Summer Days Drifting Away...

Well, I think that this is going to be my last blog posting on this site, at least for a while.
I arrived in Austin a week ago on Thursday the 12th. Having a time to reflect about all the things that happened this summer and time to relax with my family has been really nice. Although, I definitely miss the friends I made in the Dominican Republic that feel like family now.

Here are some praises about my last week and a half:
1. I enjoyed getting to know the group from Cape Cod, we played an excellent card game called Capitalism during our free time.
2. God gave me strength on foundation day. I was able to mix cement and we finished the entire foundation by 4pm. The weather was hot, but there was no rain, which was perfect for building the foundation of the chapel. I got to meet some sweet children that day, including a little girl named Marjorie.
3. God enabled us to complete the chapel on Saturday with no problems. The people in the neighborhood La Luz were very grateful.
4. God allowed the interns to have some special times together, we had a final dinner with all the staff and it was a wonderful to celebrate all that God did this summer.
5. All the interns went to a resort to have our summer debriefing. We had some excellent discussions and we got to have worship on the beach. It was lovely!

Me and the little girl Marjorie on Foundation Day

Me, Noe and Anyoly the last night at the resort

The last chapel that we built with the Cape Cod group

I am going to miss a lot of things about being in the Dominican Republic, but the thing I am going to miss the most is the people. Luckily, I know that I will see the friends I made in Heaven. It's a blessing to know that! Hopefully, someday I will get to return, but it's all in God's hands.

Circadillo

This past week was excellent! I enjoyed getting to know the group from Pennsylvania and working along side them in ministry.  We successfully built a chapel in record time. :) Also, a highlight of this week was going to Circadillo to work with Ina's ministry there. Circadillo is a village nearby where many people live. Unfortunately a lot of the people there do not have birth certificates so it is challenging for them to get jobs.  The group from PA, brought a lot of school supplies to give to the kids. On Saturday, we distributed bags with the supplies in them. It was a blessing for me to see the gratitude and excitement on their faces. I know that God is doing an excellent work in Circadillo.
Praises:
1. We had a lot of good times of prayer and worship with the group from PA
2. God is helping the interns to have endurance and to get along.

Prayers:
1. I only have 10 more days here, that God would help me finish strong
2. For the family of Rafelina, one of the interns, her cousin is in the ICU right now. Please pray for peace and healing.
3. For the group coming today from Cape Cod, that God would use them and us this week to glorify Him.

Below are some of the women from Circadillo that use these sewing machines to make bags so that they can earn an income. :)

No Condemnation

Hello All! I only have three more weeks in the Dominican Republic. I can not believe how fast the time has gone by and yet it feels like I have been here for so long.

Here are some praises from the last week when we were with the group from Minnesota:
1. It did not rain on Thursday when we built the chapel even though it had been raining all week.
2. The women of the community were so grateful for the chapel that they started to cry.
3. We built the chapel on the property where a witch or "bruja" used to live, but she passed away and now the land can be used for God's glory.
4. At one point while we were building the chapel part of the wall fell down because the wind pushed it and there was no one from our team holding the wall up. I was disappointed in myself because I felt partly responsible, but I know that God had that incident happen for a reason. Luckily no one was terribly hurt when the wall fell and we were able to complete the chapel. I was reminded that I should not condemn myself because there is no condemnation for those under Christ Jesus.

This week we have two new groups. I am working with the one from Lebanon, PA and the other group is from Orlando, Florida. Last night we did ministry in a park with the group from PA. God brought over 50 people to come watch the dramas and songs that the group was performing. Please pray that we were able to plant seeds and that people will be able to hear more about the love of God.

Also, here are a few more prayer requests:
1. That I would have joy in every situation.
2. Jesus would be glorified through my thoughts, words, and actions.
3. God would enable us to build 2 chapels this week.

my friends

Here is a picture of me using my friend Mr. Ryobi, the router. We have to use the router on a lot of pieces of wood so that they fit well together when we make the panels for the chapel.

Also, here is a picture of the chapel we built with the Illinois group. I wanted to let you guys see the finished product. Also, you can see how muddy it was around the chapel and now you can understand why our truck got stuck in the mud. I was so thankful that we got out of it. Praise God! Hopefully, I will get to help build another chapel this week with the Minnesota group!

Perseverance

Hello again everyone! I just wanted to say thank you to those of you who have been reading my blog and praying for me. It has been encouraging to get your messages and to know that people are praying back home. Things have been going well here in the DR.

This week I was inspired by Colossians 3:23-34: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." A group from a church in Rochester, Minnesota is here. Yesterday was our first day of construction. Thanks to God's help it went really well. At the beginning I had a sour attitude because I had to work at the routering station. I have been in charge of this station for the last couple weeks and I wanted to work on something else like hammering or constructing the panels. However, I knew there was work to be done. Without groves in the boards it is impossible to make the panels. So, I began routering. I prayed to God and asked that He would give me a positive attitude and He did! He also provided me with two sweet girls from the Minesota group to help me Nicole and Andrea. It ended up being an excellent and fun day. Thanks be to God! I have been learning more every day about how to serve God wholeheartedly.

A few other praises:
1. The interns and staff have started writing encouragement notes to each other every day. The notes have blessed me greatly.
2. God has given me words to say to the kids and has enabled me to use my gifts to serve Him.

Prayer requests:
1. Rafelina one of my fellow interns got her wisdom teeth removed. Pray that she would heal quickly and not be in too much pain.
2. There was recently a death in Noe's family. Pray for unity for their family. Also, please pray for comfort and peace for them at this challenging time.
3. Pray for those that have been injured or who are sick that they would be encouraged.
4. Please pray for perserverance for the interns.

love to you all!

La Playa

From Left to Right- Jack, Me, Rocio, and Andrea. Sometimes the other interns and I have way to much fun.  In the backround you can see the beautiful water and waves at this beach called Playa Carribe. We usually take groups to the beach once a week and it is a nice place to enjoy after a long day of work.

Rest and Repose

Last week we finished strong with the group from Illinois. They were so much fun and I enjoyed getting to know them all. Building the chapel on Friday went really well. It was neat because we put it up in a new neighborhood, so it is one of the first buildings to go up. One quick God story is that as we were leaving the chapel site our truck got stuck in the mud. We tried to get it out using numerous methods including pushing it out with the front bumper of the bus that we brought. Eventually, we got it out by many people pushing it and using long two-by-fours under the tires. After that our bus got a flat tire. Luckily we had a spare tire and it did not take too long to fix it, thanks to Sam one of the interns. God definitely helped us a lot in those situations.

This week the time interns and staff have had time to rest and repose because there haven't been any groups here. We had some fun adventures. For two days we stayed at a resort in Puerto Plata which was lovely. Our group enjoyed relaxing on the beach, eating yummy food, and just hanging out. One of my favorite things I got to do was play a game of water polo with the girl interns. Also, two woman from Germany that were staying at the resort joined my team and helped us win. It was super fun! Another favorite thing about this week was getting to read Philippians with the interns. Every morning we met together and talked about a chapter of Philippians and prayed together. It was really encouraging for me. This week it was nice to get to spend time with the other interns, and relax.

Tomorrow a new group comes from Minnesota. If you have time, please be praying for these things for me:
1. Philippians 4:4-9 that I would rejoice in the Lord always and pray to Him. Also, that my thoughts would be on good things.
2. Confidence in Christ, spending time with him too.
3. Relationships to be built between the interns and among the groups as well.
4. For Christ to be glorified in the things that we do.

Halfway Mark

This week is my fifth week to be in the DR. The time seems to have flown by. Now, five more weeks lay ahead. For the past couple days a group from a church in Illinois has been here. We have done three nights of ministry and also we have worked on building a chapel this week. One amazing thing that God did was provide exactly the right things we needed. On Sunday we lost the cord to connect the Ipod to the speaker. Since I was the ministry captain this week I became really nervous we would not have music. Luckily, we had a cord at each place we went so it worked out perfectly. Thanks be to God! The Dominican children responded really well to the drama called "Everything" that the group performed.  Here is a link of another group doing the drama if you want to check it out: It is one of my favorites.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA
Another amazing blessing this week was that I got to return to Pica Pica and see the first chapel that I helped build. We actually had ministry in the chapel and it was so neat getting to see it be used for God's glory.

Prayer Requests:
1. For the chapels that have been build that the word of God would be preached there and that many more would come to know Him.
2. For my heart that I would not become to sad when I see impoverished families and children but that I would be positive and share with them the Hope that can be found in Christ.
3. For the kids who have come on short term trips that as they return home they would share with others their experiences and grow more and more towards Christ.
4. Next week is the week off for interns and staff. Please pray that we would be able to relax and that we would take time to fellowship with each other and spend time with God in Prayer.

Love to you all! Hope your summer is going fantastic!

The Next Generation

Psalm 145:4
“One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.”

This verse was my theme verse for the week. God kept reminding me how much He cares about children and how the importance of teaching the next generation about the hope of the Lord. On Sunday the children’s choir at church sang about being faithful in God’s word. It was beautiful to see them all sing together, praising God with their voices.

This week I am working with a group from Texas. I have helped them do medical clinics and Vacation Bible Schools for kids that live in the neighborhoods nearby the Time Center. We did the medical clinic on Tuesday and Wed. morning of this week. I helped translate to the patients in Spanish, and I also got to practice taking blood pressure a couple times. Praise the Lord we took care of 116 people and gave them the medicine and vitamins that they needed! I am so thankful to God for letting me be a part of the work He is doing. Hopefully, I will get to do more medical clinics in the future when I become a nurse. ☺

At the VBS God brought about 80 kids to hear about Him. The kids learned about Daniel from the Bible, did a balloon relay, and made crafts. I helped translate the instructions for the craft in Spanish, which was super fun. I have truly enjoyed getting to hang out with the kids this week and the group from Texas. God is so good!

Also, quick news from last week: our group didn’t build the chapel because of the rain/ mud. This week though the foundation was ready. So, a group that came this week from Pennsylvania built the chapel on Wednesday. Yeah!

Prayer Requests:
1.    For a really sick baby that came to our medical clinic. That he would get the right treatment that he needs. For God to provide resources and peace for his family.
2.    Pray for patience and encouragement among the interns.
3.    Pray that I would take out more time out of the day to pray.

Pictures

With some sweet girls at San Felipe church. We have done ministry there a couple nights. Also, this was one of the locations we did the medical clinic at this week. 45 people were treated.

At Circadillo doing kids ministry. They were singing the song "Celebrate, Jesus, Celebrate" I love the way that the little girls wear their hair in braids.

At Pica Pica after I helped build my first chapel. Noe is standing in the middle of the two pastors as they exchange the keys. It was a very special moment.

A view of the Dominican Countryside in Villa Mella. Many people ride motorcycles everywhere. Usually, there are a couple people squeezed onto one.

The Lord Brings Joy

God has been doing many things here in Santo Domingo and He is in control.
Here are some praises:
1. Last week we built two chapels. My group built a chapel in a neighborhood in the mountains called Pica Pica. My favorite part was the end when we had a ceremony with the Pastor and we prayed and dedicated the chapel to God.
2. God has enabled me to build some great friendships here! I feel like the interns and TIME staff are like my second family and I have enjoyed getting to know the groups that have come. Last week the ladies were so sweet and they left many things for the interns to keep like: bugspray, medicine, and clothes and they kept saying "you might need this sometime this summer." I felt very thankful to them!
3. Last week I went to a doctor named Dr. Fabion and he gave me medicine for my mouth and my leg because I had an allergic reaction to a bug bite. This week a stomach virus has been going around and many people, including me, got very sick. Tuesday night was tough. I have been taking it easy since then, and Praise God I am getting better quickly! Please pray for a continued recovery.

Prayer Requests:
1. That we would be able to eliminate the virus from spreading to any more people. For energy and good health among our team.
2. The group I am working with from Providence Church in Ohio is building their chapel tomorrow. Please pray that all the logistics would go well and that God would be in control.
3. Please pray for continued unity among the team, that we could be patient with each other and spur each other on towards Christ.

Hopefully I will get to post pictures next week! And I hope that everyone is doing well!
In His Love,
Marjorie

Pictures!!!

Left to Right: Andrea, Me and Jenna. Two of my fellow interns. This picture was taken on top of the old fort near the downtown. As a part of orientation week we all got to take a tour of the colonial city. As you can see it was a beautiful day.

Los Tres Ojos. A large cave in Santo Domingo with three natural springs.One day last week we explored this cave with all the interns. It was beautiful!

Me sitting in the Time Center with the sweet Figueroa children. Their parents Noe and Anyoly are the site directors here in Santo Domingo. William, Meagan, and Elda are so much fun to be around!

Jesus es la luz del mundo

The first groups have arrived! Last Saturday, two church groups came from Orlando, FL. Now we have approximately 70 people staying at the TIME center. It's a full house, but praise God everyone has a bed. So far, God has done some great things! Yesterday, I went with the group from Northland church to a local neighborhood park. The youth performed a skit about Jesus being the light of the world. Many kids came to watch their performance and some chose to believe in Jesus for the first time! Also, they enjoyed singing songs like "This little light of mine" and playing games like tug of war, etc. It was exciting!

The rest of the week we will be doing more ministry in parks and churches. In the mornings we will be constructing the pieces for the chapel. God willing, by Friday afternoon it will be completed!

Here are some praises:
-God has given me confidence in Him as I get to know the youth from Orlando
- God has helped me communicate better in Spanish and understand more

Here are some prayer requests:
-That the kids that chose to believe in Jesus would come to know Him more and understand God's love for them. That hearts would be transformed.
-For endurance.Today is my day off, which has been nice. The rest of the week please pray that I would have energy.
-That I would be overflowing with the fruits of the Spirit. (Galations 5:22-24) That way, I can really connect with the youth that are here on a personal level.
-That the cold sores on my mouth would heal. Sorry if this is TMI. I know that God is a God who can heal though. :)

Orientation Week

This morning we listened to the song "You're the God of this City" and it reminded me how God is working in Santo Domingo. He did some great things this first week and I am excited about what is to come. This week we explored the city, went to the beach, learned communication and servant leader skills, and talked about the Sovereignty of God as well as other things. Today we took apart an old chapel in a neighborhood called Hatillo so that a playground can be put in its place. We saved the pieces of the chapel so that we can build it again in a different location nearby. Working hard felt wonderful and it was nice to get the job done. Also, I learned new drilling skills.:) With God's help we got it done.

Praises-
1. Everyone is healthy and we have kept safe as we explore the city
2. God has helped me to trust in Him more. We had one incident where we thought a team member was lost for a period of time, but luckily we found them and God helped me to be at peace.

Prayers-
1. That the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart would be pleasing to God.
2. For our team to be prepared for the first group that is coming to work next week from a church in Orlando.

I made it!

I made it to the DR. Things are going so well! I know that God has a plan for this summer and I am excited!
A couple of highlights-
 God helped all the interns and our luggage arrive safely. My flights went well.
 I loved going to the church service today and seeing the people's passion for God.
God has helped our team be unified as we get to know each other.
The food is delicious. :)

Prayer requests-
That I would be able to communicate effectively in Spanish.
That I would trust in God's Sovereignty and be flexible.

More updates to come...

My bags are packed, I'm ready!

After packing one huge suitcase, a stuffed backpack and my purse, I am ready to go. Tomorrow, I fly out of Austin. God willing, I will arrive in Santo Domingo in the evening at 7pm.
Here is one of my favorite verses:

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 

If you have time, please pray that God's power would be made perfect in my weaknesses and worries.  

Two Days Left!

My flight to Santo Domingo is in two days on Friday, June 4th at 9:55am! As I prepare to go, I thank God for all the things He's helped me with these past few weeks. He has given me sweet time with my family and friends, and time to pack and get all the things I need. I am trusting in Him that He will do great things in the DR this summer! Thank you to everyone who has supported me financially! I will try to be faithful and post updates on this blog at least once a week. Please keep me and my team in your prayers this summer. Prayer is so powerful!

New Blog!

I will be using this new blog to update you all on happenings this summer in the Dominican Republic. There are 16 days until I leave!

Here is some additional information about my summer:
I am leaving June 4th, and I will stay there until August 12th. I will be living at a church in Santo Domingo. While I am there, I will be working with 9 other interns and the TIME ministries staff. We will be building churches during the day and doing ministry such as Bible school and games with the local people at night. There will be church youth groups of about 60 students that will come for week-long trips. As an intern, my main goals will be: building relationships with the students and helping them serve the Dominican people. I can’t wait to see what God will do!

I hope that you will pray for me: that I would trust in God as I prepare to go, for safety in travels, for unity among the interns and staff, for God to open the hearts of the people, and for clear communication in Spanish. Thanks so much for your prayers and support; without them I could not do this!