tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52719368770838891702024-03-13T10:32:41.849-04:00Jyll Schenault- Servant of GodJyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-31727350529690401412011-06-02T10:47:00.000-04:002011-06-02T10:47:40.722-04:00Love lettersLast week at WyldLife Club, the kids heard the message of the love of Jesus, how He died for them because He loves them, and how He wants them to love Him as well. Rachel, one of my co-leaders, did a great job giving this message, centered around the passage of Jesus asking Peter if he loved Him, that really spoke to the hearts of the kids. At the end of her talk, she passed out pieces of paper and asked the kids, if they wanted to, to write a small note to Jesus. I want to share with you some of those little love letters to Jesus that they wrote:<br />
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• I love you.<br />
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• We do so many sins and you keep on forgiving us. It’s just not fair that you had to die for our shame.<br />
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• K-I love too I want to feed your sheep I want to do it help me Jesus.<br />
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• YES, I love you. I love Jesus Thanks!<br />
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• I love U! I Love U! Jesus. –L<br />
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• I love Jesus back with all my heart, soul, and my mind.<br />
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• Lord I just want you to forgive me and love me back. I’ve always loved you and you know.<br />
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• I actually try very very hard to remember and follow God… But I absolutely do LOVE the LORD a lot! Also, I need help, for friends and relationships, I need HELP! Love:K<br />
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• Dear Jesus: I love you & I want to go in your way I want to be accepted like your daughter teach me how to go in your way. I love U! Amen. Thanks for everything!<br />
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• Dear Jesus I want to tell you I love U back. Thanks for dying for us. I just want to tell you that I really apreshiate that you gave me a life. Thanks for EVERY thing Att: C<br />
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• I love Jesus, and I want to be a better Christian in my actions and behavior. I love you and I will follow you. ~MTB girl <br />
• C: Yes I will follow you I will try to do the correct things thanks for dying on the cross.<br />
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• Yes Jesus I love you back I know I’m not perfect and I fall some times but doesn’t matter what happens know that I love you. <br />
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• Jesus Thank you for blessing me and letting me be here tonight. RL<br />
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• Hi<br />
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• Jesus I am writing this to you to ask you for forgiving for all bad thing I have made.<br />
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• Dear Jesus, Yes, I do love you even though you haven’t answered all my prayers. I love you a lot I love how you love me knowing what I have done. –K<br />
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• Dear Jesus thank you so much for saving me, thank you for dying on the cross for me. I pray that you would guide me and help me through these next years.<br />
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• Dear Jesus, I love you, you died for me and for my sins. I’m sorry for not saying I love you. Sincerty, L<br />
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• Dear God, I’m going through some hard stuff in my life but I want you to know that I love you and thank you for watching over me. Love, S<br />
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• I will follow & I believe ur there 4 me.<br />
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• Yes I love you.<br />
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• I love you & you love me we are a happy family I LOVE YOU! <br />
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• Jesus, I love you and I want to follow you and want YOU to take control of my life.Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-85157283509382808942011-04-24T20:56:00.000-04:002011-04-24T20:56:57.399-04:00A Easter leap into another cultureToday, for Easter service, I decided to try a different church near my house instead of going to the one I have been attending. The Baptist church is just two blocks from my house. I had no idea what time it started, but since I know that a lot of the churches start at 10am, I thought perhaps this one did too. As I was walking there, I didn't see anyone walking toward the church. Well, perhaps it doesn't start at 10, I thought. When I got there, there were definitely people there. As I approached, I asked a man standing outside what time it started. He told me it started at 8am and ended at 12pm. Wow! Long service. As I entered I made a very big observation....<br />
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This was a Haitian church service!! Everyone in the church was Haitian and the service was done in a combination of French and Creole!!! Wow! The church was packed full. I entered and went to stand in the back, but a very nice gentleman gave me his seat. At times, I understood a few French words from my lessons (I have been taking French lessons now once/ week for about the past 2 months). At one point, they were introducing visitors (I know this because the man who gave me his seat told me this in Spanish). Then, someone went up front and said in English, "We have an American with us today. I don't know her name, but will she please stand up and introduce herself". Yikes!!! I do not know enough French yet to do a decent introduction, so I spoke in Spanish (which everyone there understood anyway- Haitians are very intelligent people- they know 2 or 3 or more languages!)<br />
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The service involved a lot of singing- songs I did not know but enjoyed. The sermon lasted only about 20 minutes and was centered around the passages of Isaiah 53 and Matthew 27. The service was very good.<br />
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What a strange experience. It has been a while since I stepped into a country where I was not able to understand the language. Here I was 2 blocks from my house and it felt like I was in a different country- surrounded by people from a different culture than what I have grown acustomed to and speaking languages that I don't understand. Yet, while I was there, I couldn't help marvel at the fact that even though these men and women are praying in a language that I don't understand, God understands them completely. He created these other languages. It doesn't matter which language you use- whether it is English, Spanish, French, Creole, or any other language- God created them all and He understands you!! How amazing is that!!!<br />
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Happy Easter!!! He is Risen!!!!!! Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-6792385487164681152011-01-26T19:38:00.001-04:002012-01-11T22:24:08.849-04:00Jehovah's WitnessesLately, I have been seeing quite a few Jehovah's Witnesses walking the streets of Jarabacoa, particularly American Jehovah's Witness "missionaries". These Americans have moved here in order to target the English-speaking population of Jarabacoa and bring them the information of the JWs. The funny part about this is that about 98% of the native English-speaking population here are Christian missionaries!<br />
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The JWs have started an English service at their hall and have been going around to find English-speaking people in town to invite to their services and share the literature. One of them in particular has latched on to me. I met C when she was driving through the neighborhood looking for houses that were for rent. She stopped to ask me about a house she thought she had seen for rent (turns out it was my house- apparently right before I moved in). We started talking and I found out she was a JW. Ever since then, she has made it a point to stop frequently here at the house to give me literature and talk to me about the "Bible" and the "truth". <br />
Since her visits have become more frequent, I have started researching more about what the JWs actually believe and have discovered how much they truly are a cult. Let me outline just a few of the beliefs of the JWs that is in contradiction to Christianity.<br />
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<ul><li>They believe that there is only one God in one person- there is no Trinity.</li>
<li>They believe that Jesus was the first creation of God- that He was created, was the first angel, was named Michael, and that Michael (Jesus) helped in the creation of the rest of the universe.</li>
<li>They believe that Michael became Jesus when he was born on Earth, that he died on a torchure stake, and that he rose spiritually but not physically.</li>
<li>They believe that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal force and not a member of the Trinity (no trinity).</li>
<li>They believe that a person must do good works in order to be in favor with Jehovah (God).</li>
<li>They believe that only 144,000 people will go to heaven. These specially chosen people will inherit immortal life and live in heaven with Jehovah (God).</li>
<li>They believe the rest of the JWs will inherit eternal life and will live on Earth paradise forever.</li>
<li>They participate in communion only one time per year and only those who have immortal life can partake.</li>
<li>Before a JW can be baptized, they must attend a certain number of classes to learn about the religion and answer questions before a panel of leaders. These classes are held every day and the JW is encouraged to attend class 5 days a week.</li>
<li>The JW bible has been wrongly translated- changed in order to fit the beliefs of the JWs. </li>
</ul>While Jehovah's Witnesses may use the same vocabulary as Christians use, they are not talking about the same thing. They have been brainwashed by their constant studies to believe that only JWs will live forever. They have had extensive training on how to speak to non-JWs and how to defend their faith. Be careful if you encounter a JW. While they may talk about Jesus and God and the Bible, THEY ARE NOT CHRISTIANS!Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-51941030391124636132010-12-31T00:23:00.009-04:002011-01-02T00:28:35.402-04:00End of 2010Wow, I cannot believe that 2010 has come to an end. What a year it has been. After moving to the Dominican Republic in January and spending most of the year working with Doulos Discovery School, I realize that God has plans bigger than any of us can ever imagine and that He truly is in control of all things. <br />
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The last month of school before break went well and very quickly. I then went back to Ohio to spend Christmas and New Years with my family. As usual, this time is going by very quickly and I will soon be heading back to the DR. I am looking forward to seeing Petra (she stayed in the DR with a family who remained there for Christmas). There is also much to do in this next semester. I am sure that God will be keeping me full of His work throughout the next 6 months.<br />
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I hope 2010 was a good year for you and that you embrace all that God will bring before you in 2011!Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-52262552949499072742010-11-28T20:00:00.000-04:002010-12-11T20:01:15.271-04:00Thanksgiving Dinner<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thanksgiving is a holiday that is spent with family. However, my family is very far away this year. I was blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving with my Doulos family at a giant Thanksgiving Dinner. Over 100 people- teachers, staff, and their families- went to the school for dinner. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TQQQXWng2lI/AAAAAAAABOo/aEuC4ezqIB8/s1600/Nov+2010+147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TQQQXWng2lI/AAAAAAAABOo/aEuC4ezqIB8/s320/Nov+2010+147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had the traditional turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and even a green bean casserole. We also had a non-traditional roasted pig. Everyone had to bring a dish with them (side dish or dessert). The Dominicans brought typical Dominican food- rice, beans, yuca, etc. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TQQFW4lJeWI/AAAAAAAABOQ/Zf9Dp0_x1Lc/s1600/Nov+2010+146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TQQFW4lJeWI/AAAAAAAABOQ/Zf9Dp0_x1Lc/s320/Nov+2010+146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">With such a variety of choices besides what I am used to for Thanksgiving and being separated away from my family, it didn't feel like Thanksgiving to me. So, I decided to cook my own traditional Thanksgiving Dinner the next day- the same as I would have had if I was in my house in Ohio.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Since turkey is very expensive here and impossible to find in town (you have to drive into the city to buy it), I decided to make chicken instead. Besides, I like chicken better than turkey anyway! I made homemade stuffing just like we make at home. My little chicken came out very good.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TQQHgL2MUdI/AAAAAAAABOY/BsNBMVBgY80/s1600/Nov+2010+155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TQQHgL2MUdI/AAAAAAAABOY/BsNBMVBgY80/s320/Nov+2010+155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Now it was time to make the side dishes. Mashed potatoes and corn are easy. Sweet potatoes, however, are a little harder. I went to the veggie market and bought a few sweet potatoes, or the closest thing they have to sweet potatoes. When I bought them they were caked with dirt. After I scrubbed them off, I discovered that the skins were bright purple!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TQQHmOJdGwI/AAAAAAAABOc/tFU2XAo10SY/s1600/Nov+2010+149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TQQHmOJdGwI/AAAAAAAABOc/tFU2XAo10SY/s320/Nov+2010+149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">When I cut them up, they were white on the inside. Now, I know for most people- especially here- that wouldn't be a problem. But for me, SWEET POTATOES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ORANGE!! So, I cut them up and boiled them like mashed potatoes, but while they were boiling, I added red and yellow food coloring and turned them orange!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">After it was all cooked, I was able to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner- Ohio style! (Notice the orange sweet potatoes on the right side- covered with marshmellows!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TQQHuo82P3I/AAAAAAAABOk/Y-dSJvlsGD8/s1600/Nov+2010+156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TQQHuo82P3I/AAAAAAAABOk/Y-dSJvlsGD8/s320/Nov+2010+156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-73526187575637839942010-11-16T21:38:00.001-04:002010-11-16T21:40:07.936-04:00Some things that have happened since the last time I posted...I know, I am a horrible blogger. I do not blog very often. The reason for this is that most of what I want to say gets said in an weekly email that I mail out to everyone who has requested frequent updates about my ministry here in the Dominican Republic. If you would like to receive these emails, please leave me a message here or at my email, include your email address and I will add you to the list.<br />
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A lot has happened since the last time I updated my blog. I am going to attempt to tell some of it with pictures...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Every other Friday at Doulos, the school has an event called Revolution. The students get out of class 40 minutes early and get to attend a fun assembly full of games, contests, music, dancing, and sometimes a Biblical life lesson. As you can see, the staff get involved with Revolution just as much as the students do!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMkl9a_N-I/AAAAAAAABNM/mEv9Rxwmpro/s1600/Oct+2010+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMkl9a_N-I/AAAAAAAABNM/mEv9Rxwmpro/s320/Oct+2010+083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Every time it rains moderately or more, we lose water at our house. The water is turned off by the city to keep the debris from the river from clogging the water filtration system. When the water comes on, depending on how long it was off, our water can often be various colors of yellow or brown with a sometimes nasty smell. This was our water one day- yellow brown and smelling like rotten eggs! No, we do not drink this, but we do pour this into our water filter to drink. We also have to wash our dishes, do laundry, and shower in this water. Yuck!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMnkFfqlRI/AAAAAAAABNQ/ow0xs_QtsoI/s1600/Oct+2010+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMnkFfqlRI/AAAAAAAABNQ/ow0xs_QtsoI/s320/Oct+2010+072.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Our neighbor had gotten a new little puppy that quickly became a good friend of Petra's. His name was Rocky. While he doesn't look it in the picture, he was much smaller than Petra. Unfortunately, he got out of his front gate and was hit by a car and died. Even though Petra only knew him for about 3 weeks, I think she misses him.<br />
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Here in Jarabacoa, the cemetery does not bury people; they have above ground vault tombs that are stacked on top of each other. When a person dies, the family "rents" the tomb for a certain period of time. When that time is over, the dead person is removed or "evicted" and a new dead person is put there. This coffin looks old, like the person died a long time ago. However, they were still evicted from their "final" resting place and their coffin placed in the trash (the body was removed... I think!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMoK_aiVcI/AAAAAAAABNY/CEFzzIPB0Pc/s1600/Oct+2010+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMoK_aiVcI/AAAAAAAABNY/CEFzzIPB0Pc/s320/Oct+2010+053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
One of the major recent changes in my life here was the purchase of a vehicle- a 1999 Chevy Blazer. This was a gift from God. I had been needing a vehicle in order to do some of the ministry work I have been trying to do, and God provided this for me. What a blessing it is to be able to get to places that I have not been able to get to independently. I am now a part time taxi driver (pro bono) for various missionaries and have also put the vehicle to work in the various ministries I am working in. God is Good!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMojAVXnjI/AAAAAAAABNc/AyOQYO9s9jg/s1600/Oct+2010+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMojAVXnjI/AAAAAAAABNc/AyOQYO9s9jg/s320/Oct+2010+056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Packages from home are always a welcome treat, especially when it includes homemade cookies from Mom! Mail comes every other Wednesday for us. It is always a lot of fun to get letters, cards, and packages. As you can see, cookies can travel amazingly well!<br />
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Since I now have my car, I have begun working at Centro Especial Genesis. This is the only Special Education school in this area. While it is a special education school, they unfortunately do not have anyone working there who has actually been trained in special ed. I will be working with some of the teachers, helping train them in how to best teach children with special needs. I am also evaluating some of the students so that the teachers can know their strengths and weaknesses and know how best to teach them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMpktC830I/AAAAAAAABNk/Ziz1DoJly6M/s1600/Nov+2010+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMpktC830I/AAAAAAAABNk/Ziz1DoJly6M/s320/Nov+2010+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A part of WyldLife is a small group Bible study called Campaigners that meets every 2 weeks to dive deeper into the Bible and learn more about Jesus and how God wants us to live. Rachel, my co-leader and I decided to have a fun get-together with our Campaigners group for dinner and tie dying in preparation for one of our WyldLife Club meetings. The kids had a blast- most of them had never tie dyed before! Even petra had a blast having new people around and amazingly she did not get tie dyed!!<br />
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This past week was a milestone in Petra's life. She lost her first baby tooth. Her new tooth is already starting to come in, but here is Petra showing off her new hole where a tooth used to be!<br />
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Every now and then, a group of people like to get out of town and head into the city for a little taste of home. This past weekend, a group of 11 of us drove into Santiago to go to T.G.I.Fridays. It was wonderful having a little American food from a real American restaurant. The food titles on the menu were even in English!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMrcFUrNbI/AAAAAAAABNw/XhW-gJhWAcI/s1600/Nov+2010+081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMrcFUrNbI/AAAAAAAABNw/XhW-gJhWAcI/s320/Nov+2010+081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After dinner at Friday's, we headed over to the bowling alley for a game of bowling. Bowling is the same here as it is in the States, except for the occasional 3rd turn in a frame that you get when the lane doesn't reset!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMrholO99I/AAAAAAAABN0/p_dkdwgewgQ/s1600/Nov+2010+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TOMrholO99I/AAAAAAAABN0/p_dkdwgewgQ/s320/Nov+2010+086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;">This is about all for right now. I will try to post more, but I cannot make any promises. If you want weekly updates, sign up for the weekly "Picture of the Week" email. You will not be disappointed!</div>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-61694947587218738112010-10-24T20:40:00.000-04:002010-10-24T20:40:07.479-04:00My generous neighborOne of my neighbors is a cute older lady named Blanquita. She cooks lunch every Saturday and Sunday for her family, which sends wonderful aromas into our yard. Today, I mentioned how wonderful her food smelled, and so she told me she was going to give me a little bit so I could try it, asking if I like traditional Domincan cooking. Traditional Dominican food often contains rice, beans, and chicken. I told her I do like it and that it is very gracious of her to offer to allow me to try her cooking. A little while later, her house helper came over with a huge tray of chicken, rice, plantains, and salad. My roommate Katie and I both had lunch and there is enough left over for 1 or both of us to have another meal! How generous she was to give us so much of her wonderful food. <div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TMTRtIbypPI/AAAAAAAABLA/HmWJI0fucjM/s1600/Oct+2010+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TMTRtIbypPI/AAAAAAAABLA/HmWJI0fucjM/s320/Oct+2010+065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-41378208380971587322010-10-08T14:17:00.000-04:002010-10-08T14:17:07.441-04:00Recent Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a few pictures that I have taken over the past couple of weeks. Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is our first family portrait. Katie, Petra, and I. Rossy, our other roommate, moved out a few weeks ago, so we have an extra bedroom in the house that we are hoping to fill. For now, it is just the 2 1/2 of us!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TK9dYzomSQI/AAAAAAAABKs/cBWz2rIwb3U/s1600/Sept+2010+150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TK9dYzomSQI/AAAAAAAABKs/cBWz2rIwb3U/s320/Sept+2010+150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Here is Petra (taken about a week ago). She keeps growing despite the fact that I have told her to stop. She is a little rascal. She loves playing and she is facinated by people. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TK9db2XHFAI/AAAAAAAABKw/Ks8JtBBVoYk/s1600/Sept+2010+149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TK9db2XHFAI/AAAAAAAABKw/Ks8JtBBVoYk/s320/Sept+2010+149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to tour the factory that makes the water filters that we use here. This is the factory. I was expected more of an American style factory. This factory is located at the dead end of a dirt road behind a neighborhood in the middle of nowhere. Everything is done either with simple machines or by hand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TK9dqDsdcsI/AAAAAAAABK0/HOH7LzC87P0/s1600/Sept+2010+101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TK9dqDsdcsI/AAAAAAAABK0/HOH7LzC87P0/s320/Sept+2010+101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">These are some of the kids hanging out by the pond at recess time. The building to the left is our cafeteria and upstairs on that building is one of our teacher lounges. Behind the pond is the basketball court. Behind the cafeteria is the amphitheatre. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TK9dzMBswOI/AAAAAAAABK4/ZzoNtXbCN8w/s1600/Sept+2010+111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TK9dzMBswOI/AAAAAAAABK4/ZzoNtXbCN8w/s320/Sept+2010+111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">The 6th and 7th graders as they prayed before leaving for their camping trip. They had an awesome trip!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TK9eFISthSI/AAAAAAAABK8/a9hHFI3t-pw/s1600/Sept+2010+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TK9eFISthSI/AAAAAAAABK8/a9hHFI3t-pw/s320/Sept+2010+086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-38284984976113658432010-09-20T15:19:00.000-04:002010-09-20T15:19:32.444-04:00Petra Update<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have had a few people ask me for updates about Petra. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TJev1hMI1kI/AAAAAAAABKg/0v0P3ngrc_0/s1600/Sept+2010+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TJev1hMI1kI/AAAAAAAABKg/0v0P3ngrc_0/s320/Sept+2010+023.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We I first got her, she was so small. She is still small, but she has been growing. Her little legs are getting longer, yet her body size hasn't changed much in the nearly 3 weeks that she has been living with me. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Since she was a street dog, I am trying to keep her away from all human food and get her accustomed to dog food. At first, she ate it but I don't think she liked it very much (since she wouldn't eat very much). Now, she eats well. I am hoping she will gain a little weight since she is so skinny. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TJevDbU6D8I/AAAAAAAABKY/VpDzvmi-hOY/s1600/Sept+2010+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TJevDbU6D8I/AAAAAAAABKY/VpDzvmi-hOY/s320/Sept+2010+040.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Housebreaking... Petra has actually been doing well with housebreaking. When I am home, I leave the back door open and she is able to go out whenever she wants- and she does. She very rarely has an accident in the house when I am home. When I am not home, she is left in the laundry room, but there are not usually any problems there either. She has also made it overnight with no accidents for the past 2 nights, although she usually wakes me up at least one time in the middle of the night. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have also discovered that she is a little thief. She likes to steal- shoes, clothes, rugs, books, whatever she can find! She also loves to chew and will chew on whatever she steals! </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I took a video of her playing with one of her toys. Click here to see it:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYssWBhMqfk">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYssWBhMqfk</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-77180700249774968402010-09-08T14:38:00.001-04:002010-09-20T14:45:23.668-04:00The newest addition to my family...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Meet Petra! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TJerWXn0hgI/AAAAAAAABKI/M_G3pvIKwVk/s1600/Aug+2010+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TJerWXn0hgI/AAAAAAAABKI/M_G3pvIKwVk/s320/Aug+2010+047.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">She is an adorable little puppy that has found her way into my life. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Petra was a puppy of a street dog, living on the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> My </span>roommate Katie and I were talk about how we have been seeing a couple of street puppies on our way to work in the morning, so we decided to go see where they were living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we found Petra, she was sitting in a garbage pile, trying to find something to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is young, probably born during the first week of August (according to the vet), with scars on her head from some cuts she got a while back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We brought her home, cleaned her up, took her to the vet to get her first vaccine and de-worming, and gave her a new life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first she was scared and tried to leave, but once she realized she was in a safe place, she became comfortable and now is happily living as a house dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My roommates and I marveled at the similarities we saw between Petra’s life and our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before becoming Christians, we lived out in the world, filling up our lives with garbage and thinking we are happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Someone (Jesus) came along and rescued us from our life, cleaned us up, and took us to be with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, we try to get away and go back to our old life, but once we realize that we are safe and in a good place, we can take joy that we were rescued and life a truly happy life!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-83996415704746148292010-09-07T10:11:00.001-04:002010-09-09T13:17:15.233-04:00WyldLife- the beginning of something BIG!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TIZHhy7FIbI/AAAAAAAABJ4/uG5qmTkuWGI/s1600/Wyldlife+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TIZHhy7FIbI/AAAAAAAABJ4/uG5qmTkuWGI/s400/Wyldlife+logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I want to tell you a little about a new ministry that I have just recently joined to impact the lives of children here in Jarabacoa. </div>Young Life is a ministry that was founded in Texas as an outreach program to reach the kids who do not go to church and/or have no desire to go to church. The idea was to reach the kids where they were and get them to know Jesus. Adult leaders develop relationships with teenagers, get to know them and about them, have conversations with them, and really come to love them as a person created in the image of God. The teens are invited to go to a Club meeting, which is a youth group meeting held at someone’s house. The club time consists of songs, games, skits, and activities that allow them to have fun, laugh, and enjoy themselves. There is also a brief talk about Jesus, lasting for 10-15 minutes. Besides club meetings, the adult leaders are able to mentor and disciple some teens who truly have a desire to go deeper with their relationship with Christ. <br />
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Young Life works with high school students and has a division called <u><a href="http://www.younglife.org/Wyldlife">Wyld Life</a></u> that works with middle school students. This is the new ministry that I have signed up with. <br />
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I will be working with a small team of adults to reach into the lives of the middle school students in Jarabacoa. I am super excited about this ministry and the opportunities that God is going to give me to impact these kids for the Kingdom!<br />
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Now, if you are excited about this ministry like I am, you may be wondering how you can help. Well, there are a few ways that God can use you to help with this ministry.<br />
One way you can help is through your prayers. Pray for the middle school students who will be coming to the meetings. Pray for those who are not sure if they should go. Pray for the parents and for their permission to let their children attend. Pray for our leadership team (Tim, Laura, Rachel, Jessica, Natalie, and I) as we prepare all the activities and events for Club meetings and for our contact with the kids outside of the meeting times. Pray against the spiritual warfare that will try to combat the Work that God is doing here with middle schoolers.<br />
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Another way you can help is through donations of items that we need for club meetings. Each club meeting (every other Tuesday), will have a different theme. We need items that can go with these themes to help bring the students in and allow them to enjoy themselves while learning about Jesus. <br />
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The themes for this first half of the year are:<br />
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• Beach Party<br />
• Banana Night<br />
• Movie Night<br />
• 70s Night/ Tie Dye<br />
• Outer Space Night<br />
• Christmas Party<br />
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We need items to go with the various themes, including silly hats and costumes, facepaint, and anything else that can be used to create the theme. There are a few items I know for sure that we need:<br />
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• Beach Party- Beach balls, leis (enough for 50 kids plus adults), beach accessories, grass skirts<br />
• 70s Night/ Tie Dye- Tie dye materials (actual dye), White t-shirts for middle school students (adult sizes- all sizes, must be new and still in packaging or still have tags on), 70s hairdo wig, disco ball<br />
• Outer Space Night- Facepaint (especially green), Alien costumes- facemasks, hats, gloves, etc.<br />
• Christmas Club- Any type of Christmas items, decorations, candy, etc.<br />
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In addition, each week there will be a raffle as door prizes for students. Any donations of small/ medium items that can be used as door prizes are also greatly appreciated, especially if they are related to the theme of the Club.<br />
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All donation items can be sent to the following address:<br />
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Jyll Schenault<br />
Doulos Discovery School<br />
Unit 3017 - DDSDR<br />
3170 Airmans Drive<br />
Ft. Pierce, FL 34946<br />
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I would ask that you could please include $3.00 per pound for shipping from Florida to the Dominican Republic.<br />
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I want to thank you in advance for your help with this new and exciting ministry opportunity that God has brought my way. It is such a blessing to be used by God in new ways to reach his children and bring them into a relationship with Jesus.Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-31677071798746835662010-09-03T13:09:00.001-04:002010-09-03T13:10:36.868-04:00Hurricane Earl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TIErNIg6j1I/AAAAAAAABJo/FDp7tFl0gYo/s1600/Aug+2010+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TIErNIg6j1I/AAAAAAAABJo/FDp7tFl0gYo/s200/Aug+2010+040.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Hurricane Earl was a Category 3 storm when he pounded Puerto Rico and was heading toward our island. God protected us by turning the hurricane away, leaving us with some thick clouds and some light-moderate rainfall. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Of course, this was the closest I have ever been to a hurricane- and I was excited. Strange, I know... but if you know me, then you understand what I am saying. I have always loved studying weather. When I was younger, I had a desire to study meteorology and specialize in hurricane studies. However, that education path was not possible for me (and God had other plans). </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TIErYZg8J3I/AAAAAAAABJw/VmU5ElkdN6w/s1600/Aug+2010+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TIErYZg8J3I/AAAAAAAABJw/VmU5ElkdN6w/s200/Aug+2010+042.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Growing up in Ohio, I did not get to experience a hurricane, so I have been paying close attention to the tropics during this hurricane season, since I am now living there. So far it has been an active tropical season, but nothing has headed this way. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-69351688003047470782010-09-03T12:59:00.000-04:002010-09-03T12:59:06.245-04:00Quick update- Work and HomeSchool has been in session now for 3 weeks. Things are going well. My schedule still has not been set- so I continue to jump from class to class, trying to work with a variety of kids in preschool, 1st grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, and 8th grade. I am also working at the school across the street, helping them get their special ed program started. I have also been evaluating students again. As you can see, my "not so set" schedule is pretty busy.<br />
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The house is doing well. We have not had any recent ant attacks. The bait powder seems to have worked. We (my roommates and I) are starting to get settled in and the house is starting to feel like home. <br />
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I would love for you to leave me a message or send me an email letting me know how things are going in your area of the world. Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-6666927623365142242010-08-23T08:27:00.000-04:002010-08-23T08:27:29.128-04:00Ant Attack updatePlan A seems to have worked. I have not seen ants in my bathroom since I laid down the bait powder. However, they have decided to move on to other parts of the house. On Saturday, they were seen coming out of an electrical outlet in my roommate's bedroom. When we took the cover plate off, we found they had made a next inside the outlet box. They were also coming out from behind the tile in the kitchen and marching up the sidewalk outside of the house like a massive army. <br />
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Any suggestions on how to completely eliminate these pests would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-26076662988627777172010-08-18T09:36:00.000-04:002010-08-18T09:36:27.686-04:00Killer Ants part 2- The Invasion Continues<div>On the way home from work yesterday, I decided to pick up a few items for these pesky invaders of my bathroom- namely Ant bait killer and Raid! And it is a good thing I did! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGvhgALqhqI/AAAAAAAABJk/TOvb4-1qnsE/s1600/Aug+2010+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGvhgALqhqI/AAAAAAAABJk/TOvb4-1qnsE/s320/Aug+2010+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I arrived home to find that they were not just climbing out of the new hole they managed to find, but they were covering my entire bathtub, on the walls, climbing out of the bathtub, down the wall, across the floor, and out into my bedroom!! I decided that this was war- and the hour of attack had come. These ants chose the wrong person to mess with. <br />
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I began by fumigating the entire area of with Raid. I had to wait for a while for the air to clear before going back in to clean up the mini- carcasses and spraying anyone who survived the nuclear blast.<br />
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After cleaning up the little bodies (more like washing them down the drain), and scrubbing the entire bathroom down yet again (I just did that Saturday and Monday), I laid this ant bait powder in the main areas I’ve been seeing them come out or congregating. Now, I wait….. wait to see if they take the bait!<br />
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If this doesn’t work, then we will try plan B. What is plan B? I have no idea.<br />
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</div>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-91226598784280890742010-08-17T16:46:00.002-04:002010-08-17T16:52:30.528-04:00Killer Ants!!!<div>My bathroom, especially around the shower, is infected with killer ants. When I was cleaning out my bathroom on Saturday, I discovered 2 holes at the top of the shower with ants crawling out of them. When I put a wet cloth over them to clean them up, hundreds of ants came pouring out of the holes. As I tried to clean up the ants, more and more came out of the holes. While cleaning them up, one of them got on my hand and bit me. I swear it had piranha teeth! The more I tried to clean them up, the more I was getting bit. The landlord filled the holes with cement and this sufficed for the day. However, they have since found another hole to come out of... and they are hungry. I am now exploring other alternatives on how to get rid of these pesky invaders.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506484417085716482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGr2ZxmeOAI/AAAAAAAABJc/OlL5T3XvpdI/s320/Aug+2010+003.JPG" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!</div>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-13770681429382727682010-08-17T16:13:00.005-04:002010-08-17T16:45:49.817-04:00House Hunters International- Jarabacoa, Dominican RepublicHouse Hunters International. If you haven't seen this show on the Home and Garden Network, you should check it out. They follow a person, couple, or family on their journey to find a new home, whether in the United States (House Hunters) or in a different country (HH International). The people searching for the new house are showing 3 different houses, have a chance to talk about what they liked and didn't like about each house, and then choose where they want to live. Last week, I felt like I was on one of the episodes.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div>Since arriving in the country just over a week ago, I began searching for a new place to live. I checked out several houses, thinking through the positives and comparing it with the negatives of each house. I finally decided on a house on Saturday morning. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rossy, my new roommate, and I signed the contract on Saturday morning. We then cleaned the house from top to bottom all day Saturday. We were moved in by Saturday night. I spent the rest of the weekend organizing and unpacking. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>While there is still a lot to do and a lot we still need to get (like a refridgerator!), I thought you might like to see what the house looks like. Here are some pics....</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="center"><br />The front of my new house.<br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506479949425268178" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGryVuRN1dI/AAAAAAAABIk/OEoF6qdhYho/s320/Aug+2010+007.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Living Room</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506479970143920066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGryW7c7X8I/AAAAAAAABJE/w7xAQ-8mb4s/s320/Aug+2010+005.JPG" /></div><div align="center">My bedroom. I was given the master bedroom- with its private bathroom!</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506479956318359506" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGryWH8qD9I/AAAAAAAABI0/kmhD7CeLTzo/s320/Aug+2010+017.JPG" /></div><div align="center">My bathroom.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506479960907468594" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGryWZCyTzI/AAAAAAAABI8/2V-fqKgNfbk/s320/Aug+2010+019.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Dining Room</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506481216703465186" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGrzffP4huI/AAAAAAAABJU/O-R8fgLlWRU/s320/Aug+2010+014.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Kitchen</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506481111632604994" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGrzZX1Cb0I/AAAAAAAABJM/cqMGBl5VLf8/s320/Aug+2010+022.JPG" /></div><div><br />We also have a laundry room, which will soon be the home to a washing machine and the refridgerator (no, they didn't leave any space in the kitchen for a fridge!). We also have a small yard in the back and a front porch. It is a nice house in a nice neighborhood- a little noiser than I would have liked, but I will get used to it. </div><div> </div><div>If you want to see more, feel free to stop by for a visit!<br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-69574992801196210282010-08-15T19:07:00.002-04:002010-08-15T19:09:38.034-04:00A new look for a new yearSince it is the start of a new school year, I thought I would create a fresh start with my blog. So, it now has a new look. Hopefully, I will be able to keep up with it more so than I have in the past. Remind me if I start to get lazy and bug me as much as you need to so I will update it!Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-50735589283776431572010-08-14T10:49:00.004-04:002010-08-14T11:31:53.935-04:00I have failed!!I have failed you! I am such a bad blogger!!<br /><div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Well, summer has come and gone and now I am back in Jarabacoa. However, since it has been ages since I have last blogged, allow me to give you a picture review of my summer...</div><div><br /> </div><div align="center">Watching my nephew, Collin, play baseball.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505281653483793362" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGawfuBga9I/AAAAAAAABHk/0-ISLZEVrnI/s320/June+2010+132.jpg" /></div><div align="center">Visiting my friend in Oklahoma while presenting in churches about my ministry.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505281657710063698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGawf9xIMFI/AAAAAAAABHs/vePValV40t8/s320/June+2010+174.JPG" /></div><div align="center">I presented in several churches in Ohio and Oklahoma this summer.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505281664900508706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGawgYjdrCI/AAAAAAAABH0/-cHkd5JR0GU/s320/June+2010+153.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Hanging out with my family in the swimming pool.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505286017619551954" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGa0dvsjZtI/AAAAAAAABIM/dZswvlzHONg/s320/2010-07-17+001+023.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Playing with Roni, the family dog.</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505281670413693394" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGawgtF6MdI/AAAAAAAABH8/AL2mzrGLBcc/s320/2010-07-15+001+030.JPG" /> Taking my nephew hiking and exploring.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505286024382244562" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGa0eI455tI/AAAAAAAABIU/DCfdOSrASkw/s320/2010-07-26+001+019.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Celebrating my birthday (a little late- since I was away on the actual day) with my family.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505286029662530594" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/TGa0ecj0rCI/AAAAAAAABIc/zBTHJl6_57I/s320/2010-08-01+001+008.JPG" /><br /><br />It was a very full summer, full of work and some fun. Time passed very quickly. I am now back in Jarabacoa and looking forward to an exciting school year!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-16587668694655412882010-05-24T10:52:00.005-04:002010-05-24T11:24:39.178-04:00Math MadnessLast week, Doulos went crazy. It was Math Madness week. Students in grades 6-12 competed in contests, races, and a math bee (similar to a spelling bee, but with math problems instead- and air horns as buzzers!) to see who would be the winner. The students in the younger grades were each paired up with a team to cheer them on and each team was assigned a color. Throughout the week, you could see team spirit everywhere, from chalk writings on the sidewalk, to colorful posters on the walls, and even costumes and accessories on the kids! The activities concluded with a giant water balloon fight between the winning team and the staff. <div><div></div><div> </div><div>Here are some of pictures of this week's madness!</div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div align="center">Our MCs for the week- Mr. Plus and Mr. Minus<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474853023564255122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S_qV0WMFT5I/AAAAAAAABGU/3TRG1rfTqDE/s320/May+2010+050.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><br /><div align="center">A wheelbarrow race to solve the math problem. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474853028532998722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S_qV0osuUkI/AAAAAAAABGc/maEta7Q29VA/s320/May+2010+061.jpg" border="0" /> </div><br /><p align="center">Every morning, there was an estimation station for the students to make their estimates on specific problems. This day, they were to estimate how many eggs the paper would hold before breaking and sending the eggs on some members of the school administration!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474853054770987730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S_qV2KcWQtI/AAAAAAAABG0/PF767VpF1E8/s320/May+2010+096.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Second graders showing their purple spirit.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474853050709007730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S_qV17T5XXI/AAAAAAAABGs/8ggOa0K0ztE/s320/May+2010+082.jpg" border="0" /><br />The teams are lined up, ready for the competition to begin.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474853041981543250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S_qV1azG01I/AAAAAAAABGk/MQq0HqsWHi8/s320/May+2010+074.jpg" border="0" /><br />The Math bee, held in the library.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474854283185459538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S_qW9qpLkVI/AAAAAAAABHM/w_2Chza6CuM/s320/May+2010+105.jpg" border="0" /><br />First graders showing their green spirit.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474854263162179650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S_qW8gDQkEI/AAAAAAAABG8/6v5CaGpov_Y/s320/May+2010+110.jpg" border="0" /><br />A combination of Kindergarteners and 10th graders cheering for Orange.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474854272618564818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S_qW9DR1jNI/AAAAAAAABHE/XpIuszR5r0A/s320/May+2010+112.jpg" border="0" /><br />Although a little hard to see due to water spots, the end of the week ended in a massive water balloon fight.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474857268669650578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S_qZrccFFpI/AAAAAAAABHc/0KXkL26zW7k/s320/May+2010+139.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><div></div>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-31974920844148489172010-05-11T18:30:00.002-04:002010-05-11T18:40:20.748-04:00Mailing difficultiesLately, there have been some difficulties with our mailing system. We use a company here called MFI (Missionary Flights International). This company is based in Florida and is the reason I have been able to receive mail all of this time here in the DR. They deliver mail to the airport near here every other Tuesday.<br /><br />Two weeks ago, when they brought the mail, they were greeting by governmental agents saying they could not deliver their mail. Apparently there was a change in government regulation and they were no longer authorized to bring mail into the country. After keeping our mail "hostage" for 2 days, paperwork, fees, and fines were taken care of and our mail was released. However, things are still not good.<br /><br />I was just informed that we will not be getting our mail this week at all. The next mailing is TENTATIVELY scheduled for May 25 (and this is a big maybe). Anything that is in the process of arriving will be held in the warehouse in Florida until it can be delivered, hopefully on May 25.<br /><br />So, for now, I need to ask you not to send anything to me. Hopefully everything will work out so that the missionaries here in the DR can continue to be blessed by the services of MFI, but until then, please continue to bless me through your prayers and financial gifts, but not through letters and packages mailed to Florida.<br /><br />I will be returning to Ohio in mid-June (with a trip to Oklahoma in late June or early July). I hope to be able to meet with as many people as possible, sharing all the experiences and blessings that God has given me during these last several months here in the DR!Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-23938665230147260112010-04-23T14:13:00.004-04:002010-04-23T14:31:13.213-04:00Expedition NightLast night was Expedition Night. This is the evening that the students have to present all that they have been doing and learning throughout the last 2 months during their expedition. Each grade had a different topic of study. While I was not able to see all of the presentations (they occurred simultaneously), I was able to catch a few. <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div align="center">Kindergarten presenting a skit about insects<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463398782882711970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S9HkPygGiaI/AAAAAAAABFo/zY1OOl5Hp7M/s320/Apr+2010+330.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div align="center">5th graders presenting about immigration</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463398760628173426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S9HkOfmNOnI/AAAAAAAABFI/JBdXJ4ypV_8/s320/Apr+2010+309.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">3rd graders reincarnated from the Egyptian tombs</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463398768528658306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S9HkO9B1D4I/AAAAAAAABFQ/ICrNZ6PKnmg/s320/Apr+2010+312.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">8th graders decorated the library to show all they learned about Freshwater Ecosystems</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463398773109935106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S9HkPOGFzAI/AAAAAAAABFY/fHML2OsgrN8/s320/Apr+2010+313.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">High Schoolers doing a skit about protecting yourself from germs</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463398779410384706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S9HkPlkPB0I/AAAAAAAABFg/2IUZWywilJw/s320/Apr+2010+329.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p> </p><p align="center">Animals in the 2nd grade Australian zoo</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463400938908628626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S9HmNSUvNpI/AAAAAAAABFw/mUAoL5l4fj8/s320/Apr+2010+318.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463400947582490722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S9HmNyov2GI/AAAAAAAABF4/upCdREgz47M/s320/Apr+2010+323.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463400951699439810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S9HmOB-TgMI/AAAAAAAABGA/8__HTKXIXA8/s320/Apr+2010+308.jpg" border="0" /></p><p> </p><p align="center">They worked so hard this week. Now it is time to rest!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463400962090643170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S9HmOorwruI/AAAAAAAABGI/rWxb9AYFz4o/s320/Apr+2010+314.jpg" border="0" /></p>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-52149834889166370522010-04-19T19:55:00.006-04:002010-04-19T20:58:20.414-04:00Mission trip to Sosua with the 5th gradersLast week Friday and Saturday, I went on a mini- mission trip with the 5th grade class. They have been studying immigration, so we traveled to Sosua, about 3 hours away, to go visit and work with a community of Haitian immigrants.<br /><br />The visit started out by helping to clean up a preschool for Haitian children. The rain didn't stop us from helping clean up the walls of the buildings!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462011484497946594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z2gZSap-I/AAAAAAAABDQ/Rnnsdu7fUZU/s320/Apr+2010+163.jpg" border="0" /><br />We then went on a tour of a batey, a poor village made up of primarily Haitian immigrants who were promised work by the Dominican government but then did not receive enough work to make ends meet.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462011498113098978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z2hMAhZOI/AAAAAAAABDY/jhCpmi2rL90/s320/Apr+2010+188.jpg" border="0" /><br />After the tour, the students had time to interact with the children living in the batey by playing with them. Soccer, volleyball, basketball, jumprope, and frisbee were big hits!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462011503360063378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z2hfjft5I/AAAAAAAABDg/AeAo6wiqFxg/s320/Apr+2010+196.jpg" border="0" /><br />That night, we had a time of worship and small group devotions. During this time, one of the girls accepted Christ as her Savior!!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462011505123970546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z2hmICzfI/AAAAAAAABDo/4PEzVtrZa3I/s320/Apr+2010+220.jpg" border="0" /><br />On Saturday, the students went to a Jewish holocaust museum to study about Jewish immigrants to the DR and then went to visit another batey. Once again, the sports were a very popular way for them to see that Haitian children are just like them.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462011513922750802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z2iG51iVI/AAAAAAAABDw/au-oYWkKJ-M/s320/Apr+2010+241.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Since we were near the coast, the trip did include lunch on the beach (with a little swim time). Overall, it was a very good trip and a positive experience for all of the students. Here a few extra photos from the trip. Enjoy!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462015348903962034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z6BVUm5bI/AAAAAAAABEw/i8td6njHedY/s320/Apr+2010+228.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462013605631461858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z4b3IDieI/AAAAAAAABD4/mYQbyvBqFZY/s320/Apr+2010+161.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462015332047211426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z6AWhpS6I/AAAAAAAABEg/6dzt8unzg8s/s320/Apr+2010+156.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462013624334606498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z4c8zO4KI/AAAAAAAABEI/NX1NElaX1bg/s320/Apr+2010+167.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462013640653722258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z4d5mA0pI/AAAAAAAABEY/R8ynbO_hvzM/s320/Apr+2010+190.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462015339085952994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z6Awvz9-I/AAAAAAAABEo/lzgvHJioTxA/s320/Apr+2010+211.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462013626692893186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z4dFlfegI/AAAAAAAABEQ/h9cvwuVTGHk/s320/Apr+2010+198.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462015352187320466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z6Bhja-JI/AAAAAAAABE4/3Gk7h0FV5y8/s320/Apr+2010+298.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462015368674968370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S8z6Ce-YgzI/AAAAAAAABFA/jWCUNtPAydY/s320/Apr+2010+248.jpg" border="0" />Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-48358529376896836842010-04-14T20:14:00.004-04:002010-04-14T20:31:08.931-04:00Open the floodgates of Heaven....Let it rain! Rainy season has begun. It has been raining a lot lately. Today, the weather couldn't decide if it was going to rain or not, so it did both. Every time I needed to go from my office to the other building, it was not raining. Right after I stepped outside, it would start to rain. <br /><br />Let me give you an example of this...<br /><br />When I was going to lunch today, I looked out the window. Not raining. Good. By the time I walked downstairs and to the door, it was pouring. Walked back upstairs to get the umbrella. Went back down and out the door- barely raining. By the time I got to the cafeteria (50 feet away, if that), no rain. Figures. <br /><br />The kids do not seem to mind the rain. Gym classes continue outdoors. Recess continues outdoors. I pray I can keep up the same enthusiasm that the kids have when I have to walk to work and spend the day all wet!Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5271936877083889170.post-33110838370355646972010-03-29T11:02:00.003-04:002010-03-29T11:19:05.884-04:00A trip to "Walmart"I am not sure if you are aware of this, but outside of the United States, it is difficult to find a store like Walmart or Target- where you can go to one place and find just about anything. Well, yesterday, we went to the closest thing to Walmart that I have seen outside of the USA. It is called La Sirena. <div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div>Located about an hour away by car in Santiago, it was well worth the drive there. Imagine if you will a 2-story super Walmart. The top floor is all household items, clothing, shoes, hardward, sports, etc. The bottom floor is a giant grocery store (minus the frozen food section- just not available here). </div><br /><div></div><div>While they still don't have everything you can get at Walmart or at a grocery store in the United States, it was fun finding a few things not available in Jarabacoa.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454074377585449346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S7DDv96KWYI/AAAAAAAABCg/2Rr8RMeQs7w/s320/Mar+2010+201.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454074389159204738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S7DDwpBj14I/AAAAAAAABCo/b_v7zVjgsXQ/s320/Mar+2010+202.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454074391635138146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S7DDwyP3lmI/AAAAAAAABCw/UT00frsbjac/s320/Mar+2010+203.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">You might be wondering, if there are 2 floors, how do you get your shopping cart up to the second floor? Easy... take the escalator ramp! The shopping cart wheels lock into the ramp and the escalator part takes you up!</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454074406800477410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S7DDxqvkTOI/AAAAAAAABDA/ME82m4_4RO0/s320/Mar+2010+205.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div align="center">Having an all-day shopping experience? Getting hungry? Stop at the food court located inside the store! There is even a play area for the kids!</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454074396760721170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBvSCKGbp4U/S7DDxFV5xxI/AAAAAAAABC4/b3EUeMSP4pI/s320/Mar+2010+204.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div>Jyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382322025693243338noreply@blogger.com0