moments in pictures

Got to Skype my in on my nephew's 8th grade graduation! Can't believe he is a high schooler now!

I love my new house. I live on the bottom floor with two roommates!

My neighbor/landlord gave me some fresh eggs!

My garden is GROWING!!

Alley ways to the beach!

 Relaxing views 

 Mountain air!

some awesome volleyball girls on the first outreach!

Outreach participants at Genesis

Dinner in the community at a student's house

Another dinner in the community at a teacher/mom and student's house.

 Henny, this girl loves to laugh, screen for joy and clap.

 Fabióla, this girl has no boundaries and loves without hinderance. 

 Nina, one of the most sweetest and caring girls.

waking up

Here in the DR, alarm clocks aren't what you might think they are. Just like your ringtone, you can pick and choose what sound you desire to wake up to. These sounds are apart of life, apart of nature, apart of what starting your day is all about. Its 4:06am, the rooster crows, and it's not a pretty crow, more like the guy is about to die kind of crow. And don't worry, if you pressed snooze here... he comes back, more then once. Or at 5:23am you can awake to the song of birds, but more like a broken record kind of song. None the less they are singing. How about at 6:21 when the neighbor dog is talking.. and all the other neighbor dogs respond. Or if you are the punctual type, at 6:45am, on the dot, "veroom" one, "veroom" two, "veroom" three, "veroom veroom" four five..... "veroom" twenty three, "veroom veroom" twenty four twenty five "verrrrrrooommmmm" twenty six. the neighbor guy likes his moto to be very, very, warm before he leaves. Here is where the rooster comes back. He'll return a few more times. At 7:12am you can open your eyes, because your ears are now awake to the sound of your host brothers pushing and shoving their way into the bathroom. And if you've managed to sleep through those alarms, or have just refused to get out of bed yet. The sun will make you. by now, 7:34am your room is so bright your eyelids are red. And by now, 7:55am your sheets are far too warm to allow them to touch your body. So you awake ready to seize the edge of His garments, semi thankful for creation, asking that He bless the day, and offer you grace for your tired body. don't worry though, it won't always be like this. like I said you can choose which alarm. once you have set your mind on one, your body will recognize.

getting used to this again! 

time

In my 27 years of life, time is still a strange and wild concept. In the anticipatory longing to be in a place; hours, days, and months seem to move by as slow as the crab inching it's way from the shore back into the ocean. Once arrival has settled in, the same hours, days, and months take on a whole new effect. They pass as if the tide is rolling in. Wave after wave. Each day becoming tomorrow before you count how many you have seen. Time can move slowly for one, as his neighbor's watch spins in circles. Time can seem like it has lasted, while for others time is no longer. Time can heal and time can hinder. But this concept of time allows me to look forward to heaven, when there will be no concept at all. Its been two weeks here and it feels like I never left. 

seize & listen

It's been one week since moving to the Dominican Republic. This time, for more then 3 months. My body is still adjusting to the heat wave and bugs that eat you alive. Sitting here on my bed, thankful for a fan that's running as high as the thing will go before the blade spins off. Yet, that still doesn't help stop the sweat dripping down my back. It's 8:45pm. That means no covers or sheets tonight and that means more itching and scratching in the morning. BUT honestly being back is great!

This week alone God is teaching me many things. As soon as my plane landed I had a check list of things to accomplish. I blame it on the "American way". After several days my checklist was not diminishing, but growing. I was tempted to get overwhelm and somewhat frustrated then tried to remind myself "this is only your first week, you are OK!" But of course that didn't penetrate my heart. As I was reading "A Praying Life" (something I'm working on!) I read this; "If you try to seize the day, the day will break you. Seize the corner of His garments and don't let go until He blesses you. He will reshape the day." BOOM. Jesus changed the my thoughts and my attitude in an instant.

On that checklist I mentioned... FIND A SPANISH TUTOR.. was numero uno. Despite what I learned at Missionary Training.... 'wait a month until you start language classes'.... I'm realizing I don't have the patience to wait. In the past week I've struggled to speak Spanish and God is patiently reminding me over and over to become like a child. To listen. To not only cultivate a listening ear, but a listening heart. Before I can speak, I must listen. Of course this goes beyond language. There is nothing secret about communion with God. If my life before God is broken of pride and self-will, crying out for grace, then communion with Him happens. Listening is just one of the things that happens in the course of my soul connecting with God. Learning to listening so that I can learn to speak is just one of those things that has to happen as well.

So I'm taking ahold of the corner of His garments, because I cannot do this without His grace.

TAKE OFF

Ticket is bought and bags will eventually be packed! Moving to the Dominican April 19th 2015.

God is so gracious. April 21st, 2014 He weighed my heart to make a decision to become a missionary... almost exactly one year ago. Despite the effort to leave earlier, His plan far out weighs mine, and He has grown me and shown me so much love and mercy.

I don't deserve His kindness, nor even this gift of a dream coming true. He is good.

#goLOVEdr

When I've been overwhelm with the goal of meeting financial costs so I've been asking God to give me more ideas for fundraising. He has been gracious to give me this idea of making t-shirts!
#goLOVEdr is inspired by my favorite the verse 1 Timothy 1:5; "The aim of our charge is love..."  The arrows on the shirt represent the outward aim of our lives. Go, is the charge. Love, is the mission. My mission to the Dominican Republic is saturated in a charge to love, because I am loved. The children at Genesis Special Education school are in desperate need of Jesus as well as physical activity. Buying a t-shirt would help me get the opportunity to share the Gospel and build a physical education program at the school. 
I am eager to move to the Dominican Republic and work along side the amazing staff of Students International, but more eager to work and pray with the children at Centro Especial Genesis. I'm so beyond blessed to have this opportunity.
Would you please consider purchasing a t-shirt (or two) to help reach my goal of 50 sold shirts? Please click on the link to view the t-shirts:
https://www.booster.com/golovedr
https://www.booster.com/golovedr2

trust is without boarders.

I love that song, Oceans, because its truly been my prayer. May He lead me where my trust is without boarders.

God placed a call on my heart years ago to become a teacher and gave me a passion for children with special needs. He also overwhelmed my heart to serve as a missionary.
I wondered when. how. where.

For the past three summers I have had the amazing opportunity to live in the Dominican Republic and serve with an outstanding organization. I first met the staff of Students International in 2011 where God broke my heart for the poor young girls of the community as we played volleyball on dirt slabs with tattered nets and flat balls. One staff member called me out among the 12 in our group, sharing that he believed I would be the one to come back. God as well confirmed his belief in my return. In 2012 I joined 9 others as the Summer Intern Staff. I learned that love has no bounds. Language barriers are difficult and frustrating, but His love knew no hight or depth. As soon as my feet had left the rich Dominican soil, my heart longed to be back. I went through a tough and emotional year as I obtained my Teaching Credential and couldn't keep my mind from wondering back to the deep culture and over populated streets of a town I considered home. I pleaded with God to take me back. Everyday. In 2013 the staff at Students International accepted me back for the summer as a volunteer in order to manage their media site. Taking my love for photography and missions, I thought it the perfect of opportunities. One I could consider doing full time. In the intention of capturing the mission of every site as I drove my motorcycle up and down the rocky roads, it captured my heart for the Dominican people and their need for a Savior. Of all the places I found myself, Centro Especial Genesis was my favorite place to be. It is the only school in the area for mentally and physically challenged children. My heart grew twice as big when hanging out with these beautiful children. Hugs and smiles, laughter and love. But there was a need. First and for most they needed Jesus. Some of the children's bodies were also aching for need. A Physical Therapist could only visit twice a week and with the amount of children, their bodies are only treated once a week, but they need treatment everyday. As I said my goodbyes, tears flooded through an uncertainty of when I would return.

This past April I sat in my office at the High School with my contract in hand, but a longing in my heart. One morning I was reading over Proverbs 21:2; "All the man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs his heart". At a fork in the road with no wrong decision I prayed that God would weigh my heart. That evening, when the director of Students International asked if I'd be willing to build an Adaptive Physical Education program at Genesis, my heart was weighed.

God answered the when. how. and where of my wondering.

Even through my wavering patience, or truly, lack their of, God was graciously planning. Building an extravagant relationship. Growing and molding lives. Pursuing a wondering heart back to the meaning of love. Simply, for His ultimate glory.

May this story. journey. trust without boarders be to His ultimate glory.

If you would like to donate to help get me there and keep me there follow this link:

https://www.stint.com/donate.php?id=s100247 

July 1st-13th

Check out the two week out reach video below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdEI_3DmaDs

much belated update

Please forgive me for my lack of updates as I've been here in the Dominican!!

To get you a little updated. This is my job: I get to visit the various ministry sites that Students International offers. I record the activities as well as serve along side the missionaries and interns at each site. Then I edit, a lot! And compose what you are about to watch. This video is given to each outreach student. Here are at least two video's (one still being uploaded)...

May 21st- 31st       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlqmdptX7YY
June 3rd- 15th        still to come!
June 17th- 29th      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnXcDFj3_uI

un año

One year ago today, I stepped off the plane for the second time in the Dominican Republic; this time traveling alone to spend my summer serving the people God has placed here. I never expected all that would transpire, nor did I expect my heart to be broken, stretched, molded, and grown. It was amazing to me that I could feel and understand the depth of Jesus' love towards me, through the people I encountered and grew to know. My fellow interns, Jess, Chelsie, and the varsity volleyball girls were among the many people God placed around me to teach me about His love. I have been blessed with the opportunity to return for yet another adventurous summer, and to continue to see Jesus' affection and character revealed towards me and His people.

terminé

welp folks, I just finished a month of Spanish class and immersion here in Guatemala! Its been a growing experience in more ways then one, but I am very thankful for the journey. I head to the Dominican Republic Monday morning where I will spend another 3 months learning Spanish, loving on my volleyball girls, taking pictures, and seeing God's unfailing love.
So very thankful for this opportunity!

                                         

party or war zone?

Here in Antigua I haven't quite gotten used to the celebratory atmosphere that parades not only the streets, but sky. I have learned that the people of Antigua have much to be celebratory about, yet I'm not always so sure what it is that they are celebrating. Almost every morning I startle awake by the sound of bombs being shot into the sky, starting as early as 5am; and of course at night many more bombs explode over head. Occasionally, I will even hear them during the day. As in right now. I asked my host family and teacher, "por que los bombos?"and all they say is "San Jaun Pedro", (or someone's name). I'm assuming this guy is an important figure in the Catholic church because all of the bombs are shot from within the church walls. There are about 9 churches in the town, two of which are right around the corner from my house. I'm pretty sure after the bombs erupt, debris falls on the tin roof at my house, which creates another surprising sound.
Yesterday, today, and tomorrow there is a parade that will flood the streets around the down town park. This parade is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a school here in Antigua. It is complete with 5 different bands, important men in the church, important graduates from the school, and the children of all grades who currently attend the school. The parade was neat to watch, here are some pictures:

my teacher's daughter above and bellow:

My teacher's son:

Café Urbano

With an urban twist to a latin city, this café plays well into its name;
Café Urbano is rather small, but they offer much when it comes to service. I would have to say this a favorite café if I'm missing home. Contemporary music accompanied by English speaking owners, and the taste of home as well with B.L.T sandwiches and the best kind of fries. I dig the burlap seat covers and hanging pallets that add to the atmosphere of a café in the states.

Francisco

So I have told you a little about Francisco, but I want to tell you more.
This man is my professor outside of school. My confidant. My friend away from friends. I cherish my time with him. We have begun to meet in the park at 5pm on occasions; a complete hour of talking about life. Well mostly his 60 years of living. He explained to me today, that this past December marked the 23rd anniversary of being alcohol free. He was alcoholic for 10 or so years of his life until he attended AA. During AA the told him he had to stop smoking too. He smoked for 15 years of his life. I also learned this past week that Francisco is a realtor, has two daughters and a son, a bunch of grandchildren, and is a widower. He is a sweet and kind old man. I'm thankful to of met him.

He told me I need to give him a copy of this picture and write on the back, "Francisco's friend Corny" :)

mi casa

I cannot believe I have yet to post about my house here in Antigua!
Well, mi casa is very cute. And the family that resides within the structure is extremely nice and have welcomed me with open arms! I don't live there alone. There are two other students attending my school who are renting rooms. Tim, from Pennsylvania on the journey of a lifetime with his motorcycle. He has traveled from Alaska and will continue on to the tip of central America. My other house mate is Kaiko, a girl from Japan who has come to learn Spanish and live here for two years working with an organization. Two people who have stepped out to explore the world. It amazes me.
Here are some pictures. I'll hopefully post more pictures with my host family.

                                            

                                         

La Casaca

Heard about this café from some of the D.R. staff on their journey to study Spanish a year ago.
Located across from the central park, squeezed next to a bakery and restaurant, this skinny café makes up for the width, with hight. Towering over its competitors with a third story over looking the park, this rustic café has crepes that are told to be heavenly. I of course went for the chai. :)

Café Barista

today I wanted to visit a café that I had been hearing about amongst the students at school. Located on the corner of the square at the central park, layered in brick and inviting open windows; the place draws many tourists as well as locals. 

I was drawn to the word CHAI on their menu.

Chai Frap it was. And I must say it is one of the best I have had. 

I will gladly spend the Q.25 for a taste of deliciousness!!

Café Tú Piña

I admire the quaint town of Antigua. The rich culture and worn streets. Buildings that have endured much longer than those that accompany them. How family and friends greet with a holy kiss. And of course the restaurants and cafés that beckon one to relax and savor not only food, but an atmosphere of laugher and love.

As this month transpires, my desire is to visit the various cafés, post a picture or two and tell a few words about what I tasted during my time spent within the walls.
I hope you enjoy reading as much as my taste buds will enjoy the adventure.

Here is a café not too far from home:
Café tú Piña. I am a frequent visitor and enjoy the friendly service. A woman from Norway works alongside a few younger Guatemalans. Their salads and sandwiches are a delight!

una semana

Its been one week since I've arrived and tomorrow will mark one week of school completed! That's about 25 hours of school thus far. 75 more hours to go.
This week has gone by fairly fast and I feel like it will only go by faster. I am very much enjoying my time here in Antigua. The city is beautiful and I have been fascinated by the doors as well as all the cafes. Pictures soon to follow.

My professor's name is Maria, and she is the sweetest most talkative lady! I enjoy the hours spent with her. We talk about everything. Well she does most of the talking while I add a sentence or two here and there. I'm getting very good at understanding and translating what she says... my speaking however, still needs work. I'm excited to see my progress at the end of the month because I can already see the progress and knowledge I've gained in this month alone.

Well pictures of my adventures to come this weekend!

cocoa factory