....Something Old, Something New...

Brian and I found ourselves in something new this past Sunday. He as "wedding co-ordinator" and myself as....
...mother of the groom.

Our friends from Haiti, Jean Baptiste and Marteen, now living and working here in the DR, were finally able to have a wedding ceremony.

It was absolutley lovely, if I say so myself!!

Next step

Prayers were answered and Jarisa was granted a visa!! We now wait for the visa to be delivered.

Dreary Day

What did Brian do on his day off? Some catching up.

After being away in language school and jumping into spring groups upon his return, Brian had a lot of catching up to do with his bookwork in order for me to log it and send it in to our sponsoring congregation. This isn't Brian's favorite thing to do, but he got stuck into it and did it. Now that he's finshed with it and it's early evening he wants to get out and work in the garden...one of his favorite things to do, but it's raining. Dreary day.

Round Two

Jarisa and her mom seem confident as they prepare to head out for round two at the US Consulate. Their appointment is tomorrow morning (28th) at 11:00. Please keep them in your prayers as they travel to and from the capital, their overnight stay and the interview

Good to Know?

Maybe, maybe not...but it'll be interesting to see what you know. (Answers are at the end).

1. When is the "changing of shoes" customarily done for females in many Latino cultures?
a) First time to get a pedicure
b) Graduate from school
c) Becoming engaged
d) When turning fifteen

2. Can you identify the following 5 items that can be found in a missionary's home.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

3. In what country is this picture taken?
a) Dominican Republic
b) South Africa
c) USA
d) Haiti
4. Where is this fortress?
a) Haiti
b) China
c) Dominican Republic
d) Angola

5. How old is Tammie in this picture?

a) 12, b) 18, c) 22, d) 27

6. Name the dogs the Wallaces are "fostering".

a) Precious and Charlie

b) Uluru and Creed

c) Brooklyn and Uluru

d) Creed and Brooklyn

7. Who's missing from this missionary profile?
a) Charlie and Norm

b) Norm and Creed

c) Luke and Norm

d) all the above

8. What does this mean in sign language?
a) kiss

b) please

c) more

d) with

ANSWERS:

1. When turning 15 2.a) boa , b) coconut, c) spider's egg sack, d) mushroom, e) icecream maker

3. South Africa 4. Haiti 5. 27 6. Brooklyn and Uluru 7. all the above 8. more

Dying to Self, Living for Christ

Introducing (L to R) Rosemery and Yania, both who will be turning 14 this year. Yania has been in the children's home for almost 6 years and Rosemery for almost 4. Recent Bible classes by Cory have been focusing on "The Life of a Christian" and these two senoritas took the step to giving their lives to follow Jesus. Please pray for them as they continue to grow in the knowledge and love of our Savior.

Poor Creed

I don't know what his deal is lately, but something's up. He fell down this spiral staircase last week, then the other day when he jumped off the bed he landed face first and acted like he had a brain freeze (no mean comments about that seems normal for him!), and yesterday when he made a running leap to jump on my lap, his lip (yes, dogs have lips)cracked into my knee. Shame!

Let it Grow, Let it Grow, Let it Grow

We've started a garden. Stems (no pun intended) from a lack of variety in produce of good nutritional value and the rising cost of what is available. The garden will provide, depending on the season and quantity, veges for the homes, the groups, and the staff. It'll also be a training opportunity for all as well.

Computer Guts

No wonder computers are always giving problems. What a mess!!

The Big City

Back from the capital, Santo Domingo. Left on the Caribe Tours bus with Jarisa (highschooler in one of the Children's Homes) in order to meet up with Jenny Henderson, who'd landed at the Puerto Plata airport then picked up Jarisa's mom, at the hotel where we'd be staying while working on Jarisa's student visa. After lots of running back and forth to banks to pay fees from the consulate general, and lots of waiting in lines, Jarisa was told no to the visa request, and that she'd need to provide more proof of her return to the DR after her education in the States ended. So another appointment has been made two weeks from now, and attempt 2 will be made with more backing of the intent to ensure that Jarisa returns to help her people in her country with the education she hopes to gain in the USA. Continue to pray! To salve the disappointment Jenny asked Jarisa what she'd like to do. She wanted to go to the Acuario (aquarium). So we did, and they really enjoyed it.


It's a good 5 hours to the capital and while there Brian and Tim worked on getting Manna's NGO documents all in order (we've always been told it's done, but everytime we turn around to use it we're told we're lacking a form or something) so that they could claim the rig. It's here!!

It wasn't all work while there. Tim, Lisa, Norm, Brian and myself attended the Warden's Reunion at the US Ambassador's residence. Met the agent who'd we'd been in contact with while searching for Shane. It was good to meet various ones and for them to learn more about who we are and what we do. We got all dressed up for the occassion and all looked quite sharp, but we didn't take any pictures, so you'll just have to take our word for it!

What's the difference...

...between mouthwash and lotion? Try substituting one for the other in the dark and your tastebuds will quickly tell you. FYI...takes a long time to get the taste of lotion out of your mouth.

Easter in TX

Missing my grandbaby...I guess I'll need to be calling her my granddaughter now that another baby is on the way.
More on that later...

Taking Care of Business

The guys are all set to take on the Dominican business world and any hurdles that come their way.

God's ways....

I love to see how God works things out. Don't always "get It" at first, but I know He knows what He's doing and I trust Him.
And it's on that thought wave that my mind wandered to our weekend in Highland View (our sponsoring congregation) this past January. We had a great reunion and some new key speakers. At the reunion we'd put out the word for the need of replacing the McClouds in the Rio San Juan Outreach Center, and our need for a well-driller. Several attending have shown interest, as well as others who've visited the DR. It's always encouraging to see how the Lord moves amongest his people and what He can do with some planted seeds. Please pray for guidance in those who've set their lives before the Lord to be used here in the DR, and that all will be worked out according to His plan.

Changing Seasons...

...days of Africa

...days of Haiti...days of the DR

Little Brother Shane

Most know of the loss of Shane Ruiz while here in the Dominican Republic with a FHU Spring Break team while serving others. It's been very difficult to think beyond the moment, but as I looked through my photos of their first day, I saw Shane with a picture of one of our boys, Ariel, in the homes. What struck me about this photo is that Ariel is Shane's older brother's, Michael, sponsorchild. I'm so happy to have Michael's two little brother's in a picture together.

First Ever

We had our first ever MannaDR Team Retreat. After a lot of fanagling to find sitters for everyone's dogs, menu planning and shopping, locating an available, affordable
place; we ended up at a lovely spot where we could get to know each other better, play team games, and envison how the team would work together to give God the glory in what He would have us do.

On the way home some of us hiked to the Cascadas del Limon in order to see if it would be a place to take the summer interns on their break. We all made it!

It's a wave, it's boat, it's a WHALE!!

After living on the island of Hispanola for 18 years, we finally made the 2-3 hour drive to Samaná; where every Jan-Mar the Hump Back whales come to breed and birth their calves. We were out at sea for a while, and I began to think how disappointing it'd be not to see any whales, except for the painting on the vessel.

But we did indeed have some "sightings". It was difficult to get a good photo. Compared to this boat, you can see how big these creatures are.

Special Activity

The Children's Home was doing something a little different their past Friday night activity and we went and hung out for a little while.

Prelude:

Enjoying the replacement of the Lamb's new bumper...

Making the bon-fire...

Roasting marshmellows...

...and the highlight. Eating S'mores!!! Mmmmm!

How Sweet It Is

The scriptures tell us in Romans 10:15 "How sweet are the feet of those who bring Good News", but I can tell you how sweet it is to work with this group of Good News bringers. It is an absolute blessing to work with brothers and sisters who love each other, love the Lord first and foremost, and live in peace with one another.

Tj and Holly are doing an amazing job with the young people who, up until they got them involved in wonderful instruction and Christ directed activities, spent most of their time wandering the streets and getting into trouble. God has blessed both TJ and Holly with talents and abilities that they are using to tell Rio San Juan that God has not abandoned us, but that he longs for us to be reunited with Him.
Cory and Laura Beth are going at it full tilt with the children in the Children's Homes. It is now much better organised and the children are so happy and love them both. They have gotten many of the kids from the neighborhood, Caraqueño, involved in studies and activities. They are truly an answer to prayers and such a wonderful blessing and addition to the mission team.

Norm Curington has already set me up with some amazing contacts that will help us in the teaching and discipling area of the work; and he's also in the process of getting things rolling for the purchase of the property for the new Outreach Center. It is such a blessing to have Norm as a brother in the Lord who is passionate about the work and has lifted such a responsibility off me and frees me up to do more one on one time with the folks in the community.

The Bynums are getting their feet firmly planted and are a great help. Tim's ability with Spanish and his teaching have been a very welcome blessing. Lisa is a great cook and quick to share with all of us. I hope the growth with the team is spiritual and not just around our girth as a result of her talent!! Lindsey and Ethan have settled in well and have started back with their home schooling responsibilities. They both have numerous skills and are helping us in many ways with Bible classes, computer diagnostics and manual labor.

Tammie, of course, is amazing and believe me, if she was not my partner in this work, I would not be able to do it. I thank God constantly for her and know that I am in no way deserving of such a wonderful wife and best friend.


I told you it was a blessing. Am I right or what? Thank you God.

Happy Birthday LB

The MannaDR staff all gathered at Playa Grande for a much needed break, but the real attraction was Laura Beth's first birthday here in the Dominican Republic. After catching some rays and waves, we moved the party over to Norm's place for some burgers, fixin's and birthday cake (baked by Norm...we're learning more and more about one another!!) Where's the beef? One-third of it we used to make 30 burgers and the other two-thirds will need to be placed in the Bynums new freezer for future use. That's a lot of meat!!

What a weekend....
....I drove over the mountain to pick up Brian at the airport and wasnt looking forward to the drive back, but our co-workers surprised us with a night at a nearby hotel so that we could relax. Now this is more like it...


Thanks, Guys!!!

...and the partying continues. Received some flowers for my B-day from the McClouds. Norm brought my gift to myself from the states, a camera to replace my broken one,

and in 2 days my hubby returns from Guatemala!!

Had a Birthday-breakfast hosted by co-workers Bynums. Homemade "Krispy-Kreme" donuts!
Mrs Bynum (Lisa), has gained the reputation for "having a recipe for that"...truly, for whatever one may be craving. For some reason she cringes at the honor, but for those of us who have feasted upon the goodies, we love it!! Co-workers Lambs presented me with a card crafted by themselves and the children in the homes. IMed with Brian and my daughter, Shawnean. A lovely day!

Like My Journal

Ok...seems like this blog has as many entries as when I used to keep a journal. Part of it is because my life is so full and part is because I forget ID names and passwords. Perhaps I'll do better over time.