Jamie's Story

I want to thank you so much for your support in helping me fund my trip to the Dominican Republic.  I would not have been able to undergo this ultimate experience without your contribution, whether big or small.   I am especially thankful for your prayers.
To recap this summer's trip to the Dominican Republic is an incredibly difficult task.  I along with 2 leaders and 4 other girls traveled to the city of Santiago in the Dominican Republic.  The ‘Jamie’ who left on May 11th was different from the ‘Jamie’ who returned on May 21st.  I was impacted, changed, and greatest of all; God touched me and used me as His instrument.  
Immediately upon arrival to our home stay, we enter the door to the pastor's apartment when Mama Ester (as we affectionately called her), begins screaming with joy and wraps one of my team members, Brittany Riley, in the most gigantic bear hug ever as she jumps up and down in excitement, all the while continuing to scream. The look on Brittany's face was priceless as the realities of this oh-so-relational culture sunk in. Aside from building extremely tight-knit relationships with Pastor Darwin, his wife Cristina, and their two beautiful daughters, Crismeily & Darling, the girls and I were kept extremely busy! 
As much as I would like to go over everything in detail, it would probably take me 50 pages to do so.  So let me just share my highlights.  We arrived in Santiago on Saturday night and after many hugs and introductions, I settled in and got my last full nights sleep.  The following day we attended a church service where we sang 'All Who Are Thirsty,' and I, along with one other team member, shared my testimonies.  After the typical 3 hour service we headed off to pick up Pastor Darwin at his church, or so we thought.  We attended the end of his service and participated in worship, but then something foreign to me took place.  He had everyone form a circle of protection around two girls in their teens.  We were praying for them as they were accepting Christ.  Tears streamed from every eye as the circle swayed and voices joined together in prayer.  It was a powerful moment for everybody.  Welcome to the DR, I thought.  The day was finished out with a Children's program put on in a nearby park.
On the third day, Tuesday, the team and I packed an overnight bag and headed two hours to Jarabacoa, a small town in the mountains.  I was somewhat hesitant about this mini adventure, because it was planned that our team was to split up in groups of two and stay overnight in a local family’s house.  However, God put me at ease as soon as I met the family I was to stay with.  Fermellia was a receptionist at an English-language school, but spoke very little English, and her son, Brian, was a student at the school and spoke great English.  Thankfully, I was grouped with one of my team leaders who is fluent in Spanish, so she did a lot of translating.  We talked for a while and got to know one another, Fermelia was so open to share her life story.  It was definitely a powerful one!  After we had talked for about an hour,  Fermellia and her brother took us on a “moto ride” down to the river.  We arrived at the river in perfect timing to watch the sunset.  After our moto adventure, Fermellia made us a typical Dominican meal; chicken, mongooue (mashed bananas), cabbage salad, and rice.  Fermellia, sacrificed her room for us to sleep.  Overall, this overnight stay was neat to see such a close bond build within this family and me in only a night.
The next day in Jarabacoa the whole team met at a school named Genesis, a Christian school for disabled children.  I had never worked with disabled children before, so I had no idea what to expect.  The disabilities ranged throughout the school.  I witnessed children with down syndrome, autism, both down syndrome and autism, and learning impairments.  I first helped as a teacher assistant in a classroom.  Unfortunately, during class time the teacher left and I ended up having to break up a fight between two young boys.  After class time the girls and I took them out for recess.  We had a great time playing baseball, soccer, and singing songs with the kids.  We taught one boy how to sing La Cucaracha, and he sang it non-stop the rest of the day.  Although these children at times were trouble makers, God put a strong love and passion in me for them.  Who knows I may end up teaching disabled children.
The following days included many more Children's programs, painting two churches, sharing my testimony and the Word in other churches, as well as a visit to the capital (Santo Domingo), and a day of rest at the beach (Yes, we observed the Sabbath!).
This trip was a wonderful experience in so many ways.  First and foremost, God has used this trip to strengthen and allow me to grow deeper in my relationship with him, for which I am thankful. The friendships, whether with the girls on my team or the people I encountered, will be of everlasting ones.  It is amazing how as a missionary you expect to make an impact on the people you encounter, but the people you encounter end up making a strong impact on you as well.  God is so great!  I also have found a new love for missions.  You will probably be hearing from me soon, as I hope to go on another mission’s trip next summer!   Again, I thank you for making this trip possible!
 
Your sister in Christ,
Jamie