begun appearing in store fronts and homes. Well, we couldn't wait any longer to get started.... Though really our day has been a day of contrasts. The girls found a "Christmas " tree for our dining table while shopping for marigolds to plant in a flower bed. Gotta love life where seasons all overlap. Now to unpack my Thanksgiving food box from our mailman while drinking fresh orange juice (made from oranges growing in our back yard!) summer, fall, spring, winter- all in one day!

Go Aguilas!

2011-11-07T06:17:00.002-06:00

It is baseball time in the DR...ok, it is ALWAYS baseball time in the DR. (Just trying to feel a little American where seasons change and the sports change with them!)
This weekend our semester students were exposed to the great culture experience of a true Dominican professional game. Several staff and families joined in for the fun. Fun that includes huge crowds, loud horns, marching bands with dancers, cheerleaders, mascots and did I mention loud horns....
A man sat behind Mary Emily with a horn that had five more horns attached to the end to amplify what would have been loud to make it almost unbearably loud! The game lasted until 10:30pm so it was a late night, but one not soon to be forgotten. (And for all those avid baseball fans: the Aguilas won 5-2 over the Leones. That's Eagles vs. Lions for English speakers.)
(The picture of is the girls with Flat Stanley- a third grade project for our nephew Jacob White)

How does it feel to be back?

2011-11-05T10:39:00.001-05:00

Lately we have been asked this question almost daily as we reconnect with old acquaintances. Our quick answer is, "We love it!". But there really is more to the way we feel than a 3 word reply.
Do we really love living in a developing country, encountering poverty daily, being far from family, struggling to express ourselves in a foreign language? Honestly-not really.
What we love is:
God has given us a special comfort to feel peace away from the comfort of familiar.
God has empowered us to reflect Christ's love to others who are hurting.
God has opened the hearts of many though we don't speak their language correctly.
God has given us resources to share with those in need.
God is using our past experiences in new ways to serve others.
The list could go on...but basically we love all God has placed us here-for this season, for this work.

The cycle of poverty

2011-11-03T13:10:00.003-05:00

A couple with little resources and no education have a daughter.
She is abused and mistreated more often than loved as a young girl.
She eats little. She does not pass in school past the third grade.
No one is in her life to encourage her, help her with homework, make sure she has school supplies and school clothes. She feels shame over her appearance, until one day a young man begins to pay attention to her.
He shows her attention. He says things that sound sweet to her ear.
At the age of fourteen, she finds herself pregnant, thrown out of the house, living with a grandmother.
She begins to work. A different young man begins to give her a ride each day. He doesn't charge her money for the ride. He stays in her life even when her daughter is born. She decides to live with him instead of her grandmother.
They are poor. Her "husband" rarely finds work. When he does, he earns very little. He is not educated- and can't even read. They have two sons.
An accident happens and the young mom with three kids needs help. Her father moves in.
He begins treating her children the way he treated her as a child.
Should she ask him to leave? Can she ask him to leave?

I pass by one day and overhear a conversation about food. The mom does not have money to pay the cornerstore, and they will not let her kids buy anything else on credit. The grandfather has money to pay the bill, but refuses. The children will miss school because the mom does not want to send them to school without eating. The oldest is now in third grade. She is eleven and cannot pass. Her brothers are not doing much better.

The cycle continues.

How do you respond with wisdom? You don't want to create dependency. You know the parents aren't always responsible with the few resources they do have. But you can't just walk away without doing something.

How easy would it be to just hide? Be too busy to visit? Too occupied with tasks to sit in their uncomfortable home and listen painfully to the story of poverty? How easy would it be to avoid the piercing look of hopelessness?

El Callejon Preschool

2011-10-21T09:57:00.001-05:00

I have been working on Tuesday mornings in a preschool that is located in El Callejon. (a small community outside Jarabacoa) I mainly work with the four year old children, who are tracing letters and learning colors. We start each morning with singing, and then we go over the days of the week and months of the year.
My favorite part is being able to help students one-on-one. I help them learn to hold a pencil and write their names. Reading out loud in Spanish is sometimes a challenge,though.
-Mary Emily

Good times

2011-10-17T08:50:00.001-05:00

Last week was a bit chaotic, but we were so glad to have parents down to join in our everyday lives. Also Missy Hammond joined us, and got to see/ photograph (thanks Missy for helping with media!) the work of SI here in the DR. Now my windows have screens (thanks Dad!) and I have mosquito curtains for the back porch (thanks Mom!) and the girls' room is painted (thanks Dad, Mom, and Missy!) We love having visitors, and were sad to see them all go.

Blessed beyond chocolate

2011-10-15T14:05:00.000-05:00

As you can tell we have had some guest bloggers lately. They were members of a mission trip team from our home church in Huntsville. What a wonderful week it has been with them here. They brought us gifts- many in the form of chocolate!- but they also brought encouragement, affirmation, and support. Though we are grateful for the sweetness of brownie mix and Zbars, the sweetness of fellowship from those who know us, love us, and speak "our language" (meaning Southern) is incomparable. Thank you Rivertree Church- for those you sent and for your concern and support of the work God as given us here in the D.R.

Impact of Mission Trips

2011-10-13T21:15:00.000-05:00

As you can see from the above blogs that a group of eight adults have been in the Dominican Republic for nearly a week working with Students International. Having been on several missions trips in the past I "thought" I knew what to expect. It should not be a surprise to me that what I expected was not what has transpired. One thing that has become very clear to me that a mission trip has three distinct dementions -

Dominicans - this is what most would say is the obvious. I have spent time in various construction projects but the most time has been spent preparing new space for the dentist that works with SI. We have demolished the old office space, wired the new, painted, installed shelving, etc. All this and have yet to meet the actual dentist (she is on maternity leave but coming back next week). Due to lots of work of others she will have an improved and expanded space to minister to patients through her skill set. Though her work Christ will be magnified and the gospel spread.

SI Staff - the presence of short term missionaries is a supportive roll to the full-time staff here in the DR. I have been blessed to work especially close to Hans Miller on the construction activities. He and his wife with two boys moved to the DR this summer to work with SI. Transitions are always tough especially with young kids. They, along with all missionaries, need our continual prayer and support. I have been blessed to visit, share, and pray for Hans and his family.

Self - this aspect is often what we (the short term mission trip'r) often struggle with the most. Questions like - How do we communicate better? How can we "fix" their problems? How can we be an advocate? The issue is "we" - it is not about us. It is about glorifying Christ and through Him people well be reached. I always go home changed and pray that at least part of the change will remain for years to come. It is hard to see how teaching children over a few days or working a construction site will impact any specific individual. But we are just one small piece of a greater plan and God will take our small contributions and impact a generation here in the DR. Just as important, our team returns to Rivertree Church changed so we can impact those at Rivertree and beyond.

1 John 1:4 - Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your jou will double our joy! (The Message).

What the Lord is Teaching Me...

2011-10-13T20:35:00.000-05:00

We arrived in the Dominican Republic 6 days ago ... it's been a fabulous adventure. It's such a blessing and honor to be here - serving alongside brothers and sisters in Christ. We have left our comfort zones, our families, and all that is familiar. I've left my babies at home with my precious husband who is serving me by caring for them ... I'm so overwhelmed with the whole thing! I wish I could tie it all up in a neat little "this is what the Lord has shown me" package ... but it's not coming together! I am confident that God will reveal things to me in His perfect timing. For weeks, months, even years after we get home, we may still be hearing from Him as we process the new sights, sounds, smells, experiences, and people that we have come in contact with here! Until then, I just thought I'd write 5 observations...

1. Fellowship with those I knew already ... One of the most awesome things this week has been the amazing fellowship with dear friends. Coming to the DR with our team from Rivertree - and getting to come work with the Entrekins - has been awesome. As a mom with two young children, time with friends is often super chaotic! Here, we've had so much time together. It's been healing to spend hours after "lights out" all tucked in our various bunks in our cabin ... just LAUGHING like crazy! I fall asleep with tear-stained cheeks from the laughter. It's just so wonderful. What a blessing... sweet fellowship!

2. Fellowship with new friends ... I am serving this week at the medical site. On our team are two sweet high school girls from Oregon. They both want to be doctors - maybe missionary doctors. I'm hoping they will consider nursing as an option too of course - I'm a nurse : ) Anyway, one of my favorite things has been teaching them some medical tid bits. They have learned simple things - taking blood pressures, checking blood glucose levels, looking in patient's ears, finding heartbeats of babies in pregnant patients, differentiating medication names, and a few others. I thought my favorite part would be working with the patients - but I have absolutely loved spending time with these girls! How special for the Lord to let me help teach some of His sweet children at the start of their callings! WOW! Humbling.

3. Who is helping who here??? We came to "help" the Dominican people. Right? The hospital is very different - very few supplies and extremely chaotic. I wish I had time to go into every detail! My nursing friends would be intrigued! But suffice it to say the difference between our US hospitals and the hospital here is staggering. However ... it works. In the US, we have every last medication, the newest in every technology, and the cleanest facility from top to bottom. They ... don't. But it works! It runs very smoothly! Patients are tended to, doctors perform great surgeries, nurses keep things moving, and we "Americana" nurses just stand in amazement! God cares for these people! It is so different - but He is big and He is good! They don't need us to fix it ... they do need supplies and staff and such - but God is caring for them in the meantime. Sometimes I think that if we don't receive the very best care, with the absolute greatest doctor, in the most perfect facility ... that it will all fall apart. I forget how BIG God is and how He is the ultimate healer.

4. Just rest! We have left our fast-paced, cell phone-addicted, activity-filled lives and entered into a completely opposite culture. The Dominican people run on their own time schedule. If you are meeting someone for coffee at nine, they don't show UP at nine... they START getting ready at nine! Who knows when they will actually arrive!!! They take a TWO HOUR break at lunch! They stop on the streets to talk with one another. They look at you right in the eyes when you talk to them. They have time. I heard once that "Americans have watches but they don't have time" ... that is made very clear here. How nice to put our busy schedules aside and learn to rest.

5. The Lord has been teaching me about not boasting in anything but Him. My broken Spanish is certainly humbling, but sometimes I take pride in my medical knowledge and boast in it! I try to impress others with what I know or try to make them think I am smart. How silly! A stanza from a song we sang really resonated with me:

"I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom. But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection" - "How Great the Father's Love For Us"

We are reading through 1 John this week, and the Lord used this verse as well to speak to me:

"Do not love the world or anything in the world... everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of His eyes and the boasting of what he does - comes not from the father but from the world." - 1 John 2:15-16

The Dominican people don't need my "skills" ... and if I do have any skills, they are from the Lord anyway! The staff and our fellow team don't either! What we need to give each other is LOVE. The people here - and the people where you are - they need you to show them the love of Jesus. When you boast, boast in HIM. Give Him glory as you love on those the Lord has put around you. Our skills and talents weren't given to us to build us up, but rather to humble us before Him, giving Him the glory.

To tie my scattered thoughts into a somewhat cohesive message, might I say that we are here for Jesus and because of Jesus. Our job is to show others Jesus, to draw nearer to Jesus, and to glorify Jesus. The one who has died for my sins and yours, who has blessed us with every good gift, who has loved us completely - it has to be all for Him! We are not here to fix the hospital system, pass out watches, or show off our fancy medical knowledge. We are here to be with others, laugh with them, cry with them, teach them ... and to point them to Jesus. That's what I'm learning. Maybe that's what God wants you to hear too. Just love on someone today. Teach them about Jesus with your words - or with your actions. Look them right in the eyes. Give them your time, give them a smile, give them them the truth that will set them free...

Liz Wessel

Are you chicken - or are you all in?

2011-10-12T07:52:00.002-05:00

My friends know that it is pretty difficult to phase me; my comfort zone is pretty expansive. And, I am ALWAYS ready to jump into a situation with both feet, sometimes to a foolish and crazy degree. But within five minutes of orientation to the microfinance team God had already found the edge of my comfort zone and pushed me right up to it.

The Microfinance program provides very small loans to women so that they can develop a business. One of the women, Juliana, had a chicken processing operation at her house and we were going to visit it. And we were going to help. Yes, we were going to participate, elbows deep, in the killing, gutting, de-feathering, cleaning of chickens. Yep - definitely far past the edge of this city girl's comfort zone.

It wasn't the extreme amount of chicken blood, chicken guts, chicken goo, steaming chicken feathers everywhere. The biggest challenge was being literally elbows deep in a basin of bloody guts water looking for more chickens to finish stripping AND the smell. You may know - live chickens smell just as bad or worse than dead ones and having it all together was overwhelming. Praise the Lord for mint gum.

But - as we were working - and doing our best to be completely casual - we were observing. Observing Juliana. She a shrewd business woman, taking detailed notes, weights, and measurements in her pink rock star notebook. She is a loving mother, with successful sons who work in their own trades (very unusual here) but come home in their fashionable jeans to help. She is a welcoming hostess, offering us a chance to clean up even though no one else around seemed to feel the need.

We prayed with her before we left. It was a blessing to participate in her day. It was so exciting to see the microfinance ministry working at its fullest potential. It was an absolute joy to participate in the life of a very empowered woman, successfully running a business, raising quality sons, providing a valuable service and being a hostess to the work of the Holy Spirit in her neighborhood, even if it meant multiple germex baths, scraping chicken poop off my boots, and digging chicken livers out from under my nails.

El Callejon "The Dead End Street"

2011-10-10T17:10:00.000-05:00

The community of El Callejon translates into the dead end street. It is a squatters community that started from Dominican's taking refuge after a hurricane. A wealthy American landowner realized that people were living on his land so he came and built a wall to say, "This is all the land you can use." So on a tiny plot of land is the community of El Callejon. There are many "houses" built on this land that legally do not belong to the people. As I walked through the community, I felt such despair and hopelessness. You want to fix it and you rack your brain trying to figure out the easy solution. But there is no quick fix. I worked with the social work site today in El Callejon. They are teaching the women that there is hope. Their hope is found in Jesus and he can rescue them from their oppression. We were told the story of a sweet lady today whose husband abused her. She had no hope. She needed money in order to play the lottery. She was counseled to ask God to give her the things she needed. She did. She asked God to provide her with money, and he did. She never played the lottery again. She realized the hope found in our Lord was better than any false security she could find in the lottery.

The women in this area have little to offer. They have no education, marry very young and have children in order to (hopefully) receive money from the child's father. They have no transportation to leave the tiny area that makes up their community. And their children repeat this cycle. Thirteen year old girls are having babies and getting married!!! Married is a loose term for this because they don't actually legally get married. That would require money and a birth certificate. So they just move in with a man. The social work site is teaching these women the value they have in Christ. Through crafts, these women are building a community between themselves and an outlet for a small amount of income. Through Christ and his love shown by the awesome site leaders in El Callejon, there is hope on The Dead End Street.

Kristina Whiteaker

Guess who is coming to visit?

2011-10-08T06:56:00.001-05:00

This is the way...

2011-10-01T16:20:00.001-05:00

To campaign for President- Dominican style!

Ummm,

2011-09-29T16:22:00.001-05:00

Maybe I won't leave the neighborhood THAT way today. So nice for them to lay down a new layer of dirt to smooth out the road, though. Wonder how it will look tomorrow after the torrential rain we are getting?

Parable part two

2011-09-27T16:40:00.001-05:00

Here is the porch ceiling under our bathroom. Filtration and mold.
Will take some major elbow grease (and bleach) to repair the damage... once we fix the source!

Under the surface

2011-09-27T16:36:00.001-05:00

Parable of the day: things hidden in our heart (selfish motives, pride, etc.) have a way of leaking out and causing damage. The source may not always be known to others, but the results are still hurtful.
This is our shower (with the cracked insert removed). It has be leaking for some time. I'll post a picture soon of the damage it has caused so you, too, can benefit from this visual lesson. We also think that there is a deeper leak within the wall. That is why only one corner is still wet. When we first removed the insert the whole area was soaked! Guess that is another parable. How our sin nature is deeper than we sometimes think.

Lisa the dog

2011-09-18T21:47:00.001-05:00

We are very excited to be moving soon out of the one room apartment! But one thing we will miss is the precious dog. She has gotten attached and spends most every night at our door. The other day we left a plastic chair by our window. She began to sit in it so she would be closer to us. Just pitiful! We live on the second floor of the house, so our "porch" is really the roof above the living room. Nothing like pulling into the drive and seeing a dog on the roof. Thankfully since a staff member will live here, we can hopefully stop by and say hello.... at least until we find our own dog.

Tree cutting

2011-09-11T19:26:00.001-05:00

One day we came home to the sound of chainsaws and falling trees. Some guys were clearing pines from the lot next door. A fella up in the tree would stand on a limb near the top then cut it off right at the edge of his toes! Once several big limbs were removed he cut down the top half of the tree. Only one tree fell into our yard. One came within a foot of hitting a neighbor's house. Free Entertainment at its finest.

Month One Overview

2011-09-11T17:54:00.000-05:00

Here is a look at our first month back on the mission field in the DR:
House hunting: after looking at more than a dozen houses, we found one to rent...in October. It needs a few repairs, but that is pretty common here. We are ready to unpack from months of transition, but we can wait a few more weeks!
Vehicle: We found a Honda CRV to purchase at a decent price. It also needed repairs, but it is out of the shop now. We are still looking for Brian a motorcycle.
Job transition: Brian has taken over as director, but thankfully the out-going director is still here to walk him through decisions and tasks. Overall, there has been a very positive response from all the staff. We are amazed at God's faithfulness in the work He has begun here in Jarabacoa.
Residency: We spent a day in the capital (on our 16th anniversary) with an attorney's assistant working on our permanent resident status. We gave blood, took x-rays and photos, and paid lots of money...and hopefully in four months we will get an appointment to pick up our official cards.
Routine: well, that is still a work in progress. (maybe when we have a house and unpack, things will fall into place!) For now, we sort of live day to day; and some days are longer than others. The girls are doing well getting school tasks completed. We have spent some time renewing friendships. And we hope to begin getting out into the community more this next week.
Thanks for your support. We feel a divine peace in being here despite the "unsettled-ness" of our lives. We see God's provision for us daily- and you are a great part in that work. Blessings from the Caribbean.

Another stolen picture

2011-09-05T22:04:00.000-05:00

To all those who love pictures...I apologize! I have yet to get out our camera. Maybe when I unpack and get settled I will get around to snapping some shots. Maybe?? In the meantime, I thought you would like to see the SI family- well, the kids at least. Here is the gang (with more on the way!) at our last staff retreat. Can you find our two?

If I only had a camera ready

2011-08-30T14:19:00.000-05:00

It is said, " A picture is worth a thousand words." Wow, could I have shown you thousands of words this week...but you will just have to use your imagination. Oh, the missed opportunities.
Photo Op #1: Combine driving down interstate in the rain... with someone riding a moto underneath!! to keep from getting wet.
Photo Op #2: Guy in a wheelchair...holding on to a moto so he could be pulled down the road!!!
Photo Op #3: Two guys riding a moto...the one in back was holding the reins of a horse leading it down the road!!
Oh the places you will go, and the things you will see!

Running on a treadmill

2011-08-27T12:55:00.000-05:00

Have you ever finished a day exhausted, yet looked back and been unable to identify anything productive that had been accomplished? That is us- almost everyday. The last two days alone, we have left our apartment each morning at 8:00a.m. and returned at 9:00p.m....with very little to show in the way of completed tasks. I have been successful in starting the girls' school year amazingly enough. Brian has met and gotten "up-to-date" with most of the leadership team and outgoing director. We have looked for a car, and we are in the process of buying it. (A green Honda CRV if you are curious.) Hopefully it will be ready for us sometime next week- just a little tweaking was needed. (Oil change, check fluids, something with the brakes, and removal of wiring from an old sound system which in its day must have been pretty loud!) We have also started our house hunt- which is no easy task. All is part of the process of re-establishing life here. And every task, as is common in this culture, is a process in itself.
We all look forward to the day where a normal routine is established. The day when we are not digging through suitcases. The day when we close our eyes and say- whew, that is done! Until then, we press forward...
Thank you for your prayers. We feel sustained knowing that we are not alone in our endeavors.

A house and a home

2011-08-21T19:11:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to thank all those who have prayed for the close of our house in Huntsville. Friday, it finally closed. What a relief! Now we feel we can move forward trying to find a new house that we can call home. We will keep you up to date on what we find...kinda a missionary version of House Hunters International!

Transition

2011-08-18T13:13:00.001-05:00

Well, after a long travel day, we arrived safely- with all our luggage- to Jarabacoa. We have now begun settling in a temporary apartment. It is one large room with kitchenette, dining table, rocking chairs, a full sized bed, and bunk beds all together. Despite the "togetherness" of everything, we feel a little spoiled. The apartment has a hot water heater- and even hot water at the kitchen sink. The apartment is also on the back side of a hill in direct line for afternoon breezes, and it is tranquil by Dominican standards- most likely because there are few neighbors.

Last night at our staff bible study, Brian was installed as the new director. He is learning the ropes, and trying best to understand his role as leader. SI-DR is blessed now with a strong leadership team with whom he will serve. All of us enjoyed once again worshiping God with the staff here, and I was especially touched by Lowell's (the out-going director) talk on the transition of leadership between Moses and Joshua. Please pray with us that Brian will be "strong and courageous" with God's word as his guide leading the staff forward to the places and purposes he has laid before them. Thanks for your support in getting us to this land!

What a day?!?

2011-08-14T17:46:00.000-05:00

We traveled Sunday from Tennessee to Georgia. Then continued Monday from Georgia to Florida. We dropped off the things we wanted to ship with the Agape staff in Venice and made our way back to Tampa for our Tuesday flight. Our check-in took a little while processing luggage and the cat, but security went surprisingly quick. Because of storms, we decided to try to get on a 2:00 flight (ours was at 4:00 allowing only an hour between flights.) We boarded a plane at 2:15 and felt relieved that our transfer would not be rushed. However we were informed that due to lightening the luggage could not be loaded. After thirty minutes ground staff begin loading the luggage, and after thirty more minutes we were clear for take off. We backed up...but then stopped again. Miami did not want us. "We will leave shortly" became an hour wait. Then another. We moved closer to the runway, the pilot started the engines- but only to sit and wait another hour. We were warned that if Miami did not clear us soon we would have to return to the terminal and unload! Our flight to the DR was supposed to leave at 6:20... about the time we finally left Tampa. We got news our flight was delayed enough to give us 30 minutes to run from one end of the Miami airport to the other. We landed in Miami at 7:20 and began our sprint. Brian stopped to check that we were running to the correct gate. We weren't- and thankfully we were able to walk since the flight was delayed until 9:00. We left Miami at 9:30 and landed in the DR just before midnight. After going through customs and driving an hour up the mountain- we crashed in our new "home". Whew! what a day.

4 days and counting

2011-08-04T11:59:00.001-05:00

You really would not want to see my mother's house right now. We are in the process of repacking which means her house is cluttered from one end to the other with our things. Her dining table is our command station, piled high with papers, computers, folders, keys, cameras, etc. A shredder is running endlessly as we downsize our old file cabinet. Really it is a nightmare for those of us who like order.
Four days until we arrive at the destination we have been preparing for, yet so much still seems undone. Better get busy! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

We look forward to sending some photo updates of our new life in less than a week.

The Land Between

2011-07-29T12:16:00.000-05:00

Jeff Manion wrote a book about surviving the difficult place of transition with a strong faith still intact. I have not actually read the book (but I heard the author speak about its basic principles, so that counts- right?) In many ways, though, I may not need to read it ...I'm living it. Suitcases, government offices, paperwork, phone calls: revolving doors I keep going through. I even hesitated to update the blog, wanting what I write to be insightful, or encouraging, or at least informative. Writing about the hassles of closing on our house (it was suppose to close July 18th!), or trying to get government forms in a timely manner, or the chores of preparing to travel with a cat...somehow seems more like complaining than typical blog material. Yet, in another way, these "hassles" are the perfect things to write about. Being patient and pleasant on phone with someone who should be able to, but seemingly can't, help answer a question...well, that is a faith builder. Repacking bags, trying to decide what you will need tomorrow, a month from now, or not until Christmas...another opportunity to remember God is present. And that regardless how mundane the task we are called to glorify Him. As Brother Lawrence said: I am doing what I shall do for all eternity- blessing God, praising God, adoring God, giving Him the love of my whole heart.
My prayer is that as we look back at this time in the Land Between, we will be blessed to see how God used this time to perfect us, refine us, and strengthen us. Back to repacking a bag for another roadtrip...and blessing God, and Praising Him...what a full day is ahead here in the Land Between!

Happy Birthday Mary Emily

2011-07-17T21:43:00.000-05:00

On July 16, 1999 we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. We named her after her two grandmothers: Mary (Brian's mom) and Emily (Sissy's mom). Not wanting to offend either, we called her by both names. But that is a mouthful for a toddler, hence her nickname Mae. Saturday, we celebrated her twelfth year with a trip to Memphis. She and her sister made mosaics at "Seize the Clay". Then her Big Mama took her on a shopping spree at Wolfchase Mall. It was a fun day, but a little different from other celebrations since Brian could not be with us.
Because she was our first child, I actually have albums full of pictures...up to age three or four. But I must admit I am horrible at documenting milestones in her life. (and sadly I hardly take pictures anymore) So just for the record here are some thoughts I have of this precious gift.
1) I love the way you have the ability to roll your eyes, just like me.
2) I love to watch you concentrate and connect the dots in your mind. You think deeply for a twelve year old.
3) I love your very literal way of taking things...you are as much fun as Amelia Bedilia.
4) I love that no matter how many times you hear that you look like me, you still are confident in your own identity.
5) I love your compassionate heart.
6) I love the way you devour books and relate what you have read to things you experience in everyday life.
7) I love the way you accept change as a part of life.
8) I love your boldness in facing disappointment.
9) I love your questions...even the ones I can't answer.
10) I love that you are as beautiful on the inside as the outside.
11) I love to see you challenge yourself.
12) I love that even at twelve you have not outgrown giggling and joking and cuddling and being my little girl.

Videos

2011-07-06T21:33:00.001-05:00

I am sure there is an easy way to save and upload a video here...but why duplicate! Brian just posted some videos he shot in Guatemala on his Facebook page. He is not in them- but narrates instead. And you can even hear him practicing his Spanish a little! So go take a look: Facebook video link

Stolen pictures

2011-07-05T13:20:00.000-05:00

These pictures are from Kim Streeter, a new SI-DR staff member also doing language school in Antigua. The first is looking over the city of Antigua from La Cruz, and the second from a dance class at the language school one afternoon.

Update on Brian

2011-07-05T13:06:00.001-05:00

Thanks to all those praying for Brian who is at language school in Guatemala. He is staying, along with a Japanese guy, in the home of a widow in Antigua. She has been keeping students for years, and helps them through mealtime conversations with patience. (She also cooks well, so Brian is loving the home-stay!) His class consists of four hours of one-on-one tutoring: working on conjugating verbs, using pronouns correctly, and expanding his vocabulary. He spends his afternoon hanging out with other students at the school or getting better acquainted with the town. His evenings are slow-paced conversations with his roommate. This past Sunday he, his roommate, and some other students hiked a nearby volcano. Afterwards the Japanese guys introduced Brian to a Japanese restaurant there in Antigua...sushi and all. So that evening Brian introduced them to Domino's pizza. A little surreal for me to type that! Gotta love global merging.Brian has also been able to meet some Students International staff in Guatemala- giving him a bigger picture of the ministry.
One week down...three to go! Thanks again for your prayers.

Home??

2011-06-27T16:09:00.000-05:00

Well, we have officially moved out of our house on Wyatt Henry Lane and into transition. Change is our address. Brian flew out Saturday to Guatemala and currently resides with a family in Antigua. When not traveling, the girls and I live at my parents' house in Dyersburg, TN. Being home really means I have a key to the location where I sleep. The weather report on my emotions is much like outside: mostly sunny with a 30% chance of a thunderstorm or rain throughout the afternoon or late in the evening. The girls are happily enjoying all the treasures ( read:endless amounts of stamping supplies and a TV) found at Big Mama's and will gladly give you a FaceTime/Skype tour at any time. Thanks for those praying for us.

Thanks Rivertree Church/ Huntsville Friends

2011-06-19T20:56:00.000-05:00

Today was one of those bad/good days. It was our last Sunday at Rivertree Church. I woke up flustered by the complete mess of a house we have. (Read: almost everything we still own is in piles on the living room floor) I forgot that it was Father's day. My hair looked like I stuck my finger in a socket so I chose to sit in the floor and straighten it...and got white cat hair all over my blank pants. And when our pastor asked us to come up and say a few words I mumbled and fuddled through some sort of statement. (As did Brian who was equally flustered- mostly by my attitude!) Thankfully there was a second service. We pulled it together, ate a great Father's Day lunch, and went back to the church for a Send- Off party. It was so fun to have people we care about (and who care about and support us) all together. We even took a picture of our first Huntsville Sunday school class (the new married class) with our teachers, Greg and Lynn Abercrombie. Four couples, 14 kids, and one baby on the way. FUN! But on the other hand...saying good-bye to many wonderful friends and ministry partners could not be called a good day. Honestly it is just downright HARD.

We are incredibly blessed to have a church home and "hometown" like the one here in Huntsville. We will dearly miss our friends/ church, the public library, the greenway, Little Rosie's, Monte Sano/ Green Mtn trails, convenience (Lowes, Wal-Mart, Publix all less than a mile away!), lilies and wisteria in our yard, .... the list could go on but if I keep typing I won't get around to packing!

For Sale/ SOLD

2011-06-14T09:53:00.000-05:00

We PRAISE GOD for his timing! Thanks to all those who have prayed for the sale, spread the word, encouraged us...we are so blessed for such a supportive team! And special thanks to Rob Abercrombie for helping us through all the details.

Updates, Life groups, Prayer requests

2011-06-09T08:32:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all the Rivertree Life Groups who have allowed us to share our calling and ministry with you. (And other classes/groups in other cities as well!) Just wanted to remind you that we will be updating this blog- hopefully on a weekly basis. We will also update the Prayer Requests tab at least monthly. So please bookmark the page and check in...and leave us a comment or question if you like! Some dates to note:
June 11-12 Visit Hendersonville (First United Methodist: the church where Brian grew up)
June 19th     Last Sunday at Rivertree Church
June 21st     Visit Knoxville
June 25th    Brian leaves for Guatemala
Thanks again for all the support you have given during these big changes.

The hardest part of leaving

2011-06-02T08:37:00.002-05:00

Though we are excited about our wonderful opportunity ahead, the reality of leaving our life here is beginning to get hard. The past two nights we have had the joy of watching our girls perform on stage at their dance recital. Dance has been a favorite activity while living in Huntsville. Great teachers, great friends, and lots of hours in the studio... all coming to an end. I must admit I cried a few tears last night as the girls finished their last dance and hugged friends goodbye. I admitted to Belle that the hardest part of leaving is definitely LEAVING! Thank you Huntsville Ballet School for such a fabulous experience...we will miss you!

FAQ: When do you leave?

2011-05-25T21:00:00.000-05:00

Our current answer to the frequently asked question of when we leave is this:
Brian will most likely leave the end part of June to go to Guatemala for language school.
At the same time Sissy and the girls will go to Tennessee.
We all hope (if the house has sold and funds are raised!) to be in the DR by August 1st.
Our "official" last Sunday at Rivertree Church will be June 19th.

As a little girl I used to sing this familiar verse: (Is 40:31)
But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait!
(Don't know whether that one was in the "yellow book" or was one of what Brian always called a Tucker Street special, but I was glad to learn a scripture that vital at a young age.)

Helen Keller field trip

2011-05-17T12:02:00.003-05:00

"Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn whatever state I am in, therin to be content" Helen Keller

At this point in our "transition" contentment is a daily challenge. Mainly- because not much transitioning is happening. Not that I am anxious to leave my cozy home, live in others' homes (out of suitcases), try to fit what we "need" in 8 suitcases, and unpack in a new house.... I (Sissy) just want a detailed plan of said events. I want the security of knowing. I don't always like living day to day, in seeming darkness and silence. Thankfully- God is good to send gentle reminders.
Yesterday we traveled to Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller. It was one of our North Alabama bucket list activities. The girls read a biography of her last year, and another of Louis Braille this year. We all enjoyed seeing her handwriting as an eight year old, hearing how the family drove her around the plantation for 2 hours so she wouldn't know she was next door to her parents' house, and how she brilliantly inspired others by learning to speak, read, and write- being both deaf and blind! The girls took turns pumping at the original water pump where words came to life for Helen. Seeing her life, hearing her story, reading her words...what a challenge to me to make more of this day (rather than sitting in self-pity about all the things I don't know!). Everything has its wonders....

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T14:08:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's Day (a day late, I know!) to all the moms we know! We were so blessed to spend a few minutes with Mary Nell Entrekin (Brian's mom) and celebrate the beautiful influence she has had on our lives. Though she can no longer speak, the love she has for each of us shows on her radiant face. We stand in awe at her peace, patience, kindness, goodness, long- suffering... her faith is a strong encouragement and inspiration.
You truly do know a tree by it's fruit!

Power On/ Off

2011-05-03T11:15:00.000-05:00

Recently Alabama was hit by a massive onslaught of tornadoes. Many lives were lost; property was damaged over thousands of miles. Thankfully our home sat in a bubble of calm while the storms blew by to the north and south of us. We did, however, experience several days without power. While living in the DR, power outages were just common-place inconveniences...here, they paralyze life as we know it. The quiet and slowness of pace gave us time to reflect.

A few weeks ago our pastor asked how different our daily lives would be if we no longer had access to a bible. Would we notice the difference? Would we find ourselves groping for guidance, desperate for the Word of God? Or would we go about our day with little notice? Great questions that help us examine where our dependence lies. I suppose we could take those questions even farther and examine of lives without the POWER of the Holy Spirit. Would we notice a difference?

Lights out all over Huntsville reminded us all how very different our lives are unplugged. What a great challenge to inspire us to fan the flame of the Spirit. (2 Tim 1:6-7 NIV For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you...For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.) May your day be enlightened by the Word and empowered by His Spirit.

Please pray for all those suffering from great losses (those much greater than simply a few days without electricity!)

First Fruits

2011-04-25T12:36:00.002-05:00

Today we picked four juicy, ripe strawberries. We planted them last year in our experimental square foot garden knowing they would be dormant the first year. This month they have been covered in blooms, and berries are now appearing. The girls have enjoyed searching under the huge top leaves to find ripening treasures below.

Yesterday, our family spent the afternoon at the botanical gardens. We talked for a while to an older lady who volunteers building a mossy bog with wildflowers in a new section of the garden. She took the girls around telling them what many of the different wildflowers were. Then she showed them a special ginger plant and its hidden "little brown jug" flowers under the heavy top leaves. Each new species of ginger she showed them had larger "jugs" than the last. Hidden treasures that feed ants- who are usually the only ones aware of their presence.

I love metaphors and parables. And God is certainly teaching us through his creation. Sometimes we have to wait (which is difficult!) to see the fruit of our labor. And sometimes "hidden treasures" lie beneath "big leaves."

As we have begun our journey back to the mission field a lot of waiting is happening. Wonderful friends ask, "How are things going?" We give a report of fundraising, inform them our house is still on the market, and tell them that we hope to leave in late July. Maybe I should just say the strawberries aren't ripe just yet! But when they are, we will certainly share the fruit with you...

Big leaves: Fundraising; Little Brown Jugs: Supporters
Big leaves: Unemployment (well, sort of); Little Brown Jugs: Family Time
Big leaves: All the unknowns; Little Brown Jugs: His faithfulness and timing
Big leaves: A calling to a foreign land; Little Brown Jugs: Friends in two places
Big leaves: Waiting; Little Brown Jugs: all the lessons we learn while we wait
Clearly I am an ant with plenty of little brown jugs to feed on...

A New Journey

2011-01-25T11:16:00.000-06:00

As some of you may already know, Brian has been asked to return to be the new director of SIDR (Students International Dominican Republic). We are thrilled, overwhelmed, anxious, pondering, planning, and praying...for all that lies ahead. We hope to begin posting more frequently- again- to share our journey with you. As always, please leave a comment with any questions. We would love to answer them if we can.

DR Trip Video

2010-11-12T20:50:00.002-06:00

Rivertree goes to the Dominican Republic from Cathy on Vimeo.

Initiative

2010-11-10T14:30:00.002-06:00

We had three young students on our outreach. During team time one night they baked a cake for a young man who is in a wheelchair and cannot get out of his house much. While the cake was baking they did a bible study on Initiative. Carlie decided to take the study to heart. AT the end of the week, she and Isabelle proceeded to hand wash all her dirty clothes-so her mom would not have to do it when she got home!!

LAst Day/ Heading Home

2010-10-08T19:46:00.002-05:00

We all completed a final day in our sites, many of us wondering if others were as blessed as we were by this week. Tonight was an affirmation that short term mission trips really do make a difference. The missionaries took a moment to thank us at a banquet recalling our contributions during the week. In return we were able to encourage them with the good work that God has called them to. What an amazing picture of the body of Christ. Beyond culture and language edifying one another. And at the end of the day God gets the glory, because they will know we are Christians by our love. Through bible studies and sewing lessons, through medicine and prayer, through home visits and cups of coffee the grace and love of Christ has been spread to others. We look forward to sharing our stories in person. Thanks again for your prayers.
We head out tomorrow morning, spend most of the day in Miami at the airport, then arrive in Birmingham around 8:45 pm. Please pray for us as we travel home. See you soon!

2010-10-07T16:05:00.002-05:00

Social work - El Callejon - Joy
Wow! what a week! we have one more day left with the wonderful ladies in El Callejon. So many blessings this week as we have been able to see in to a small window of their work here. We have been blessed to be a part of their ongoing work here. Yesterday was amazing for me to hear the women sing and praise God at the top of their lungs. They LOVE to sing... I can relate :) we were a good match ha ha although I could only understand a little of their language... I KNOW well our Father whom we were praising. We would finish one song and they would clap, name another song and start singing! It was a blessing to my heart! Just so you know... they were not all schooled musicians with wonderfully on pitch voices BUT it was one of the most beautiful sounds I have EVER heard!!! I thank God for giving me this opportunity and have really enjoyed seeing each woman/child come in and the counseling that goes on in their every day life.
Yesterday was also and chance for us to get a glimpse of the ladies every day life. Anni was my host. I went in and cleaned with her. We washed dishes from a bowl of water she brought in. Scrubbed the stove (not the same as we have in the states) swept and mopped the floor (she would say "again" "again" "again") three times I mopped a concrete/dirt floor... and I was honored to do so :) Come to find out... she was shocked that I knew how to clean HA HA HA y'all don't tell my husband this LOL
Uno mas dias to see what God has for us here. We are living every day to the fullest!!!
BLESSINGS!!!!!!

2010-10-07T15:19:00.002-05:00

Chelsea and I have had the opportunity to serve in a social worksite in the Los Higos community. Girls and women are learning sewing skills and making projects such as bags, shorts and skirts. We are helping them to cut out and sew a simple dress. There seems to be excitement and lots of people have shown up to choose fabrics and get started. The students use sewing machines that you power by pedaling as their electric service is not so dependable. They are great at sharing and waiting for their turn. Chelsea and I are entertained by the rosters, chickens, and turkeys that walk through the yard and the donkey that sounds off every so often.
We have also had the opportunity to make a home visit with a new mom and her 11 day old son and discuss the joys and challenges of motherhood. We had a wonderful dinner last night with a local family. Their hospitality was so precious as they served us a meal that i am quite sure must have taken hours to prepare... chicken, mangoo, tostanes and fresh squeezed passion fruit juice, avacados.
I am so blessed by being here.
Lynn Abercrombie

Share Moments

2010-10-06T20:00:00.002-05:00

Today the medical team spent some time in the small mountainous community in Cienciegas. Just getting there requires a sturdy 4 wheel vehicle and even with that the trip can be a little intimidating. The mountain roads are very steep and sometime look more like a river bed than a dirt road.
We set up the medical clinic in a local school / church that sat alone on the side of a steep road. Brett, David, Fernando (local Dr.) and Suzanne (pharmacist) worked together to treat 40 people from the community for various minor illnesses like headaches, ear infections, rash, parasites, high blood pressure and cold symptoms. We were able to share a brief devotional at the beginning of clinic with the patients.
We walked to Delores' house about a mile away for lunch. She has a small house made of wood and a tin roof without power. She served us excellent coffee that she made for us on her wood stove and coffee beans that she grows in her yard, dries and grinds herself! We also had the chance to eat fresh oranges from the trees that grow around her house. We all felt that she taught us a lesson about being like Jesus because of her hospitality. God has provided many moments like this over the past few days where we are learning more about being like Him.

Tomorrow we will set up clinic closer to town and look forward to meeting physical needs and praying with the patients who come.

2010-10-06T15:08:00.002-05:00

Today has been another great day in the Dominican Republic. Everyone is now done with their site work and beginning to trickle back into the base. It is always great to see everyone at the end of the day and begin to hear the stories about what happened at everyone's site. Everyone is doing a really great job.

This week I have had the opportunity to work with Kendall Frawley at one of the three preschools that are run by Students International. It has been a great experience. The children are all precious. Today I got a great hair-do by one of the girls. ( : They love to play with me and Kendall's hair. The preschool is such a wonderful ministry. If it wasn't for this preschool the children would not have any other option for learning before they started public school. They also would probably not hear about Jesus if it wasn't for this school and the missionaries there. Everyday the kids pray and hear about Jesus. Some of the children's parents have even begun going to church because their kids have come home talking about God and they want to know more! I am so impressed with all the kids at this school too. Today they were reading to me and doing addition and subtraction. They are really smart! They enter into public school so far ahead of the other kids. I am looking forward to two more days at the school.

Tonight we are going out into the community to eat with different families. We are all excited about that.

Thank you all so much for your prayers! We all appreciate them so much!

SHARE Moments 2

2010-10-05T19:40:00.003-05:00

Social Work- Chelsea:
Today at Los Higos I had the opportunity to teach a painting class with some of the girls. It was really nice to be able to sit down, talk, and get to know them all a little better. After painting we had a small bible study on Proverbs 31. It has been a little challenging to deal with the language barrier. However, I have learned that even though we live in different countries and don't speak the same language, many girls all struggle and think about the same sort of things, and I could really relate to all each of them in a unique way.
Micro Finance- Greg Abercrombie
We have spent the past two days learning about two ministries that Ryan began . We learned the way micro finance is building relationships within the various communities and how SI is using this to teach biblical principles of finance to the the women of the communities as well as minister to them and help them develop or advance their business. In a bank meeting yesterday I was able to share one of the Biblical principles that I have taught in the past in Crown classes and Ryan translated. All the ladies were very attentive and interested in God's principles. Today we worked with two of his boys club groups as they worked on some batting skills. In particular we got to see Raul working on batting skills and then later share Jesus' teaching about the splinter and the beam in our eye. He totally had their attention both on and off the field.
Medical - Brett Franklin
I think I can speak for the Medical Team (David O'Keefe, Suzanne Rice, and I) when I say the last two days have been truly incredible! Monday Suzanne and I went to the Physical Therapy clinic with Dan (Student International physical therapist); we had the opportunity to learn from a truly gifted therapist and evangelist. We were immediately incorporated into his clinic helping evaluate and treat patients with problems ranging from strokes to arthritis. Monday, David had the opportunity to work with the dental team. This included cleaning, caps, dental molds and impressions. Being an ER physician in the states, he said it was great to be exposed to an entirely different field.
Today, we all went to a small community, Los Higas, where we set up a general medical clinic in the local community center. Dr. Fernando (SI medical staff leader) was fantastic to learn from. We saw all types of patients; infants, teenagers, and adults with problems ranging from sore throats to high blood pressure to infections. I even had the opportunity to do some impromtu surgery on a gentleman's leg! The highlight of the day for all of us was our interaction with Rafael. Rafael was a young man in the community who has been on dialysis for kidney failure the last 5 months. His family came and got us from the clinic today to come see him on his porch because he was too weak to make it to the clinic. He was weak from septic shock secondary to an infected dialysis catheter. We were able to get him to the hospital to get appropriate care. What was most amazing in this interaction was God's provision and timing. The fact that He brought our team to this gentleman and we had the opportunity to share the gospel with him was incredible. I can't wait to see how God leads the remainder of the week.

SHARE Moments

2010-10-05T07:28:00.003-05:00

Impressions on church:
Wow! How incredible to see the body of Christ come together.
Even in another language you could feel a part of the unified worship.
The presence of God was so evident. The Holy Spirit was moving.
The pastor's sermon was for me. I was supposed to hear exactly what he had to say.
I loved the energy they show during worship.

The highlight of our trip so far is:
Being able to walk away from everything back home and really be here.
I could focus on one person, one task and truly be present to that person.
The missionaries here have such a passion for their work and for the Lord.
I feel I know the person I worked with yesterday better than the people I have worked with for years.
The vulnerability of the mission staff- the way they share their lives- is incredible.
You can really begin to see what it means to hold relationships more important than tasks.

"I am so glad I came!"

Day 1

2010-10-04T19:41:00.002-05:00

What a great day! We began bright and early with a quiet time, worship, and devotional study on the first part of Matthew 5. We were taught by Francisco, the art site leader, who challenged us in many ways- reminding us of our purpose to be salt and light. After a delicious breakfast we divided up and went our separate ways to serve. Though the pace of our day may have been slower than many "American" days, it was a great way to begin to integrate into the work here. Sherri, Brett, Elijah, and Suzanne saw patients at the physical therapy site. Carlie, Cathy, and the Entrekin girls served at the special education school, both in the classrooms and in therapy. Greg and David E. got a big tour as they traveled around with the microfinance leader. David O'Keefe worked with the Domincan dentist in her clinic. Kendall and Kristen worked in a preschool. Joy, Tas, Lana, Chelsea, and Lynn went to two separate social work sites. To say the least we are all spread around the mission field here. So tonight after supper we gathered for a "team time" to share our stories with one another. Because of time, we will write some of them here tomorrow morning or afternoon. We can't wait to share them with you as well. Just wanted you to know that we all had great days, and we are really looking forward to the rest of the week. Thanks for your prayers. Health and energy levels seem to be doing well. More tomorrow....Dios te bendiga! (By the way, pray for courage and good translation tomorrow. Many of us will be teaching at our various sites. We pray our messages are understood. Thanks!)

We are here!!

2010-10-03T18:44:00.002-05:00

We arrived last night safely after a long, but very easy travel day. Today we woke to bright sunny skies and a yummy breakfast of baked oatmeal and lots of tropical fruits. After breakfast, we had a quick orientation and then spent the afternoon at a local waterfall. Besides just enjoying the scenery and fellowship with one another, this excursion helped transition us from the busy American schedules to a more Dominican pace-- relaxed. Tonight we were blessed to attend a local church Amor a Quisqueya. We sang in Spanish (with the help of a wonderful praise band and words on the screen!) and listened as the sermon was translated from a Puerto Rican pastor Rey Matos. After supper we participated in a cultural night dancing to Dominican music and trying out some coconut milk from fresh coconuts and a local coconut candy. What a day!
Thanks for all your prayers. The trip has gone smoothly so far. And we are all excited to enter our ministry sites in the morning. We greatly appreciate your support. Check back tomorrow night for a report on our first service day.

Rivertree 2010

2010-09-20T13:57:00.003-05:00

In just 12 days we will be heading back to the DR with a group from our home church. We are so excited to share the experience with them. Also a few friends and family members from outside the church are going. We will try to post updates from our trip as often as we can. Please pray for us during the dates oct2-oct9!

2009-08-14T17:39:00.004-05:00

We recently returned to the DR for a quick trip to introduce Students International to a few members from our church and to reconnect with our beloved friends. We were only able to spend one week- but delighted to have even just a few moments. During our time we ate dinner with several families including one night with Melvin- 19 year old with cerebral palsy- which was quite the FEAST! (pictured below: two salads, rice, beans, chicken, an awesome potato torte, tostones, fresh avocados, and flan that was the best I've ever tried!) I also reconnected with several of my patients including my SCI friend Yomaris. I am so proud of her and her progress. And as always it was wonderful to experience through the SI staff and some other missionary friends some of the great things that God is doing in the Dominican Republic.

Amber's Wedding

2009-07-15T15:58:00.004-05:00

Last weekend we were glad to join Lowell and Cheryll Troyer (SIDR director) as they celebrated their older daughter, Amber's marriage to Travis Gerig (one of our great interns from last summer!). It was a picture perfect ceremony- and we are so proud for them. The night was also a wonderful time to catch up with other SI friends. And our girls really enjoyed reconnecting with their "big sis" MK's. Pictured below: Alicia Troyer, Chastity, Lindsi, and Andrea Slabach with Mae and Belle.

Disney Pictures

2009-05-20T21:59:00.003-05:00

Disney World

2009-05-20T10:40:00.002-05:00

Last spring a group from Jupiter High School gave us "parkhopper" passes to Disney World as a thank you. To say the least the girls were thrilled- though at the time they knew almost nothing of Disney but the princess movies. So this past week we added a few more park tickets, camped at Fort Wilderness, and then enjoyed time in the fantastical (or using their slogan "magical") theme parks. I was a little hesitant at first with all the people and STUFF, but quickly found myself enveloped in the wonder of it all. (And there is absolutely no better place to people watch!) The girls loved the animal kingdom and all the "countries" of Epcot as well as many of the rides and shows. And because we stayed in the campground we also got to see the set up for the Ironman 70.3 and part of the biking portion of the race. THANK YOU, THANKYOU, THANK YOU JCS for such a great gift! We also joined Kevin Wilson and his wife Brittany for dinner one night. It is always great to reunite with good friends. Thanks for driving up to see us!
(will post pictures soon!)

Putting it together again

2009-04-07T15:52:00.003-05:00

We still have a lot of little things left to do- but we are already enjoying our new space. The chairs belonged to Brian's grandmother. I found some nice fabric to give them a little face lift, but we are so proud to use them.

In the middle of the mess

2009-04-07T15:43:00.002-05:00

Our house: before

2009-04-07T15:30:00.002-05:00

Ice Storm Jan 09

2009-04-06T22:59:00.001-05:00

Almost there

2009-03-13T21:30:00.004-05:00

Well- the redo on the kitchen is taking a little longer than we anticipated. We still are not done, but getting closer. The floors started going down today (at the same time that we discovered a leak in our out going drain pipe near the floor that was being redone! which thankfully got fixed today as well.)
I suppose that is the life of a redo. You start with a list of 5 simple things and end up with a list of 10. Sorry I have not posted photos yet, but we have misplaced both our cord to our camera and our card reader. I'm sure will we find them some day! Other than that- we have really enjoyed reconnecting with friends the past few weeks- and feel so blessed to have such good friends surrounding us.

given up on us???

2009-02-27T15:20:00.002-06:00

I am not for sure if anyone still checks in on us- since we have failed to write for quite some time! But I thought I would update just in case...and hopefully soon I will add photos.
We are living out of boxes and bags once again-- or maybe I should say still-- but in a new city and new to us house. And Brian's work is going well. He began in December with training in KY and is now on the go here in AL. Our home search was a little more drawn out than we had hoped, but we are happy to now have a place. We found a house in OwensCrossroads- just a few minutes from our old church and many of our friends. We decided to take out a few walls, and carpet, and countertops, and appliances- which we have done with help from friends. Now we are waiting on the professionals to come put it all back together. Hopefully in the next two weeks the work will be done and we will unpack and settle in. (Only 7 months after packing our bags in the DR!)
We feel blessed by all that God has provided. (pictures soon!)

Brian's first day- Part Two

2008-11-22T23:58:00.002-06:00

If all goes as planned (though, we certainly won't be surprised if it doesn't) Brian will be finishing his job #1 this next week. In all, he will have worked 6 weeks with a great guy inspecting cell phone tower construction. He has been traveling quite a bit in Northern Mississippi which was a change for our family. But the time has passed quickly, and we were so thankful for the job we didn't seem to mind. One week we were even able to travel with him and "camp- out" at a lake cabin in a state park.
Job #2 ( a production management job) should start Dec 1. Again, Brian will be traveling some at first. We have done a little house hunting in AL this past weekend- and hopefully will find a home of our own by the first of the year. We feel God has opened each door for us- so we are patiently waiting for his provision in this area as well. (And quite frankly my parents house is pretty comfy- so it is not like we are desperate to move!) Thanks to all who keep encouraging us and following us through life's journey. During this Thanksgiving holiday- know we are thankful for your friendships!

Brian's first day

2008-10-17T11:48:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all who have been praying for Brian's work opportunities. He left the house early this morning for his first day of work. He is currently working for a management company that oversees construction of cell phone towers. He will be traveling throughout West Tn./ North Mississippi. We will update soon to let you know how it is going.
Also please note we changed our mailing address on the header. We are living in Dyersburg with Sissy's parents at least until December.

Transition

2008-09-19T08:49:00.002-05:00

Well, we have been back in the U.S. for almost a month, and many of you have e-mailed to see how we are doing. I suppose we have failed to blog because we are unsure how to answer that question.
Our time in Colorado was renewing after the whirlwind of traveling/moving. The debrief was especially good for the girls as they shared their stories with other MKs their age.
After our trip to Colorado and a few family discussions later, we realized our initial ideas for setting up house in the Nashville area would not be possible. We have now "settled" into my parents' house in Dyersburg which is our home-base. From there, we have traveled around visiting friends and supporters putting many more miles on our tally. (I think we have covered over 5,000 miles since our return!) Brian is currently looking for a job. Wherever he finds employment, we will move and set up house...and maybe even unpack all our bags/boxes. We are so thankful for your prayers during this transition.
(And to all those in the D.R. reading this- We love and miss you. We pray God is continuing to bring forth revival in your lives as well as the communities.)

Back in the USA

2008-08-22T09:31:00.002-05:00

Four hours on a DC-3; 12 hours in a rental car; 3 hours visiting family; 1.5 hours in the rental car again; 30 min in the Buick; lunch/repack; 3 more hours in the car THEN finally we stop for a night's rest and a day of laundry. Tomorrow we are off to Colorado- only 1,040 more miles until debrief and renewal.

Travel Update

2008-08-19T15:04:00.002-05:00

Well- Sissy's parents and our girls are on a plane to Miami, while we wait another day. Our flight was canceled, but luckily for us the mail carrier decided to reschedule for tomorrow- NOT next Tuesday as often happens! This will change our travel schedule a bit. But hopefully if no more unexpected changes occur we will still get to Colorado on time!

Tropical Storm Update

2008-08-16T09:34:00.002-05:00

Well- our last day a the beach turned out to be a lot of wind and rain as Tropical Storm Fay made its way over the island. We are safe-- but a bit worried about our travel plans. The storm is projected to head towards Cuba then turn north towards Florida.... on Tuesday, the day we plan to fly back. Because Brian and I are taking the mail plane, we do not have the luxury of just rescheduling for the next day. If the plane is unable to fly on Tuesday- our flight might be delayed over a week, which affects our schedule going to Colorado. Please pray with us for smooth travel plans, and safe ones as well.

Despidida

2008-08-16T09:17:00.003-05:00

We have finished our last group- which was made up of great teams from Minn, Neb., Cali., and individuals from Tn and Wash. After that we headed to the beach for some rest before our big move. Over the past few weeks we have begun our goodbyes to our fellow staff at a nice dinner, summer teams at our last banquet, and missionary kids "MK's". Here are a few pictures from the girls' going away party. Thanks Chatty, Maggie, Cheryl, and Alicia for organizing this for the kids. And thanks to the "Amys" for being such a wonderful part of our girls' lives.
We cannot believe our bags are almost fully packed. And our minds find it difficult to comprehend leaving this "home." Here is our travel schedule:
Tuesday: Flights to the states (girls will fly to Nashville with Sissy's parents and we fly to Florida with our dog)
Wednesday: Drive from Florida to TN
Thursday: Visit Brian's family in Crossville
Friday: repack for trip to Colorado
Saturday/Sunday: Drive to Colorado for debrief

Why I love my job

2008-07-22T19:59:00.003-05:00

After a poverty study, I asked the group to look up various verses and describe the implications of those passages. In other words- "How does this apply to you?"
Rather than quick and easy answers, however, the conversations seemed to go in many directions. (Mostly that of asking more- and often times- profound questions) One student asked: So if God is loving and merciful- why is there suffering and poverty?
Getting to explore those questions, with high schoolers and college students,...now that it something to love!

Mary Emily is 9!!

2008-07-18T11:07:00.003-05:00

July 16th was Mary Emily's 9th birthday!
She is a beautiful, smart, cheerful young girl- that seems to be growing up way too fast. We are proud of her compassion for others and her maturity and depth of insight!

Back Out

2008-07-18T10:31:00.002-05:00

For most of the summer I have been at the base leading/assisting student activities (i.e. all the 6:40 Bible readings/meals/ poverty study) or in the office preparing schedules and organization lists for the upcoming teams. Occasionally I go out and visit different sites, but I have not been on home visits for almost the entire summer. Yesterday I was able to go out and visit again Yomari- the SCI patient that lives way up the mountain. It was a bittersweet visit. I realized how much I missed just sitting and talking with her, hugging her little ones, and checking out their ever-changing livestock (which is currently a pig, two rabbits, a sick bird, and a few chickens.) I became acutely aware of the little time left I have to travel bumpy dirt roads in the middle of tropical mountains.... the little time left to pour into relationships that symbolize the fruit of our almost 4 years as missionaries. But on the other hand, I also became more aware of how richly blessed I am for all the experiences I have had.... what a crossroad in our lives!

make me laugh

2008-07-11T15:44:00.000-05:00

Intern Retreat

2008-06-30T17:40:00.003-05:00

This weekend marked more-or-less the mid-way point of our summer. We spent the time for renewal and relaxation with our 9 amazing interns at a beach 2 hours away. On our way we decided to add a little adventure and took them to a natural "waterpark" in the middle of a sugar cane field. We had never been before- but it turned out to be a fun activity. We climbed up and over 12 cascades- then jumped or slid our way back down. Follow the link to see more about 27 charcos.

Little Girls

2008-06-20T15:01:00.002-05:00

Where do I go?

2008-06-20T14:44:00.002-05:00

PICTURE COMING SOON
Brian directing 57 students and nine interns to 12 or 13 different locations on three separate trucks and various individual cars every morning!

Lost in Translation

2008-06-20T14:38:00.002-05:00

PICTURE COMING SOON
Fran: talking in Spanish to American student in bible study asking "How many books have you read?"
Sissy: translating to student "How many children have you had?"
Girl: with a questioning face "ZERO"
Sissy: speaking to Fran- "Did you really ask how many kids she has had??"
Fran: laughing hysterically repeats his question
Sissy: "Oops- sorry about that he said books not children...he wants to know how many books you have read not how many kids you have had!"
girl: still with a questioning face "LOTS???"

Starts and finishes

2008-06-20T14:26:00.003-05:00

Ok- so even though we now have a great camera, the pace of summer has kept us from uploading pictures to our blog...
PICTURES COMING SOON!
We have been living life in two weeks sessions since the first part of May, and we now find ourselves at the halfway mark of our summer. We have completed 3 outreaches- and are currently running our fourth. The students are doing a great job at their sites, during base activities, and in evangelistic outreaches. Brian has become a transportation and logistics genius- and Sissy is really improving on her translation skills (and learning how to comically cover mistakes!)
The girls finished their school year on June 12th receiving top honors- no surprise there- and we are extremely proud of both their academic excellence and character! Unfortunately because of our fall schedule of traveling they restarted "school" with homeschooling curriculum on June 16th. (They are suffering right now from sporadic high fevers- that I hope have not been caused by over-schooling! Please pray for them to overcome the fevers quickly as the heat of our summer and lack of AC make it more difficult to keep cool.)

Just in time

2008-05-18T07:07:00.002-05:00

We recently received a new camera from Jupiter Christian School. This wonderful gift arrived just in time for us to capture pictures of Mary Emily being baptized (by her Papi) Friday in the river at Los Higos...the same river where we spent a special day with the students from Jupiter. We are so proud of Mae for taking this step of faith and publicly proclaiming Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Newsletter Part 1

2008-04-24T16:22:00.000-05:00

Throwing rocks
We recently hosted a group from Jupiter Christian School who stayed for 12 days. During the outreach we were able to have amazing times of mission field immersion. We immersed the students in the Dominican culture and language through orientation, lessons, and a night of Dominican dance and games. We immersed the students in mission work, sending the 32 students and leaders out to help our SI missionaries in education, therapy, agriculture, construction, sports, art, social work, and healthcare. We immersed them in the word, walking them daily through the book of Philippians. We also asked a little more of them by doing a poverty case study and by fasting and praying for the city. We celebrated all that God was doing in and through them with a worship bonfire and a riverside service. WOW- what an amazing 12 days! One of the most precious moments for us was sitting on the banks of the river and watching each student throw a rock into the river as an object lesson from Phil 3:13. The scripture reads, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” In small groups, the students were able to share a part of their past they wanted to leave behind so they could focus their energies on who God was calling them to be. They each chose a rock that best represented their past and threw it in the river. What a joy- we will never skip a rock on water again without thinking of that verse! And we earnestly pray that God will continue the good work He has begun in the lives of those students.