Hey, I lost my first tooth in the ocean. Mommy told me the tooth fairy lives in the ocean...cool.
Folks, sorry its been a while since our last post. We spent Thanksgiving and early December in Atlanta and Christmas in Massachusetts. We had a great time with our friends in Atlanta and Uncle Tony and Auntie Jen. We would like to give a big shout out and thank you to the Pridgens (Thanksgiving), the Emerichs (early December and allowing us to use their truck) and all the other friends that took time out of their days to meet with us. We are blessed by God to have great family and friends that support us in every way. Wyman and Grace enjoyed their time with all their Nanas and all their cousins.
Last Thursday, December 29th, we arrived back in the DR excited for our life down here. Within a few days, we felt at home again and got to see all our friends here in Boca Chica. On Tuesday, January 2nd, we decided to take a ride up to Gautier (barrio) where our missionary friends Craig and Joanna live. Craig and Joanna are currently in the Amazon until the 15th and asked if we would check up on their housesitters. Their housesitters are young Dominicans named Omar (23 year old), Noemi (almost 20 year old) and their almost one year old little girl Smiley. Omar spent time in Samana (Northern DR) with Craig last year and they hit if off really well. Before the break, Craig asked them to house sit and possibly stay in order to help them in San Jose (Omar - 1st Pastor of Church?). We met them before we left, but really did not get to know them well. Suffice it to say, we know them well now. When we walked into their house on Tuesday it was clear that they had run out of everything with two weeks left before Craig and Joanna's return. After spending a few hours with them, we went shopping for food and some clothes. I cannot imagine a baby without diapers. We invited them over to our house at the Highlands the next day for swimming, lunch and dinner. Noemi was not too happy we were leaving so soon. They were clearly lonely and needing a little bit of love. We promised them we would come back for them the next day. We had a blast on Wednesday and spoke in spanish the whole time (prayer answered about spanish). Late Wednesday, we invited them to go to the beach with us Friday (today), a movie at our house Saturday night along with an overnight stay, and church in the capital Sunday. Wow. That was a mouthful, even for me.
So you say, "Why are you doing so much for this couple?" Well, first, we like them and enjoy spending time with them. It is also great that we are forced to speak Spanish because they know no English. But even more than that, I listened to Francis Chan speak at Passion 2012 the other night on my computer and he spoke about how we (as Christians) are called to have banquets with those in need. He talked about how he always had "banquets" (time spent, dinner, etc...) with friends and family, but never with "the least". I know Omar and Noemi are not blind, crippled or without family. I also know that that have each other and a beautiful baby. But, they were clearly in need of food and clothing, and more importantly, companionship. They clearly needed some love and friendship and to know that their are people here to help them. Francis Chan talked about how great it feels when you have a banquet for the needy. He said that it feels amazing, like you did something that you will remember forever...something that gives you JOY (everlasting). Chan also quoted Jesus in the Gospel of Luke in saying that the banquet God has for us when we leave this earth is far better than even that that which we do for others. WOW. I am so pumped for that moment with Jesus. The last few days with Omar and Noemi have been awesome. I cannot imagine what God has in store for us.
Since we have returned, I had the chance to set up my first Bible study for 4 coaches from Boca Chica (Thursday nights) and another one with three 17 year olds named Ezekiel, Cristian and Jeurilin (Tuesday and Thursday mornings). I am so excited about what God has in store for us. Jodi and I will also be starting our partnership with Craig, Joanna, Omar and Noemi in San Jose (and a ministry called SERV from Canton, Georgia). If you remember the Medical Mission video from before the break, San Jose is a small village of 200 that have no church, a very small school, and an unemployment rate up at 90 percent. They are the forgotten people of the Dominican Republic. Craig and Joanna have a dream of building a church there and we have a dream of building sports ministry right beside the church. Craig will be starting a Bible study when he returns with 13 people that accepted Christ as their Savior during the medical mission. I will be working hard to clean up their athletic field and put together some sports events twice per week. We are also working really hard to bring American missions groups there to help this spring and summer. Please pray for this ministry!
Before I finish this entry, I would like to brag about my wife. She is amazing! Not only does she work really hard to provide for our kids, and make great videos, shoot great pictures, but she has also done an amazing job speaking spanish this past week. I am so encouraged by her efforts. She understands Noemi and has done a great job speaking to her. I am impressed and in love.
We just finished eating at a pizza place on the beach. From left to right: Me, Cristian, Brachelo, Grace (above), Ezekiel, Wyman, Julio, Mercy, Baby Smiley, Noemi, Omar and Jodi.
Some young boys from the neighborhood along with Ezekiel and Jeurilin play Dominos with Wyman.
Flowers made from Coke bottles by Noemi. We are going to try to sell these to raise support for them and their calling here in the DR.
Other flowers from Coke bottles. Noemi has some talent as an artist.
Wyman giving Smiley a ride. I cannot believe Noemi agreed to that. Hold the feet, buddy.
Picture of the week: Grace with our new puppy, Princesa. Grace has never found an animal she does not want to pick up. Dangerous!
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