My Story...

Hello! Thanks for visiting my blog. I will be spending the next two years in the Dominican Republic and am excited to use this space to share news with you. God has placed a calling on my heart to venture out and teach in the mountains of the Dominican Republic at Doulos Discovery School. I will also be working with an outreach ministry, called Young Life. Please take some time to check out the links for both of these organizations. Thank you so much for partnering with me on this adventure!

4.11.2014

My Last Expedition Night

Well, last night was my last Expedition Night at Doulos.  It was great.  I watched the 3rd and 4th graders proudly display and present all that they had learned.  Below are pictures and videos from the night.

Third grade studied Ancient Egypt.  Each student became an expert on a person's profession during that time and culture (scribe, vizier, pharaoh, slave, artisan...).  They presented themselves and their projects during a live museum after singing this song... 
(the video is from their dress rehearsal)

Pharaoh 
3rd grade Egyptians



Daniel peeking through the ferns

Fourth grade studied different countries in South America and held a cultural fair in their classroom last night.  Each student became an expert on one country in South America.  It was fun to visit their different booths filled with games, food, dress, and other customs displayed.  They also compared the culture they studied to that of the Dominican Republic.  Below is a video of the Dominican Republic booth when two parents couldn't help but jump in!


Yadiel, Meralis, and Herly

Malachi, Adrian, and Albely



4.07.2014

Rebekah

One of the things I've enjoyed most about my time in the DR, is getting to know the high school students through my involvement with Young Life.  It's also one of the things I am saddest about leaving.  After four years of being present, I have some sweet relationships with high school friends.  Rebekah Robertts is one of those friendships that I cherish.  Below is her thank you video to her sponsors and I want to share it with you because I want to share more of her with you! (You will probably recognize her from pictures that I've shared in the past.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOJBNhk0fkg

4.06.2014

Hannah Byker!

Hey there friends!

One year later...presenting Hannah Byker!
Many of you embarked on the journey of prayer and raising finances for Hannah one year ago, so I wanted to share an update with you.  Joe, Christen, and Hannah now live in the States; however, they were here for a visit in March and it was so great to spend time with them.  Hannah is a little roly-poly ball of joy, and Joe and Christen are doing well also.  It's amazing to think back to one year ago and all the people that came together that made it possible for Hannah to get the care that she needed.  God is good.

In other news, I also wanted to share with you that this will be my last school year with Doulos and YL in the DR.  I feel led to move back to the States this summer, although I am not sure where yet.  You can pray with me during this transition.  I am so thankful for my time here and many emotions fill my heart everyday - sadness to leave friends that have become family and excitement to return to family and friends in the States are just two of the many conflicting emotions I feel.  It is very hard to think of not seeing my elementary students and the YL high schoolers next year...  but I know that God is leading and when He reveals what's next, I look forward to sharing that with you!  Thank you for your support over these past four years - when we started this journey together it was only supposed to be two! :)  

That's the quick update for now.  I will be posting more soon as there is a lot to share!
Love, Sara

3.15.2014

Why Doulos Exists...

Hey there friends!
Here is a link to a video that highlights our Sponsorship Program at Doulos; however, I wanted to share it with you because it's a great little snippet of why Doulos exists.  The artwork is done by one of the seniors from last year.  Thanks for making it possible for me to be here!  Lots of love to you!

1.22.2014

What does the fox say?

Yep, Young Life Dominican Republic joined the fox craze back in November....   One Friday night we gathered at the school and practiced a dance put to "What Does the Fox Say?", created by our two student leaders.  We then set to the streets of Jarabacoa, flash mobbing the plaza and the favorite pico pollo spot.  The first video is of Karen and Regina (student leaders) teaching us the dance.  The second is a clip from the plaza and the last is from our time at pico pollo.  Enjoy!



1.20.2014

Coral Reef Expedition

Approaching Paradise Island
I was invited to help chaperone the tenth grade expedition trip on Coral Reefs.  It was awesome.  I love those tenth graders and I was able to go to two places on the island I hadn't been before.  We started at Paradise Island - literally a sand pile in the middle of the ocean!  We all snorkeled there for an example of a healthy reef.  At one point, I completely freaked out because I was surrounded by so many fish!  But the beauty of the underwater world quickly filled me with awe and peace.  After snorkeling we all played in the waves for awhile, took the boat back through the mangrove trees, interviewed the local fishermen, and ate a delicious, fresh fish-fry for dinner.  That night we loaded back on the bus for Monti Cristi, another town on the north shore.  On our way there, our bus got a flat tire; however, once again I was reminded of the care Dominicans show for one another.  Many strangers stopped and helped us change the tire and get back on our way.
In Monti Cristi, we were able to see an example of a reef that has been damaged by pollution and over-fishing.  Students were once again able to interview local fishermen.  Our classroom for the day was in the middle of the mangroves, on a picnic table in the middle of the water.  Absolutely beautiful.  Snorkeling in this area, I saw a baby barracuda!
The pier at Monti Cristi
Our last day, we went on a small hike on a cliff overlooking the ocean.  We were hoping to see manatees in the water, but did not.  This trip was such a blessing to me and I'm so glad I was asked to help chaperone.  I was just beginning to feel healthy again, and to be out in nature just continued the healing process, physically and emotionally.  I have moments here, where I think, "How in the world did I get here? This is crazy!  This is awesome and amazing."  I had one of those moments, speeding through the ocean in a little speed boat, surrounded by beautiful mountains and people who have become very, very dear to me (when I didn't know this place or these people just 4 years ago).  We are called to be faithful to God's calling - and when we are He can lead us into some pretty cool adventures.  Thank you for the ways you have supported me in this journey.
Our classroom in Monti Cristi
The view from the hike on our search from manatees
The group in Monti Cristi

1.17.2014

Making Paper!

If you have ever wanted a glimpse into life in the 4th grade classroom at Doulos, these videos are for you!  Warning, they are in real-time!  The fourth graders made paper as part of their Expedition on trash and recycling.  Yadiel talks you through a few steps of how they did it, as he is working on his own piece of paper.  Enjoy!



10.05.2013

Year FOUR!

The Top Ten pictures of the beginning of a new school year (in no particular order)...

Young Life Staff Meeting
Emily, Me, and Melisa (Katie was missing, so we sent her these pics)
FUNdations!!
Alicia (3rd grade teacher) and I are excited to pilot this Phonics program at Doulos!

Rebekah (now a Senior at Doulos!) cooking dinner with me.

PhotoShoot!  Rebekah and I


Couch Olympics!
My dream come true...  Our first YL Event of the Year.  Teams carried couches through the streets of Jarabacoa to complete a Photo Scavenger Hunt.
Here's my team of tenth graders at the gas station!

The team of Seniors with their couch!

Third grader, Alidanfther, working on her Color Poem

Rubi proudly displaying her finished Color Poem

dear Friends being silly during a picnic to celebrate Megan's 25th birthday
Melisa and I drove down the mountain on Megan's Golden Birthday (25 on the 25th) to buy 25 ounces of ice cream with 25 toppings at Sweet Frog.  She was there everyday with friends, her third grade students, or high school girls when it opened last Spring.  She had gone twice the night she died.  Melisa and I had fun celebrating her in that way.
I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into life here in the DR.  Thank you for your continued support in so many ways as I embark on a fourth year here.  Love and peace to you.

5.14.2013

Live As You Are Called


"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28
This year has been a year of learning... learning to live as I have been called.  I love to look, observe, and compare...and in turn my joy is robbed from me.  My eyes have been opening to the incredible ways I am being used just by living as I am called.  There is great joy in being single and watching the Lord pour out His love through me.  There is a sweetness in being free and available to the Lord’s nudging.  I am not always faithful to that call; however, I am learning.  I am learning that if I am faithful to live as He has called me, that I am often left speechless by what He does around me. 
Expedition Night
Another night of celebration!  Third graders created an Ancient Egypt museum.  Fourth grade students became experts on Incan civilization.  Fifth grade learned about immigration and ran a simulation of a journey to America.  Below are pictures of my classes and here is a link to a video on YouTube that shows snippets from all of the class projects: PK-12.  Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hfWnk8di_t0

Marlen and I beginning the mummifying process
(Three students became experts on how to make a mummy, with the end result being to actually make a mummy! - well, sort of.)

Me, Adrian, Natan, and the mummy

And we have a mummy!
Adrian, Natan, Alicia Powell (3rd grade teacher), Marlen, and Me

Ancient Egyptians Anais and Albely

The fifth grade girls and I 


3.19.2013

Community

“Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.”
Psalm 77:  13-14

Hannah
Many of you know that some dear friends here recently had some complications with the birth of their daughter.  Hannah was in need of care that could not be provided at the hospital, here in the DR.  As I watched my friends from the outside and prayed with them, I was amazed at how clearly the Lord shifted pieces of the puzzle.  Many of you, who don’t know the Byker family at all, came forward with information, prayers, finances, offers to help...  We are all so connected and I was moved to tears often because of your generosity and concern for my friends whom you do not know personally.  One of the biggest hurtles for the Byker family was not having U.S. insurance...In less than 24 hours, they had over $50,000 donated from people all over the world to contribute toward hospital costs and Med Evac.  Then, CHOP (in Philadelphia) took them on as a charity case and they are now safely in Philly getting top care for Hannah.  I share this with you for a few reasons.  So many of you followed along with Hannah’s story via my Facebook page as I reposted Joe’s updates and I thought you might be interested to know a little more.  Also, it is stunning and awesome to watch the Lord make a way.  Psalm 77 says, “  You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.”  If you would like to continue hearing about Hannah and how you can help the Byker family, you can visit their website at: 

Young Life 
WyldLife Camp and Work Crew
Last weekend, another Young Life leader and I took five high school Doulos students to Pico Escondido to be part of the Work Crew for Wyldlife Camp.  It was our first ever Work Crew experience together and it was awesome.  From Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon, we cooked, washed dishes, cleaned bathrooms, washed dishes, chopped vegetables, peeled garlic, washed dishes, swept floors, washed dishes, served smores, washed dishes, ran a County Fair carnival, and washed dishes.  Before and during the weekend we talked about what it means to be a servant and honoring God with our service.  It was so much fun to be with this small group for three days.  It was also such an encouraging time because our Young Life team volunteered to be at camp for the weekend - 2 of us as Work Crew bosses, 2 on Work Crew, 1 on Program, 1 in the cabin with middle school boys (oh my...), and 1 as a superstar volunteer available for whatever needed to be done.  I am so encouraged by the people that I live and serve with daily.  It’s amazing to see people live like Christ and be His hands and feet.

Here are a few pictures from our latest shenanigans in YL...
Curt and I hosting (in gold!) Dominican Idol for YL Karaoke Night
**the sound system "failed" and Emily had to sing from an iPod
She rocked it!

Kate finishing her number from the iPod

The winners...

Jedely, Karen, and I


Doulos 
My parents have made the comment that Doulos is a special place.  Doulos is the hub of all that is swirling around - the good, the challenging, the joys, the relationships, the academics, the celebrations...the list goes on.  This semester is flying by and we are almost ready to celebrate with another Expedition Night.  The third grade is exploring Ancient Egypt, fourth grade is comparing Incan life with Dominican life, and fifth grade is  experiencing Immigration. Below are a few pictures from Revolution (our bi-weekly all-school Friday gathering) this semester.

Third grade

Teachers vs. Students
Danae vs. Rony
(racing to get the scarf first without getting tagged)

Natalie vs. Saul


Friends, as always, thank you so much for your continued support.  Please continue to pray for the Byker family and for the Doulos community.  

2.17.2013

Ash Wednesday

"I don’t know what you’re doing, but I know who You are...”  JJ Heller

Pain.  Hard to understand and make sense of it.  There’s been a lot of pain among the community of Doulos this year.  People that surround me and whom I live life with everyday - students, YL kids, coworkers - are hurting... deeply.  There has been death, substance abuse, loved ones moving away, depression, accidents, and general sadness and heaviness for all that is whirling around us.  There have been questions and conversations.  As I enter into my own pain, or someone else’s pain through my love for them, I can see the Lord meeting us there.  A friend shared this excerpt from a book she is reading:  

"Why is heartbreak so universal? It's universal because we're feeling something as old as the world. Something God feels.... The cross is God taking on flesh and blood and saying, "Me too." This can transform our experience of heartbreak. Instead of being something that distances us from God, causing us to question, "Where are you?" every poem by a lover spurned, every song sung with an ache, every movie with a gut-wrending scene, every late-night conversation and empty box of kleenex are glimpses into the life of God."

"The more we open ourselves up, the more vulnerable we are. The more exposed we are, the more in hurts. The more we let someone in, the greater the risk."
Sex God by Rob Bell

If I have been even more absent than usual, it’s because I haven’t known how to write about life here these days... but a good friend told me to just write, because you all want to know.  And you want to pray.  So, friends, please pray for my precious friends down here.

The community here has become dear to my heart and one of the most precious moments came to me this past Wednesday.  My women’s bible study gathered as we normally do on Wednesday nights, but this time we shared in an Ash Wednesday service together.  One of the women put together a service for us to follow and the five of us reflected, sang, prayed, communed, and put ashes on each other in my living room.  It was beautiful.  Beautiful to remember tradition.  Beautiful to be together.  Beautiful to be on our knees together.  Beautiful to partake in communion.  Beautiful to reflect on Christ as we put ashes on each other’s foreheads.  I pray Lent is a time of reflection for us all.

Life continues on here in Jarabacoa and there have been some amazing blessings and joyful moments with my classes and with Young Life these past few weeks.  I hope to share those with you through pictures soon.  For now, here is where I am.  

11.13.2012

Joy

"I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High."  Psalm 9:2

It's been a busy, but great, beginning of the year!  Below are a few pictures that show what the semester has held thus far...

Third Grade goes to the aquarium...
We all fit in one guagua!
Jenifer excited to hold a starfish!

Malachi is lovin' life!

total awe.


5th grade performed for "5 Minutes of Fame" at Revolution this semester.  Check out their performance at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT6sgZFaXMM



Young Life in Jarabacoa
Young Life kicks off with Water Olympics

High-fiving Jesus during the Photo Scavenger Hunt

"Throwing a wish in a well"
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Climbing a tree in El Parque
Photo Scavenger Hunt
The team with a chicken?  Okay, turkey works too
Photo Scavenger Hunt
The team on a stranger's moto
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Thalia leading Bingo with the elderly during our YL Serv-a-thon
(high school students collected pledges per hour serving to raise money for camp)

YL Serv-a-thon group after a fun and tiring day!


Life...
Kerrie (aka Jan Brady) and I in the 70s...

The Scars.
Celebrating Tim's birthday with a 70s party.
Check out little baby Charlotte's homemade afro wig
I celebrated my birthday with this fantastic crowd and a game of kickball.
It was glorious.

Our kickball game...right in my backyard





Good friends Brad and Amanda came to visit!