People with Resources and Still Poor

I (Jonathan) want to express my gratitude to my wife for allowing me to write some thoughts this week. Although she asks for my opinion of her blogposts, I normally like that she can write her experiences and perceptions of life in the DR. It makes me feel very excited. And, just like you, I am another reader enjoying her humor, deep thoughts, and reflections.

Since we came down here in January, we have had a handful of experiences encountering the culture. Even for me has been quite difficult to readjust to what I knew as “my country.” I was out only for 2 ½ years and some of the changes I found are jaw-dropping that I feel like I need to re-learn a lot of things. I cannot describe how much more difficult it could be for Mary (especially with the baby coming soon). We often talk about what we see every day seeing the goods and the weaknesses of the Dominican system. One day out a conversation it occurred to me that our culture has so much copy-paste from other “advanced cultures.” For instance, the US is some sort of pinnacle we want to emulate so badly: architecture, technologies, social structure, economy, and so many other things. Those things are good, don’t get me wrong. The problem I see is this: while the cultural merge has been taking place for a good while, little has been done in terms of education. The people has been receiving a large number of tools but without education. It occurred to me that such situation is the reason for the multiple problems in this country.

So, why is this a problem? Because the effects of it is larger than what miss the eyes. I will bring forth a few examples.

1. Driving: the amount of cars (including luxury ones) in this country is alarming. Yet, only a few have education to drive like civilized people (and I would like to include myself in that list, just FIY J). I’ve heard other Dominicans complain about our driving style. They say that we live in a jungle driving next to animals. On a side sad note, Jarvis (our car) was hit in the trunk as we were stranded in traffic (no hard feelings there).

2. Cellphone: most Dominicans today have a smart phone in their hands and mostly use them for two things. 1) Social media (whatsapp, facebook, twitter) and 2) Music. Well, maybe somewhere there they will have an app to make phone calls. On a side sad note, probably the one who hit Jarvis in the back was texting and driving (but again, no hard feelings).

3. Other technologies (computer, TVs, cameras, etc.) People have access to these tools, but again only a few educate themselves about their products and how to use them in a productive way. I’m sorry, but it hurts to see that a kid would spend money in what we call “internet centers,” (a version of a Dominican Cyber Café) to spend a couple of hours listening to destructive urban songs, chatting on social media, and other unproductive activities.

But what can you expect? Students are taught to cheat when they take their Dominican version of ACT (National Exams) right when they are about to head to college. Most drivers were taught to bribe the tester while doing their practical driving examination in order to pass. Our political system is so corrupt that democracy is an illusion (but that happens almost everywhere). The public education quality in schools is lower every year (but the political system benefits from it, if the people who vote have little education, if any at all). Most Dominicans live in survival mode and that can be seen in the selfish lifestyle that is in current development. The fact is that this system, which receives more and more resources every day, is designed for most Dominicans to fail so that a few would rule.

Then, I conclude that people with resources can still be poor. Like the poet said: “this is a poorly managed rich country.” The changes in this land are needed, but just by increasing the amount of things people can have they will not come out of poverty. As servants of Christ we see that our job down here does not consist in giving food, goods, or money away to “poor” people out of “generosity and love.” We don’t want to hurt the Dominicans more than what they are already. We want to build them up, cheer them up, and lift them up. We want to show to them the things Christ wants, can, and will do in them and through them.

In our observations we are learning to look at poverty not only as the lack of resources. We also are looking to find the riches of people’s souls, and to witness the way Christ will use their treasure.

I’ll stop here and will give the mic back to Mary. She will bring a wonderful surprise in the next post: the name of our baby boy! Till next week.

Just Stuff

Sunrise this morning

     As you may know, if you follow me on facebook, it has been an interesting morning. There was a thunderstorm which took out our power...not uncommon. Our puppy Jefe (heff-eh) is scared of storms though so he woke us up at 4:45. However, we get up between 5:00-5:15 so it wasn't a huge deal. 

    Since the power was out and it was still dark out, trying to move around and get ready to go was a hassle this morning. Fortunately, our phones were fully charged so between the flashlights on those, a battery powered light and some candles, we managed to get done what we needed to get done. Just a little slower than usual.   

      

      On the way to work it kept raining so Jonathan was extra focused on driving this morning; especially because some of the other drivers were being really careless, considering the conditions. But once off the main highway we passed streets like this. Yes, we did go through this one because we know the street well and could pretty accurately judge the depth of the water. But we were slow and cautious while crossing through. This picture was taken about 1/3-1/2 through the puddle.

     

     Recently I began craving peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I have no idea why, I mean they are okay but it has never been a huge love of mine. But this week I was like, I really, really want a PB&J. So, we went to a local bakery and got some awesome bread (actually like a cross between a roll and a hamburger bun) for 5 ($0.09) pesos each.We then went to get peanut butter and jelly to replace the jelly we lost when the motor stopped on the fridge. I asked Jonathan to get the jelly because he knows brands here better than me and which ones would taste good and which ones wouldn't. They have USA brands but they are expensive so I try to go with Dominican brands as much as possible. Jonathan grabs this jelly...Pineapple jelly! I was all about trying it because I like pineapple and it was cheaper than strawberry or grape. It is awesome! I made PB&J sandwiches for lunch yesterday and today and all three of us love it, including the baby! He just moves around like crazy after I eat peanut butter! (He also likes any form of protein but particularly eggs and chicken) I am glad my sandwich making meets approval! ;-)

   
      On a different note, we saw this truck on the way home from work the other day.  Often times Dominicans will convert their cars to run on propane because it is cheaper here than gasoline. I honestly did not think anything of these until Jonathan pointed it out. That propane tank is the fuel for the truck and it is unprotected and probably not super secure. If you look closely you can see bungee type things holding the tank in place. But you know, whatever works I guess, just don't get into a wreck!  

     The baby has discovered he has arms and legs this week. I am in my 20th week (halfway there! Yay!) and he is starting to be super active, like almost all day long. Jonathan can feel him now and the baby is even starting to respond to his voice. We do use his name when talking to him, but I don;t think the baby has realized that is his name yet (Jonathan wants to wait just a little bit longer before telling anyone besides family what the name is). Although it sometimes hurts, I am glad to feel him moving so much, it lets me know everything is okay since I haven't been to the doctor for a check in a while. I am going to go next month for sure though. We were just waiting for payday because insurance doesn't cover pregnancy stuff since I was pregnant when I got it. But so far, the sonograms have been good and my blood platelets are great so no concerns as of now. I am using mosquito spray everyday because of Zika but I still have a few bites from when the spray wears off. However, so far so good, I haven't been sick (other than morning sickness and heat related sickness) and I am hoping to keep it that way!

    Well, I guess that is all for now. Until next week, blessings to your homes!

Q&A/General Update

         Hello everyone. So, I posted on facebook that I didn't know what to write about and asked for suggestions. Several people responded so I thought I would answer your questions and just give an overall update.

        The first question was about my foot, and how I manged to get a sea urchin spine in it. Well, it's a fairly unremarkable story.

    I was at the beach with Jonathan at a place called Boca Chica. It's a really nice beach about 45 minutes from home. It was Monday on our unexpected, but much appreciated, day off. I had been to this area before and this beach several times. The sand is soft and mostly clear of sea shells, as it is a popular area. Anyway, Jonathan and I went out until we were up to our necks in water because it was warm and relaxing. Jonathan decides to submerge completely so I step away from him so I don't get splashed. I step back with my right foot, no problem. I put my left foot down to balance and I feel a sharp sting like getting a shot. I immediately pulled my foot up (before I had even put much weight down on it) and pull out 2-3 spines. When Jonathan surfaces again, I explain what happened and he pulls out another one. We head to shore and he tries to grip the last one but it is too far in. I am not about to leave the beach and it's salt water so I figure it will keep the wound clean for a while. I walk on my toes back out into the water for another 20 minutes or so before we head home.

     Once home, we get cleaned up, then Jonathan sets to work trying to remove the spine (He has removed them from himself before so he is a bit of a pro). After 30 minutes and a lot of pain, we call it quits for a bit. I had (fortunately) just bought epsom salt a day or two before so after dinner I soaked my foot in epsom salts. Jonathan dug around in my heel for another 30 minutes until I could not deal with it anymore. The spine was just too far in. I ended up going to some doctor friends of mine that numbed my foot and actually cut into my heel next to the spine and removed it that way, Even though my heel was numbed I could still feel them digging out the spine. Not a pleasant experience, and my first purchase with our paycheck will be water shoes. However, the spine is out and my heel is fine and I am back to how I was pre-sea urchin injury.

*I told my brother that wants to be a marine biologist about my experience. His only response? "At least it wasn't a poisonous one." Geez, thanks John!

**My knee injury was totally unrelated and had no effect on this rather interesting experience. As the Wizard of Oz says "I guess I'm not in Kansas anymore!"

  The second question is about prepping for our newest addition and how it is different here.

   Well, honestly, I am not sure how to answer that question. I have never prepared for a baby and so comparing here to the States might be difficult. The first thing that is different is baby registries. They are not a thing here. There are baby stores (fairly expensive) then most supermarkets and major stores have a baby section. Then there is IKEA for furniture. So, there are places to buy things, we just haven't yet. We have an almost full dresser drawer of baby clothes but thats it. We are still figuring out where to put the crib and changing table and the best place to buy it. Jonathan doesn't know where to find these things and since this is a whole different shopping world, I have no clue either. In the States I know where to go, not here. So right now, baby prep is mostly researching and budgeting.

   The third question is about Dominican healthcare. Well, I have had extensive experience these last couple of weeks, that is for sure! The hardest thing is the language barrier. However, I feel like the level of care is comparable to the USA in as much as I have used it. There is a long wait for everything but that's true in the States as well. One nice thing here though is that you don't need an appointment. You just walk in. But, be prepared to wait....sometimes for hours. With my knee I was fortunate to arrive at a time where I was high up on the patient list. Combine that with the fact I am an American and they would try to see me a little faster, or work out an appointment like sign-up for me so I did not have to sit forever. With my knee the longest I had to wait for anything was 45 minutes. But we had to get blood work and a sonogram on my knee and such so the whole thing took several hours but I was only sitting for about 45 minutes at any one point. My insurance covers most if the medical expenses which is good. I pay about $500 pesos for non-pregnancy related visits which is about $11. And as long as I have a translator with me, I receive great medical care.

     As for the last series of questions; yes, Jonathan does have a church, he is rebuilding (in the people sense) the church but he does have a church. Summer break is all of July and most/all of August. We stop teaching mid-June. Jonathan, being the science teacher, has summer training, so I am trying to figure out what I will do. Rest for sure, but beyond that I do not know. Once his training is done, Jonathan is planning on driving for UBER to keep some cash coming in until the school year starts back up.

    As for a general update: the baby is moving around A LOT. He loves eggs, chicken, orange juice, rice and beans, ice water and Dominican donuts, Jonathan is able to feel him move sometimes now which is exciting! Although we do have the name picked out, Jonathan wants to wait a few more weeks before telling everyone what it is, I don;t know why, he just does!

    At school we are in exam week one right now. Next week is review week for final exams than the week after is the final exams. After that is Jonathan's summer training.

    Our animals are doing well! Kempurr and Aria have discovered how to get out the window and will come and go as they please; with Kempurr often going next door to play with Leon. Jefe has almost tripled in size and still has a lot of growing to do! He is doing well with the potty training and he barks and jumps like crazy. We are working with him on the barking because it's usually over food or wanting on the bed, not when someone comes to the door, But he is still young, he will learn. I have been asked to play my flute on a piece of music for the school play on Friday, so I am getting involved in music slowly, which is fine by me because I have a lot on my plate right now!

     Well, I think that is it! Let me know if you have anymore questions. Until next week, blessings to all y'all!

The only "correct way"

             So, I was going to write this post over the weekend as I usually try to do. However, my computer was left in the trunk of our new car (yay!), and then my husband locked the car key in the trunk. So, we had to wait for the spare to be brought to us and I was unable to get to my computer for most of the day Saturday. Thus the reason this post is a tad late.

            Yes, we have a car! It has been affectionately named “Jarvis” (from Ironman) and it’s a silver VW Gol, hatchback, 4-door sedan. It will be perfect for transporting baby when he comes and it hauls all our teaching stuff and groceries just fine. It also has a working AC! Yay!!!! Adonai is always faithful to provide.

            Now onto my main post….

            The idea for this post came when I was doing some teaching prep for one of my classes. I have been teaching about equality and women’s rights in various countries. For my 5^th grade class, one of those countries was/is Saudi Arabia.

            I took a big risk teaching on this country as there is a lot you don’t want to teach 5^th graders….not yet anyway. But I felt like it contrasted nicely with the other countries being studied, so I took the risk and spent LOTS of time selecting what to teach. But one thing I did discover was rather interesting and can be applied to life here in the Dominican as well. It is commonly referred to as the “western” or “American” mindset.

            In one particular article I was reading, a female Saudi journalist was being interviewed. She made this statement: "Look, we are not asking for ... women's rights according to Western values or lifestyles ... We want things according to what Islam says. Look at our history, our role models." And this statement is what trigged memories of the only “correct” way or the only “true” way. Many times this concept has been preached from the pulpit of churches I have been in, about a particular denomination. But this is a much broader issue. It’s a mindset that is actually causing more harm than good, even in the USA.

            What determines the correctness of the western or American mindset? Why is it correct and a Saudi or Dominican one, incorrect? For that matter, what defines correct? If one uses the religion/scripture argument, it does not hold water in other countries (like Saudi Arabia) where their Holy Book and religion says something different. According to their beliefs, they are correct. So, is it the culture? That argument is even weaker because cultures are as diverse as people. My point in this is that most (if not all) “mindsets” think they are right.

            But what shapes our mindset? Why are we simultaneously unaware of it, and get angered if someone tries to change it? Why is it a personal insult if someone thinks differently or disagrees with you? And most importantly, why do we try to force our views/mindsets on others? Why do we feel these urge to make others think and act like us? Is it so that no one person stands out; a safety in numbers type thing?

            But let’s focus in on the American mindset. We have a very set way of doing things and it is generally believed to be the “correct” or “best” way. It can be anything from construction to religion, to freedoms, to parenting, etc. And when we go to foreign countries for whatever reason, it is through this “American mindset” filter that we see and judge everything.

            I am going to use the Dominican Republic because it is my only International experience. In the States we would never, ever, allow people to be so packed into a bus that there are passengers hanging onto a window with one foot on the running board while the bus is moving at the speed limit. But here, it is the way of life. Is it wrong? No. Dangerous yes, but not wrong. What makes it wrong? Just the fact that it is dangerous? But think about it. Most of these people have probably never been, or ever will go to the States. They were raised seeing this, doing this and have adapted and learned enough that they can do it safely. Can an American do it? Probably not. We are not accustomed to it. However, in the States we do things that Dominicans see as wrong. The personal bubble is a good example. Dominicans don’t have one and they can be offended by people who do. They see it as wrong. Also, needing to be invited to someone’s house rather than just showing up, they think is wrong. This is a mindset thing. Americans are not necessarily wrong about our views and neither are Dominicans.

            So what am I getting at?

            Well, I am glad you asked. Let’s expand this whole “one correct way” thing into the church. Is there only one “correct” way of having a service? What about one “correct” type of music? What about the “correct” time of day? What about the “correct” day?

            I am not going to go into detail about the “correct” day. That is a blog post for another day. But I will say this. Are Jews wrong? Are Christians wrong? If so, why? Scholars can argue both sides of the argument. But are you going to hell if you worship on one day instead of the other? Or is it perhaps the one you are worshiping that is more important?

            Back to where I was going; the whole mindset thing. If a person really wants to be effective in ministry, regardless of what country (USA or otherwise) you have to be able to disengage that programed “mindset”. Step out of what you think and really observe those around you. What do they think and believe? Can you agree with them on some level? Are they actually WRONG? Or do you just disagree with them? Is your mindset preventing you from learning from them? Is it possible to adjust your views and still not be “wrong”?

Think about it….again I ask, what is a “correct” mindset?

Is it what you think and know? Or is it perhaps what allows unity among the children of God regardless of language, culture and belief?

Are Dominicans wrong in how they do things because it isn’t the American way? Or are they perhaps right because they live in a different world (so to speak) then we do? Have you ever worked 6.5 days a week and only made $200 a month? With that you have to pay rent, food, education, transportation, etc. And then someone who is rich comes in and tells you that you are wrong because you have a dirt floor and you eat rice and beans 3 meals a day. Would you say they are wrong? Yes! They don’t know you, your life, your culture. They are judging based on what they know. Their mindset tells them you are wrong, yours tells you they are wrong. See what I am getting at?

Our mindset is causing damage. Rushing in to save the day for the poor by giving them a few days supplies of food and necessities makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and that you “helped” and in your mindset you have done the right thing. But what about in a few days when those supplies run out? What about when those people are again without food? What then? Did you actually end up helping them or causing harm because now they are back to where they started and have nothing to show for it. No relationship, nowhere to turn, back to the mindset of doing what it takes to make a living, even asking where is God now? This might eventually lead to anger and resentment of those that tried to help. Again, it’s the mindset that is the issue.

The whole point of this post that I don’t feel I am getting across very well is that we need to be able to change mindsets. In America think like and have an American mindset. When in China think like and have a Chinese mindset, etc. There is no one “correct” way of doing things when it comes to engaging people, doing ministry, living in a culture, etc. Think like those around you and you will suddenly find yourself able to be compassionate and be able to know how to help those in need in a way that does not harm them.

Basically, be willing to change, be flexible and throw off the whole “correct” mindset thing.

Well, the baby is hungry, I am going to go feed him. Until next week all y’all, shalom.

The meaning of our door

It’s a weird title for a blog post isn’t it? Well, I just want to explain a little bit about why our door is turning out the way it is. Yes, it’s cute, but that is just a bonus. There is actual significance for us in the design and I just wanted to share it with you.

Our entire entry will eventually be warm and welcoming, but until we get bars up on the porch I am limited in what I can do. However, our front door is the main focal point, so why not focus on that first anyway?

I wanted a way for our house to both blend in, but also have a few unique features. So, if someone is ever looking for Jonathan, it’s easy enough for the neighbors to point out the Pastor’s house and it be unmistakable; without being out of place. Thus the two tone door. But wait! There is more!

Our design actually began with the red door frame. In Exodus 12 the Passover is taking place. The Israelites are told to kill a lamb and put its blood on the posts and lintel of the door of their homes. The Angel of Death would then pass over and the life of the firstborn would be spared. It is the symbolism of this that I appreciate. I thought it would be neat to have the markings on our door frame as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice for us. He was/is/always will be the Passover lamb and it is by his blood that our sins are forgiven. After discussing this with Jonathan, we both liked the idea of having the red on the frame, but instead of just a few strokes, we decided to paint the whole thing red. It is less abrasive and we are completely covered by the blood, so why not completely cover the door frame?

The red on the actual door is just a decorative element, again, to blend in more. However, there will be a bible verse written in Spanish on the top half of the door. It is the verse in Joshua that says “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. That will also be in the red paint to tie in, but also because of the significance of Christ’s sacrifice for us.

Finally, our mezuzah. I know this probably raises a lot of eyebrows, but let me explain. First, a mezuzah is a casing that contains the Shema (Deut. 6:4-9) and Deut. 11:13-21. In the Torah the children of Israel are instructed “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deut. 6:9. Traditionally, Jews touch the mezuzah then kiss their hand upon entering or leaving the house. However, I strongly disagree with that custom and it is never commanded in scripture. Our mezuzah is just the casing (contains no verses) and it is neither touched nor kissed. Second, I requested it as a reminder of Adonai’s commands and the fact we are to submit to and serve him. And, it has already caused questions, which allows us a chance to witness to those who come to our door. Plus, it is reminder of my faith in a culture where there really aren’t very many of us.

We are still deciding what to do with the bottom half of the door, if anything at all. But, again, the goal is to be different without standing out like a sore thumb. And by putting such great significance into the entry of our house, we are allowing people to see who we are before they ever enter our home. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:19)

In Revelation 3:20 Scripture says: ¨Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with me.¨  The Lord wants a relationship with us and the door is a visual reminder of that. By creating a unique but warm and welcoming entry, we hope to make visitors feel relaxed, at peace and comfortable in our home. Some of the best ministry is done over a meal around the dining room table. If people can come in feeling at peace and welcome, then the door is open for the Lord to be felt in our home.

And that is that. Blessings and talk to you all next week.

  

When are you going to learn Spanish?

      In the last week I have been asked this question a lot. I usually let it role off my back but it really got under my skin this week. It's as if people assume that I have no intention of learning Spanish or that I am postponing it for some reason. Like I am planning on Jonathan being with me 24/7 to translate. Well, let me address those concerns right now.

        I have every intention of learning Spanish. In fact I learn some everyday. I can navigate public transportation, order things at the colmado, and I even ordered popcorn by myself the other day. Yes, my Spanish is horrible. I freely and openly admit that. However, I am trying to learn and yes, I do practice with Jonathan. No, I cannot function on my own, but I can get a point across and understand basic concepts in Spanish. I am not being lazy, but at 27, I am not a child with a sponge-like brain for language learning.

      To complicate matters, I teach in a bilingual school where I am paid to speak only English. For the necessity of communication, I converse mostly in English with Jonathan. I chose to speak a tongue we both understand rather than not talking because I cannot do so in his native language. This may not be the best, but it is what keeps my sanity.

     No, I am not taking Spanish classes. I have neither the time nor money for that, so I am immersing myself in Spanish where I can. I can read Spanish, I understand the phonetics and I am beginning to grasp grammar. I don't always know what I am reading, but I can read it and I am beginning to be able to spell it, which is an achievement for this dyslexic who has never been good at spelling.

      So, to answer the question; I am learning as fast as I can. I refuse to apologize if it isn't fast enough for you. You did not become fluent in Spanish in a few months, it took years of immersion to get there. Nor did you become fluent in English quickly, it took you awhile there too. And a side note, if you do speak English but refuse to talk to me because my English is better, you have no right to ask me when I will start learning Spanish.

     And that is all I have to say on the matter.

     On a brighter note, we are doing well. Baby is moving around and we are still teaching everyday.

     Until next week. Blessings to your homes.