prayers and devotions

One of the beautiful things we experienced with God was spontaneous times of devotion and prayer. I would add praise to that list too. Whether prayer sprang up in crisis, thanksgiving, adoration, praise or concern...there was a frequent flow of communicaton with the Creator during our time in the Dominican Republic. Somehow I think this is the way we are supposed to live. Your thoughts?

Toys and games #3

We just finished four days of the San Juan County Fair here in Friday Harbor; animals, exhibits, rides and games...something for everyone. As I watched kids around the fair, having fun, I noticed again how much we have in the U.S. to provide fun for our kids. As I continue to reflect back to the kids in the Dominican Republic and those who live in the bateys I'm reminded that joy and fun don't come from the games themselves, but from the interactions between people. It doesn't take much to produce fun for kids.

Baseball is the #1 national sport in the Dominican. Almost every afternoon you can see a group of kids and young people organizing a game of baseball in a field. I took a picture of a group of boys getting a game going. They were happy to pose for me. Girls play house just like girls in the U.S. The little girl in the photo is cooking up some tasty stew, with her own ingredients. Almost all of the activities are outside, no T.V.'s, no video games, no screen time, just kids playing with kids.

Toys and games #2

I love these pictures which capture the simplicity of toys. The little boy in the doorway has a wall socket with a wire dangling from it. He was carrying it around, making up his own use for it. Who knows where he got it, as most homes in the bateys don't have electricity. The little girls hanging from a tree branch was so cute. She used the branch as a swing and was laughing most of the time she swung back and forth. It was a matter of time before the branch broke and when it did she laughed all the more. The little guy with the can drums was amazing. He was cranking out the beat with his sticks and entertaining everyone. His nickname is "el pastor".

The girls jumping "Chinese Jump Rope" as I call it, where having a blast. The stretched the rope between their waists, much higher than the ankles, the way I taught it in elem. P.E. They seem to make the jumps; great athleticism.

Again I was struck by the simplicity of the things that kids use to have fun.

Vic for the fam

Toys and games #1

One of the favorite toys of the young boys in the bateys is the balancing tire toy. It is not as easy as it looks. Kyle gave it a try and found out how challenging it was to keep the tire rolling. The boys make a stick with part of a plastic bottle on the end, shaped to guide the tire. In almost every batey we would see a boy with this toy. See the video for a demonstration. One of the boys gave me a video lesson.

I'm going to do a little series of blogs on creative toys, no video games, electronic games, etc., just good old imagination.

Vic for the fam

Colmado, a 7-11?

After arriving back in Seattle, by some strange twist of fate, we entered a Wal-Mart. Whoa! What a far cry from the little stores, Colmados, we found in the bateys or other villages around Barahona. Colmados, pictured above, come in all shapes and sizes. You could find various package items; crackers, snack items, fruit, some vegetables, etc.

I must admit, we were a little overwhelmed in Wal-Mart. Still adjusting to life in America and on occasion I'm fighting a judgmental spirit that rises up inside me.

Batey Tours part 2

A batey tour is a Venture team's first connection with the children and the community. Americans get a glimpse of life as it is in the batey and feel the love the children extend to them during the visit. As the week goes on, depending on the project, there are more and more opportunities to relate with adults and children. Life is hard in the bateys, yet God's presence brings hope and joy for all who trust in Him. Often times that hope is given through a team member who reaches out to a child or to an adult, with a loving smile or embrace.

I saw this time and time again. It is usually the American who is blessed by God when he or she gives the simplest smile or attempts to communicate in broken Spanish. It is the smallest gift of grace that touches the heart.

I went out several times with teams who provided cement floors for families. On one trip to Altagracia I recognized a young man who came to the basketball clinic last year. This year he was being blessed by a team who gave his family a cement floor for his home. I wish I could remember his name, but he and his wife with their little girl are pictured with me. He was so grateful for the floor and he worked right alongside the team.

The woman with the pan in her hand is sorting out peanuts or some type of nut. She graciously offered me some when I inquired as to what she was doing. Sharing food is so common in the batey, a sign of community and giving from the heart. There is much food to give, but the people seem to share with neighbors when they are in need. Beautiful! Hmmm...I read something about that type of community sharing in Acts 2: 42-45

They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.
Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met.

Batey Tours part 1

One of the first things a short term Venture team experiences when they come to Barahona is taking a tour of the bateys. I think this was one of my favorite times of the week because we had the opportunity to meet with the children and adults in the communities. It is so interesting to sit back and observe the LOVE that is shared back and forth from kids to team members. Of course for us, most often we were recognized as people who they had seen before, and also there are people who we've built relationships with in most of the communities. Our improving Spanish really helped tremendously.

In the video you see the Bombers baseball team playing with the kids on a tour. This is a common sight with almost every tour and the kids love it...we do too. The kids will play anything and they love Duck, Duck, Goose as you can see.

More to come as we continue to reflect on our incredible six weeks in the Dominican Republic. Thank you for your support and prayers. We are almost home now, in Seattle today and then an afternoon ferry ride.

Love,

Vic for the fam