MCC Youth Project

2010 News about The MCC Youth Ministry Project

2010-06-01T13:10:00.000-04:00

The MCC Youth Ministry Project provides an opportunity for Youth all around MCC to meet, grow in relationship and be in conversation and community with each other as they reach out to their sisters and brothers in the church and are active in ministry outreach projects throughout the world.

As of June 2010 the current Leadership Team consists of:

Rev. Jennifer Glass
Amanda Ackerman
Rachel Meyer
Tim Helm
Rev. Elder Darlene Garner

The first two trips were in 2008 and 2009 and the groups went to the Dominican Republic. While there they provided summer Bible schools to over 70 children and joined together with MCC Santo Domingo in worship and fellowship. Plans are in the works for the 2011 Project.

If you would like more information, you can find it in the following ways:

On the web: http://mccyouthproject.blogspot.com/

Facebook: MCC Youth Ministry Project

Contact:
Rev. Jennifer Glass
office: 717-715-1650
cell: 310-625-4177
Skype: revjennifer.glass
email: revjenniferglass@mccchurch.net

Conference Calls

2009-12-06T18:46:00.002-05:00

Every month or so we all call in to the conference call line and chat with each other. These are different from the calls we had before the trip. We know who we are talking to now. We recognize voices and have shared histories. My understanding of these calls is that we get to talk to each other and just keep in touch. A voice holds much more meaning than a text message or email.
For a couple months I have been looking forward to tonight's call. Ana Rosa and Yonathan were going to be on the call with us. They went back to their primary school and sat in Rev. Barrera's office and chatted on the phone with us. Both of them started by thanking us for supporting their education. Yonathan said that he really enjoys physics and Ana Rosa loves math. She said that she was a little surprised by how high her grades are. She is really excelling. We were all very excited to hear these kids talk about their school and their friends. Then we each took turns telling them a little about what we have going on in our lives. I was very impressed by both of them for their attentiveness and genuine interest in our lives.
Finally, we had to say goodbye to Yonathan and Ana Rosa and he had a chance to speak with Rev. Barrera. The entire mood of the call changed. Rev. Barrera reported that the American economic situation has made its way to his small primary school in the DR. Giving is down and he has a shortfall of about $5000 USD for the year. If he cannot secure more funding then his school will have to close in February. I was shocked to learn that he needs only $1300 USD per month to keep the school open and educate all of these children in El Tamarindo who have no other access to education.
Needless to say, we were all affected by this news. The decision was clear. We need to speak up in our communities and try to raise awareness and funds for this school. We know that there are others who will heed the call to support the school and we want to be a part of the solution. We cannot stand idly by and be content supporting two students' education through the Rev. Arlene Ackerman Far Reaching Faith Scholarship Fund while one hundred fifty others are left with no place to learn.

The Rev Arlene Ackerman Far Reaching Faith Scholarship Fund

2009-07-25T09:43:00.007-04:00

Giving the children of El Tamarindo, Dominican Republic

a future with hope.

The Youth Scholarship Fund was named in honor of Rev. Arlene Ackerman at the recent Region 3 Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Please help give these children a future with hope!

The Rev. Arlene Ackerman Far Reaching Faith Scholarship Fund provides scholarship

and financial support for students identified and supported by the

MCC Fellowship's Youth Ministry Project in the Dominican Republic.

Your contribution of $50 will provide a scholarship recipient with the funds needed for school fees, books, uniforms, and supplies. Please support the MCC Youth Group in this effort!

Send Contributions to:
MCC-DC c/o Rev. Ackerman Far Reaching Faith Scholarship Fund
474 Ridge Street, NW.

Washington, D.C. 20001

Please make checks and money orders payable to MCC-DC, and list “Youth Group Scholarship Fund” in the memo portion of your check.

MCC-DC is a registered non-profit organization; contributions are tax deductible pursuant to IRS regulations.

Me no hablo el Espaneolo only el Spanglish

2009-06-30T21:57:00.004-04:00

I was nervous about having to communicate in Spanish for a whole week...I struggle enough with English! I can't write in Spanish, or read in Spanish or even talk in Spanish! Okay, okay, I'm exaggerating a bit, a lot a bit. But I do struggle with it. It's very common for me to misspell words, or not pronounce words correctly and I often make up words that don't exist anywhere other than in my Eileen brain. But not being fluent in Spanish is not that bad; several members of our team didn't know any spanish other than "Si" and "burrito." But what is bad is that I was in charge of translating our play for Daniel and the Lions Dens. Yeah, A+ to whoever came up with that idea! Oh, I'm just kidding. I know a more Spanish than I leading you to believe.

So I worked hard to translated about 1 out of the 4 or 5 pages for Daniel and the Lions Den before I delegated the work to my sisters. They each took a half the story to translate. They complete threw away my translation. Apparently, unlike me, my translation was not awesome. But they translated it perfectly! So thank you to Mary and Lupe for all your hard work (even though it look easy when you did it) on translating the story. The play was great, the kids had fun and it couldn't have been done without you.

I also wanna give a big shout out to my main man Jesus (as in Jesus Christ Son of God, not as in every other boy I went to school with Jesus AKA Chewy) for allowing me to speak Spanish surprisingly well during this trip.

Moochewsgrassyass to you guys! That's the proper way to say and spell "Thank you" in Spanish, right?

Friday, Saturday and Sunday Recaps

2009-06-30T19:24:00.003-04:00

On Friday evening we visited the Colonial Zone for a couple hours and did some touristy things: walked up and down the streets checking out all the side walk vendors, went into shops, took pictures and I chased the pigeons that were gathered around a statue of Duarte. Those pigeons were way tough! Total Rambo status! They didn't even budge, so I kicked one! Oh, I'm only kidding, but on video it looks like I kicked one. It goes without saying that it's a pretty hilarious video, hi-lar-i-ous! After tormenting the local pigeons we went to a pizzeria and shared a meal with our Christian brothers and sisters from the local MCC church plant. Their company was awesome and the pizza was dee-lish! After dinner they gave us a tour of Parke Duarte which is a safe haven for the local GLBT community. You can count all the places there are for the GLBT community to go to on 1 hand. Many of them are in the closet and you can't blame them. It made me aware of freedom that I'm blessed enough to take for granted in America. After our tour of the park we piled back into the gua gua and sang praise songs all the way home. Once back at the Candil we stayed up late talking, taking pictures, causing havoc on neighboring hotels and bonding over the roaring of thunder as we stretched our mosquito ravished bodies out on towels on the roof of the hotel. We talked of evolution and Creation, beats, the Chinese language, the many names of God, Joseph with his colorful coat, Billy Bragg songs, Callamas and the impossible task of counting stars. They put on a show for us as one by one they raced their way across God's expanse. I couldn't count them all, whether shooting or stationary, but trying to made me think of the enormity, beauty and perfection of God's creation. We got 2 hours of sleep and 1 set of bags under our eyes.

The only thing on our plates for Saturday was worship service at night so we managed to get permission to go back to the Colonial Zone for a few hours in the afternoon. This time I didn't chase any pigeons. Worship service with the church plant group was AMAZING! It reminded me of how the bible tells you to remember what your faith was like at the beginning when it was fresh, bold, unwavering and you would follow Christ even unto death. It was a powerful service! They were so nice and friendly and so energetic that I couldn't keep up! They gave a sermon on the bible and homosexuality. It was very informative. Heck, if Rick Warren was there we might have converted him! The choir was amazing! It was as if they would die if they stopped singing and dancing! So they didn't! Their hospitality afterwords was just as beautiful. We sang worship songs on the way home again. Saturday would be our last night together and we would have to be up by 5AM so we decided we shouldn't even bother going to sleep. We can sleep when we're dead!...or at least when we get on the plane. We rested on the roof until about 3AM when a sudden down pour of rain sent us scurrying like rats down the stairs into the dry safety of our rooms. We checked in for another 2 hours of sleep and another set of bags under our eyes.

Sunday was our last day in the DR and I found it extremely difficult to leave, not because I wasn't ready to return home but because I didn't want to wake up! We drove to Santo Domingo and waited for our plane. Then we waited for our plane some more. Then we continued to wait. I don't know why we kept waiting... the original plan was to skip the plane and stay in the DR. Our plane had a flat tire and our flight kept getting delayed every hour and a half. We waited for 8 hours. Wow! Funnzies! Really, but not really. Tim was on the phone all day working with the airline and our travel agents to re schedule flights for everyone. He earned his paycheck that day, that's for sure! I mean he would have, if he got paid, but he doesn't, so i guess he didn't. Anywho, we eventually managed to leave the Dominican Republic and fly to Miami International Airport. I had the longest fight ahead of me because I'm on the West Coast and everyone else is East Coast, so i was the first to go. I snapped a few more pictures and flew home to California...

Obamakalama (and other inexplicable mission trip notes)

2009-06-29T23:22:00.014-04:00

First, I would like to give thanks to:

God
Our sending partners and home churches for funding this trip and praying for us
Our Dominican staff for keeping us well fed, safe, comfortable, and providing on-time, reliable transportation
Cindy Acker for her Bible study curriculum
Rev. Jen for the pre-mission planning work
Regional Elder AJ for her leadership and faith in our MCC youth

My memories from Mission Trip 2009 include:

the heat (the DR1 news service reported that June was a temperature record breaker)
overdosing on electrolytes (who knew?)
the pool, the roof, the colmado, and all points in between
a year's suppy of bactine
sabrina and our free doctor visit (and tour!)
charles leading the el tamarindo parade in his hip hop, pipe cleaner, designer glasses
eileen's crazy camera angles
jermaine (no explanation needed, my friend)
pancakes en la manana
news flash: the mosquito population posted a code yellow due to lack of blood donors since the departure of the mission team.
tmsbc (too much sabrina butt crack, i am now in therapy)
ruddy, the mighty stump remover
angel's dominican posse
big boys do cry....
the crushing six hour delay at SDQ
braids and tats
pulling an all-nighter at la clinica with amanda, carlos, and our dehydrated leader
prom night in a box
reflections in the pool....
rachel takes a dive
$1,500 youth gift to school
kelly takes a fall, and another, and another
ruddy taking out the stump (is that a repeat?)
jonathan, our scholarship recipient, standing by the gate on departure day
my attempt to end hunger in the DR by ordering 12 super size pizzas
MJ - gone too soon.....
falling asleep in church
magnetic bracelets
$1,200 youth gift to mcc santo domingo
amanda singing at mcc santo domingo
rev jen's emergency notebook
big girls do cry....
the carnival -- absolute pure JOY!
the ultimate youth labor violation - packing 90 gift bags for the kids in a super hot room

My favorite quotes:

"I had a great time today, but I really stink right now."

"Where's Ruddy?"

"If you are going to get me to the hospital, you are going to need a better plan than trying to carry me in that chair!"

"Amanda, telephone!"

"I am not calling home because I am afraid my Dads will make me leave early."

"He's your boyfriend, REALLY?!?"

"No, I don't think God made us miss our flight because we broke the Covenant."

"No entrego a Señor Daniel"

And, finally, to the 2009 Mission Team, here is my prayer:

Dios,

Please allow Amanda, Angel, Sabrina, Christian, Alex, Eileen, Rachel, Jermaine, Kelley, and Charles to continue being who they are, giving of themselves, so that others will continue to be blessed, by You, through them.

Amen y amen.

After a long night's sleep

2009-06-29T10:59:00.002-04:00

I am feeling a little refreshed this morning. Ready to spread the word about the DR and their needs to others. All week we discussed the need for water. We needed to drink water; the people in El Tamarindo needed water; AJ needed more water. This morning talking about the water situation makes it seem even more dire. When we visited the houses on Tuesday afternoon we tok a very long walk to the poorest parts of the town. On our walk I saw 2 small children playing in water coming from a broken pipe in the ground. This was the same water that we were afraid to wash our cuts and scrapes in; that we wouldn't even brush our teeth in; and one of these children was filling a cup with it. Not only were they inviting the germs from the water, but also from the dirt street around the pipe. The question I asked this morning is how can we help get clean water to the whole community?

As you may have heard, our flights home were not without complication. We spent 8 hours in the Santo Domingo airport waiting for a new plane since our apparently had a flat tire. Although we were all tired and wanting to get home, I was happy to have the few stolen hours with my new friends. My new family. In these few short days we have supported each other through 2 trips to the hospital, loss, tears, fear, countless bug bites, homesickness and laughter. I was just not ready to let everyone go yet. As our flights were all rebooked we got disconnected in the Miami airport. Checking in had caused some of us to miss saying goodbye to others. Since this would just not do, those of us with a little time made a frantic search to find our comrades' gates for one last hug. I fell short by 4 people. I travelled the D concourse from end to end, twice, searching for the familiar faces. Finally I had to give up and sat down at my gate to wait for my group to be called. Just as the group before me was called, Rachel came hurrying through the concourse with tears in her eyes hoping she had not missed my plane. This was the sight I needed to dry my tears and leave with a smile. A hug from a friend to send me home to my family ready to share our experience with the world.

You guys are one of the greatest gifts that I have received from this trip. Thank you, each of you, for the love and encouragement. I assure you that our relationships will continue and that together we will begin to change the world.

Home safe...but not quite sound

2009-06-29T06:11:00.002-04:00

So let's take it back...i haven't blogged since Wednesday night. Thursday was our carnival day with the kids. And we had such a blast! Streamers hung around their 'yard', we had classic carnival games everywhere from knocking down bottles to tossing sponges through hoops. There were crafts and face painting and the kids just couldn't get enough. Smiles from ear to ear, every last one of them.

But thursday was also our goodbye day. And those smiles faded as the day progressed. We had an ending worship service, all the kids, teachers, and us crammed into the little room downstairs. I sat with Meling on one side, my boy Darwin on the other, and Melanie in my lap. I was good, I was fine, really...ok, i was managing to fight back the tears decently...at least until AJ began her sermon. She kept asking the kids 'do you know you are special? Do you know you have hope? That you can do anything you want?' 'SI!' the kids responded in unison. No doubt in their minds. 'Do you know you were created by god just the way you are? Do you know you are loved by god?' 'SI!' And...tears...silently and quietly trickled down my face. I tried not to make it obvious...as soon as we become upset, so do the children.

But they knew what was going on, it didn't take much more for them either. Diana and Ana sat in front of me, and Diana suddenly wrapped her friend in her arms as Ana began to shake. I couldn't see their faces, but I knew...tears. When Melanie saw this, she turned toward me...tears streamed down her face too.

The teachers called each of us up, and showered us with various little gifts, crafts, certificates. Maybe two of us weren't bawling by then. To see all the children, gathered together and screaming and clapping as each of us was called up...i can't even described the mix of emotions. Laughter shown from below the tears, but only momentarily.

We become attached to these kids so fast, so easily, as they do to us. But why? Why is it so hard to leave children Ive known two weeks out of my life in the past two years? Whats so different about them from the children I babysit, the children in my sunday school class? What makes them so special? ...perhaps it is unconditonal love. Absolutely immediate and absolutely genuine love from every one of the kids. They just cling to you, they want you to hold them, to tell them 'Bonita, mucha gusta' (beautiful, i like it) when they hold up a picture they've drawn. They jump on your back, they desperately grasp for your hand. Or perhaps it's that they put such immediate trust and faith in us, when they know us for barely a week. They show us their homes, they tell us their secrets. ...or perhaps it is both. Or perhaps it is just the kids smiling faces and beautiful souls. Perhaps it's that they teach us so much about love, hope, and faith in the power of God.

I don't know what it is, but as Jen and AJ began pulling us away, telling us to get in the van, we had to go...my heart broke. Broke because I don't want to leave them, broke because I hate the way they must live, broke because there will only ever be so much we can do to help.

Climbed in the van to find each one of my friends, the youth on this trip, in tears. Even the big tough boys...even the butch lesbian...even our body guard Rudy...tears. I sat between Christian and Charles, my hand clinging to Christian's, and Charles' arm wrapped around me, holding me close. And the three of us sat in the very back of the van, and bawled and shook together as we pulled away. Chritian said something later that I will never forget. It embodied how we were all feeling in that moment. I had a heart painted on my cheek from earlier in the day during face painting, and Christian said he watched as a tear slid right down the middle of it, and wiped away the paint as it fell, and left the heart on my cheek broken in two. About as symbolic as it gets.

Friday we had a bit of a day of rest, then met with the young people from MCC Santo Domingo as the second phase of our mission began. They are gay and lesbian youth living in the Dominican...and they certainly don't have it easy. We had a blast with them over dinner, talking, laughing, getting to know each other through broken spanish and broken english. One of the most hilarious, flamboyantly gay men I have ever met, Gregori, told me that 'No'...he didn't have a boyfriend. Everyone told him he was ugly because his skin was too dark. In the Dominican, if your skin is dark, they associate it with being Hatian, and being Hatian is a terrible thing. Even if you are fully Dominican, the natural discrimination is awful. Top on being young and gay in a country that entirely disapproves of if?...Gregori doesn't exactly have an easy life. (but he gave me his email, and he wants me to find him a Canadian boyfriend...any takers?) :)

We worshipped with them in their regular service Saturday night, as they concluded Pride in the Dominican this weekend, just as we concluded our Pride celebration here in Toronto. We were supposed to march with the youth from the 'gay friendly park' known as Parque Duarte in a candle light vigil, but they coulnd't get an official permit or permission, so running into trouble was a definate possibility. Our leaders just couldn't allow us in that potential danger...understandable. They didn't run into problems though, and we experienced a wonderful worship service with them. They sang and praised God just as we would... their songs were in Spanish and incredibly beautiful. The service moved me, made me happy, showed me that God's love and people's faith in God are universal. Go anywhere, and you can find God's true and steadfast love for everyone.

I am home now with very little sleep, a bit of confusion, but mostly filled with thanks. I have been so blessed to be on this journey, to meet and bond with such incredible friends, and know what is wonderful...? I know this is only the beginning. Now the true journeying begins...as I figure out what everything I've seen, heard, felt, smelt, touched, tasted, experienced means. I am off to Montreal this morning (i know...quick turn around much?!) for a softball tournament. We'll see how reintegration goes eh?

Please continue reading the blog and praying for each of us, for the children, for the Dominican, and for all those around the world. We are all God's children, all one under God...and as Eileen would say...'God is good all the time, all the time God is good.'

Love to everyone...rach

Short DR Recap

2009-06-27T01:46:00.000-04:00

Wow! What can I say that hasn’t already been blogged about? When I first arrived at the airport and met my teammates, it was awesome. I didn’t hate them!  They were all genuinely super rad peeps. And I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve had with them to get to know them as friends. Now enough yaking about them, let’s get to the school.

People who know me well might find this as a shocker, but I loved the kids at the school. I couldn’t wait to spend more time with them and I wish I could have more time with them. It broke my heart to leave them yesterday. But we did our jobs, and completed our mission with them. We gave them what we came to give, and they gave us more than we could have expected. Other than that, it’s been uber hot, I’ve drank more water in the last few days than I have in the last four years of my life, I have 172 mosquito bites on my legs, one on my pointer finger, and at the end of every day I smelled pretty ripe…including right now…tmi. What else do you need to know?

God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Jermaine's Blog

2009-06-27T00:12:00.002-04:00

My week at el tamirindo
My week at el tamerindo it was very chanlenging I met a lot of new people the kids were wonderful. The crazy thing about el tamirindo is the kids and the community there were very grateful. And I realized how ungrateful I am. I witnessed the way the kids live . it was very heartbreaking, some didn’t have their own rooms let alone their own beds. Some didn’t have roofs on their houses so when it rained it was like sleeping outside. Some live next to the sewage pond so when it rained it would overflow and come into their houses. But working with the kids it touched my heart. I work with kids in the US and I wish I could stay here and work with the kids at el tamerindo. We also threw a prom for Rachel where I cried. It was the fact that total strangers could get together and throw such a loving event touched my heart. Call me a softee if you will but I feelings, I am a man I deserve to cry. Even though I didn’t win prom king, I was voted for, for prom queen. Then we all threw each other in the pool with all our clothes on. We had a lot of fun. But the last day at the school I knew I was going to cry but I tried not to. I cried anyways. It was hard to fight back the tears. Im gonna miss this place very much, although we had a fun time the most time I enjoyed was at the school. Also me and Charles was a rollercoaster to the kids. We were airplanes to them. I also listened to a lot of Spanish music. This was really better than the rap music that I listen to everyday. I also learned a new song in Spanish. I also met some of the natives. Ruddy has been a big help with teaching me Spanish and vice-versa me teaching him English. And I also adopted Charles as a little brother. Timon is just awesome, he makes me laugh. Rev. jen and rev. Arlene are just wonderful people and I am glad to have spent this wonderful week with them. This weeks experience ive learned to be more greatful and more appreciative for what I have. Even the little things not just the big things. And I wish I could come again next year.

Post for Charles

2009-06-27T00:11:00.001-04:00

Hello my name is Charles. This week has been the most fun, difficult, and stressful week ever. It was sooooo much fun seeing all of my now new friends and spending time with them. But the best part was giving the kids airplane rides. If you saw the smiles on their faces you would have enjoyed it so much. When we had to leave I cried like a baby. I think I cried more than the kids. Their faces were so sad and their tears were so genuine that you couldn’t help to cry because the kids were so beautiful it hurt me to leave. I hope to leave here with new friends and new stories. Good night for now

Didn't know it would be this hard

2009-06-26T15:27:00.002-04:00

Here I am sitting at the hotel again. We are getting ready to head into Santo Domingo to walk a little and visit with the church plant there. We may even stop in at Parque Duarte for Pride. It is going to be quite an evening!
I guess I am the first one to write about yesterday. Well, just know that it makes me cry just to think about it. We had a great time at the carnival with the kids. Everyone was on good behavior and other people from the barrio were playing with us more than usual. The teachers were playing with huge smiles just as large as the children. I have to say that my favorite part of the day was watching Paula, Yenny and Manuka run around and participate in the crafts. Eating lunch in the classroom with our kids was an interesting experience as well. The kids knew what was next and Paula told us all not to start crying.
This lasted just until we made it into the big room for worship and gift giving. Three of our little girls started sobbing as we waited for everyone to get situated in the room. Rev. Barrera and the teachers went through to kick out the street kids that had not been a part of the Bible School and these 3 girls just kept crying. Amanda, Charles and I were sitting with our class and we each gathered one onto our lap to try to calm them down. As other children broke down the teachers looked at us with desperate expressions. We each ended the worship service with several little girls clinging to us. I had no idea it would be so hard on the children for us to leave. Coming into this trip I had scoffed when people talked about all the tears on the last day with the kids. But as soon as the first girl started it took all of my effort to keep from sobbing with her.
Rudy, our security guy summed it up nicely last night during reflection. It was really hard to see all the children crying and knowing that they would not see many of us ever again. As we were in the van getting ready to pull back into the street Yonathan opened the gate for us. He was smiling and waving to us with tears running down his face. Although we were happy to be able to spend that time together we still wish for more. Knowing how much our visit truly means to each child is so moving that no one was able to hold back tears for long.

Day 4 Carnival

2009-06-26T12:42:00.007-04:00

SEE MORE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027266&id=1351494494&l=57af2d5d9b

Not Enough Time

2009-06-25T07:05:00.002-04:00

I know I'm not alone when I say I don't feel like we have had enough time with the kids. All of us share the same thought. Yesterday my day was cut off short because what I thought was a very mild case of poison ivy on the back of my hand, turned into a full-blown allergic reaction with large patches spreading all over my arms, legs, and stomach. The heat and the sweat didn't help. I was worried that it would get into my eyes or, well, other unwanted places. So Rev. Arlene, Rev. Jenn, and Tim set up a doctor's appt in the city for me. Although I was hoping that I could go after the day was done, and after visiting more of the children's homes, I was grateful they were able to find a doctor on such short notice! It turned out that it was a gay doctor that worked in an HIV clinic for glbt, female sex workers, and bugarrones (which I learned are male sex workers). He saw me and gave me a prescription for an oral steroid and Caladryl lotion. (Going to the pharmacy to get both is a story on all it's own...let's just say to always verify the medicine with the prescribing doctor if the pharmacy offers you 'something similar' in a country where prescriptions aren't necessary). So...fast forward to this morning, I feel much better. The patches of poison ivy look better and they don't itch as much, and I'm really excited to go back to the school! Today should be a really great day. We all worked until really late making goody bags for the kids at the school, 70 of them, plus another 50 for the street kids. It's a carnival theme and my job for today will be face painting and the arts & crafts table....my chosen tasks, so I'm looking forward to seeing all the kids' laughing faces, it's going to be awesome. I'm dreading saying goodbye to them today. My eyes are welling up just thinking about it. During reflection last night I led and I asked people to write about the things they thought the the mission trip lacked, and a suggestion on how to improve it. Do you think anyone of us asked for pool time, beach time, touring, or anything like that? The general concensus was 1) clean water accessible to the kids all the time (like a water dispenser that doesn't run on electricity that the little kids can reach), and 2) more time with the kids and community. All us youth are in agreeance that four days just isn't enough time. All of us ask ourselves if we've done enough, how we can do more, what other things we can do to help... Today will be hard saying goodbye.

Sometimes the teachers are taught

2009-06-25T01:35:00.001-04:00

Ok…so it’s Wednesday night…and I’m all over the place. Last night, back in Toronto, was my senior prom, and I struggled for about a month when I found out the trip and prom would overlap. I almost didn’t come here, almost decided prom was more important to me. Well…looking back on a month ago…I WAS NUTS! Not only am I so happy with my decision to be here instead (duh!), but last night, everyone here threw me my very own grad/prom. Jen brought me across the street after reflection…she had to ‘talk to me’. (yeah right!) When we got back, balloons covered the pool, streamers hung from the canopy, stars and moons were hanging from string, and I 100% lost it. An amazing graduation cap and certificate were made for me. There was a bouqet of flowers, music, and an absolutely beautiful slideshow with pics of me, my friends, boyfriend, family, team. I bawled and cried and bawled and cried…and well…just when I was pretty sure I was done…yep…bawled again. I was so surprised at everything, and the shock of it all just left me in such a vulnerable place. I don’t know if any of you have ever had people you just met plan for months one of the best gifts you’ve ever been given, but I got that last night, and it was incredible. I just felt so loved. So completely loved and cared for. I think a special bond forms between people when they are put in situations out of the norm, and after 4 days, I’m really starting to feel that. It seems like we are all really started to have deeper conversations, laugh histerically with each other, learn from one another, and I love it!
Today was back at the school for day 3. We were about 20 minutes into class when a little boy, adorable little one, Brandol, threw up. It wasn’t a big thing, cleaned it up easily, Brandol seemed fine. But it disturbed me…kids just don’t throw up for no reason. I learned from our professor, seniorita yenny, that a few of the children in our class have ring worm. Just so everyone’s clear, ring worm is easily treatable with simple meds.
I can’t stand that these kids don’t have everything they need. We use and use and abuse in ‘developed’ countries, and take so much for granted that people here need so badly. Water? Simple meds for something like ring worm? These kids are the most precious, amazing, attentive, respectful, loving, entirely and completely loving spirits anyone will ever meet, and they deserve life’s basic necessities. Everyone deserves life’s basic necessities. And I want desperately for them to have it.
…huh…so yesterday we were taken down into the area where the children live, where their homes are. To be honest…I wasn’t sad, I wasn’t happy, I wasn’t devastated…I wasn’t anything. It was one of the weirdest things I’ve experienced. I know that seeing the way these beautiful children that I love live should hurt me, should break my heart, should make me cry with grief. And I felt nothing. Yesterday, I layed awake in bed…why didn’t I cry? Why coulnd’t I cry? What was wrong with me that I wasn’t upset over my babies living in shacks throw up with pieces of tin, sheets separating rooms if the houses are more than one room. Children sleeping with 4 or 5 brothers and sisters in one bed, kitchens with no stoves to cook, no fridge to keep food good, no water to wash? What was wrong with me?
Well…I went to sit out with everyone for lunch today, and Rev. Arlene said that after this we would be going back to visit more homes. I hadn’t taken any food yet, and all of a sudden my appetite was gone, my stomache knotted. And there it was…the tears built up from the day before. I left the table, made my way up the back steps of the school as tears streamed down my face, and snuck into the back room. I coulndn’tdo it, I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t go back and see those homes again. I didn’t want to…I didn’t want to know about the poverty, I didn’t want to see the kids walking with no shoes on jagged rocks and glass, I didn’t want to watch a little boy no more than 3 fall as he ran and no one come to pick him up and wipe his tears. I didn’t want to go back to see it all again, and I lost it.
But as always…God wasn’t far behind. I stood shaking in the corner of the very back room, when one of my girls from last year poked her head inside. Meling saw my tears, her face changed from a happy smile to total concern. ‘Porque triste Raquel?’ ‘Why are you sad Rachel?’. She wrapped her arms around me, and stayed there, head pressed against my chest, and we rocked there back and forth, back and forth. She made no attempt to move, didn’t look up to see my face again, just stayed there…comforting me. She wiped my tears, pushed back the hair that had fallen in my face. She pulled me down to her level, and took my face in her hands and kissed me on the forehead. ‘No triste, Raquel, no triste.’
We’re supposed to be the ones here helping the kids, teaching them, making their lives a little brighter. I’m supposed to be the mature 18 year old adult here comforting these ‘poor children’. But that’s just not the way it is. I was so touched by Meling today…she might be 9 by the way. It’s as if she was drawn back to the storage room where I was. I was crying silently, she wouldn’t have heard me, and yet she just happened to poke her head in? No. She was meant to be there for me, I believe that completely. And so is the wonderful, mysterious works of God.
We are blessed by these kids. I am learning more here and am awakened to knew things each day.
I can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds. We say goodbye to the kids…andI know from last year how hard that is. But first, we surprise them with a carnival/fiesta. And so that is what I go to bed looking forward to.

Goodnite to all. Peace and love, and please keep praying. <3 Rach
PS. I did go to see moreof the children’s homes today, and I’m very glad I did. But that is a story for another day. Gnite.

A post from Alex

2009-06-25T01:34:00.000-04:00

Today is Wednesday June 24, 2009. Right now I’m feeling like things couldn’t get any worse. I miss my husband. My family. This is the first time I have ever been in a different country with no family. It’s difficult seeing all the people around with almost no family and knowing mine is waiting at home for me. The tears are rolling down my face as I think of the things these kids have to go through. The heat, no water, barley enough food to survive the week. Its dark outside but the lights from the hotel are illuminating the faces of the people around me. Youth walk back and forth as we all prepare for the surprise carnival tomorrow. It’s hot outside. But I bear through the heat to get my thoughts onto this stupid blog. What is blogging I thought when I first heard about it? Writing down the feelings that I have about what happened during the day. But it’s not only that. It’s about the things that I did and didn’t do.
So today we went to the school for the third time. The children were ecstatic to see us as were we, them. The hugs came from kid to kid, as kids not even in my class were hugging me and telling me hello. We went upstairs to prepare for the play. Everyone was prepared but us. Rushing around making crowns and beards, scepters and lion’s faces, the kids smiling faces kept us going. Finally it was play time and they did a wonderful job. At the end of the play the kids sang a song. “My god is so big so strong and so mighty there’s nothing my god cannot do.” As they sang this over and over in Spanish it made me realize that there is nothing that my god cannot do. And with god there is nothing that I cannot do. After the play was finished we all had lunch. And went to visit some of the children’s houses. Seeing the way that they lived just made me realize how much I have and how much I take for granted. After that we went back to the school, and headed back to the hotel.
On the car ride back almost everyone fell asleep. Then the bus stalled. And we were stuck in the middle of an intersection. But we got out. Thanks to determination and prayer. Well at least I prayed. We got back to the hotel and everyone went their separate ways. I down to the pool with Ruddy. And Timon, Amanda, Rachel, and Angel went to the beach. And everyone else slept. While swimming in the pool I saw some kids walk by and wondered ‘how do they stay cool in this horrible heat?’ but they are used to it. Then it started raining and I remembered what Marylady’s mother said about their house and the rain ‘you might as well sleep outside.’ How in the world could you live like that? With the water constantly in the house. Not being able to get out of the rain, in your own home!! It was sad to think about it. Then we went to eat dinner. They had spaghetti, with beef and bacon. Well because I don’t eat red meat I had to eat fish. Yum!! Then we had reflection.
During reflection we had a lot of arguing but also a lot of good thoughts. Like helping out more than just at the school. Giving water to the kids to share. Things that are so little to us are so big to them. After reflection we all went to get ready for the carnival and that is where I am now. Writing in this computer about the things that happened during the day. Now I partially understand blogging. But I’m still really frustrated that I had to do it. But I’m not mad at Angel. Who could be mad at Angel?? He is such a sweetheart.
The tears have stopped coming and now I feel as if I finally understand what I’m supposed to be doing here. I am supposed to be here to help in the name of god. And is that what I’m doing? I think so. Though I could do more. Like help out with trash or water or something. Here some the tears again. Nope they are gone. I am ready for bed. Goodnight world.

(this post is from Alex)

Day 3 Daniel and the Lions Den play

2009-06-24T18:24:00.002-04:00

2009-06-24T18:12:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone :]

Before I get started here, I would like to say sorry I haven't blogged yet. We are just having too much and we can't find time!!!

We arrived in the DR on Sunday. When we stepped outside of the airport, it was hot and humid. Just like Kansas. But I would have to say the weather here is BETTER than where I live.

After arriving here, we went to a restaurant. It was very good. We sat outside, and when we sat down, the radio started playing the Jonas Brothers!!! That was a nice welcoming gift! I noticed a yard with goats, chickens, turkeys,and ducks. We learned that the food is made fresh there.

We went to the beach on Sunday as well. Lots of people there! We took a ride on this banana boat thing. It was so much fun. We were there for hours. I haven't been back yet, but I will be soon. I've been chilling in the pool at the hotel.

Monday, we arrived in El Tamarindo (sp?). I think I speak for everyone when saying the kids are so adorable, sweet, and just all-around a pleasure to be with. The kids are well-behaved, they listen, and they are so happy we're here. Some of us have "shadows". Kids who have attached themselves to us. We were able to tour some of the area around the school, visiting a couple of homes. It was near-heartbreaking to see some of the conditions they live in. It truly shows how lucky I am to live where I do.

The people here are very friendly. We do get a lot of people staring at us when we walk down the street, but when you come in contact with someone, they are very polite.

Last night, we had Prom and Graduation for Rachel. Alex and I tried to teach everyone how to do the "Hoedown Throwdown". So much fun! Then, it was time to throw Rachel in the pool ... She was tossed in the pool with all her clothes on. Little did I know, that would soon be my fate. But hey, now I can finally say I've been thrown into a pool with all of my clothes on! Of course, it isn't a prom night without Afterprom! We went up to the roof of our hotel and looked up at the stars. But we had a little too much Gatorade to drink, and we were tired, so we all were just a little crazy. But it was fun!

Today was our second-to-last day at the school. I really don't know how I'm going to do tomorrow when we leave them tomorrow. You cannot help but become attached to these kids. Their love, their joy, their smiles, their lives.

Being here for just a couple days has given me a new perspective on life in America. I've seen first hand that my life could be much worse, and I am so very lucky.

Love, Christian.

23 de junio pensamientos

2009-06-24T18:10:00.001-04:00

So it’s like there nothing new under the Dominican sun. Today we walked and visited families after bible school and lunch. As we walked through the streets, it very much felt like it always has, even the same as when I found it the first time I visited 16 years ago. The roads, which might have been paved at one time, are dusty and dirty and full of holes and all kinds of ridges. They lead to places that you would never imagine anyone would live. I always think there can’t possibly be one more house back all that way, in that hovel, and sure enough, there’s one more house in a not so desirous place. It is hard for to imagine that even the hotel room I am now staying in, just the bedroom itself, is larger than some of the houses we visited and saw today on our walk. We split up into three groups and were lead by three of the teachers. The first house we stopped at was Domingo’s. But his mother wasn’t home, had gone somewhere else and his sisters and cousin were there. That happened all the time before we I used to visit people – they’d say they’d be there, but when we’d visit, plans had changed. Then we visited another house. The stagnant water and trash on the streets is a smell that can never forget. And smelling it again today made me wish I wouldn’t ever have to smell it again. Yenny, the teacher, pointed out a place in between homes where there was a big space of contaminated water. It’s just there and everyone knows about it, but there’s nothing they can do about it. The men watched us walked and made rude comments about the pretty women among us. At one point Sabrina, one of our youth who is bi-lingual said you don’t want to know what those boys said. She was right, I didn’t want to know and I mostly tune that stuff out when walking streets like that. It was interesting how different people’s reactions were when we said Hola or Buenos tardes, or just Buenos as most of the locals said. When we took the time to do that people smiled and were warm and friendly, even asking us Como estan? For me after all these years it still doesn’t make sense to me how people can live like they do here. But once more, I need to remind myself that it’s all a matter of perspective. What I see is extreme and dire poverty, dirt and trash, unsafe and unsanitary, and what they see is a roof over their head, a family, some place to call home and they are blessed and joyful. And further, who am I to decide what is good or bad or ugly? I too am reminded that it doesn’t matter what we have or don’t have, what matters is gratitude – for life, for love and for the blessings we have received from the gracious hand of God.

our very own DR Prom!

2009-06-24T17:55:00.004-04:00

Since our dear CANADIAN amiga missed her high school prom to be a youth leader participant on the 2009 DR trip, we decided to throw Rachel a prom. All the rest of us have been emailing each other for the last 3 weeks to get ready. One person contacted her friends on Facebook so we could have pictures of Rachel and her friends. Another got her boyfriend's cell phone number so she could call him. We decorated with streamers and candles and cut out stars and moons so we'd have a "Starry Night" too. And we even held a mini-graduation with cap and tassel and diploma! Tim was so thoughtful to get flowers! There was lots of music and then there was the dancing. Oh and we announced our very own Prom Queen - Rachel! Jermaine seranaded the Queen. And then there was a wild time around the pool!?! Post prom stories will have to come from someone else - but I heard there was imbibing of Gatorade!?! What a fun, fun, fun time we had throwing this SURPRISE event!!! And this coming from someone who never went to a prom before - YES, my very first one!?!

Once again, you can find more photos on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027123&id=1351494494&l=17c08ea1e9

Back in the DR

2009-06-24T07:59:00.002-04:00

I flew back into the Dominican Republic today sitting next to Rachel, another returner, and as the plane approached the runway for landing the clouds gave way to the beautiful city below. The bluest waters of the Caribbean hugging the city of Santo Domingo. As the plane touches down for a safe landing the passengers begin clapping. People are happy to be landing in the Dominican Republic as Jen put it. J I know I was happy to be back. Of the passengers landing that day there were many for travel, some natives, and others on missions similar to the one we are here for. As we land I look over at Rachel and said, “Well you delivered on your promise.” You see last year as we departed from the children of El Tamarindo we were broken hearted to be leaving the beautiful souls we had been blessed to have the opportunity to work with for the past week and Rachel didn’t say goodbye she said, “hasta leuga,” because she knew she would be called back. Her vision was indeed that we would come back and here we are again. As we unload the plane things look so familiar and we all knew on the other side of customs would be friends waiting to greet us including Timon and Carlos! It was such a wonderful reunion. Carlos, Rudy, and Timon helped us all pack our luggage and we were off!

Our first stop in the DR would be to grab lunch. We stopped at a place along the way. The food was great and we were able to sit outside. I think the reminder of where we were occurred when someone who had ordered goat had the waitress point at it and then point at the goats grazing in the fences down in front of us. Yup, we were looking at the goats that would later be lunch. The rest of the day would involve settling down into our hotel and spending the afternoon on the beach before coming together for a time of dinner, spiritual reflection and preparation for the BIG day when we would have the opportunity to return to the eschula en El Tamarindo.

Starting the day was not at all how things were planned but God doesn’t usually work on “our plans.” It was a slow morning because it was raining. So many people depend on public transportation which often includes the back of a motor cycle. This meant that the cooks got in late and breakfast started a bit late. Despite our challenges for the day I could feel the excitement so many had. The veterans couldn’t wait to see Jonathan and others from before while the newbie’s were anxious to get in the classroom and meet the beautiful smiling children. On the way to the school slightly late and frustrated we got a great reminder that we are in the Dominican to do God’s work on God’s time when we looked out from the van to see a full arch rainbow over the beautiful azul Caribbean water. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

The first day at the school was amazing. I got to see Jonathan and old friends as well as meet many new students. New or old we were all greeted with hugs and smiles. The first day in the classroom was hard because last year I had been on the maintenance team and not had the opportunity to work with the students. Still there were many familiar faces and many who recognized me and remembered my name. It was so warming. Back to the classroom: it was a bit awkward figuring out how to communicate and interact with the students with so little experienced with Spanish. We zoomed through our activities and had a lot of time outside until lunch. We learned a lot from this day and made sure to have more crafts and ideas in hand for the following day. We honestly did not expect for 3-5 year olds to be so kind and respectful and listen. They are all perfect Angels.

As a returner, I was next in line to do the reflection with my roomie Jermaine. We had a couple ideas including a reflection in the pool but we ended up deciding to go with something that would ultimately connect people with the depth of what is happening and the intensity of being introduced to El Tamarindo. The duality of the beauty, smiles, and joy with the pain, poverty, and even hunger experience can deeply affect anyone especially those being introduced to it for the first time. We had people write down 10 words that came up for them about the day and from those 10 words create a poem or drawing to sum up their experience thus far in the Dominican Republic.

It was a powerful reflection as many people expressed their deeper feelings through their words and beautiful poetry. Jermaine ended the reflection with a beautiful piece reminding us of the value of each and every life and the impact of everyone on this trip. He said it perfectly when he said “just remember the hand you are holding may be the one to save your life tomorrow,” and had us look into one another’s eyes. The reflection was powerful and perfecto! I think we were duo-dynamic!

I wrote the following poem and Jen Glass keeps asking me to post it:

Familiar faces in so many places
Fight away the tears
Reflect on a journey that began last year
Once again the chorus sounds of cheers
Still fighting away the tears
One child’s finger cut and another’s too
Only one band aid won’t do
Street kids and students too
Who are we to choose?
With so little food I feel the blues
Wake up and hear the news
Injustice we must refuse
Because the game of life is too precious to lose.

Tomorrow we will be seeing Jonathan’s new school and touring houses of students after our day. I remember last year it took a while to see beneath the surfaces and really understand the struggle of the people just to survive and I think this will drive that home for many people.

Day Numero Dos en esquela

Today we did go and visit Jonathan’s new esquela. It was so wonderful seeing him there guiding us through shining with such light and pride. I have to admit it was everything I could do to hold back the tears. We were allowed to go upstairs and look in the class rooms. There were posters on the wall with Galileo and Newton and chalkboards filled with mathematical formulas and equations. We even had an opportunity to meet the teachers and staff. It was simply beautiful to see him and his environment and know he is thriving. He has now completed 7^th grade and will be continuing on. The teacher informed us that all of the students who had graduated continue on to University. Jonathan is a bright star carrying the hope of this mission. There may be talk of other candidate but there will never be another Jonathan. He has grown into a gentleman who carries himself with grace and confidence!

Once we left the school we went to the esquela en EL Tamarindo. The kid were exciting and awaiting our arrival. Once we pulled up they all ran out to greet us. Hugs and smiles and laughter filled the air. We were a bit late already upon visiting Jonathan’s school so we began classes right away. We had a wonderful class. Even the 3 and 4 year old students listen very well and give you their undivided attention. We learned the song on Daniel, “NO entrago mi senor Daniel. No entrogo Daniel…” They learned it very quickly and then sang other songs to us. We also made crowns and played an intense game of musical chairs. I was sad at the end because my buddy Sanderson was in 4^th place and 1^st,2^nd, and 3^rd was getting icee’s. I saw him on the bench crying. I was so glad to be able to take him outside and buy him his own and to see him run off and play with the rest of the kids. He is such a sweet heart. The favorite part of my time at the school is being able to give him and the other students a high five. Playtime is fun too.

After lunch it was not a routine today. We had an opportunity to do something that we had not been able to do before when we were taken to visit the houses of some of the students. It was eye opening and showed a reality that is very hard to see from the outside. I did notice such a sense of pride and family. In their area streets had certain names and for them it was home just as it was. I think it’s hard to process what we really saw inside those homes and in the maze of homes that went far back into the woods. In once sense it was simple and beautiful and in the other it was heartbreaking and almost hard to stomach. The issues with water being contaminated and sewage were a few of the downsides that I wish I had the means and resources to fix because some things are basic human needs and water and health certainly are. . Amidst it all there were still signs of peace to be found. I found hope in the baby calico kitten sleeping on the porch or the pride of the families welcoming us into their home. It was hard and I desperately want to know how to do more for the Dominican and hope this is just the beginning of a long journey.

We came back and had some free time that for many people involved a nap. Here the days start early and ends late. After a couple of hours on the beach we came back and begin preparing for our secret plan. One of our young adult leaders Rachel was missing her prom to be here so we decided to throw her a prom and surprise her. We had someone in place to distract her and the decorations ready. So after dinner and a reflection Jen distracted her by taking her to the store across the street and we scurried quickly to get everything together. She was really so surprised and it was a lot of fun.

After that we moved to the roof and talked and hung out and ended the night on a sing along included Sanctuary, Breathe, and Word of God Speak. It seemed like the perfect end to a long beautiful day.

Tomorrow, Day Tres en la esquela. It's the last day in the classroom and they are performing a play....

here are even more fotos from hoy

2009-06-23T19:19:00.001-04:00

Once again folks, I uploaded a lot more fotos on FaceBook. Click on the title to view them all. Disfrutalo!

some pictures from Day 2

2009-06-23T18:44:00.005-04:00

2009-06-23T15:39:00.002-04:00

Today was the second day at the school and I led the class with more confidence and excitement. Along with Rachel, Angel, and Christian, I'm working with the equivalent of pre-kinder and kinder, about 3 to 5 year olds. I'm sure that the other teachers are proud of their classes, but I'm convinced my kids are the best! Our little ones are so small, some don't look any older than a year old, only a handful look their age, yet (I'm still trying to gauge how many of them I can fit in my luggage to take back with me) they're firecrackers! This morning we began by hearing the second part of "Daniel en el Foso de los Leones", then moved on to coloring, sang songs, and colored and fitted each child with a crown with their name on it. Tomorrow they'll wear them while they watch the play the older kids are putting on, and while they sing one of the songs they learned today. It's amazing to me how well behaved they are. So polite! They listen, they don't fight with each other, don't make fun of anyone...they are so grateful, appreciative, and considerate of us and the time we'd like to share with them. And they're 3, 4, and 5 YEARS OLD!!!

After lunch we went in groups to visit some of the kids' homes en el barrio. I'm not sure I was prepared for it and at the same time I wasn't expecting more. Poverty took on a whole new meaning for me. Most parts have no electricity. No running water. Yenny, one of the maestras in my class, who doubled as tour guide today, explained that there is a sewage lake about 500 feet away from the edge of la comunidad that overflows when it rains. She says that it is the cause of a lot of illness, but there is nothing that can be done. There is no where else for them to go. Her and I spoke a lot. She lives in the community that la escuela is in. While it is very poor, she is grateful, and she shared a story with me to explain how she looks at things:

"A very poor man walked the dirt road and all he had to eat was a single banana. All day he took small bites, looking at the sky and asking 'Why'. At the end of the day, he finished the banana and tossed the peel. But when he looked back, he saw someone hungrier than him picking it up."

Perhaps this can put things in perspective for many people. For me, it also shows how strong, grateful, and faithful the people of El Tamarindo are.

blessed

2009-06-23T00:00:00.002-04:00

One more thing I forgot in my last post. Tonight, Angel and Jermaine led reflection, and they had us write down 10 words that we thought of when we thought about today. They then told us we had to write a poem or draw a picture using the words we'd chosen. I wrote a poem in the 10 minutes we were given, and tried to incorporate all of my words into it. I thought I'd share it as well.

Blessed

Broken are the roads that lead me home,
but this home is far from broken.
The unwavering faith this family has
renews my very soul.

Hugs grip tightly round my waist
and laughter pulls slightly at my heart.

And though my heart breaks yet again,
the beauty of their faces and the beauty of their souls
reminds me how blessed I am.

2009-06-22T23:03:00.001-04:00

And...those squares all over my last post...they're smiley faces :) <-- see?

What a day!

2009-06-22T22:32:00.002-04:00

Today we went to the school for the first time. We have a class of 20 2nd and 3rd graders and 5 preteens. These students were very helpful cutting out the patterns and cleaning up after the little ones. Profesora Paula was very patient with us. I was so thankful for her. The children were also patient with our Spanish. Charles was very brave and read the story in Spanish today.
We taught the children the song about Daniel. Then they taught us their song. It is like "if you are happy and you know it", but it was "If you love God." It was amazing that they wanted to share their song and their joy with us.
I was amazed when I asked my kids how many siblings they have. The houses in el barrio appear to be one or two rooms that measure about 8x10. Many of the kids said that they have more than 5 children in their families. It gives you a new pespective on a close family. In the appalachian region I once helped build an out building for a 12 year-old boy to have as his own room. That building was the sive of these structures that house entire families.
I did not see a lot of elderly people in El Tamarindo. I wonder if they were inside to be protected from the heat, or if they do not live to old age. I guess this is something to find out about for tomorrow.

And the Journey Begins

2009-06-22T19:15:00.000-04:00

So we were hoping to all blog last night, but the internet decided we needed a night away from the ‘real world’ and went down on us. I was gonna dedicate last night’s post to my Papa for Father’s Day, but well….know I was thinking about ya Daddy and Happy Belated Father’s Day.

Saturday evening, 12 of us met in Miami and began this journey. We sat with each other for hours over dinner and everyone’s favourite candy  and got to know one another. I came away with many things from the evening together, but what seems most important is how incredibly diverse this group of individuals is. I was absolutely floored by the journey’s all of us have had, by the talents among us, by the uniqueness of our families. We were raised in so many different backgrounds and faiths. I can’t wait to continue getting to know the other young adults and share with each other more, and to challenge each other in discussions of beliefs. It’s such an opportunity with a group so unique to grow in my own faith, and I can’t wait to see where it all goes.

Sunday was travel day from Miami to Santo Domingo and I’m gonna skip most of Sunday just for time other than to say it felt so good to be back. When plane’s land in the Dominican, everyone on board claps . I had forgotten about that until we landed, and I couldn’t help but laugh with joy. To be back in that culture…just…ahhhh   .

This morning was the first day at ICM El Tamarindo (the school). When thinking about and preparing for this trip, I kept having to tell myself ‘it’s not gonna be last year’. You have to be able to know last year was incredible and life changing, and then let it be last year. Look forward to this experience, just as incredible, just as amazing, just as life changing. I was worried though, I won’t lie, that it would feel too different OR too much the same, and I might end up disappointed. …Well….I have no more worries.

As the children filed into the main classroom downstairs to greet us, so many of my babies broke from their lines, smiling, waving…and hugging me, Angel, and A.J. I knew their faces, I remembered their names…but their touch and their smile and their laughter and their voices had grown fuzzy over the last year. I was completely overwhelmed when all that came rushing back at once with those hugs. Have you ever been gone from someone, somewhere that you love for a long time, then finally made it back their? Well…this overwhelming sense of ‘You Are Home’ flowed through every inch of my body, and I fought hard to fight back tears of joy and tears of relief. I mentioned in my last post that before we left the children last year, I said ‘hasta luego’ which means ‘see you later’ and that I intended to keep that promise. To be back at the school, to know that promise had been kept, I couldn’t help but get emotional. (I was hoping to save that until at least day 2, yeash!) But it was ok, I was happy, very very very happy .

I am with the youngest group of children this year, teaching downstairs with Sabrina, Angel and Christian. To be honest, when I first heard I was with the youngest kids, I was disappointed, because it meant I couldn’t be with any of my older class from last year. But again, I was shown that comparing the trips is useless and that I am blessed in whole new ways this time around. The kids are AMAZING. I was astonished by some of the little ones…3 and 4 year olds so independent and so patient. It’s funny, all of us in the classroom said how children 3 and 4 in the States and Canada just don’t act the same way. The kids here are happy with everything they are given, grateful for what they have, always smiling, working out problems…they just seem so much more grown up that the kids I am used to in Canada. I can’t wait to see what the next few days holds, getting to know the children better, and forming bonds with even more children here.

Again, the lack of water for the children bothered me immediately. ‘Agua, agua por favour’. But we talked tonight about doing something about that, so I will keep everyone updated on our plan. Water coolers perhaps…it costs about a dollar and 20 cents (45 pesos) per 5 gallon jug. Sounds pretty dumbfounding to know they can’t even get the water they need when one bottle of water in Canada would cost more than that, and we drink bottles and bottles a day…huh…yep.

OK, well I should head out…others yet to blog. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds. 

Love to all those reading this. Please continue to pray over our journey. Blessings, Rach

check out more pics from 1st day

2009-06-22T19:01:00.002-04:00

Hey folks - it was easier to upload all 57 pics I took on Facebook. So, click on the title and it will take you to view them. Disfrutalo!

some pics from the 1st day

2009-06-22T18:46:00.002-04:00

"too excited to sleep"

2009-06-20T01:24:00.002-04:00

Ever seen that commercial for Disney World where the mom tells her little son and daughter to go to sleep, and the little boy rolls out of bed smiling and says, "We're too excited to sleep!"

Well I understand the little fella. My mind is racing with excitement, nerves, worries about 'did i pack everything?!' and complete bewilderment at the fact that it's finally here. In a mere few hours, we'll all be on a plane heading to Miami! What an incredible feeling it is!

I've had a bit of a crazy few weeks, and I'm so glad I'm finally feeling all these things even if it means I'm not sleeping, because for a bit there, I was worried as to why I'm not excited yet. But I just finished my last exams of high school ever, I traveled Friday to my university for next year and registered for all my courses, so a few other things have kept my head busy I suppose. But as packing came along, as I filled my suitcase with package after package of erasers and glue, and as I read over the messages on our tshirts tonight, it became clear once again how this trip is about to change my life, and I just can't wait!

Buenas noches mis amigos. Yo le vere en el Dominicano!

Tomorrow's the big day

2009-06-19T15:05:00.003-04:00

This time tomorrow 13 of us will be gathered in baggage claim at the Miami airport. Most of us have never met and a few of us have never even seen pictures of the rest of the group. Yet we all have the same focus. We are coming together to serve God, spread a message of inclusive love and enjoy fellowship with youth from around MCC.

I am getting excited! I imagine there will be little sleep tonight as months of anticipation and conference calls have led up to this week. I think the most important thing for us to remember and share with those we meet is written across the front of our t-shirts. "God is our Shepherd. God loves us as we are."

I WONDER WHAT THEY ARE DOING?

2009-06-13T16:52:00.004-04:00

well, at this time next week, our youth group will be in miami, getting to know each other, and joining in worship as their mission work gets underway. i suspect most of the readers of this blog know a mission team member and are therefore aware of what the mission team member will be doing this week in preparing for their journey of faith.

for me, i am focused this week on the dominican republic, and what the people there are doing in anticipation of our youth group's arrival. i know rev. barerra at el tamarindo school is busy getting his school in shape, as he looks forward to our visits as much as his students.

and i think about jonathan enrique chalas. do you know jonathan? oh, he is a wonderful young man we have gotten to know over the years as a student at el tamarindo school. he possesses a beautiful smile, is a gentle leader of the younger children, and is filled with love. last year he completed the 6th grade at el tamarindo school, which is the last grade level the school offers. his choice for future education was to go to the local public school - a place that is poorly funded, not safe for younger kids, and with no promise that there would even be a teacher in his classroom. but our youth from last year's trip refused to let jonathan's dreams of an education be denied. so they established the far reaching faith scholarship fund that enabled jonathan to attend school at the colegio mayage in el tamarindo, a modest private school. i am so anxious to see how jonathan has grown since we last saw him last year! and i wonder if there will be another child with the same dream of an education....

i think about rev. tania guzman and the church members at mcc santo domingo, busy planning activities to do together with our youth mission team. i can feel their excitement as they have recently celebrated their 3rd anniversary as a church and are eager to welcome our youth to be a part of their saturday night worship service. it will be the biggest group of visitors they have ever hosted in worship in their short history.

i think of the special young lady in el tamarindo with the bad teeth, she is not affiliated with the school but finds the school a safe place to come each day to avoid the teasing of the town's older youth. she was a constant presence during last year's mission trip, watching with great joy the buzz of activity created by our youth and the children. i remember our youth group giving her a pair of flip flops, oh the smile on her face, the first pair of shoes she ever owned in her life!

and i wonder what the wee little ones are thinking right now. i know they are counting the days, i am sure their parents are tired of telling them how many more days until the start of the bible school! i picture them laying on their mats at night, staring up in their humble shelters at their tin roof, dreaming about the days to come -- visions filled with colorful construction paper, glitter, arts and crafts, music, songs, laughter and hugs, lots of hugs. i think about sitting beside the little 3 and 4 year old children while they are eating their lunch, the best meal they likely have enjoyed in months. but then, suddenly, they stop eating and carefully wrap up the rest of their plate of food. are they full? no, this plate is going home to share with their brother or sister; for there was no food in the house for them to eat that day.

SOLO DIOS PUEDE/ONLY GOD CAN

1st and 2nd round of questions

2009-05-31T18:11:00.002-04:00

What are three unique things about you?

-Ability to solve a conflict between to people. I love to help others, and helping feuding friends is no exception.

-I love photography, even though I haven't taken any classes over it.

-I am a roller coaster expert. Have questions about a roller coaster or amusement park? I'm your guy.

How do you spend your free time / What do you like to do to relax, have fun?

-My free time WOULD have been spent doing roller coaster things, but our local amusement parks have all shut down. The most recent being two years ago. Basically everything I do is roller coasters.
-I like to ride my bike. The most I've ridden at once is about 10 miles.
-I love being with friends. I'm an excellent texter, so I talk to them a lot.

Tell us who you are

I live in the boredom capital known as Wichita , Kansas . There's nothing to do here, so I find myself riding my bike a lot and sleeping. If offered a million dollars, I would give at least 3/4 of it to my church, and quite a bit to charity as well. Then I would pay off my mom's debt, then do something for myself. I always try to consider others before myself. I am always asking myself "What would Jesus do?". I believe those are great words to live by. I am active in my school's G/SA, and am always finding the best in a situation. I love traveling, whether it is to see family, mission work (even though this will be my first time), or going to a theme park. I'm a very happy person who you will rarely see upset.

2nd Round:

1. Honestly, what are the top three reasons you signed up for this trip?

There are several reasons as to why I signed up for this trip. I feel that it is time for me to branch outside of my comfort zone and go out into the world. In this case, literally! I love to travel, but I understand that this is not a vacation. I didn’t even know we would have spare time to have fun until after I received my acceptance letter. Traveling to different places really helps me succeed. It gets me away from my common life here in the boring state of Kansas and to experience the many ways that God works. I find that when I am away from my home and/or helping other people, I work even harder than I would at home, which really makes my mom mad!!! But we end up laughing about that later. Anyway, I have always heard wonderful stories about mission trips from family and friends. Now it’s time for me to follow in their footsteps. God has called me to this, and I will answer that call

2. How do you want to change and grow through your mission trip? What would you like for God to accomplish in you?

I’m not 100% on how I want to change. One thing I do know, however, is that I WILL change. I know that I will be experiencing an extremely different environment that I’m used to here at home. I know how lucky I am to live in such a wonderful country, and how much God has blessed me. However, even if I am grateful for what I have, I don’t believe that I, or anyone, are grateful until we’ve seen firsthand what it’s like to have next to nothing. I know that this trip is going to change me for the better, and I know God will be there every step of the way.

3. How do you want to help the people in the DR – and show off God’s greatness? What do you expect God to do through you on this trip?

God is great. We all know that. For some time, I didn’t think that, like many GLBTQ identified people. It took other people to show me that God IS great and God works in so many ways to show his love for me and this world. I want the light of God to shine through me onto the people of the DR, showing just how great our awesome God really is. I know God will be bending me over backwards at times for this trip, but God has a plan for me that I know is for the better, no matter what my task may be.

Santo, Santo, Santo

2009-05-31T14:26:00.000-04:00

Holy, holy, holy, my heart, my heart adores You!
My heart is glad to say the words: You are holy God!

Santo, santo, santo, mi corazon te adora
Mi corazon, te sabe decir: Santo eres Dios!

What do you bring to this mission trip?

2009-05-29T15:58:00.002-04:00

I'm hoping that knowing Spanish really well isn't all I can bring to the table, but I think it'll certainly help! I'm a great mediator between people and cultures, and I also have a gift for knowing when people need something even when they don't come out and say so. Perhaps these traits can be helpful on the trip, but if not, I also believe that my patience, sense of humor, and contagiously positive attitude might perk some people up if they are homesick, tired, hot and grumpy, or need a smile or reassuring hug (because I'm also extremely affectionate). And I hope that the children also "catch" what I've got and I can get them to enjoy learning and loving.

:)

What do you bring to this mission trip?

2009-05-27T20:04:00.002-04:00

What do I bring to this trip? Hmmm, I know! Why good looks of course!...oh yeah and humor.
I don't feel very "Eileen" like if I'm not joking around. Which is kinda cool cuz humor comes in very handy when meeting new people; it can put people at ease and a smile transcends language and cultural barriers. My personal style of humor is usually on the silly/neurotic/underdeveloped brain -side. Does that make sense? Wait a minute! Did I just say my brain is underdeveloped??? I guess I did. Ah, what can you do? I can adapt my humor for different settings and people. But I always keep it clean. Which is proof to the existence of God and the wonder working power of Jesus Christ. Cuz if you knew me a few years ago you would've needed more than just a bar of soap to clean out my mouth! You would've had use some Tide detergent, CLR, Mr. Clean and Kaboom too. It probably wouldn't have hurt to use some of those super awesome cleaning products endorsed by that guy with the grizzly beard either. You know the guy I'm talking about..the Oxy Clean guy! "Hi! I'm Billy Mays!" Yeah, that guy! So anywho, I like to smile and laugh.
This world's a ka-razy place and it's struggles are many. I can either give the enemy a victory over me by being all kinds of doom-n-gloom OR I can use my God given optimistic point of view and humor to make my temporary walk through this world a joyful one. Both for myself and those around me.

Report from the Dominican Republic

2009-05-26T12:06:00.004-04:00

Greetings to our Mission Team Members and our fabulous Sending Partners!

My name is Tim Helm, member of MCC Washington D.C. (MCC-DC), where I serve as MCC-DC's Dominican Republic (DR) Outreach Coordinator. I will be assisting Regional Elder Arlene Ackerman, Rev. Jen Glass, Youth Leaders Rachael and Amanda, and our fabulous group of youth missionaries during their critical mission trip to the DR in June. I just returned from the DR and wanted to provide all of you with this report.

But first, why me? My relationship with the DR started 4 years ago when I traveled alone to the DR for a few days of rest and relaxation. But, as often is the case, God had more important plans for me than just a few days sitting by the pool. God showed me a population of GLBT folks in the DR who did not have a place to worship and where the Catholic leadership regularly issued proclamations condemning their sexuality. Outside of my fancy resort, I saw hard-working people trying to earn enough money for the basic needs of food and shelter. I saw too many kids spending the majority of their day digging through garbage for food.

So I went back to MCC-DC and told the story of what I saw. Our church responded. We conducted a 3 month study to determine if a church plant in Santo Domingo was feasible. The MCC-DC Board of Director's approved our request and sent our Associate Pastor to the DR for 3 months to establish the church plant. We held informal prayer sessions in Santo Domingo and sent two mission teams to the DR to conduct summer Bible School sessions and perform repairs and maintenance at 2 schools.

Moving forward, the 41 members of MCC Santo Domingo, under the awesome leadership of Rev. Tania Guzman, celebrated its 3rd anniversary last month! They have marched for equal rights, testified before the DR Senate in favor of protections based on sexual orientation, provided assistance to folks who lost their homes during last year's hurricanes, and provides a space for worship and prayer for all people every Saturday night in Santo Domingo. God is good!

Logistically, all is set for the youth mission trip. Plane tickets have been purchased and the hotel reserved for the one night stay in Miami. Our headquarters hotel, Residencial El Candil in Boca Chica, is fully prepared and will provide our youth team with comfortable rooms, a great breakfast (even pancakes!) to start each day, and a refreshing swimming pool after the long, hot days of mission work. Our Director of Transportation, Carlos Baez, is ready as well, making sure our daily journeys to El Tamarindo and Santo Domingo are safe. At the Escuela de ICM El Tamarindo (The MCC School of El Tamarindo), Rev. Francisco Barrera and 72 of his students are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our youth mission team! The MCC Summer Bible School is the most anticipated event of the year for these children, ages 3 through 13. And finally, Rev. Guzman and MCC Santo Domingo are busy making plans for our visit to Santo Domingo, including a worship service with the mission team on the eve of our departure from the DR.

Please continue to pray for the success of this mission trip!

Check out this video compilation from 2008

2009-05-17T18:12:00.004-04:00

A bit about me...Rachel

2009-05-17T13:31:00.003-04:00

My name is Rachel, and I'm from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Contrary to popular belief, I don't live in an igloo, have a team of sled dogs, or wrestle polar bears for fun. (though that might be more exciting that my actual life) :)

Seriously though, I'm 18 years old, and about a month away from finishing grade 12 and my high school career! Whew! I'll be headin to university in the fall studying biomedical and health sciences. I am an avid athlete, playing both volleyball and fastpitch softball at the provincial level, as well as basketball and cross country running for my school teams. Sports and homework (ugh) pretty much run my life, but I manage time to spend with my family, chill with my friends, and play with my two beautiful choc. labs.

3 unique things about me...?
I can tie a knot in a cherry stem with just my tongue :) (I know, quite a talent)
I can say the alphabet backwards in about 4 seconds (again...what a talent, eh?)
I was born at home with a midwife, instead of at a hospital.

Honestly, what are the top three reasons you signed up for this trip?
Last year's trip gave me a whole new perspective on life, and I want to go back and continue learning about life from a people that live it to the fullest no matter what conditions or setbacks they face.
I want to continue meeting and growing with a network of youth within MCC, so that we may become a large, visible, and contributing piece of MCC life.
Last year as we left, we told the kids 'hasta luego' which means see you later. I never intended to break my word.

2. How do you want to change and grow through your mission trip? What would you like for God to accomplish in you?
Last year, I went into the trip with expectations, but what I expected went out the window in about 30 seconds. Things happened that were so much greater and more powerful than I ever thought possible, and I became completely overwhelmed because what I expected was nothing like what I experienced. So this year, I am trying to go into the trip without expectations, or things I want God to accomplish in me. I will be open to absolutely everything. I know that what God has in store for me is exactly the way it's supposed to be.

3. How do you want to help the people in the DR – and show off God’s greatness? What do you expect God to do through you on this trip?
I want the children to know they are loved by God, plain and simple, regardless of where they are from, or what they have or don't have. I want our group to be a symbol of hope and of God's loving and all inclusive ways. And I want the children and the people we meet in the DR to know that we are out there, thinking about them, praying for and with them, working to help them. I want them to know there are people out there who's lives they have deeply touched, and who will always remember them.

About Me and 3 Questions!

2009-05-17T01:34:00.004-04:00

I am Angel Collie. I wear many hats and enjoy many things. I am just a simple guy with a passion for Jesus and Justice. I’m on staff with MCC as a Program Assistant and Co-Lead of their Transgender Resource Team. I am also a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill majoring in Religious Studies with a minor in Sexuality Studies. I have been on the Soulforce Equality Ride across the United States, twice, visiting Colleges and Universities who discriminate against LGBTQ people. During my free time I enjoys going to church, getting inked, and doing social justice... all in the same day if possible. My passions really are Jesus, Justice, and Activism. I love MCC and the opportunity I have to serve the denomination and the trans community. I think three unique things about me are that my favorite animal is camel, I love country music even though I do not look like your typical country music fan, and I spent spring break in Kyrgyzstan! For fun I usually go to UNC athletic events, get tattooed, and watch FRIENDS- I am addicted to that show and have every season on DVD!

vv
1. Honestly, what are the top three reasons you signed up for this trip?

I signed up for this trip for quite a few of them. First off, having an opportunity to continue the work we began last year. I hope to see familiar faces and spend time with them. I hope to experience this journey with the other participants from MCC and foster lasting connections that will contribute to creating a strong vibrant future generation of MCC leaders. I also hope to meet and work with the transgender community of MCC Santo Domingo. In addition, I would like to learn more Spanish.

2. How do you want to change and grow through your mission trip? What would you like for God to accomplish in you?

I want to push myself to step further outside of my own comfort zone and open up to being truly vulnerable. I want to be a light and vessel that brings love of God to the Dominican. I hope to be close with the other youth and young adults embarking on this journey and make lasting connections but specifically to support and empower one another through this experience.

3. How do you want to help the people in the DR – and show off God’s greatness? What do you expect God to do through you on this trip?

Having been on the mission trip last summer I know that the journey promises to be a life changing encounter for all involved. Being in the Dominican Republic forced me to step outside of my daily life and be able to understand how privileged we really are. I know there had been times I didn’t want to eat because I didn’t like the food or didn’t want to wear certain clothes or shoes but after being in the Dominican it is eye opening to know many people are thankful to just have food, clothes, or shoes at all.

Being there it took time to really see and understand what was going on. At first, I thought it was a tight knit community and it took paying attention to realize that when bottles of water disappeared while working that the children were taking them because they were thirsty and desperately wanted clean water. It’s hard to see something so essential to survival as a luxury in comparison to our wasteful society. It took a while to notice that the street children were salvaging our leftover food out of the trash can and that it may be the only food they get that night. It makes you think when you live in a “All You Can Eat Buffet” America in which we fill our plates with more food than we could ever eat in one sitting and throw away. For the first time it put a face and a smile and a Child to the cliché phrase I always ignored from my Mom when I would throw away leftover, “there are starving kids who would love to have the food you are wasting.” It’s like you know it exist but until you truly experience it and feel it then it’s hard to truly understand.

God opened our eyes last year and created a desire to want to serve God through taking care of God’s children who are not able to take care of themselves. God did amazing things many times. Over and over language barriers were transcended by love and human connection. The smiles, joy, and love on the faces of the children and the effect of a simple hug. I couldn’t communicate with many people last year because of my lack of Spanish knowledge but it just didn’t matter. We still made connections and deeply touched one another.

I think the most touching thing last year was when some of the children begin to wear stickers at places I had piercings and begin calling the stickers Tattoos. :) It touched my heart and is something I will hold for the rest of my life. Having began this ministry and having the opportunity to go back I know many things like this and more will happen as God works within all of us to simply love God’s people. I want to bring smiles to their faces, be there to give them hugs and joy, and make a difference in their lives so when we leave they have experienced the love of God. I hope to have the opportunity to work with MCC Santo Domingo and the rising trans community there so that they too know that they are a gift from God, and loved fully as their true selves without reservation.

Opening Questions

2009-05-15T11:38:00.001-04:00

1. Who are you?
I am a member at Our Hope MCC in Athens, GA. I recently graduated with my MBA from Piedmont College. I work for the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia running an internship program for high school students to get into the construction industry. I am one of five children in a blended family.

2. What are three unique things about you?
I am incredibly clumsy and accident prone. I have a piece of cartilage that floats around my right collar bone. I was the goalkeeper on my college soccer team.

3. How do you spend your free time / What do you like to do to relax, have fun?
I love to go out dancing or hangout at the lake. I cherish the time I get to spend with my niece and nephew, because I get to act like I am 5 years old.

1. Honestly, what are the top three reasons you signed up for this trip?
This trip was presented to me as I was trying to find a way to refocus my life around service to others. It seems a great way to celebrate my graduation as I was looking for a cause to endorse that everyone could get behind regardless of political or religious affiliation.I love working with children and youth.

2. How do you want to change and grow through your mission trip? What would you like for God to accomplish in you?
I am seeking direction for the next phase of my life. I expect that my time of reflection leading up to this trip and while in the Dominican will help me to focus on my gifts and articulate a clear mission.

3. How do you want to help the people in the DR – and show off God’s greatness? What do you expect God to do through you on this trip?
I expect that we will encounter some people who are not aware of God’s inclusive love for all creatures. I hope that we will be able to embody Christ in a way that will make them feel valued and appreciated. I want to empower the people I meet to use their voices to tell their stories and inspire others.

we can do it

2009-05-12T17:17:00.002-04:00

1. Honestly, what are the top three reasons you signed up for this trip?

ok the #1 reason i joined this trip is because i like working with kids always have its like a passion 2nd is i like to learn new things im very open-minded 3rd is i love to travel any and everywhere

2. How do you want to change and grow through your mission trip?

i hopr to get a better understanding about myself this way i can help myself and others daliy because i have a lot of growing to do

What would you like for God to accomplish in you?

well i wish god would give me more patience cuz i can use some

3. How do you want to help the people in the DR – and show off God’s greatness?

ummm just by the work we will be doing so they dont feel like all is lost

What do you expect God to do through you on this trip?

anything he pleases

Hola!

2009-05-10T18:01:00.002-04:00

1. Honestly, what are the top three reasons you signed up for this trip?
a. I honestly signed up to make a difference somewhere. In Miami growing up, I knew and had many Dominican friends. It's a hard life there and they are resilient people, and I respect that. Knowing that I can contribute to helping children accomplish their goals and perhaps do things that they would not be able to do, have some of the opportunities that we have in the U.S., gives me a sense of accomplishment and motivates my daily life.
b. I've always wanted to do missionary work, and never thought it was possible for someone that didn't know the Bible to be able to do. I'm excited about the new experience.
c. I'm going into Social Work and I hope to learn about a different culture, and hope that things I learn in DR I can apply here when working with other cultures.

2. How do you want to change and grow through your mission trip? What would you like for God to accomplish in you?
I believe that God has a plan for me. I've seen the different aspects of my life connect in similar ways, all moving toward social and community work, specifically with women and children. I'd like to widen my cultural awareness, that would be my goal in growth and change. I'm always interested in seeing how God works in my life. They say that Dios aprieta pero no ahorca. I think that when He squeezes it's for us to look around and see what else He's got in store for us.

3. How do you want to help the people in the DR – and show off God’s greatness? What do you expect God to do through you on this trip?
I have no idea what to expect, or how I'll be able to help. I know that one way, for sure, that I'll show off God's greatness is by conveying my enthusiasm and faith. I'm looking forward to talking to the kids, hearing their stories, making them laugh.

my first post

2009-05-08T11:35:00.006-04:00

Hola a todos! I am so excited about this year's trip!!! Soon, we'll all be blogging!

The first round of questions we asked this year's participants include:
Who are you?
What are three unique things about you?
How do you spend your free time / What do you like to do to relax, have fun?

My answers to those questions are as follows:

Who are you? I am Jen Glass. I am queer. I am the first born of 3. I am local to Lancaster County, PA. I grew up Roman Catholic and went to Catholic schools most of my life. I have 2 masters degrees. I am MCC clergy. I have been to the Dominican Republic numerous times, and even spent a year there doing missionary work. I have 2 part-time ministry jobs. My partner and I have been together for 10 ½ years. We own our home and share it with 8 of God’s creatures, 3 dogs and 5 cats.

What are three unique things about you?
I have lived in a convent, but was never a nun.
I had a radio broadcasters license after going to broadcasting school.
Yo soy una gringa que puede hablar español.

How do you spend your free time / What do you like to do to relax, have fun?
I love to watch baseball and go to games – PHILLIES!!! I also like to listen to music, watch tv and movies, read books, and do things on the computer.

Youth Mission Team to Visit and Worship with MCC Santo Domingo

2009-05-07T18:19:00.007-04:00

The Fellowship's thriving church plant in the Dominican Republic, MCC Santo Domingo, celebrated its 3rd anniversary in April! The Youth Mission Team will spend two days visiting with Rev. Guzman and the members of MCC Santo Domingo. On Saturday, June 27, the Mission Team will end their week-long mission trip by participating in MCC Santo Domingo's Saturday evening worship service.

Youth Mission Trip Preparations are Underway!

2009-05-07T18:00:00.007-04:00

The MCC Fellowship's Youth Mission Team is ready to go! The eleven youth team members are busy raising funds and practicing their Spanish for this summer's mission trip. Over 70 students, ages 3 to 10, from Rev. Barrera's school in El Tamarindo, Dominican Republic are anxiously awaiting the start of the Mission Team's summer Bible school on June 22. This year's Bible study theme will be Daniel and the Lion's Den. The mission team is also planning an outdoor fiesta with games, activities, and prizes for the children.

We want to take time to especially thank the spending partners who are praying for the mission trip's success and have helped to raise the funds needed for this journey. Contributions for the mission trip are still needed, and can be sent directly to Rev. Jen Glass, P.O. Box 276, Landisville, PA 17538. Please make your check payable to MCC.

Please continue to visit this site as our youth post their comments and discussion topics on their hopes and prayers for the success of this mission.

Solo Dios Puede - Only God Can

Youth Mission Trip in June 2009

2009-01-22T19:16:00.004-05:00

The MCC Youth Ministry Project plans to take another group of young adults to the Dominican Republic in June. If your MCC church has young folks ages 15 - 25, please urge them to email Rev. Jennifer Glass at jenniferglass@mccchurch.net for more information about applying for this life changing experience. The application deadline is February 16, 2009!

To learn more about the 2008 mission trip and to read about the missionaries' experiences, please start by clicking 2008 in the Blog Archive index on the left hand side of the blog.

Summary from 2008

2009-01-22T12:38:00.002-05:00

2008 MCC Youth Ministry Project
Last Summer, fourteen MCC youth flew into Miami to meet once another and most of the 8 adult leaders for the first time. They took shuttles to a local hotel and that night shared pizza and held their own service where Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson and her partner Paula were present.

The next morning they drove to the Miami airport and flew out to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! They made it through the airport with ease and they were able to retrieve all of their bags. What a relief! Tim Helm, Dominican Republic Ministry Team Representative from MCC Washington, and the drivers were waiting there for them with a couple of vans: one for luggage and one for the people.

They drove into Boca Chica where they would be staying for the next week. They met the rest of the building crew and went out to dinner later that night. When they returned from dinner the lead teachers got together to plan the arts and crafts for the next few days. So much to do!
Monday through Thursday the maintenance team traveled into El Tamarindo early in the morning and the rest of them arrived later. The maintenance team worked tirelessly as they repainted the entire school and removed and replaced old tiles on the outside staircases.

Meanwhile a number of youth spent time the children outside, who are not part of the school, with games and songs while other youth did arts and crafts with the school children. The group stayed at the school until after the kids ate lunch, which was provided by the MCC Youth Ministry Project. This was really something incredible to see. The teachers brought in plates of food for their students who all waited patiently until everyone had some. And then they only ate after they said their prayers. They must have been so hungry but at the same time they were so patient.
The young adults left the school at about 2 in the afternoon while the maintenance team worked for a few more hours into the heat of the day. Once they returned to the hotel they had a chance to go out and explore Boca Chica. Many of them went to the beach, went shopping, found food, swam, and just relaxed. Those that didn't venture out stayed behind and had a chance to swim in the pool at the hotel, rest, blog, or do whatever else they wanted to do. Every night they were given 500 pesos to cover dinner and were asked to be back in time for spiritual reflection.

Each night there were creative and moving ways to get the youth talking to one other to open up about their experiences as the group met together for spiritual reflection. The youth broke up in small groups or walked around or went through guided meditation. This really tuned the youth into their own feelings as well as the feelings of others. The spiritual reflection was crucial into bringing everyone together.

On Thursday many of the school children came to us in Boca Chica to spend the day at the beach. They had beach balls, bubbles, frisbees and a wide array of pool toys for the kids to play with-and many of them had never even seen the beach! It was an absolute BLAST! The only regret was missing the maintenance team on this day because it gave that team a chance to finish up work that they weren't able to do with so many children running around.

After the event at the beach was done everyone walked back to the hotel for lunch and a children's service. Rev. Barrera gave his sermon and three of the MCC youth had a chance to share their experiences with all of the children. At the end of the service the kids presented little presents that they made for the youth. It was so sweet to see them call everyone in their group up one by one to give the youth a handmade gift. The hardest part of the journey was saying goodbye to the children as they loaded the vans and drove away...There was not a dry eye as the children drove back to El Tamarindo on Thursday afternoon...
Hearts were heavy and weary on Thursday evening but the youth had a chance to lighten up the mood a bit as they traveled into Santo Domingo on Friday for some site seeing and shopping! Rev. Tania Guzman and a number of people from MCC Santo Domingo met them in the center of town to show the youth around the city! Everyone had a great, care-free day that ended in a giant pizza party. It really was incredible!

Friday evening the youth went back to Boca Chica for one last time. Some of them had last minute shopping to do and wanted to see the town and the beach one last time. Many of them probably didn't go to sleep before 2 or 3 a.m. even though they had to be up at 6 a.m. to get to the airport on time. There was just so much to do and see and some of the youth figured they could sleep on the plane or when they returned home. Saturday morning the group loaded up and headed back to the airport. The week was over...Where did the time go? Their flight left Santo Domingo an hour late but everyone eventually made it home safe and sound-and at least 20 family members stronger.
The 2008 trip was truly an experience that none of the youth will ever forget and a project that they will continue to work on for years to come. The youth were all blessed and touched in ways they never could have imagined. And they all realized that Si-"Solo Dios Puede"-or Yes, "Only God can!"

Since last year, the youth have been processing and reflecting on their experience. In addition, the youth set up a scholarship fund for a young gentleman named Jonathon. He is a bright student who reached the maximum age for the school in El Tamarindo. In order to ensure that he would be able to continue his education in another school, the youth have been raising money for The Far Reaching Faith Scholarship Fund to see that his tuition and other costs are paid for 7th and 8th grade. A generous donor intrigued by this fund, inquired with Rev. Elder Ackerman about helping and has been contributing funds to see that Jonathon will be able to continue school through high school.

For more information on The Far Reaching Faith Scholarship Fund, please contact:

MCC Youth Ministry Project
The Far Reaching Faith Scholarship Fund
Atttn: Rev. Jen Glass
P. O. Box 276
Landisville, Pennsylvania 17538
Tel: 717.715.1650
jenniferglass@mccchurch.net