My Future Decided

     It’s been just over a year since I started as the school librarian. This month, January, begins my second semester as officially the librarian, no more subbing. Who knew when I started college that I would be teaching as a librarian and loving it more each day? I love the days when I just lay on the floor and read to my preschoolers. I love seeing second graders work out problems on their own so that both leave with a book they want. I love talking with fifth grade about what they are reading or what interests them in books.

     I don’t teach secondary classes but I love talking to students one-on-one when they check out books. I love talking with them, laughing, and hearing about their day. I love working on my Project Café Library, which doesn’t involved any coffee in the library. Instead, it’s my goal to create a welcoming atmosphere for students and hopefully rid the space of any study hall impressions. We recently found a couch for the secondary side of the library; it’s an instant improvement!  My head is full of ideas and plans. My co-worker hears me almost daily comment, “I have another idea”. 

Reading area with the new couch.

Extra space between computers by adding a second table.

   
    Who knew this is where I’d be today? I sure didn’t, but God did. In college, I never realized that teaching as a librarian was an option. It wasn’t offered at my school and I just never stopped to consider it. In my last few weeks of student teaching, I listened to Hillsong’s “My Future Decided” frequently.  I was leaving, didn’t have plans of coming back, but I knew my heart was here.  My favorite line from the song is “You know my dreams and You have a plan”.  God knew exactly what His plans for me were, even when I didn’t.  He brought me here and gave me more than I could have ‘asked or imagined’ (Ephesians 3:20).

Today's Facebook memory. At the time I wrote this, I didn't have any plans
made to return. Two weeks after graduation in May I was back, about two
months after that I took the job at SCS, and I've been here since! 

    

    In in the two and a half years since God brought me to Santiago, I’ve been growing and learning, struggling and failing, yielding and surrendering, succeeding and flourishing. I’ve become very conversational in Spanish (my grammar, however, is still a work in progress). I’ve started a Master’s in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program. I’ve traveled, visited friends, and met new people. I’ve spent hours in nature at waterfalls, beaches, mountains, oceans, and more.

Who knows where I’ll be in two and a half more years? I sure don’t, but God does.

Home Ec--Cooking, DR Style

In middle school and high school I always wanted to take a home ec cooking class. There was sewing and crafts, but never cooking. I've managed to teach myself a few things about cooking or find recipes on Pinterest.

Last week I took on the challenge of cooking up some Dominican food. Tostones, salami, and queso frito. Lots of oil and lots of frying. I've been living here almost a year so it was about time I learned! I had just never taken the time to find recipes or directions, but a few weeks ago missionary friend, Angela Mitchener,  posted instructions that were so simple to follow.

Tostones are plantains that are fried, twice! Think of plantians as the Dominican equivalent to American potatoes--fried, mashed, chips.

Salami here isn't like the sliced deli meat that I picture when I think of salami in the States. Here it comes in a tube (plastic?), you slice it up, and fry it.  If you're interested in trying these two yourself, check out Angela's blog for the directions.

Finally, queso frito, frito cheese.  Angelo didn't mention this one, but I figured it I'm already going to have the oil out might as well make use of it. It's simple. Buy queso freir from the store. Literally, that translates to frying cheese. I don't any other name for it in English or Spanish. Make sure the oil's hot and you have enough that the queso doesn't touch the bottom of the pan. Think, deep frier. Slice the cheese and add it to the oil--watch out for hot, oil splatters.  Once the cheese changes colors it's done.  This is definitely my favorite and it's best eaten hot.

Peel the plantains...

....slice them about like this.

Fry them once.

Smash them and fried them again, so they turn out like this.

Slice the salami and fry it up once the tostones are done.

Then slice the cheese and fry that.
It should look something like this when it's done.

Dinner time! (Finally, I'd been cutting frying for hours.)

Tostones are like French Fries, eat them with ketchup.
I prefer the sweeter taste of the Latin brands!

My #drlife

The past few weeks were a bit of a whirlwind.  One of my roommates had finished her student teaching so we packed as made adventures into her last week and a half as possible.

I love being able to visit so many different places so easily.  That one day I'm at a waterfall in the mountains and a few days later I"m building sandcastles on the beach.  Puerta Plata a nice town on the beach with a cable car that takes up the mountain for a gorgeous view of the city and ocean below.  At the top on the mountain there's a status of Jesus, one of the landmarks of Puerta Plata, trails though  the woods, and supposedly, caves, but we didn't make it to them.

Saturday--Trip to Salto Baigaute in Jarabcoa

Tuesday (Huelga)--Trip to Playa Cabarete

Saturday-Trip to Puerta Plata and the Teleferico

While in Puerta Plata, we rode the moto taxis.  They're just like normal taxis but on a motorcycle, so it's cheaper and funner.  I did get, as one co-worker put it, 'my first' moto burn.  It's very common to have burn on the inside, right leg just above the ankle from the motorcycle muffler.  They say one's not really Dominican until they've had a moto burn. My burn isn't a bad one. It happened so fast I was already off the bike before I even realized I was burned.











Neosporin has been my best friend since last Saturday. As you can tell, I pretty much used up the Neosporin.  The generic brand in the back is almost gone, too.  I stopped by the Farmacia to pick up some more. I was expecting it to be a bit pricey, but that Dominican brand antibacteriano contra quemaduras (antibiotic against burns) was only 80 peso, about $2!!

This most recent Saturday we has a surprise birthday party for a friend from my church here.  As we were putting decorations and preparing the food, I noticed something strange--well strange from my perspective.  I couldn't figure out why the balloons had been kept in the freezer.  Was I confused? Did he really get the balloon out of the freezer? I went to blow some up and picked up the bag. Definitely, frozen. It took me a while but I finally figured out why and asked my friend's mom to be sure. Any guesses? 

Finally, one of my most favorite things about living here--RAINY SEASON!!! It's rainy and sunny all at the same time. In this weather, rain is a welcome chance to cool off rather than a dreary day.  Unlike where I'm from in the States, rain rarely lasts all day here; rains, then out comes the sun.  The sky is the best this time of year!  Check of these to pics from my rooftop.  The first clear blue with white clouds.  The second, taken from the exact same spot, just a quarter turn to the right, giant storm cloud rolling in!  Soon after I took these it began pouring; I grabbed The Return of the King and my blanket and headed for the couch.  I love the sitting by the window, reading, during a downpour.  The rain smells so fresh and the cool breeze encourages snuggling in a blanket, rather than sweating without the blanket. 

Como Roca Son

The other night while I was fixing a snack I overheard my roommates' conversation about the future, what that might look like, and how God's working.  Again, my minds was brought to Ephesians 3:20, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." As I've shared before, God has made this my 'theme verse' since accepting my job at SCS. This verse just keeps popping up on me--in a Bible study or devotional, on a t-shirt, in song, or some other way. 

With this verse in my head, I took my snack back tomy room to begin my devotions.

I've been reading through the book of Joshua, which isn't nearly as exciting as I remembered in being.  Once you get toward the second half it's chapter after chapter of land allotments and boundary lines.  This is Joshua 13:9,  ^"It extended from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge, and from the town in the middle of the gorge, and included the whole plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon."  To be honest, it gets a little dull verse after verse, chapter after chapter.  Many of my journal notes for these chapters when something like this: "God what's the purpose of this?  I get that it's helpful for historical notes or creating a map of Israel at that time, but what am I suppose to learn for this?"

I open my Bible to Joshua and turn to the next chapter, Joshua 21.  It starts off just like the past several chapters have.  With Ephesians 3:20 still in my head, I reach the last verse of the chapter.  Joshua 21:45, "Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." In that moment I knew this is what I'm suppose to learn from reading all those boundaries lines. Those lists of cities were the fulfillment of God promises.

"Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled."

This is the God that Israel worshipped, a God who keeps his promises.  This is the God who Paul wrote about in Ephesians.  Our God, who has the power 'to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine''; the same power that provided Israel with the Promise Land.

Two days later at church, one of the songs we sang contained the words, "Tus promesas como roca son (Your promises are like rock).

Ephesians 3:20, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

Joshua 21:45, "Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled."

Why Huelgas?

Huelgas have become almost normal to me by now.  Not that they happen all day, every day, but I’ve gotten used to them coming around every often.  If you don’t speak Spanish, you might be wondering what in the world I’m talking about.  ‘Huelga’ is the Spanish word for strike.  With the most recent strike this past week a co-workers four year old daughter asked “What’s the Spanish word for ‘huelga?” Mom tried to explain.  Well, actually ‘huelga’ is Spanish, the English word is ‘strike’.  The daughter remains unconvinced. 

Now that we’ve gotten the language straighten out, it’s time for another clarification. Strikes here are a bit different that the typical strike in the United States. In the States I think--School unions, labor unions. Maybe some signs in car windows about teacher contacts. A few picket signs on the side of the road, people not coming into work, workers wanting better contracts. Honestly, I never thought much about strikes in the States.

Strikes are different in other countries. Truckers blocked miles of road at an international border. Stones, rocks, and burning tires thrown into the streets is pretty common. Transportation strike: public taxi companies aren’t open. Commerce strike: businesses closed.  These are all strikes that I’ve experienced. Sitting on the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border for 8 or so hours was exactly something I’d care to repeat but it has certainly made a good memory.  Burning tires make for a good reason to cancel school. (We don’t get snow days here!)  And a commerce strike is basically non-existent if you didn’t have plans to go to the store.  

From what I’ve experienced, these strikes are meant to be an inconvenience not violence.  Burning tires smoke and smell, effective toward the most basic goal—stop traffic.  Rocks or semi-trucks are also effective in this. This also creates a situation that has the potential for violence, especially when we remember a lone individual or group can start something else such as an explosion or riot. That being said, I won’t voluntarily want to be around one, but neither do I feel threatened or unsafe.

So, why huelgas?  Huelgas give people a voice.  

People need to be heard. They need to have a voice. So often the huelgas I’ve witnessed result from people feeling as if they have no other voice. The community by my school has been promised a sewage system from the government but that hasn’t happened.  Sometimes I wonder how effective these huelgas are; I can’t imagine them achieving much progress. If they did, that community would have had it sewage system a long time ago.  So why continue?  My conclusion is that most huelgas result when the people feel they have no other voice. 

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

These words from Proverbs 31: 8-9 show that God not only cares about those without a voice but has a plan to do something about it. While this is just two verses, this is a theme I see carried throughout Scripture. Christ stepped in and took our place when we had not voice, when our righteousness was like filthy rags. This is the command we’ve been given.

This is the opportunity we’ve been given.  The community huelgas disrupt school and can cause general chaos among students. The huelgas also created the opportunity for several SCS staff member to meet with the leaders of the community.  We can’t build the sewage system they need, but we can begin to build a relationship with and discover other needs that we may be capable of meeting.

 

Catching Up

It's Tuesday so I'm suppose to write a new blog post, according to the goal I set for myself. Despite the fact that I haven't met that goal for the past three Tuesdays, I'm making a go of it tonight.

If I go all the way back to three weeks ago, February 25 was the Elementary Independence Day Program. While its not so fun to stay at school until past 9pm I really did enjoy the program. I love any chance to learn a bit more about the culture so it was fascinating to see how Dominicans present their present their own culture. I can look at things from an outsider perspective, ask question, or talk to those who have lived here longer. I can even ask Dominicans, but its still a conservation between a Dominican and an American.  The Independence Day Program was planned by our Dominican staff with Dominicans as the intended audience. ( Plus, the gringo staff members.) Each class 1st-5th grade was given a period of Dominican history to portray through dance and drama.  The programs began with Columbus leaving Europe and ended with today's culture. In between, the various cultures and historical events that make up the Dominican were shared. I couldn't catch every detail since it was in Spanish but it was fun to see students acting and dancing--street vendors, domino players, bachata and merengue.

The following week, I did manage to write a short post on Wednesday. If you want the scope on that emotional roller coaster read my post Emociones Mexclada.

This past Tuesday, March 11, I had just returned from my visit down south. Stacy had flown in Thursday night.  We spent Friday in Santiago so she could she a snippet of what I do here. School, dinner, mall, and even taxi rides.  Saturday we head Southeast and made it to SCORE in about 3 1/2 hours.  It takes two buses to get there and the second one doesn't offer luggage room. We just showed up at the station and hoped for the best.  Well, the bus was pretty full by that time but they got us on and stuck Stacy's big suitcase in the front by the door. It was pretty funny watching them move it in and out every time someone got on or off.  I guess sometimes playing up the gringa card can be helpful :)

It was wonderful to spend a few hours at SCORE catching up with friends and hanging out again. It was also nice to have Stacy around as a photographer.  Since leaving SCORE, I've wanted to create a website that would help create business for Leche y Miel Plaza the shops built to support the Lily House ministry. I don't actually know anything about creating a website as that's not often in 1st grade curriculum. Amazingly, God provided a contact how found two people who actually know about websites and all that.  Even more amazing is that they are willing to do all the work for free. A major focus of this site is high quality photos of the plaza shops and their products---cinnamon rolls look sooo much better in a picture.  After that, we had a few hours to spend at the beach before heading over to Freedom.

I've always loved my visits to Freedom International Ministries (five years ago someone from Freedom might have suggested I teach in the DR after college, but I'm sure that's unrelated). I loved seeing this ministry grow from nothing over the past five or so years.  I love the conversation I have when I'm with Freedom people. I don't know how to explain this exactly; its refreshing--to talk with them, to hear how they think, to see their vision, their passion, their plans. I love talking about real topics. I love learning about Central Romana, Edesur, and suddenly I'm engaged in talking about the government. I'm rethinking economic development (Okay, I've actually never studied economic development, but I've really wanted to the past few years.) OH! I haven't even gotten to the children yet!  Snuggling up in my towel with one little girl as we make the windy bus run before school on Monday. Running a center with Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom during classes. And, oh, recess. I had one little boy on my back almost the whole time as we where taking pictures of everything and everyone. Bonus: when I left Freedom I got to ride the moto taxis to the bus station.

Best part about all that was doing it with STACY!!  It was so much to be together again for a few days.  We were sharing clothes and talking way too late into the night, just like we've always done. by Sunday I was begging (to no one in particular) for a huelga on Tuesday.  I was not ready to go back on Monday.  I come to two conclusions at the end of the trip.  First, my next visit to Freedom need to be at least a week. These two or three day things are way too short. It's hard enough to learn the names of students I see everyday. Every time I think I've gotten the Freedom kids figured out they move and I'm all confused again. Second: I'm super excited about moving in with Stacy for the summer, even more than I was before. The fact that Kate works at Panera is most likely unrelated to that excitement.

Mezclada Emociones

Have you ever been at the point where you don't know what to feel and your emotions are all mixed together?

I don't mean one situation that you can't decide where you stand, but that you're simultaneously happy about one situation and hurting about another.

That's where I'm at this week.  I have so much to be bouncing off the walls with joy for. I have so much that I'm sadden by. Happy, sad, joy, sorrow...all completely unrelated situations.

I'm beyond excited that Tyler and Jessie are finally ENGAGED!! The proposal was on fire, literally, in typical Tyler fashion. Jessie is an amazing friend to me and I can't wait for the day I can officially call her my sister. And an upcoming wedding lets me justify my Pinterest addiction. ;)  When the youngest of the Wilcox family heard the new he asked, "Does this mean I have to go to another wedding?" My own feelings couldn't be more the opposite!

Tomorrow morning Stacy is flying to Santiago!!! Words cannot contain how excited I am for this weekend. I get to see my sister while visiting SCORE and Freedom.  Less than 24 hours, now.

In the midst of all that excitement, I received some crushing news. Last Spring Break I spend a week with a team from Trinity on a mission to Chicago.  Yesterday, I learned that one of my team members from that trip had passed away unexpectedly. I can't go two seconds on Facebook with mention of it. My Newsfeed has been taken over by posts and memories of Eli. My notifications have blown up as other team members go back to my photo album from our trip.  Eli was goofy and loving; I was blessed to have him on that mission team with me. Eli lead worship for our team that week (and for many others as well). I pray that everyone connected to him might hold on to the truths of God that Eli so often sang.  Truths like those in the songs "Our God" and "Running in Circles", both of which there's videos of him singing; one mine from our trip and one on his Facebook.


As I was wrestling between excitement and sadness this afternoon, I was reminded of the Psalms. This mix of emotions is found in that book as the authors often seem to quickly jump between topics and emotions.