man vs. water

Today, water wins. Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene canceled [REUNION] gatherings this morning and kept us inside today. And we have it better than most: no internet outages, no power outages, no flooding.

But last weekend, we watched man conquer water. The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series included a stop in Boston. Leaps into Boston Harbor from a platform constructed on top of the Institute of Contemporary Art's cantilever wowed more than 23,000 spectators. Including us.

Fox, Ian, and I arrived early to scope out the best vantage point. We started in the risers, where we saw the first practice dives. The ICA cantilever and deck framed out the takeoffs and landings, leaving us with a simple view of men falling from the sky like giant raindrops.

The space around the ICA continued to fill. Even the water was cluttered with boats and kayaks pressing up to the floating line, which cordoned off the diving area.

After the national anthem officially started the event, a member of the Red Bull Air Force parachuted in on a kayak. They called it skyaking.

Halfway through the first round, we worked our way to the edge of the deck to get a better view of the dives in full. With a little patience, we ended up directly below the diving platform. For handstand take offs, legs would appear beyond the platform then vanish again as the diver lifted himself into position.

Growing up, the two summer Olympics events I enjoyed most were gymnastics and diving. The precision and grace with which the divers fall is amazing. Small movements, an arm slightly curved, toes pointed, and they spiral through the air with the beauty of a falling leaf. How can you do so much in three short seconds?

A perfectly executed dive produces only a small circle of bubbling water. This feat is much more astounding to witness in person.

After two rounds, they cut the field to the top six, who would execute one final dive. The still, bright day offered the perfect conditions for the divers to attempt the most complex dives in their repertoires in an effort to land on top.

We cheered for the underdog finalist, Mexican Jorge Ferzuli. We rejoiced with American Kent De Monde (and his large group of supporters, the DeMondsters) after a well executed dive launched him onto the podium. And we gasped at the beauty of British Gary Hunt's series winning dive.

As we made our way to the North End for post-diving cannoli, Fox and Ian discussed how this could set a precedent for hosting more events on the Harbor. I just hope they come back next year.

Anna+Ian in the DR: in retrospect

800+ served at the medical clinic in La Mosca.
20 kids learned more about worship and music.
1 fence wall completed for the future parsonage in Hato del Yaque.
0 ER visits made.
0 days affected by Tropical Storm Emily.
countless prayers answered, countless lives changed (including ours).

Thanks for sticking with me on our week in the DR. We appreciate your support so much and hope you enjoyed the stories. And remember, it doesn't end here. Continue to pray for the Vargas family and the communities we served. Dios te bendiga!

our photos | our blog posts

Through G.O. Ministries, [REUNION] partners with Pastor Luis Vargas and his family in the Dominican Republic. The Vargas family works tirelessly to share God's light and love with their impoverished neighborhood, La Mosca — a place held hostage by disease, addiction, crime, illiteracy, and malnutrition.

For the past four years, [REUNION] has given financially, provided for special needs (like a ministry-enabling truck), and even more importantly, supported them relationally. Each year, [REUNION] sends a team to help with construction, offer a medical clinic, and encourage Pastor Luis's family.

Anna+Ian in the DR: home again

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Yesterday morning we had breakfast, finished packing, and said goodbye to the kids. Thanks to an early afternoon flight, we had a decent chunk of time to hang out with them before their nutrition clinic. Michelle definitely stuck closer and gave lots of hugs (Maria came later when we were already on the bus, so I could only wave to her).

The kids all had fun taking last day photos for us. And right before we loaded onto the bus, they all gathered into a group to tell us gracias. With Yannie as the spokesgirl, they said a lot of nice things (Jenn translated). What I remember the most is "We are sad you are leaving, but happy because we know you will be back."

I'm definitely leaving a little piece of my heart in the DR.

We said more goodbyes at the airport, and Jenn prayed for us right before we headed into the terminal.

Where security took my batteries. I didn't understand, because TSA doesn't take them away. Apparently the DR's TSA equivalent thinks loose batteries are dangerous (but they're fine if they're in something, like our fans or flashlights). And of course, instead of trashing them they put my batteries aside. At least they won't be wasted, but had I known, they would have gone either in our checked bag, or donated to Jenn/G.O.

My resulting grumpiness contributed to Ian and I's heated discussion over his purchase of a $6 can of Pringles. Dave would not be happy. I wasn't.

We whiled away our wait with UNO until I heard my name over the loudspeaker, rattled off with a couple other people from our team and a few I didn't recognize. We headed over to the gate and learned our checked bags were randomly selected for inspection, and we had to be present. The gate attendant escorted us downstairs right next to security, where our bags were piled on a cart. If I spoke decent Spanish, I would have asked for my batteries back so I could put them in my checked bag.

Mine was first. I had to sign papers (in Spanish, no idea what they said) while someone looked through all my stuff. The security officer paid special attention to the multiple bags of coffee, sniffing each one. He laughingly said I must like coffee (I think that's what he said). I told him my husband does, plus some are gifts. Funny to think of the contrast between the ease of our entry (with controlled medical supplies) and hassle of our exit (with souvenirs and batteries).

We finally got on the plane. I love non-stop flights. We watched Thor without sound, then again sharing Emily's headphones (thanks Emily!).

We arrived at Logan, made our way through customs, and then it was time for our last round of goodbyes: Jess and Torre, headed to New Zealand for a year, and Brent (Phil's dad) and Tom (Brent's friend), headed back to Illinois.

And then we were home. It's strange how the trip seamlessly connected in our life. It wasn't jarring to go there, or to come back. Like going to visit family. And really, that's what we did.

Today I've had so many chances to talk with coworkers about the trip, the Vargas family, and [REUNION]. I'm so thankful it's opened a door and given me a new sense of boldness and purpose. On the trip I knew construction wasn't my strong suit. Other people discovered how God had woven their gifts and talents into their experiences on the trip: Danielle meeting several deaf kids and using her AIDS work experience to help out with the sex ed class, and Naomi, the elementary school teacher, building relationships with the kids. And now I've had my own "aha!" moment — I can use my gifts and passions to share our stories. I can't wait.

Anna+Ian in the DR: baptisms + goodbyes

Monday, August 8, 2011 (evening)

This morning we all met for breakfast, then headed down to the beach for baptisms!

Emily decided to get dunked after a year of discussions with [REUNION] staff and lots of prayer. She was baptized as a child, by her own choice but sprinkled, not immersed. Church opinions vary greatly on baptism, but Emily concluded it was an act of obedience to do it exactly as Jesus did (right down to the open water).

Izzy's story was inspiring. She decided to follow Christ in elementary school. Once she hit middle school, she saw how her baptized friends around her were falling away from their faith. She didn't want to be baptized, only to "mess up." But she learned to rely on God as she faced the gossip and backstabbing that too often accompanies groups of teen girls (which I totally get). On the trip, she decided she was ready to get baptized (by her dad!). She's only a senior in high school. I know we all have our own journeys, but I wish that when I was her age, I "got it" as much as she does.

We also prayed for Phil and his family with their upcoming transition to a new church, for Jess and Torre as they move to New Zealand for a year, and for Josh and Joylyn, who got engaged a couple nights ago. (I think I forgot to write about that. They met on the trip last year. Josh proposed on the roof, and we all found out the next morning at breakfast when Danielle noticed the ring!)

Note: Luis caught a crab on the beach while we were filtering down for the baptisms.

We spent the rest of the morning on the beach. Ian convinced me to jump off the rocks with him. It seems so much higher looking down than it does looking up.

Brett, triathlete i.e. fish, gave Dilson several rides, and we convinced Yeison to jump off the rocks (with Brett spotting). I learned last night from Jenn that lots of people here don't know how to swim. There are accidents, because people don't know how to swim, and then parents want to keep their kids away from the water and they never learn to swim, which perpetuates the problem. Surprising to me, since it's an island.

After lunch, we relaxed on lounge chairs and in the mini pools for a couple hours, then headed to the public beach for a little shopping. It's the sort of place where you haggle prices, but G.O. has a relationship with one of the shop owners, Juanita, who gives teams a no-haggling-needed price. We picked up a sarong for me (a yellow one that says "Republica Dominicana" to go with my beloved purple sarong from the Philippines) and some cigars in a cool wooden box for Ian (with strict instructions to SHARE them with other guys in the "I like to smoke sometimes to feel manly" category).

We also joined the group headed to Patrick's, the fancy pants jewelry store. Which just means they sell pieces handcrafted in the DR, instead of cheap souvenirs possibly made in China. Ian bought me a pair of larimar (a blue stone only found in the DR) earrings that we picked together. I can't wait to wear them!

After shopping, and sharing some fries and pina coladas (in pineapples!) with Gerald and Mel, our team hopped back into the van. The 2 hour trip back involved Hunger Games discussions and an ice cream pit stop.

When we got back, a few people on the team arranged for us to have a candlelit dinner on the roof to celebrate Brent's birthday (the company and the cake was excellent). We also realized how burnt Ian is: he looks like a lobster. ouch.

After dinner, Jenn played a video slide show from our week.

And then we had to say goodbye to the Vargas family. It wasn't as hard as I thought, because I know we can look forward to Skype, and we're praying for them as they're praying for us. More than ever, I see the new testament missionary+supporting churches relationship. And we've already been using the phrase "next year..."

Anna+Ian in the DR: the Vargas family + Puerto Plata

Sunday, August 7, 2011 (evening)

This morning, we returned to La Mosca for church. Ian and Jess helped out with music (using songs from last night, which they had learned in Spanish thanks to the worship clinic). Luis preached about Paul's balance of wisdom and boldness as he shared the Good News, with Jenn translating for us. After the service, we spent a little time with the community (and took some group photos).

Then we were off to Hato del Yaque to pack for the beach — we're taking an overnight trip in Puerto Plata with the Vargas family. The guys all finished in 5 minutes and even had time for a nap before lunch. Us ladies took a much more communal approach and shared packing suggestions. We're on Dominican time anyway, so a 1:30 p.m. departure is more of a suggestion...

Two hours and a bathroom+ice cream stop later, we were checking in at the resort. Ian and I dropped our bags in our room, then headed to the beach. It was a little overcast, but still beautiful. We relaxed in the water until it was time for dinner.

After dinner, we gathered on lounge chairs and took some time to share our experiences on the trip. Danielle, who knows sign language and is working towards translator-level fluency, shared how God allowed her to cross paths with three different deaf individuals, bringing two of her passions (the deaf community and the DR) together. People who have been on the trip before talked about the amazing growth they've seen in both La Mosca and the individuals in the church. We also were amazed at how God worked through us despite the language barrier (particularly with the worship clinic). And how despite the different languages, cultures, experiences, we all share the same purpose: pursuing God and redeeming lives and communities.

We stayed around long after our "official" debriefing was over. I was part of an interesting conversation with Jenn — she shared some of the stories behind the rules for teams serving with G.O. (I'm blown away by how one thoughtless decision can ruin someone's life). Then we had fun interrogating Luis and Reina (thanks to Emily's translating skills). Reina gave us a little more detail about having Luis investigated after he told her he was interested in her (the report: he's a good man). After seeing photos and getting ministry updates, it's nice to learn about them on a more personal level. Luis also called Ian his baby (i.e. his son) after Ian laughingly called Luis his father in response to Luis telling him to sit up straight. So we're family now.

On one hand, it seems a little frivolous to spend a day at a resort, albeit a very modest one (at least by our culture's standards), when there are so many unmet needs all around us. (How do we enjoy all-you-can-eat buffets when the kids we've spent time with are lucky to get one meal a day?) On the other hand, it allows us to grow our relationship with the Vargas family, and treat them to a much deserved vacation. They're a pretty amazing family.

Anna+Ian in the DR: La Mosca + bilingual worship

Saturday, August 6, 2011 (evening)

We finished the wall yesterday, pillars and all. After getting all our tools cleaned and put away, we even had time to visit the "salon," run by little Dominican girls, while watching some final music lessons at the worship clinic.

A girl grabbed me from outside and sat me down for a new hairdo. She introduced herself as Michelle. A little later they swapped clients, and Maria started working on my hair. Those girls are so sweet! When they got tired of ponytails, they decided to squeeze in a jam session.

The kids left once the medical team returned (final patient count for the two-day clinic set a new record: 800+). We took showers, then headed to a nearby colmado for some liquid refreshments. (Glass bottles must return to their colmado of purchase.)

I want their kitty.

After dinner last night, we all walked to an empanada stand while a few ladies stayed behind to help Jenn with a sex ed class for her girls bible study. It's not surprising for a girl here to get pregnant as young as 13, and spend the rest of her life having kids and trying to find a man to support her family. Education on this subject can literally change a girl's life.

The empanada stand, by the way, is powered with some pirated wires rigged to the power lines. Sometimes it would fritz out and they'd jiggle the wires until it came on again. My cheese empanada was excellent, but I don't think I could handle more than one in a week (that's saying something: I love cheese and fried food). We also had some entertainment. A little boy (possibly related to the woman and daughter running the nearby stand) started showing off for us so we would take his picture.

This morning, we put on some nicer clothes, then headed to La Mosca to visit homes. In the States, door-to-door is not well received, but everyone who had been before assured us it's much different here. It was. We started at Luis's church, where we split up into several smaller groups, each with a translator. Ian and I joined Isaiah, Mel and Gerald (who translated for us). We went to a few houses, asking if they'd been to the medical clinic, and telling them that church services are tomorrow at 9 a.m. At the first house, Daniel invited us in. He is a handy man and has a cold (or the flu?). We prayed for him, then headed out.

A couple houses later, we were invited in again, this time by Maria. She has a brain tumor as well as several other medical conditions requiring surgery. In the DR, you have to purchase all the equipment for your surgery, from the scalpel to the gauze pads. She showed us her list. It's heartbreaking to see someone in that situation without access to the care she needs. She reminded us a lot of our moms — she has already been through breast cancer, and in spite of everything, she has such a strong spirit and solid faith that God was in control no matter the outcome. She showed us around her house, and I was struck at how even though her family doesn't have much, they do what they can to make their house welcoming and inviting.

We also talked to a man who had been in an accident. Gangrene was setting in his leg, but he didn't trust the doctors. Instead, he prayed and was healed. He showed us his scars, and asked us to pray for his son, who is in prison for something he didn't do.

When we headed out, I didn't expect to be so inspired. Other groups had different experiences than we did, sharing their own stories and planting seeds in the midst of hopelessness. But I know I don't have as much trust, faith, and contentment as the people we met today.

We met back at the Vargas's church for lunch, then drove to the Vargas's home. We didn't all fit in their living room, but it didn't matter. Luis and Reina shared their stories: how they came to follow Christ, how they met, and how they started their ministry in La Mosca. Luis used to be a street fighter, and ended up in church following a girl he thought was cute. But soon he was going because he was interested in what the pastor had to say. A week after he answered an alter call, he was in church leadership. He also told us about the partnership with [REUNION], which started four years ago. At the time, he was working in another church. Two years ago, G.O. asked him to move to La Mosca, but said another church was supporting the ministry there. Luis refused to go without "his people." So now [REUNION] supports him in La Mosca. I'm amazed at the relationship we have with the Vargas family — how can you be so close and committed with so little time and such great distance? Only God.

After spending some time with the Vargas family, we headed back into Santiago to tour the G.O. school and medical facilities, and allow time for the G.O. Kids sponsors on our team to meet their kids. The school might not be that great compared to our expectations, but in the Dominican, it's an incredible school: manageable class sizes, good resources like a library and computer lab, and low cost compared to private schools (with a sponsorship program to minimize family costs as needed).

Delores showed us around the medical facilities, then the old headquarters, which they are demolishing to make room for a bigger, better medical clinic (the space occupied by the current clinic will then become part of the school).

We got back to Hato del Yaque a little later than planned. After a quick dinner, we set up for the culmination of the worship clinic: a bilingual service for the community. The band was a combination of our team and Dominicans who attended the clinic. The songs alternated languages, but at times, everyone was singing together, Spanish and English intertwined. I think maybe that's what heaven will be like. All praising God together with our own cultures. The beauty of diversity without any cultural barriers.

Anna+Ian in the DR: construction + La Sirena

Friday, August 5, 2011 (siesta)

Yesterday afternoon, we made a lot of headway and finished up the walls!

After getting cleaned up and eating dinner, we headed to the Dominican equivalent of Super Target, La Sirena. On the way, Ian and I looked through my photos. So many funny ones from kid photographers.

At the store, we picked up lots of vanilla and coffee for us and for gifts. They really have everything. Like the giant loaf of bread Magen found.

Downstairs is a grocery store (food + personal care) and upstairs is like True Value+Sears on steroids. School supplies, books, furniture, appliances, keys, home goods. You name it, they have it. We all met up at the food court for snacks (mas Bon ice cream!), then together headed for the checkout, where we saw a giant mascot pencil (back to school?).

When we got back to Hato del Yaque, I was ready for bed but ended up helping make guacamole with monster avocados while Ian started an impromptu worship session. Which was lovely, but also made a rough evening for us, since we hadn't talked much. I just wanted to sleep, but Ian was unavailable due to his guitar playing and singing. I finally gave up on saying goodnight and started getting ready for bed. Right before I crawled into my bunk, they finished up. I went out and we had an emotional but productive chat about improving communication. Always a work in progress.

(post-trip note: most of the couples on the trip had a similar sort of "need to work on it" situation, and us married ladies discussed how nice it is to have that "me too!" moment. Marriage takes work, and we're all imperfect. I needed to adjust my attitude, and Ian needed to communicate more. So we work on it. And I wanted to include that little paragraph here on the blog to keep it real.)

This morning, we poured the pillars in the cement block wall we finished yesterday, and we also leveled the yard (the soil is so dark and rich). It's looking good! Lots of mixing though. I performed minor blister removal surgery, using scissors and copious amounts of antibacterial. And had a great chat with Shannon and Dave about working, kids, and money. Until we were ambushed with water balloons. Apparently, when Ben mentioned he had water balloons, he was informed they are like crack to little Dominican kids. Which explains their rabid excitement at nailing all the Americanos. We didn't mind. The water felt so good!

This afternoon, we have mucho mas concreto to mix. It's getting easier. And messier. I can't wait to shower tonight!

Anna+Ian in the DR: construction + Hoya de Bartola

Thursday, August 4, 2011 (siesta)

Yesterday we moved concrete blocks and buckets of mortar and soupy concrete. Generoso and Felix are the masons, and we kept them supplied (with help from Jeissy). Ian and I also met Pastor Luis in person for the first time — he came from La Mosca to spend the day with us. He is so full of joy and love. He and two of his sons, Luiscito and Dilson, helped us mix the mortar and concrete.

We're working on the brick wall surrounding the site of the in-progress parsonage. This will be a two family home, allowing the pastor, Elido (EL ido), and Jenn, our G.O. Ministries coordinator who serves at the church here in Hato del Yaque, to move to the neighborhood from Santiago. (This will also be a great situation for Jenn who is moving forward in the process of adopting a Haitian boy). I was so sore when I woke up this morning, but it's very rewarding work.

Right before lunch yesterday, we went to Hoya de Bartola a.k.a. The Hole, a trash dump neighborhood very similar to La Mosca.

It reminded me of some of the poorer parts of the Philippines.

We went to the (newly finished) church and talked with Felix, the pastor (his son was playing with a Mater toy truck). Felix has been serving in The Hole for 10 years. He thanked us for sacrificing our time, and said because of groups like ours, the kids in this neighborhood — many of whom are ignored, abused, and abandoned by their families and community — have learned to trust adults again. Yesterday morning at our breakfast table, we had wondered what difference we can make in just a week. God gave us a powerful answer through Felix. After asking a few questions, lunch for the nutrition center was ready. We went downstairs to serve the kids. For most, it is their only meal of the day. Each plate is portioned, and they know what they're supposed to get.

One girl "picked" me, and kept waving, hugging me, and smiling. After lunch we took a quick walk through the Hole, and she wanted to ride on my back. She wasn't small — maybe 10 years old? Ian gave a kid named Freddy a ride on his shoulders. When we got back on the bus, all the kids kept waving through the windows. Freddy ran after us, smiling and waving until he couldn't keep up. I never want to forget that face.

We came back, ate lunch, then worked more until it rained. Which meant showers for us. Much appreciated.

I also should note that the rest breaks run long. This morning, we played with the kids who showed up. Rosa did my hair, and Miguel and Riley played the game where you cover someone's eyes and make them guess who you are.

After dinner, we got our money (last night we gave Derek, with G.O., cash to exchange into pesos), then headed for ice cream at Helados Bon. It was so good! I got a cone with two scoops: macadamia nut and organic chocolate. Amazing.

Then we went back to Hato del Yaque and played games. I killed it with Monopoly Deal, thank to Park Place+Boardwalk and two consecutive rent cards.

This morning was full of more bricks and concrete. I even helped mix a batch. Fingers crossed I'll be ripped and tan by the time we go home. Hah! Worship clinic is going well. It's a nice soundtrack to our construction work. Can't wait to hear more from Ian.

Anna+Ian in the DR: arrival

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 (morning)

Roosters are crowing, and morning light makes the corn and banana plants glow a warm green. It's beautiful here.

We arrived yesterday in the middle of the afternoon after a flight delay (unrelated to Tropical Storm Emily). I intentionally didn't bring anything for the plane (no headphones, no book) so I could "be there" with the team — only to get put between two (pleasant but quiet) non-team Dominicans. God's working on my attitude. This trip is not about me.

We sped through customs without a hitch. Apparently, airport officials know G.O. Ministries and what they do (and we wore t-shirts identifying us as a G.O. team), so none of our bags were randomly selected for screening.

Driving through Santiago reminded me so much of the Philippines. The colors, the signs, the style — just a little less congested/dense. And Hato del Yaque is a bit like Meycauayan. Winding streets, dogs wandering around, lots of motorcycles.

The houses are one room, maybe divided by blankets. Small. Simple. Concrete blocks or mismatched collections of wood boards (which actually looks shabby chic). I'm reminded how cushy we have it at home. It makes me want to get rid of more stuff.

Last night we took a walk around the neighborhood: a parade of Americanos. The kids following us, who increased in number the farther we walked, loved Izzy's Instax camera. After an introduction, Rosa linked arms with me and we walked and talked a little (limited by my Spanish). She has 4 hermanas (or she's 1 of 4), is 12, and a student. I told her I work as an "assistante en la oficina" and Ian is my "esposa." Oops. Next time, he'll get the masculine ending and be my husband, not my wife.

When we got back to the church, Ian and I talked sports with Isaiah (from [REUNION] and currently on a 3-month internship with G.O.), and when the electricity went out we looked at the constellations.

A quick shower later and I was in bed. This morning, I realized how easy it is to get ready when you don't care what you look like. After throwing on some work clothes, I came outside for devotions and journaling before breakfast. I love this pace of life.

We made furniture (it's a coffee table).

I saw Elise's diy coffee table post back in April, when Ian was lamenting the slow demise of our 4-year-old particle board IKEA coffee table. It had a good run, but was beginning to come apart after three moves and Boston humidity.

When I first suggested making one ourselves, he was skeptical. We don't have woodworking tools and he thought it would be complicated. I explained that E&P made it in their apartment. Surely we could manage.

After more debate, we settled on our ideal dimensions and purchased hairpin legs. A few weeks later, we dedicated a Saturday to errands. We expected to pick up wood at Home Depot, but went to IKEA for other items (like a real chair for our desk that doesn't leave holes on your bum) and happened across an unfinished pine tabletop in the exact dimensions we wanted (well, off by a few fractions of an inch, since the Swedish use the metric system). After some post-shopping free frozen yogurt courtesy the IKEA family program, we were on our way to Home Depot to pick out stains and paint. We went with Minwax wood finish in English Chestnut, water-based Polycrylic protective finish, and Rustoleum's Oil Rubbed Bronze for the legs, which receives Young House Love rave reviews.

Ian took care of sanding/staining/finishing the tabletop, and I took care of spray painting the legs. No process photos, unfortunately. I didn't want the camera to get speckled with paint.

I used Sherry's spray painting tips and did three light coats, waiting 10 minutes between each. Ian lightly sanded the tabletop, wiped it down, then applied two coats of stain with a rag, waiting 10-15 minutes before wiping off the excess with a clean rag. He let each coat completely dry before moving to the next coat/step. We got a cheap paintbrush to apply the two coats of finish. As recommended, after the first coat had dried, Ian lightly sanded and wiped down the tabletop before applying the second coat. It was a hot day, so we shortened the recommended drying wait times. We finished the tabletop and the legs in one afternoon.

After several days of drying (outside for an afternoon, then inside for a total of at least 48 hours), Ian assembled it while he waited for Verizon's technician to show up (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.). Who was unable to fix our 6-months-and-counting issue, which now will involve utility work. Our internet still intermittently drops, but we have a beautiful coffee table!