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
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Thursday, August 21, 2014
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:
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:
Friday, July 12, 2013
July 1st-13th
Check out the two week out reach video below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdEI_3DmaDs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdEI_3DmaDs
Friday, June 28, 2013
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
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
Friday, May 17, 2013
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.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
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!
So very thankful for this opportunity!
Saturday, April 27, 2013
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:
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:
Sunday, April 21, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, April 19, 2013
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" :)
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" :)
Monday, April 15, 2013
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.
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.
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