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| Lorraine, Maggie, and I on the hike (teachers from Doulos) |
8.27.2010
8.23.2010
And it begins...
“There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2
The kids are here! After much preparation, school began on Wednesday. It was fun to meet the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes. Each class is so different and there are definite language barriers. I am spending the first two weeks with the kids in their English class, and then will begin pulling small groups a few weeks in. I’m enjoying getting to know the kids and their families. It is a very open and relational culture. I did discover this week that as I was trying to ask kids and parents their names, I was actually telling them “I love you”. Oh well… there are worse things to be said, right?
Doulos has a unique school community that runs PK3 – 12. Each morning starts with a school wide meeting at the flag. Snack, recess, and lunch are also times that the whole school has a break together. This has been great for getting to know some of the older girls as we begin to gear up for Young Life this year. I met a great group of junior girls this week and hope to follow up with them this coming week. Speaking of Young Life, give thanks for Chad and Krista Wallace for taking on the Committee Chair position for Young Life and Vida Joven (Spanish speaking Young Life)! This will be the first Young Life Committee for Jarabacoa. The committee will be made up of adults from the community and will be a solid presence in the community as staff come and go. Krista is also the director of Doulos, so they have a lot on their plate, but are super excited about Young Life/Vida Joven. We will have a kick-off for committee and leader interest at the Leader’s Weekend in September. Club (large group gatherings) and Campaigners (bible study groups) for high school age kids will begin after that. There is a lot happening right now and it’s crazy that I am here to be a part of it!
It’s still surreal to me as I walk to school in the mornings with the mountains all around me that God has called me to serve in the Dominican Republic! I miss home (a lot), but know that this is the place for me right now. Thank you for your continued prayers and notes of encouragement!
The kids are here! After much preparation, school began on Wednesday. It was fun to meet the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes. Each class is so different and there are definite language barriers. I am spending the first two weeks with the kids in their English class, and then will begin pulling small groups a few weeks in. I’m enjoying getting to know the kids and their families. It is a very open and relational culture. I did discover this week that as I was trying to ask kids and parents their names, I was actually telling them “I love you”. Oh well… there are worse things to be said, right?
Doulos has a unique school community that runs PK3 – 12. Each morning starts with a school wide meeting at the flag. Snack, recess, and lunch are also times that the whole school has a break together. This has been great for getting to know some of the older girls as we begin to gear up for Young Life this year. I met a great group of junior girls this week and hope to follow up with them this coming week. Speaking of Young Life, give thanks for Chad and Krista Wallace for taking on the Committee Chair position for Young Life and Vida Joven (Spanish speaking Young Life)! This will be the first Young Life Committee for Jarabacoa. The committee will be made up of adults from the community and will be a solid presence in the community as staff come and go. Krista is also the director of Doulos, so they have a lot on their plate, but are super excited about Young Life/Vida Joven. We will have a kick-off for committee and leader interest at the Leader’s Weekend in September. Club (large group gatherings) and Campaigners (bible study groups) for high school age kids will begin after that. There is a lot happening right now and it’s crazy that I am here to be a part of it!
It’s still surreal to me as I walk to school in the mornings with the mountains all around me that God has called me to serve in the Dominican Republic! I miss home (a lot), but know that this is the place for me right now. Thank you for your continued prayers and notes of encouragement!
8.14.2010
Rain
"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1
This week has brought afternoon showers and cooler weather. I'm actually a little chilly throughout the night. In other news, it has also brought the challenge of no electricity and running water. Ironically, when it rains the houses usually do not have running water. Of course this can be frustrating at times, but really it has been a great week of learning to live simply. The storms are something else. It's bright and sunny until all of the sudden the clouds appear from behind the mountains. Really a beautiful sight.
I once again attended the Spanish speaking church last Sunday and I understood about 4 more words during the service. Slow and steady wins the race! :) There was a group visiting from Mexico that shared a few traditional dances - I'm really enjoying all the different cultures that come together here. I also got in my "American time" with a few girls from Doulos with an afternoon trip to the pool. This past Tuesday evening I went with Seli (my host mom - who is actually a year younger than I!) to a Spanish speaking Bible study. I loved it. Wednesday night brought fellowship time at a family's house with a spaghetti dinner and a game of spoons! Last night I went with a friend to a Colombian restruant and then to another friend's house to make chocolate chip cookies and to watch a movie. I didn't realize how much I missed cookies!! That's a little picture of what a week looks like for me here.
One of the highlights of the week was the staff retreat to the Young Life camp in Jarabacoa. It was a time of worship, fellowship, good food, and fun. We separated out into our small groups for the year and shared praises and concerns. It was a good opportunity to go deeper with the people I will be spending most of my time with. It is just so amazing to hear the stories of how everyone ended up at Doulos. The Lord definitely has a plan. Please pray for the health of the staff - we've all been under attack physically for the past two weeks. Also please pray for this week as students arrive Wednesday. We have had great preparation over the past couple of weeks and I think we are all ready to get the year started. One more prayer - Please pray for Young Life and Wyldlife leaders from Doulos and Jarabacoa Christian School. We will have a Leader's Weekend in September and need a few more leaders for each of the teams. I'm excited to start meeting and teaching kids!
Thank you for the emails and notes! I'm so encouraged through them. A personal request... As things continue to be different and overwhelming at times, please pray that I would continue to seek my identity in Christ. It's a good thing to be out of your comfort zone and go through the pruning process, but it can certainly be difficult as well. Thank you so much for your prayers. Hasta luego!
This week has brought afternoon showers and cooler weather. I'm actually a little chilly throughout the night. In other news, it has also brought the challenge of no electricity and running water. Ironically, when it rains the houses usually do not have running water. Of course this can be frustrating at times, but really it has been a great week of learning to live simply. The storms are something else. It's bright and sunny until all of the sudden the clouds appear from behind the mountains. Really a beautiful sight.
I once again attended the Spanish speaking church last Sunday and I understood about 4 more words during the service. Slow and steady wins the race! :) There was a group visiting from Mexico that shared a few traditional dances - I'm really enjoying all the different cultures that come together here. I also got in my "American time" with a few girls from Doulos with an afternoon trip to the pool. This past Tuesday evening I went with Seli (my host mom - who is actually a year younger than I!) to a Spanish speaking Bible study. I loved it. Wednesday night brought fellowship time at a family's house with a spaghetti dinner and a game of spoons! Last night I went with a friend to a Colombian restruant and then to another friend's house to make chocolate chip cookies and to watch a movie. I didn't realize how much I missed cookies!! That's a little picture of what a week looks like for me here.
One of the highlights of the week was the staff retreat to the Young Life camp in Jarabacoa. It was a time of worship, fellowship, good food, and fun. We separated out into our small groups for the year and shared praises and concerns. It was a good opportunity to go deeper with the people I will be spending most of my time with. It is just so amazing to hear the stories of how everyone ended up at Doulos. The Lord definitely has a plan. Please pray for the health of the staff - we've all been under attack physically for the past two weeks. Also please pray for this week as students arrive Wednesday. We have had great preparation over the past couple of weeks and I think we are all ready to get the year started. One more prayer - Please pray for Young Life and Wyldlife leaders from Doulos and Jarabacoa Christian School. We will have a Leader's Weekend in September and need a few more leaders for each of the teams. I'm excited to start meeting and teaching kids!
Thank you for the emails and notes! I'm so encouraged through them. A personal request... As things continue to be different and overwhelming at times, please pray that I would continue to seek my identity in Christ. It's a good thing to be out of your comfort zone and go through the pruning process, but it can certainly be difficult as well. Thank you so much for your prayers. Hasta luego!
8.09.2010
First Week...
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
This past week in Jarabacoa feels like much longer than a week – only because each day is filled with a roller coaster of emotions, new experiences, and the challenge of learning a new language. It has been a rich week. I continue to learn a few more Spanish words, but still have a long way to go. There was the first big miscommunication between the Americans and Dominicans at Doulos, but it was amazing to watch the Lord heal those relationships. We need much grace when interacting with each other!
Much of this week was spent at Doulos Discovery School in training. We had time to get to know one another and learn names. We have a very diverse staff and all the training is given in Spanish and English. A large chunk of the training this week was spent focusing on Expeditionary Learning and how to use it effectively. For this, the staff did our own “Slice” of an expedition in three days. The first day we spent discovering our topic through texts and resources, which turned out to be the sugar industry. The second day we took a four hour bus trip to just outside of Santo Domingo and visited a batey. This is a community of Haitians who have crossed the border in order to work in the sugar cane fields. Living conditions are harsh. Part of our expedition was to hear directly from the people of the industry we were studying, but also to provide a service. We brought filters to give to families so that they would have clean drinking water. They told us we were the first outsiders to visit. There is a Haitian on our staff so he was able to translate from Creole to Spanish and then another translated from Spanish to English. It was amazing to see the communication between so many cultures. We prayed together before leaving. The final day of “The Slice” we got together in groups and made our final product of our unit, a poem. It was so great to have a service project as a staff. We took more than 12 hours to travel together, learn, and serve. Of course, there is much more to this than I have room to write, but I wanted to give you a snapshot of expeditionary learning. If you want to hear more about what we did and learned, I would love to share with you – just ask!
I also had my first team leader meeting for Young Life this week. I’m excited to see how God will use this ministry in this community. We will have a Leader’s Weekend at the YL camp in Jarabacoa in a few weeks. Please pray that God would raise up leaders for high school and middle school students.
Thank you for all the notes and prayers. It’s hard to be in a new place at times, but your support is so encouraging. The Spirit is at work here and I’m so thankful to be able to share in this journey with you.
This past week in Jarabacoa feels like much longer than a week – only because each day is filled with a roller coaster of emotions, new experiences, and the challenge of learning a new language. It has been a rich week. I continue to learn a few more Spanish words, but still have a long way to go. There was the first big miscommunication between the Americans and Dominicans at Doulos, but it was amazing to watch the Lord heal those relationships. We need much grace when interacting with each other!
Much of this week was spent at Doulos Discovery School in training. We had time to get to know one another and learn names. We have a very diverse staff and all the training is given in Spanish and English. A large chunk of the training this week was spent focusing on Expeditionary Learning and how to use it effectively. For this, the staff did our own “Slice” of an expedition in three days. The first day we spent discovering our topic through texts and resources, which turned out to be the sugar industry. The second day we took a four hour bus trip to just outside of Santo Domingo and visited a batey. This is a community of Haitians who have crossed the border in order to work in the sugar cane fields. Living conditions are harsh. Part of our expedition was to hear directly from the people of the industry we were studying, but also to provide a service. We brought filters to give to families so that they would have clean drinking water. They told us we were the first outsiders to visit. There is a Haitian on our staff so he was able to translate from Creole to Spanish and then another translated from Spanish to English. It was amazing to see the communication between so many cultures. We prayed together before leaving. The final day of “The Slice” we got together in groups and made our final product of our unit, a poem. It was so great to have a service project as a staff. We took more than 12 hours to travel together, learn, and serve. Of course, there is much more to this than I have room to write, but I wanted to give you a snapshot of expeditionary learning. If you want to hear more about what we did and learned, I would love to share with you – just ask!
I also had my first team leader meeting for Young Life this week. I’m excited to see how God will use this ministry in this community. We will have a Leader’s Weekend at the YL camp in Jarabacoa in a few weeks. Please pray that God would raise up leaders for high school and middle school students.
Thank you for all the notes and prayers. It’s hard to be in a new place at times, but your support is so encouraging. The Spirit is at work here and I’m so thankful to be able to share in this journey with you.
8.05.2010
Two Things: Shipping & Donating
Hi all,
Great to receive emails from you! I'm looking forward to mail day on Tuesdays as well. It's nice to hear news from home. Things here are going well. I have so much more to share already. I hope to write a more lengthy post this weekend. In the meantime I have had two main questions...
Shipping Packages
Many of you have told me you love to send packages - and I would love to receive them! I have since figured out the system (I think). :) You can ship packages to the FL address:
Sara Drebes
3170 Airmans Dr.
Unit 3017 - DDS DR
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
I will then pay about $1.50 per pound. If you want to include money for the item(s) in the package, you should definitely put it in a sealed envelope as packages are often searched. Including money is not necessary though, unless you want to send large items/supplies for the school (which we should talk about over email anyway).
Donations
God has truly blessed the fundraising aspect of this journey. Thank you to all who have felt the calling to be involved and have been so generous! Many of you are wondering where I am in the process. I am currently working on raising about $3000 more for Young Life in Jarabacoa. This money is not an extra salary for me, but rather goes directly toward ministry with middle school and high school kids in Jarabacoa. If you are interested in giving toward this need, please go to the giving link under "Young Life" to the right and include my account number (X8176). I can also email with more specific information. Email me with any questions you have.
Okay, that should hopefully answer the big questions for now. I am hoping to load pictures this weekend and write another update! I will email when that happens.
Thank you for the prayers and support. It's hard to describe how much I appreciate you.
Sara
Great to receive emails from you! I'm looking forward to mail day on Tuesdays as well. It's nice to hear news from home. Things here are going well. I have so much more to share already. I hope to write a more lengthy post this weekend. In the meantime I have had two main questions...
Shipping Packages
Many of you have told me you love to send packages - and I would love to receive them! I have since figured out the system (I think). :) You can ship packages to the FL address:
Sara Drebes
3170 Airmans Dr.
Unit 3017 - DDS DR
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
I will then pay about $1.50 per pound. If you want to include money for the item(s) in the package, you should definitely put it in a sealed envelope as packages are often searched. Including money is not necessary though, unless you want to send large items/supplies for the school (which we should talk about over email anyway).
Donations
God has truly blessed the fundraising aspect of this journey. Thank you to all who have felt the calling to be involved and have been so generous! Many of you are wondering where I am in the process. I am currently working on raising about $3000 more for Young Life in Jarabacoa. This money is not an extra salary for me, but rather goes directly toward ministry with middle school and high school kids in Jarabacoa. If you are interested in giving toward this need, please go to the giving link under "Young Life" to the right and include my account number (X8176). I can also email with more specific information. Email me with any questions you have.
Okay, that should hopefully answer the big questions for now. I am hoping to load pictures this weekend and write another update! I will email when that happens.
Thank you for the prayers and support. It's hard to describe how much I appreciate you.
Sara
8.02.2010
Arrival
Buenos Dias!
Well, this is my first post as a blogger. :) It’s hard to believe I’m actually here. Since May it’s been a whirlwind of end of school activities, a good friend’s wedding, moving out of our house, a tonsillectomy/recovery, great fun at family beach week, seeing friends and family, and packing up for the move. Whew! It started to sink in on the flight to Miami that it was actually happening. Then on the flight from Miami to Santiago, panic and fear started to creep in. However, I also had time to reflect on all the Lord has done to get me to this moment in just a few short weeks. It really is amazing.
My first couple of days in Jarabacoa has been very rich and full. A small group of us were on the same flight from Miami, so it was good to navigate the Santiago airport with them. I spent the first two nights with a great couple, Whitney and Tim, who both work at Doulos. They graciously opened their home to me and have made me feel very much a part of things. The body of Christ is evident in the way people interact and care for one another. I’m looking forward to being a part of the community here. I attended my first Spanish speaking church service Sunday morning and was once again moved by the way God transcends all language barriers. It was a beautiful service with Caribbean breezes blowing throughout.
Monday will be my first day of training at Doulos Discovery. I saw the school today and the grounds are just gorgeous. I’m looking forward to getting started. Most of the staff has arrived, and just like the schools in the States, the teachers are ready! I will also meet my host family tonight and see where I will be living for the next little bit!
Please be praying for me and the rest of the new staff as we not only adjust to living in a new town with new friends and a new job… but also a new language and a different way of doing things. New routines need to be formed and it is easy to wish for days past. However, on the other side of the coin, it is a rich process to be stretched and challenged. A beautiful, messy, exciting process.
I hope to post pictures soon. Be sure to stay in touch from your end. I miss you! For my VA friends – I think the DR might actually be slightly cooler at the moment… I’ll let you know after I’m here for a few more days. :)
Adios!
Sara
Well, this is my first post as a blogger. :) It’s hard to believe I’m actually here. Since May it’s been a whirlwind of end of school activities, a good friend’s wedding, moving out of our house, a tonsillectomy/recovery, great fun at family beach week, seeing friends and family, and packing up for the move. Whew! It started to sink in on the flight to Miami that it was actually happening. Then on the flight from Miami to Santiago, panic and fear started to creep in. However, I also had time to reflect on all the Lord has done to get me to this moment in just a few short weeks. It really is amazing.
My first couple of days in Jarabacoa has been very rich and full. A small group of us were on the same flight from Miami, so it was good to navigate the Santiago airport with them. I spent the first two nights with a great couple, Whitney and Tim, who both work at Doulos. They graciously opened their home to me and have made me feel very much a part of things. The body of Christ is evident in the way people interact and care for one another. I’m looking forward to being a part of the community here. I attended my first Spanish speaking church service Sunday morning and was once again moved by the way God transcends all language barriers. It was a beautiful service with Caribbean breezes blowing throughout.
Monday will be my first day of training at Doulos Discovery. I saw the school today and the grounds are just gorgeous. I’m looking forward to getting started. Most of the staff has arrived, and just like the schools in the States, the teachers are ready! I will also meet my host family tonight and see where I will be living for the next little bit!
Please be praying for me and the rest of the new staff as we not only adjust to living in a new town with new friends and a new job… but also a new language and a different way of doing things. New routines need to be formed and it is easy to wish for days past. However, on the other side of the coin, it is a rich process to be stretched and challenged. A beautiful, messy, exciting process.
I hope to post pictures soon. Be sure to stay in touch from your end. I miss you! For my VA friends – I think the DR might actually be slightly cooler at the moment… I’ll let you know after I’m here for a few more days. :)
Adios!
Sara
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