Posts
Sunday
I was in a car accident, while riding as a passenger in a friend's car, a few minutes after leaving Sunday church meeting. Thankfully, no one had any serious injuries, although we certainly have had our aches and pains this week from the battering we took in the crash.
Tuesday morning
We have received five used macs (computers) which were donated to the school by some dear friends of mine in California. The children at my church there had raised the money to ship the computers during their VBS last summer. Tuesday morning I went down to the airport where the computers were being held in customs to pick them up.
The teachers are very excited about having a computer in each classroom now. During the Christmas break, I'll be doing some training with them to show them how to use the computers effectively. We hope to have a computer at each teacher's house, eventually, so that they can develop their computer skills, and create new curriculum.
Tuesday
The children's Christmas program at the school was wonderful. The children themselves enjoyed it very much. The next day the parents were calling and even coming by, to thank the school for this special program. Most, if not all, of the deaf students, had never participated in any kind of program on stage. Being deaf means being excluded often, and a lack of opportunity to do the normal childhood things. The parents had tears in their eyes, seeing their children up there for the first time. The deaf students signed "Joy to the World."
Wednesday
We had our annual Christmas party at the deaf school. We brought the group over from the Sabana Perdida school, to reunite with former classmates. There were games, candy, a nice meal and gifts for each student. Vision Trust provided funds for our party, for which we are very thankful. The kids had a lot of fun, and we teachers had perhaps even more fun watching them having fun!
Thursday
Vision Trust provided the fixings for a Christmas meal at the school in Sabana Perdida. Some of the children did not eat all of their food. Instead, they set aside a portion to take home to their moms. It was very touching, and impressive to see how the children were concerned for others. One said "I want to make sure my mom has something to eat when she gets home from work."
A gift arrived designated to helping one or more families at Christmas time. Part of the money went to help the family of one of our deaf students recover from the recent hurricane's effects.
A second amount was given to the mom of another of our deaf students. When she received it, she said that the children had eaten some bread brought over by a neighbor earlier in the day, and she was wondering what she was going to be able to give them for dinner, as there was no food or money in the house. This mom is a faithful worker at the school--the one who is always ready to serve when anything is needed. I was blessed in being able to distribute this love offering where it was very needed.
Friday
The good news is that the pilots are okay. The bad news is that the small plane that brings in our mail and mission supplies went down close to the Bahamas yesterday. Please keep this situation in prayer. Agape Flights hopes to recover the plane.
We are uncertain at this time of exactly what will happen with our mail service over the next weeks, as that is their only plane, but very thankful that everyone was okay. They brought in three plane loads of cargo this week, and were on their return trip, to the US. They usually stop in the Bajamas on the way back.
May you all have a very blessed time with family and friends this Christmas!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A visit from Olga
We thought we were in the clear, since hurricane season ended a couple of weeks ago. We were surprised then, when Tropical Storm Olga, blew through on Tuesday, and dumped a lot of rain on us.
School was cancelled all over the country for yesterday and today, presumably to resume tomorrow. There was flooding on many of the major streets in the capital, and some of the people who were flooded out by the last big storm had to evacuate once again. The capital wasn't as hard hit as the northern coast was this time, and the death toll, which now stands at 13, is much lower. Santiago, which is the second largest city in the country, was hit with extensive flooding in river areas.
School was cancelled all over the country for yesterday and today, presumably to resume tomorrow. There was flooding on many of the major streets in the capital, and some of the people who were flooded out by the last big storm had to evacuate once again. The capital wasn't as hard hit as the northern coast was this time, and the death toll, which now stands at 13, is much lower. Santiago, which is the second largest city in the country, was hit with extensive flooding in river areas.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Joy to the World
That's what we are signing at the Christmas program. Although the song is a mere one minute 39 seconds long, it is going to take a lot of preparation, since some of the children are still new to Sign Language, and all are new to the concept of singing. I'm not looking for just a lot of waving hands. I actually want to try to help them understand what the song means. That is the hardest part, perhaps.
The kids are enthusiastic about participating, and I'm sure no matter how well or how awfully they do, people will be blessed, because they've never seen a song in Sign Language before.
Today a hearing student passed though the edge of the classroom, as she climbed the stairs toward her own classroom. Seeing our students at work, she exclaimed in amazement, that she never knew that "mutes" could write! Okay, we have a lot to teach the hearing children here, but I'm sure she went on to tell her classmates that the deaf children actually know how to write. You see, if you are deaf here, reading and writing is something you probably don't know how to do, and no one expects it of you.
Wycliffe Bible Translators are still interested in doing a Dominican Sign Language translation for us, but haven't got anyone qualified available currently. Do you know anyone who is fluent in English, Spanish, and ASL, and interested in missions?
We signed up another 8 year old girl today. She is our 14th student in the new classes. Although we are turning children away at this point, we had already reserved a space for her when we met her during relief efforts.
This announcement is bit premature, I suppose, but I'm excited. We are looking to add a deaf woman, Yulissa, to our staff. Technically, she'll be a teacher's aide, since she doesn't have the qualifications required by the Secretary of Education. The only formal education she's ever had was at DOOR's (Deaf Opportunity OutReach) school in Costa Rica, learning Bible Storying.
We would like her to help with teaching Sign Language and Bible Storying at both schools, half the time at each. We still have to confirm details with her, but she has wanted to work with us, and we with her, for a long time. I'm very familiar with her work, having worked with her in Church services, and I believe she'll be a wonderful addition.
As the end of another year arrives, I'm reflecting on all that God has done, and I cannot but be amazed. I thank him constantly.
I also want to take the time to thank all of you, for your participation in this ministry. People and church have sent money and teaching materials, replenished items such as pencils, given us needed equipment, and even come here to work directly with the children. (I tend to shy away from putting specific names on the internet, for privacy reasons, but you know who you are.) We also appreciate the ongoing help that we receive from Vision Trust, who supplies partial scholarships for most of our children, as well as other help from time to time.
Many are taking us before the Lord, asking for his blessing on these deaf children and this school. Thank you so much! The Dominicans have a saying "May the Lord repay you [for it]." Amen!
The kids are enthusiastic about participating, and I'm sure no matter how well or how awfully they do, people will be blessed, because they've never seen a song in Sign Language before.
Today a hearing student passed though the edge of the classroom, as she climbed the stairs toward her own classroom. Seeing our students at work, she exclaimed in amazement, that she never knew that "mutes" could write! Okay, we have a lot to teach the hearing children here, but I'm sure she went on to tell her classmates that the deaf children actually know how to write. You see, if you are deaf here, reading and writing is something you probably don't know how to do, and no one expects it of you.
Wycliffe Bible Translators are still interested in doing a Dominican Sign Language translation for us, but haven't got anyone qualified available currently. Do you know anyone who is fluent in English, Spanish, and ASL, and interested in missions?
We signed up another 8 year old girl today. She is our 14th student in the new classes. Although we are turning children away at this point, we had already reserved a space for her when we met her during relief efforts.
This announcement is bit premature, I suppose, but I'm excited. We are looking to add a deaf woman, Yulissa, to our staff. Technically, she'll be a teacher's aide, since she doesn't have the qualifications required by the Secretary of Education. The only formal education she's ever had was at DOOR's (Deaf Opportunity OutReach) school in Costa Rica, learning Bible Storying.
We would like her to help with teaching Sign Language and Bible Storying at both schools, half the time at each. We still have to confirm details with her, but she has wanted to work with us, and we with her, for a long time. I'm very familiar with her work, having worked with her in Church services, and I believe she'll be a wonderful addition.
As the end of another year arrives, I'm reflecting on all that God has done, and I cannot but be amazed. I thank him constantly.
I also want to take the time to thank all of you, for your participation in this ministry. People and church have sent money and teaching materials, replenished items such as pencils, given us needed equipment, and even come here to work directly with the children. (I tend to shy away from putting specific names on the internet, for privacy reasons, but you know who you are.) We also appreciate the ongoing help that we receive from Vision Trust, who supplies partial scholarships for most of our children, as well as other help from time to time.
Many are taking us before the Lord, asking for his blessing on these deaf children and this school. Thank you so much! The Dominicans have a saying "May the Lord repay you [for it]." Amen!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
Even though it is still 90 degrees out here, you can tell the season is upon us. Since early November people have been displaying lights, trees, and other decorations. Here in the DR, there are a couple of unusual customs around Christmas. One is that in December, employees are paid double. Another thing is that not much work gets done. Christmas is a long season, starting in mid-november (although it seems to start a bit earlier every year) and running through mid -january.
But Thanksgiving has to be my favorite holiday of all time.
I have so much to be thankful for.
Thanksgiving is not a holiday here, so many of us opt for another day, when we don't have work to do. I'm cooking up the big meal on Saturday, and inviting the deaf teacher, the deaf pastor, and their familes.
School is moving along quite nicely. Teaching so many different levels is quite challenging, but I often put the students to teaching one another. As inadequate to the task as I know I am, I still see progress in the students, and that is such an encouragement.
We have a new student, 15 years old, in Sabana Perdida. He came unable even to count to ten on both hands. The other children taught him to count in Sign his first day. His house and all his family's possessions were swept away in the flood.
There is another little girl, 8 years old, who is supposed to come as well. We discovered her when we were doing relief work down in a previously flooded barrio. When we returned the second time, she had a broken arm! She's very bright, and I suspect very mischievous as well.
Both schools are now full and we are making a waiting list for others who want to come.
This past week both school computers died. That's the bad news. The good news is that some new friends came from FL with a brand new one. The Lord knew just when we would need it.
We spent many hours this past weekend, discussing what the needs of the schools are with these brothers, and how we can make their work team's upcoming trip a blessing to the participants, as well as those they will be serving. We headed out to both schools, and into some poor areas, to give them a idea of what they'll be facing, and how they may fit into the Lord's work here. It was a great blessing to all of us, and of course, it's always nice to get to speak English for a few days! :)
But Thanksgiving has to be my favorite holiday of all time.
I have so much to be thankful for.
Thanksgiving is not a holiday here, so many of us opt for another day, when we don't have work to do. I'm cooking up the big meal on Saturday, and inviting the deaf teacher, the deaf pastor, and their familes.
School is moving along quite nicely. Teaching so many different levels is quite challenging, but I often put the students to teaching one another. As inadequate to the task as I know I am, I still see progress in the students, and that is such an encouragement.
We have a new student, 15 years old, in Sabana Perdida. He came unable even to count to ten on both hands. The other children taught him to count in Sign his first day. His house and all his family's possessions were swept away in the flood.
There is another little girl, 8 years old, who is supposed to come as well. We discovered her when we were doing relief work down in a previously flooded barrio. When we returned the second time, she had a broken arm! She's very bright, and I suspect very mischievous as well.
Both schools are now full and we are making a waiting list for others who want to come.
This past week both school computers died. That's the bad news. The good news is that some new friends came from FL with a brand new one. The Lord knew just when we would need it.
We spent many hours this past weekend, discussing what the needs of the schools are with these brothers, and how we can make their work team's upcoming trip a blessing to the participants, as well as those they will be serving. We headed out to both schools, and into some poor areas, to give them a idea of what they'll be facing, and how they may fit into the Lord's work here. It was a great blessing to all of us, and of course, it's always nice to get to speak English for a few days! :)
Monday, November 5, 2007
Relief
If you want to see photos of Noel's visit, see http://www.flickr.com/photos/alabemos/
Sunday, I went down into the affected areas with a couple of doctors. They have a work team coming in, and want to see where they can best be used in the relief efforts. Happily, la Barquita was finally receiving some help. Two other areas we visited, el Caliche and Acapulco were in much need.
My church here collected food and clothes, and some members & I took them over to a church local to the affected area for distribution. When you know you don't have enough for everyone to have the same amount of everything, you can't just walk in and start giving out stuff, or you'll be mobbed! So on our Friday visits we took people aside and said, come to the church at 2:30, and then we gave them what we had. Between the two churches who have contributed, we will probably be able to provide clothing for a substantial amount of the community, but only limited food. We bought some food and mosquito nets, but they still need stoves and mattresses. Tomorrow, more distribution of the collected items will go on by the local church there.
Another missionary is going to check out the situation on Thursday; I pretty much have to leave it in others' hands at this point to get back to school.
It is good for the kids to get back into their studies, because it will provide some normalcy after the trauma of what they've gone through.
Personal note: I apparently have a burst eardrum, after a severe ear infection that I've had this past week. I'm rather deaf in that ear. Spanish is tough to follow, and English needs to be spoken on my good side! I went to an ENT who didn't diagnose it, followed by a regular Dr. who did! Tomorrow I need to go to another ENT, and try to find out just how serious it is. Today was a holiday, so no one was working except in the ER. Pray for me, that this will be healed up soon. Apart from the hearing loss, it has been rather painful.
Blessings!
Sunday, I went down into the affected areas with a couple of doctors. They have a work team coming in, and want to see where they can best be used in the relief efforts. Happily, la Barquita was finally receiving some help. Two other areas we visited, el Caliche and Acapulco were in much need.
My church here collected food and clothes, and some members & I took them over to a church local to the affected area for distribution. When you know you don't have enough for everyone to have the same amount of everything, you can't just walk in and start giving out stuff, or you'll be mobbed! So on our Friday visits we took people aside and said, come to the church at 2:30, and then we gave them what we had. Between the two churches who have contributed, we will probably be able to provide clothing for a substantial amount of the community, but only limited food. We bought some food and mosquito nets, but they still need stoves and mattresses. Tomorrow, more distribution of the collected items will go on by the local church there.
Another missionary is going to check out the situation on Thursday; I pretty much have to leave it in others' hands at this point to get back to school.
It is good for the kids to get back into their studies, because it will provide some normalcy after the trauma of what they've gone through.
Personal note: I apparently have a burst eardrum, after a severe ear infection that I've had this past week. I'm rather deaf in that ear. Spanish is tough to follow, and English needs to be spoken on my good side! I went to an ENT who didn't diagnose it, followed by a regular Dr. who did! Tomorrow I need to go to another ENT, and try to find out just how serious it is. Today was a holiday, so no one was working except in the ER. Pray for me, that this will be healed up soon. Apart from the hearing loss, it has been rather painful.
Blessings!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
What's worse than a major hurricane? Tropical storm Noel!
Yesterday I was able to get to Sabana Perdida at last. A group of us from the church and school went to visit three places: a shelter, a neighborhood, and a family from the church that had lost everything in the flood. Before going, I went through my whole house, setting aside things that I could take to the refugees.
The taxi over was "interesting". We got stopped by the police once, but the driver told them that we were bringing in relief supplies so they let us go on. The driver told me that he was sure they were stopping us for a bribe. Sometimes it helps to have an American in the car! It is a long drive, and the best way is to go on a highway which runs out in the country a bit. While in that part, the car began to go slower and slower. We were running out of propane! The driver told me that we were not far from a gas station, but he looked a bit uncertain if we would make it there. We did, barely. I think we were about on fumes, the car was going so slowly.
During the visits our group made, we ran into a group of protesters carrying signs saying "we need food, water, clothing, medical care", etc. We stopped and talked to them for a while, and took their pictures. I'm afraid they put a lot of faith in me, for some reason, like I was going to be the one to fix everything. I tried not to get their hopes up falsely; I didn't know what I'd be able to do; I still don't.
We walked on and came to the next community, one where almost all of the houses were either fully submerged, or nearly so, just a couple of days ago. At the time there was still water in the houses and in some streets, although it had gone down a whole lot. The houses may have had six inches to a foot of water still in them, for the most part. My friend reports that they are still flooded today, because it rained over there again.
These people told us the same story. They have no drinking water, food, clothing, medical care, or mattresses to sleep on. Some are sleeping at shelters (which can be dangerous) while others choose to sleep on the street near their house. Thieves steal everything they can get from the flooded houses; they will even steal light and plumbing fixtures, if the houses are not carefully watched.
We went to a shelter that housed about 67. It was a public school, and they put several women in each room. It was not clear if the whole family stays together or apart, as the men were gone looking for work. Most of the men of this community work as "chiriperos;" that is, they do whatever they can find for the day. The room where the food and any other donations were kept was shockingly bare. There were some small milk cartons from the government school breakfast program, and some bread, and precious little else to be had. People from the community had brought in a few odds and ends. It didn't look like enough for 20 people, much less 67. At the shelters the people supposedly are fed at 11AM and at 4 PM, and that's it for the day.
The moms and children were just sitting around on the floor on very thin mattresses. Some had sheets some didn't. Some of the children were naked. I am not used to seeing children as traumatized as some of these were. While some kids were still happy and friendly as usual, there were others that just looked like they were in shock. There was nothing for them to do, not a book to read or a toy to play with, nothing to distract them from the horror of what they had just been through. There were several pregnant women. One who was due any time, said she had nothing at all for her newborn, when it arrives.
After various phone calls, I was able to ascertain that in the church/school in Bonao, at least three deaf people have lost their homes and are in shelters. One of my students in the capital was from the area where the houses were submerged; he and his family are staying with relatives for the time being. Part of the roof is missing from the house of another student.
A friend who is a medical missionary is interested in bringing a team to help. Another missionary I go to church with wants to work together to get these people some relief. We are forming a quick net of providers, to help fill in the gap. We are going as the hands and feet of Jesus, not any particular denomination.
We are thankful for a Florida church that joined in the battle and send us $300 to help provide for basic needs.
The next two days will be busy ones. I have asked for donations of household goods, food, clothing, medicine and just about anything, from the church I attend here. A couple of people have offered to help deliver whatever is collected from our small church. I'm going over with a medical missionary who wants to look over the situation, with the possibility of scheduling a medical operative for a day next week. One other missionary who attends my church has offered to join in--she knows more than I about relief work.
Then there will be Tuesday. School will start again. It is important that parents get their kids back in school quickly. It will help them to be in their regular routine again, and I'm sure it will be a comfort to them. I hope at that point, that I'll be able to walk away, knowing that there are loving hearts continuing to help these people.
The taxi over was "interesting". We got stopped by the police once, but the driver told them that we were bringing in relief supplies so they let us go on. The driver told me that he was sure they were stopping us for a bribe. Sometimes it helps to have an American in the car! It is a long drive, and the best way is to go on a highway which runs out in the country a bit. While in that part, the car began to go slower and slower. We were running out of propane! The driver told me that we were not far from a gas station, but he looked a bit uncertain if we would make it there. We did, barely. I think we were about on fumes, the car was going so slowly.
During the visits our group made, we ran into a group of protesters carrying signs saying "we need food, water, clothing, medical care", etc. We stopped and talked to them for a while, and took their pictures. I'm afraid they put a lot of faith in me, for some reason, like I was going to be the one to fix everything. I tried not to get their hopes up falsely; I didn't know what I'd be able to do; I still don't.
We walked on and came to the next community, one where almost all of the houses were either fully submerged, or nearly so, just a couple of days ago. At the time there was still water in the houses and in some streets, although it had gone down a whole lot. The houses may have had six inches to a foot of water still in them, for the most part. My friend reports that they are still flooded today, because it rained over there again.
These people told us the same story. They have no drinking water, food, clothing, medical care, or mattresses to sleep on. Some are sleeping at shelters (which can be dangerous) while others choose to sleep on the street near their house. Thieves steal everything they can get from the flooded houses; they will even steal light and plumbing fixtures, if the houses are not carefully watched.
We went to a shelter that housed about 67. It was a public school, and they put several women in each room. It was not clear if the whole family stays together or apart, as the men were gone looking for work. Most of the men of this community work as "chiriperos;" that is, they do whatever they can find for the day. The room where the food and any other donations were kept was shockingly bare. There were some small milk cartons from the government school breakfast program, and some bread, and precious little else to be had. People from the community had brought in a few odds and ends. It didn't look like enough for 20 people, much less 67. At the shelters the people supposedly are fed at 11AM and at 4 PM, and that's it for the day.
The moms and children were just sitting around on the floor on very thin mattresses. Some had sheets some didn't. Some of the children were naked. I am not used to seeing children as traumatized as some of these were. While some kids were still happy and friendly as usual, there were others that just looked like they were in shock. There was nothing for them to do, not a book to read or a toy to play with, nothing to distract them from the horror of what they had just been through. There were several pregnant women. One who was due any time, said she had nothing at all for her newborn, when it arrives.
After various phone calls, I was able to ascertain that in the church/school in Bonao, at least three deaf people have lost their homes and are in shelters. One of my students in the capital was from the area where the houses were submerged; he and his family are staying with relatives for the time being. Part of the roof is missing from the house of another student.
A friend who is a medical missionary is interested in bringing a team to help. Another missionary I go to church with wants to work together to get these people some relief. We are forming a quick net of providers, to help fill in the gap. We are going as the hands and feet of Jesus, not any particular denomination.
We are thankful for a Florida church that joined in the battle and send us $300 to help provide for basic needs.
The next two days will be busy ones. I have asked for donations of household goods, food, clothing, medicine and just about anything, from the church I attend here. A couple of people have offered to help deliver whatever is collected from our small church. I'm going over with a medical missionary who wants to look over the situation, with the possibility of scheduling a medical operative for a day next week. One other missionary who attends my church has offered to join in--she knows more than I about relief work.
Then there will be Tuesday. School will start again. It is important that parents get their kids back in school quickly. It will help them to be in their regular routine again, and I'm sure it will be a comfort to them. I hope at that point, that I'll be able to walk away, knowing that there are loving hearts continuing to help these people.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tropical Depression Noel
The effects of this tropical depression just won't leave. Yesterday, the rain was intermittent, but mostly light, so it looked like the worst was over. Today I awoke to yet another downpour. I heard on TV that it was supposed to rain for another 24 hours. The Miami Herald has a slideshow at http://www.miamiherald.com/924/gallery/288864.html?number=8 if you'd like to get a look.
We are in a state of emergency here in the capital, and in much (all?) of the country. School, by the way, as been canceled for three days now, but that isn't the worst of it. There is widespread flooding. I don't know how much rain we've actually gotten. The predictions were 10-20 inches in general, with up to 30 in some areas.
Lots of very poor people have lost their homes and all their earthly possessions. So far on record, 30 people have died, thousands are homeless, and many are missing as well. Bridges have washed away, leaving many communities cut off from the rest of the country.
Currently I'm housesitting for a missionary couple who are stateside for a year. I'm in a sturdy cement block house in a good location--as in not low-lying. The fact that I still have running water, electricity (mostly) and internet amazes me. I am aware of the fact that I could lose these at any time.
Much of the city hasn't had electricity for a couple of days. One missionary friend told me their running water is black. So just to put your minds at rest, family and friends, even if you don't hear from me, I'm in a safe place. I may lose basic services at any time, but my house isn't likely to flood. If you don't hear from me, it's because I have no internet.
I just spoke with the director of the school where we have put the new classes, in Sabana Perdida. She said that some of the children of the school come from down by the bridge, where the water is over the rooftops.
No one can go in or out of Sabana Perdida right now, because the bridges are flooded and dangerous. She said she is blessed with phone service, but that the phones are out in most of the area, and the church's internet is down.
We are in a state of emergency here in the capital, and in much (all?) of the country. School, by the way, as been canceled for three days now, but that isn't the worst of it. There is widespread flooding. I don't know how much rain we've actually gotten. The predictions were 10-20 inches in general, with up to 30 in some areas.
Lots of very poor people have lost their homes and all their earthly possessions. So far on record, 30 people have died, thousands are homeless, and many are missing as well. Bridges have washed away, leaving many communities cut off from the rest of the country.
Currently I'm housesitting for a missionary couple who are stateside for a year. I'm in a sturdy cement block house in a good location--as in not low-lying. The fact that I still have running water, electricity (mostly) and internet amazes me. I am aware of the fact that I could lose these at any time.
Much of the city hasn't had electricity for a couple of days. One missionary friend told me their running water is black. So just to put your minds at rest, family and friends, even if you don't hear from me, I'm in a safe place. I may lose basic services at any time, but my house isn't likely to flood. If you don't hear from me, it's because I have no internet.
I just spoke with the director of the school where we have put the new classes, in Sabana Perdida. She said that some of the children of the school come from down by the bridge, where the water is over the rooftops.
No one can go in or out of Sabana Perdida right now, because the bridges are flooded and dangerous. She said she is blessed with phone service, but that the phones are out in most of the area, and the church's internet is down.
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