Wednesday, September 5, 2012


September 2, 2012

They fumigated the village last night for mosquitoes and I haven't felt well since. I'm not sure if it's the chemicals or tjust he exhaustion from the work and the heat. I am sure I will feel better tomorrow and thankful Scott and I haven't been seriously ill. Our friend Mandy was able to raise funds for school uniforms this year and we purchased them the week after she left Habanero. We distributed the uniforms to two classrooms just two days before the flood. Thankful we didn't distribute all of them because most of the uniforms, clothes and shoes the VBS team brought were swept away in the waters. But, still here are so many things to be thankful for! No one drowned in the flood even though a child was swept away, he was plucked from the water by a neighbor. Oh yeah! The power just kicked on and the fan is blowing. So many things to be thankful for: I made eggs for Scott today with a new pan that Tamra brought for the house when she was here in July. The eggs didn't stick, what a luxury! The “Limbo Films” hat that Gary gave to me when he was here in 2011 that shades my face from the sun, I think of him every time I put the hat on. The inverters that Pam & Dave and Teresa & Randy bought, we couldn't have made it through the nights without them. The rolls of Gorilla tape that Patty & Bruce bought for us, they've taped up many a roof top to stop the rain. A blue BIC pen that works every time I write a new list for the day. The little cups of ice that Scott and I make in the little freezer every night. Insect repellant! These are a few of my favorite things......................

Politics and More

September 1, 2012

The first days after the flood I was very impressed with the response from the Dominican government. There were many agencies (including the Red Cross)and Oxfam) at the school asking how many people were affected and what the needs were. However, it seems all they did was write down numbers and drive away in their nice, big, air-conditioned SUV's. So far the government has come through with some rice, beans, 30 mattresses and 20 mosquito nets. They are also talking about constructing four houses for the people that lost their entire homes. We'll see how long that takes. This morning Yanet got a call from a Politician she knows. We met her in Barahona and she did give us 15 mosquito nets, 12 pairs of jeans, 12 shirts, about 25 pieces of wood and 15 pieces of tin for roofs. Thankful for the help but still amazing to me so little has come through when over 450 people have been affected. I am so glad I am part of this experience. To be able to see first hand how slow the trickle down really is. So many hands get greased before anything gets into the hands of the needy. So if you are called to help someone in need – check out the organization first and give your gift or your donation to someone who is actually going to put something tangible into the hand of the person that needs it! I say this not because I want you to donate to Evergreen4kids, but because I see first hand how little actually gets to the person that needs it. Not one item has come from some of the larger organizations that have been here to access the situation. But, somebody is on the payroll for the accessing, you can be sure.

Mosquito Nets and Roosters!

August 31, 2012

We have been so busy distributing food, medicine, vitamins and mosquito nets. I haven't had time to think of anything else. Because of so much setting water the mosquitoes are rapidly multiplying. Without a net the people suffer at night and the chance of malaria and dengue fever increase. I swear the other morning I heard the roosters calling “Mosquitero! Mosquitero!” (the name for Mosquito Nets) I think it was God's way of telling me to get out of bed and get to the store and again buy out all they have! Every morning we go in and get as many as we can. So far we have purchased 247 nets and we still need more because the cries of the people or the same as the roosters.......... “Mosquitero! Mosquitero! Brenda, Mosquitero!”


ANOTHER OLD POST FROM August 18th

Santa Elena

We returned today to the place of the accident, the mountain village of Santa Elena, where we rolled a truck loaded with 10 people in February of 2011.  No one wanted Scott and I to go there again.  They  were afraid something will happen again.  The road is very steep and narrow and mostly rocks and there are big splits in the road 1 or 2 feet deep.  In the rainy season the water pours down the road like a river.  Santa Elena is not a high priority for road repair.  You see Santa Elena is inhabited by Haitians, mostly who have crossed over the Dominican border by foot and live quietly in the mountains.  They live off the land growing crops.  Scott and I have had it on our hearts to go.  We felt God was protecting us the day of the accident and he would protect us again.  Although this time we went alone, just the two of us praying all the way up the mountain that God’s hand would be pushing the back of the truck and praying all the way down the mountain that God’s hand would be hold the front of the truck from going too fast.  It was a long two hour trip, but once there it was uplifting to be able to provide some warm clothing for the children.  It gets cold at night in the mountains.  

AN OLD BLOG THAT NEVER GOT POSTED UNTIL NOW FROM August 13th 
 

Vivir

Today the most awful thing happened.  Scott and I were returning from Barahona with materials for one of the fence gates.  In Come Callao off on a side road I saw two little girls.  One of them had a puppy with a rope around it’s neck and she was swinging the puppy in a circle around her head.  I could hear the puppy crying.  I yelled for Scott to stop and turn around.  As we approached the girls the older girl ran away, she clearly knew by the looks on our faces she was doing something wrong.  The other little girl, only about 5 years old just looked at us like, “what’s going on?”  I don’t think she understood the cruelty of what they had done.  The puppy lay at the end of the rope with blood coming out his mouth.  Scott picked him up and we drove away.  All I could do was cry.  I cried for the puppy that I though would surely die in the back of the truck and I cried for the children that live here that aren’t taught compassion for all God’s creations.  When we arrived home the pup was still alive and Scott said he thought he might make it, so off Scott went with a bunch of boys in the back of the truck to try to find a vet in Barahona.  He came home later with good news.  The vet said the pup would live but he was very sick.  He was given a shot, medicine to take everyday and a shampoo to clean him up with.  He was full of bugs and ticks.  Ugh!  Poor thing.  Scott, my wonderful husband and lover of all dogs, washed him and fed him and locked him in one of the bathrooms at the school.  I decided to name him Vivir which means “to live” in Spanish.  We are praying he will grow up strong and he will be out watchdog at the school.  Yanet and I hope what happened today can be transformed into a learning experience for the children at our school.  The children will love having a dog at the school and Vivir’s story will be told to the children each year.  We pray he grows strong for them.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Mosquitos and Suffering

We distributed food to people last night a little later than usual almost getting dark.  We were attacked by so many mosquitos we had to have people with small branches of leaves whacking them off of us as we worked.  I had repellant on me but it didn't stop the mosquitoes from trying,  The people suffer at night.  We've been able to distribute 64 double size nets so far.  They will sleep 3 & 4 people under each one.  Today we were able to get 105 nets which we will take out as soon as I complete this blog.  The store has promised us there will be more nets in the morning.  Malaria and Dengue fever have been diagnoised in LaHoya, the village right next to us.  So this is our first line of defense against the illnesses that are sure to come.  Yesterday there were 3 children sick, one is still in the hospital.  This morning I've had two more mothers here with prescriptions for their sick children.  Yesterday a 5 month pregnant woman began bleeding and we paid for her to go to the doctor, he prescribed a sonagram and we've paid for that to be done.  Will know more tomorrow about that situation.  We just continue to work and put one foot in front of the other.  We pray for others on this planet who we know have also been affected. 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

I think my computer has been lost to Isaac as well as food, clothing, furniture and homes.  A small thing compared to what others have lost and yet, very meaningful to me.  Yesterday when I started the old Toshiba up I got shocked!  I didn't think that was a good sign, but it started up just fine.  I even did a status update on facebook.  But then all of a sudden the dreaded blank screen and no response.  Although I turn her on every day there is no response.......it makes me sad.  Not so much because of the computer itself, but it meant a lot to me.  My Mother bought the computer for me to use in the Dominican in 2007 just one year before she passed away.  It was a great gift because I could not afford one, but certainly could put one to use here.  The computer was getting old and tired and everyone said I should invest in a new one.  But, I couldn't give it up because every time I opened the computer I thought of my Mom.  Without the computer there will be less of her.  Sometimes I think it's silly to feel that way, but then again things that bring joyous memories are of great value to the human spirit.  Last Christmas I broke one of her collection of Christmas musicals.  I cried then and I cry now as I type this because with each loss there is less of her here with me.  I guess I'm afraid she will totally slip away from me.......................

Sunday, August 26, 2012




I worked a lot of years but I don't think I ever worked as hard as I did today.  So much to do.  So much need.  People are in good spirits and began right away clearing trees and mopping mud from their homes.  Many lost their clothes, beds and furniture.  The government really impressed me today.  They brought little camp type mattresses and some food.  Everyone pitched in with the work.  We've feed people twice today, distributed water twice today and bedded down over 50 people in the school.  Thank God the school was spared and can be used for the people.  I'm too tired to even type any more and cannot even think about all the emotions that ran through me today.  That you all for your prayers and good wishes coming our way.  I am thankful we are here to help.  Love & Peace.



 
MORE PHOTOS  STILL RAINING



THE RIVER FLOODED AT 5AM THIS MORNING.  WE ARE SHELTERING PEOPLE AT THE SCHOOL.  SHORT MESSAGE - CONSERVING BATTERY ON COMPUTER.  WILL POST MORE LATER.  NO LIVES LOST - TWO HOUSES DESTROYED.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

August 25, 2012

 

Another trip out into the village.  Amazingly people are already cleaning up and clearing trees with machets.  Two trees went down on the new fence, but the guys have already taken care of those.  Our biggest worry right now is the continue flow of water.  One river has flooded and the other has a couple of feet to go.  Just keep praying for the sun to shine on the whole island.  I am going to up load a video - I hope it works.   Well...........it' didn't.  So I'll add some photos. From you to me, just know the river is rising!
IMPORTANT UPDATE:

If you feel moved to help financially - please western union to George Conner in Barahona, Dominican Republic in US Dollars.  Let us know if you do, we need your name and the money transfer number in order to receive any gift.  Thank you.
Issac raged all through the night. I had put a bucket oat 10am to see how much water we got. By 7am this morning it was over flowing and it wasn't a regular measuring device it was a mop bucket! Trees are down, tops are off little wooden houses. I cried as I walked through Habanero thankful that lives have been spared. Then I saw the crops, bananas and plantainos. Ruined. Done. I wondered what the people would eat. If anyone has a heart to send a few dollars this way, it will surely help rebuild a couple roofs. A couple hundred dollars can go along way here.  We've already spent the money for the fence and gates for the school other wise we'd use that money.  You can Western Union to Brenda Backes (name on my passport) or Scott Conner. Pray for the rain to stop - the river is almost overflowing. Love, Brenda and Scott
Sat. August 25, 2012

Tropical Storm Issac

 
I want to write something quick while the internet is working again.  Still raining here.  Pray for Haiti.  Pray for no more rain!  Many crops were lost and roof of houses, still we must worry about flooding.  Habanero is surrounded by two rivers on each side of it.  One is overflowing now the other has not yet overflowed.  Thank you for all your prayers and support - no lives have been lost.  Love to all

Friday, August 24, 2012


August 6th

Bible study with Cello  -  Thank you!

Praise the Lord we have 15 youth doing a devotional bible study every day.  Or at least every other day, depending on the leader’s work schedule.  Cello is very busy with work and church, but he is doing a good job and the youth LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!  Please pray that the study continues - the youth here continue to be tempted at a very early age with sex, drugs and merengue music!  So much like home really - children need good leaders and model examples in their communities.  Thank you Cello for taking the time!!!

August 5th

Maritza’s son

Today Maritza brought me a couple of prescriptions for her son who needs an operation.  Problem was the medicine was nowhere to be found in Barahona.  Turns out it’s the Barium you drink so they can do a scan oof his digestive system.  The Barium can only be found in Santo Domingo.  So we had to arrange for another Doctor to order the medicine to be shipped to Barahona.  The cost?  $20 – Not bad, but beyond his reach.  Isn’t it interesting that he could go to the Doctor, have the scan and any needed operation done for free as part of the National Health Plan.  But they would not supply the necessary medicine for the test needed.  It makes me wonder if part of the National Health Plan is to put obstacles in the way of healing these people.  It just doesn’t make sense.  Anyway, the medicine is on the way!

August 4th

Long Goodbyes

First thing this morning we took a truck load of suitcases into Barahona for the team to take back to America.  We secured their tickets and a taxi driver to pick them up in Santo Domingo.  There was about an hour in between packing the suitcases and the team actually leaving.  This meant a very long sad good bye for Dominicans and Americans alike.  Although their time here was short, many will return again.  We encourage building relationships over time.  Short term mission teams are very important for the support and operation of the school.  Team members not only complete their loving missions while here, but they also give on going financial support.  Evergreen4kids couldn’t exist without our teams!  Thank you so much for loving on Habanero and your continued support for the work we do here.


August 3, 2012

Watchman

Today Tamra and Mandy loaded up all the empty suitcases that needed to return home to be filled up again for our next trip.  There was one additional bag at the house that needed to be packed and later in the evening Tamra and Doug took the bag to the school.  They found the front doors open with all the team bags in the hallway and our watchman Sopecha passed out on the office desk!  I went over to see if I could revive him and almost fell over from the smell of Rum.  So sad…….another person lost to alcohol.  Sopecha has had an alcohol problem for many years, but for the last couple of years has been sober.  We decided to give him the watchman job and our trust just last January.  He is an older single man with eight people living in a very tiny house.  It was a good job for him, didn’t pay much, but we provided a bed and a fan for him.  He had a safe quiet place to be and he did a good job watching the school and our house for awhile anyway.  Of course we had to fire him and that caused quite the uproar in Habanero.  With people taking sides – us against Sopecha.  After a couple of days things calmed down.  Sopecha came to the house and apologized and we gave him his month’s pay as a farewell goodwill gift.  I pray he learns from this experience and over comes his challenges.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012


August 1, 2012

Carribean Baptism



My heart has been forever touched by the events of today.  Carly decided she wanted to be baptized here in the Dominican.  She had been thinking about it at home, but decided she wanted to be baptized in this special place surrounded by new friends and loving team members!  At the same time Kylie decided she wanted to recommit her live to Jesus and she was also baptized.  What can I say?  It was emotional and joyous!  We had arranged to pick up Pastor Salvador and we loaded up the truck Dominican style and off we went to the beach.  It was a beautiful sunny day and after the baptism we swam in the Carribean.  A couple of us got stung by sea urchins, but we survived to tell the tale.  We went home relaxed and ready for another day of VBS.

July 30th – Aug 4th

VBS Week

The children receive the activities with great joy.  There are  puppets, games and crafts planned for them each day.  There are over 140 children!  Scott hits the road in the morning with the truck to pickup as many children as will fit in.  We try to share the message of salvation along with morals for daily living.



Most of the children live a very undisciplined life determined by the survival of the fittest.   Although their lives have a great amount of freedom that our children in American do not enjoy, their lives are very chaotic and without direction.  I see the great contrast of American children who are over scheduled, over stimulated and overly ambitious for materials things and the children in Habanero who have absolutely no schedule, (including bedtimes) very little positive stimulation and basically no ambition.  I think that somewhere in the middle is the best for children. 





Tamara’s preparation and the system she has set up makes everything run very smoothly.  Of course always we know we must be flexible.  Things change, things break, tubes for the puppet stage are missing and starting time means nothing!  Lol   We run with the natives here, we must throw away our day planners and live off the grid.  Nothing wrong with that!  Amazingly everything still gets accomplished!  The Dominicans have a can do attitude and are never discouraged when something goes wrong, they just figure out a different way to make it work or to make it happen.  VBS days are days of excitement for the children and the Americans love to interact with them.  Our team is awesome and showing compassion and love to the community.  The children will never forget their names, Tam, Doug, Mandy, Jessica, Kylie, Jacelyn, Sarah, Patty and Carly have made memories for the children they will never forget!

July 27, 2012

Santo Domingo – Hello VBS Team

There they were right on time!  Tamra, Doug & Mandy our ever so faithful VBS Team Leaders!   The work is so very necessary for the children .  To show by example over and over again God’s love in their lives working through people our team members.  We give the glory to God for giving the teams a heart for Habanero.  The team is 9 people this time.  Just the perfect size.  We have Tam, Doug, Mandy, Jessica, Kylie, Jacelyn, Sarah, Patty and Carly.  All Scott could say was “Thank you Jesus for Doug!”  lol  So many women, he needs a man to bond with. 

July 26, 2012

Santo Domingo – Goodbye Chris
We drove to Santo Domingo today,  Chris will be leaving in the morning and in the afternoon Scott and I will pick up the Vacation Bible School team.  We have been more vacationing than working while Chris was here, but tomorrow the hard work begins in earnest.  This has been a great experience for Chris and one I wish for all Americans.  Most of us become very spoiled and feel an entitlement to what we have.  But for sure it is by the Grace of God that we were born in the USA.  We cannot take any credit for that – it is a gift from God and anyone who does not believe that should spend time in a third world country.  Just saying………….  Chris is excited about new friendships he has made and he looks forward to returning perhaps in December.  After several years of Christmas in Habanero without my family in the USA, I made the commitment to be with my son at Christmas time. So I have not spent Christmas in Habanero since 2007 and would very much like to be in Habanero again for Feliz Navidad.  Wherever my son is at Christmas there I will be also.

 Jose Luis after his medical treatment!!!  No pain and no oozing eyes!!!!


July 25, 2012

Medical Needs
Yesterday a man came to the house with dark sunglasses on.  At first I thought Jose Luis was trying to be cool, but soon realized he was wearing the glasses for protection.  Half his face was paralyzed and both eyes sensitive to light and seeping.  I got Yanet to translate for me and it seems the man has been to the doctor and has a prescription he would like us to help him purchase.  Today he brought the prescription and we went into town to get it for him.  It included three vials of drugs for injection.  The cost of the three prescriptions was $43 which this poor man would never have in his pocket at one moment.  We gave him the drugs and money for a motor taxi to go to the clinic so that a professional could do the injections.  We prayed the medicine would heal him quickly as his condition is very painful.  Two days later Jose Luis was at the house smiling and free from pain.  It took several days for him to heal completely.  Praise the Lord for providing the resources to help Jose Luis!

July 23, 2012

A day at the Playa!
A hot and humid day in Habanero calls for a trip up to the coast to San Rafael.  It’s a beautiful location where the crystal clear waters of the San Rafael River run into the Carribean.  The river has been damned up to make swimming pools at different depths so even the little ones can enjoy the cool water.  The water in the pools is so clear you can see the fish swimming and the children love to try to catch them and sometimes they do!  Which means the fish will be cleaned and cooked right that moment!  Delicious!  Chris, Scott and I took a truck load of friends and children and another truck load joined us for the day.  Chris got to enjoy the excitement of the never ending wave after wave crashing to shore. It is too dangerous to swim in the Carribean at San Rafael.  However, you can get knee deep and let the waves throw you over and over, possibly losing some clothing along the way!  As long as you are smart enough and quick enough to grab the pebbled beach once you are thrown ashore you are safe!  What a great day with family and friends.

July 21, 2012

My Son Visits Habanero!


I’ve received a great gift from my son Christopher – After  years he is finally here in the DR!  It is very exciting for me to introduce him to the country and people I have fallen in love with.  We stayed in Santo Domingo one night and went to the beach it was cloudy but beautiful.  We are now in Habanero and he is meeting so many people which I consider my family.  Christopher will never remember all the names, but they will remember him!  He is tall and has blue eyes, quite out of the ordinary here.  Habaerno is happy to finally meet him and the people have embraced him as their brother.  Thank you Jesus!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Railin says "Look what I found!" 2012


After school is out for the day in Habanero it's nice to take a walk around the village. Sometimes we go to the houses of children that were absent that day. It gives us an opportunity to make sure the children aren't sick or if they are sick to see if there is anything we can do to help. We also have the opportunity to speak with the parents about the importance of school attendance. In some homes if the child just doesn't want to go to school, well, it's okay with the parents. You see many of the adults don't read or write and they "survive". (sometimes just barely) One of our goals is to encourage education for education's sake. After all anything we learn, we get to keep, right? We own it..............
Anyway, on this particular day we were just walking with no particular agenda in mind. As we walk the children begin to follow us or shall I say lead us! So we were with a group of 4 or 5 walking, exploring and just being together in the sunshine. Along cames Railin one of our 3 year old students. He runs up to show us what he's found and as you can see in the photo it is a shell casing. Now this is a gem to him and very precious! But it's all I can do to not take it away from him. and begin preaching about firearms. I hold myself back, because you know what, he is happy right now, he's got something special to him and he doesn't need me telling him it's a bad thing. There's plenty of time for that............So for the time being I think I'll let him enjoy the red color and poking his finger in the hole!

Friday, April 6, 2012

Sugar Cane and Sidewalk Chalk



My son is now 30 years old so it's been awhile since I've raised a child Being with the children in the Dominican keeps childhood wonders forever in the forefront and never far from my mind. The ways they keep themselves entertained is always amazing to me.
One of the goodies that was packed with the team luggage was a big batch of sidewalk chalk. Now we've had sidewalk chalk in the past, but without paved roads it wasn't really a big hit. Now that the roads are paved it's a whole different ball game! Not only do the children play games, write and draw with it but they figured out that if the rub it real hard and it gets all powdery they can get it on their hands and smooth it all over their bodies! I don't know about you, but that was a new one for me - walking out the door and seeing these little imps covered in chalk!
The sugar can train runs by the village during the first quarter of the year. Everyone in Habanero (except me I think) loves the raw sugar cane. It's still a little nerve racking for me to see the older children run up to the train and try to pull the cane off. But there is no stopping them! After a train run everyone sits about the village whacking off the outer stalk and then chewing on the sweet cane inside. Again, this Americano gets a little nervous when I see 5 year olds with knives whacking away on the cane. But, this is life in the DR - the pros and the cons. Dangerous? Yes. However, these children learn independence at an early age. They also grow up with a "can do" attitude that is amazing. Just about anything you need to get done, can get done, no matter the obstacles and that my friend is just about perserverance and that is on of the pros!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Robinson Crusoe DR Syle 2012




I am still catching up on all my adventures during this last mission trip to the Dominican. Olivia, Devin and I went to the beach and were immediately surrounded by children. Before leaving the mission house I had stuffed a few baloons into my beach bag and we blew them up and watched was the children happliy ran after them as the wind blew them down the shoreline. As all the baloons soon popped and the novelty quickly wore off I saw the children discovering their own ways to have fun. They didn't need a thing from the Americanos!
Well, almost.............first Devin became their very own beach toy as they swam after him, climbed on his back and hung from his arms. Then they all began building sand sculptures. It was interesting to watch as 18 year old Deving became one of them, laying on the beach and playing in the sand. Even Olivia and I reverted to our inner child and frolicked in the calm water with the children.
Although I'm not found of sea urchins I was amazed at their beauty when a young boy brought one up for me to see and touch. A beautiful amazing piece of natural right there for us to enjoy!
Soon another little boy found his inner Robinson Crusoe as he began to gather washed up items to build a raft for his afternoon get-a-way. As he tried to board his water craft it slowly sank to the bottom. But, not to be discouraged he drug it out of the water and began to re-build. I was so intrigued with his work that I began to help. We were pulling up vines to use as rope to criss-cross the driftwood and palm leaves togerther. We also incorporated a plastic piece of refrigerator, which the boy was very keen on using. As we put it in the water you should have seen his face as he discovered this rig was a floater!
What a wonderful day we had away from the village and the cares of world. I invite you to come with us on a mission trip one day and experience this wonderful Dominican culture.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Belki's Miracle Mar. 5, 2012




Belki has a 12 year old son named Luis. Belki is a good mom, she gets up early every
day to catch a concho (motorcycle taxi) to her job at the Maria Montez Airport. She has always wanted more children, but has not been able to conceive. Belki and her family are Christian and have prayed everyday for years for Belki to have another child. Last year at the age of
42 she learned she was pregnant and everyone in the village was over the moon with happiness! In January she gave birth to Emerson. Her pride and
joy. Her gift from God, her miracle baby, as she puts it.

There are many children in Habanero and sometimes one wonders “why”? Especially since the people are poor andmany struggle with basic daily necessities. But, I learned early not to judge the number of children these people have, for their children are often all they have. Their children are their joy! We may have modern nice homes, cars, boats, conveniences, video games, internet, perhaps we golf or ski as part of our daily joy. But here in Habanero there
is pure joy in combing your daughters hair or washing your son’s clothes out by hand.

In 2004 I met a 12 year old girl and her mother at the clinic I was volunteering at in Barahona. The child was having her tonsils removed. It was in the afternoon and she was one of our last patients so as things wound down I decided to go into the recovery room to see if I could help anyone there. I saw the mother stroking the daughter’s hair while the child was still asleep from the anesthetic. Mom looked worried and so I walked over to reassure her all would be well. As we spoke I asked her how many children she had and she said ten. I kept a straight face, but inside I was saying, oh, my I am so sorry for her. So many children, such a struggle. Then she asked me how many I had and I said I had one son. She looked at me, frowned and put her hand
on my shoulder and told me how sorry she was for me since I only had the one child. I was stunned. I had made the educated decision to have one child. I never dreamed someone would
feel sorry for me because of that. Her words made me stop and think and look at things a bit differently. Every one of her children were a blessing to her they were not a burden.

So when I hear the news in Sept. of Belki’s pregnancy I too was over the moon with happiness. I
literally ran to Belki’s house to congratulate her, hug her and pray with her. And now he is here! Emerson is a blessing and a joy not only to Belki, but to Habanero. Proof that even in this place miracles still happen and love is never a burden.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Movie Night Mar. 2, 2012


Movie night in Comaque-owee (a small sub-division of Habanero (haha) We took the projector and laptop to Comaque-owee and the kids went crazy as soon as they saw us coming. There are not many TV’s here and so this is a big treat for them. Especially since there was no electricity either. Fortunately for us the corner Colmada (store) has an invertor they let us use and we were able to see the whole movie even when the electricity went out. Ah......Life's simply pleasures!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Esmeralda Living The Life Mar.1, 2012


Thursday, Feb. 23. 2012 Esmeralda, one of the children we provide monthly assistance to is shown here getting a bath. Her sister Indirha sits Esmeralda on her lap on a plastic chair with a hose……brrrrrrrrrr……..it’s chilly under the shade of the banana tree!
Habanero is divided by the major highway that runs through the Dominican Republic and luckily for this household they have access to water ...all the time. The government put in a new aqua duct which brings clean water to Barahona. Unfortunately, the government did not see the need for everyone to have this water. So the other side of the highway which is where the school and the mission house is located is still on the old water system. We get water about every 3rd day! But we are thankful for that. Amen!