Girl On A Mission

Family Reunion

2011-08-21T18:46:00.002-04:00

I am so excited to have recently had a family reunion with my dad's side of the family. It was a blast, in great part due to all of the hard work that my mother did! She cooked for a month ahead of time and everything was so tasty! It was a perfect weekend. We got together to celebrate my grandmother's 80th birthday. I think she had an amazing time, I know I did. It was wonderful to see cousins that I haven't seen in 7 to 10 years and other family members that I haven't seen in 2 or 3. I hope that we don't wait that long to see everyone again!

My grandmother and me

Cute Progress

2011-07-29T23:13:00.006-04:00

I figured if you read my two recent blogs you might be curious as to how the other areas of the clinic look, especially the rooms I was writing about. So, here are pictures I took of the areas after getting my new purchases of toys and things brought in. Enjoy!

Sign for Learning Disabilities' Classroom (it says: Ambulatory School Service)

Classroom for children with learning issues (6 - 16 years old)

Another view

Psychologist's office

Art area of Early Intervention classroom (0-6 years old)

Blocks, puzzles, dolls, etc. - Learning toys

Art supplies and posters to be put up

View of the classroom

This Is How We Roll

2011-07-28T21:53:00.005-04:00

Most people think having "less space" is a bad thing, but when it means having "less empty space," it is something to celebrate.

With the introduction of our new Early Intervention Program, we've begun using 3 rooms in the clinic that were previously left empty. One is the new psychologist's office and another is a classroom for children with learning disabilities. The third space is the Early Intervention / Early Stimulation classroom (0-6 years old), which we are preparing now for the incoming teacher to begin giving classes soon.

Here's a sneak peak at the room, I look forward to posting pictures of the finished product next week!

Spanish sign for "Pre-school classroom"

tunnel, mirror, mattresses for nap time

teacher's desk, art easel

some toys and organizers

Tomorrow I get to go out and buy more fun, educational, therapy toys -- things like puzzles, books, musical instruments and paints!

We also need to get some shelves put up, the mirror put on a stand to use for speech therapy and to receive furniture made for us for children with special needs. Then, the only thing left is to fill it with children!

Ikea Adventure

2011-07-28T21:06:00.003-04:00

I bought furniture from Ikea that has to be assembled for the first time today. The total of pieces needing assembly = 7. After 2.5 hours of work I finished 4 chairs, a bookshelf and a desk, leaving one lonely desk to be finished up tomorrow. So excited about furniture that will be used for my office, the Early Stimulation / Early Intervention classroom and the Ambulatory Education Program!

The most complicated one... lots of pieces...

Finished product = teacher's desk

Desk, 4 chairs and an already full bookshelf

One last, lonely box left for tomorrow

Focus

2011-06-30T19:53:00.004-04:00

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2

What a challenge... to know God and to focus only on Him and what He has done for each of us. How different would our lives be if we lived this verse out? To know nothing except Jesus Christ and his crucifixion?

A Light in the Darkness

2011-06-23T10:21:00.003-04:00

So, I have been getting progressively worse at blogging... perhaps because I have been getting progressively busier as well? Regardless, its no excuse to not let you know what is going on in my world.

I am writing this update while sitting in a tiny chair in one of our new classrooms for the clinic's Early Intervention Program. Its a public holiday in the Dominican Republic, so no children are being displaced from their seats so that I can write this post, just in case you were worried. This room and these little chairs are amazingly blessed. They have the privilege of being a haven for children with learning disabilities as they meet with Marie, a loving, caring teacher who patiently works with each child giving them the help that they desperately need and are not getting any place else. Its a labor of love and I am thankful that God is letting us be a little part of it.

One of the most touching stories (of many) of the new students of Marie, is that of a 14 year old girl named Marianny. Marianny lives in El Cielo, the community right behind the mission. Her father and mother both have mental health issues. Her father also drinks heavily and recently left the family. Her older brother Alex is 16 years old and has cerebral palsy. He cannot do anything for himself and does not really move or talk, but his smile is straight from heaven. Marianny and her little brother Angel are suffering from the environment they live in. The two of them walk around with looks of confusion all day long. Marianny has had to take on the role of mother to Angel and caretaker to both her older brother and her mother. Its a weighty responsibility no child should have to take on.

While we cannot fill the void of love and reassurance in her life (only Christ can do that), we can provide her a safe, quiet environment to take a break, do her homework and talk about the things she is going through. We can let her know that she is valued, loved and that God has a plan for her and her life. Most of all, I'd like to think that we can give her hope.

What a Mighty God we serve. I know that He loves Marianny and her family more than I ever could. I know that He holds this precious child in His hands and that He wants us to be a light in her darkness.

Peace

2011-06-03T15:39:00.003-04:00

"The peace that passes all understanding," its a phrase I've often heard and even said, but never really felt until today.

As some of you may know, my maternal grandmother fell two weeks ago and broke her femur. She had to have an operation the following day to place two plates and 13 screws in her leg. For an 84 year old woman with Alzheimer's, emphysema, and heart problems, the anesthesia and operation were just too much. She did not recover her swallowing and soon after became less and less responsive. Last Monday the doctors referred her to Hospice care and on Wednesday she made the trip from Allentown, PA to Baltimore, MD by ambulance.

Being advised of her condition and understanding that Hospice is end of life care, I decided to fly to Baltimore on Saturday. I couldn't fully comprehend the gravity of her condition until I saw her lying there in the hospital bed at Gilchrest Hospice. She had lost more weight, had a fever of 103 and no longer opened her eyes or spoke. The thing that struck me most was the conspicuous absence of IV fluids, which for some reason in my mind I imagined that she would have connected to her arm.

In that moment it struck me that my grandmother, known to me as Nanny, was going to die. She would not be getting better. Though this had been more or less explained to me, being far away I had held on to the hope that she could still recover, enter rehab for her leg and be more or less okay. Seeing her there, sleeping peacefully, it struck me that she would never again awake and be herself. This was a difficult realization.

That night the doctors told us that she would most likely pass within 24 hours. We remained at Hospice that night and awaited the inevitable. But in the morning my grandmother, who has always been a strong woman, had normal blood pressure, a strong pulse and her fever had lowered to 101. Sunday became Monday, which became Tuesday, then Wednesday and finally Thursday and still Nanny continued to rest peacefully sleeping. In this time, myself, my mother, my sister, my aunt, my uncle and their respective families were able to spend time with her, speak to her and for my part become at peace with her dying.

On Thursday night, as my plane was lifting off from Miami to fly to Santo Domingo, my grandmother passed away. I would find out more than 2 hours later on my way from the airport to my home. This morning (Friday), I was still unable to process that which occurred. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I was very calm, and had an overwhelming peace. As I mused about this it donned on my that I was experiencing that peace that defies all explanation, that comes at times when we understandably might experience a feeling to the opposite, times like this.

I know that my grandmother is resting, that she is held in the arms of her Savior, and that she no longer feels any pain. Knowing this, I am able to rejoice for her and look at her dying not as a cause for overwhelming sorrow, but as an occasion to accept the overwhelming peace that the Lord offers to us. I am secure in the knowledge that though I do not understand all of His plans, He works for the good of those who love Him.

Nanny, thank you for being my grandmother. We love you very much!

Vaccines

2011-05-08T17:04:00.003-04:00

An uncomfortable topic for someone who is afraid of needles, like myself, but as we all have been taught, vaccines save lives.

So, each April or May depending on the delays in transportation of vaccines and syringes, Latin America gears up for a huge vaccination campaign called "Semana de Las Americas." This past Wednesday we began in the afternoon vaccinating our afternoon classes in the Nazareth school and the Haitian education program against polio, tetanus, and diptheria.

On Thursday morning we vaccinated the Cielo school and finished vaccinating the Haitian education program children. This year, unlike last year, I remembered to take pictures!

Mary vaccinated Eliezer against Tetanus and Diptheria

Brave face!

Someone is happy to know she won't be getting sick!

On Friday we vaccinated over 100 children with 126 doses of vaccines. Children under the age of 4 (1, 2 or 3 years old) received only anti-polo drops, 2 per child. Children ages 4, 5 and 6 received DPT (diptheria, polio and tetanus) vaccines in their thigh as well as anti-polio drops to reinforce the doses they have had previously. Children ages 7, 8 and 9 and teachers and teacher's aides received DT (diptheria and tetanus) vaccines.

On Monday, we return to Nazareth's school to finish up there with the 1st graders who didn't have their shot records on Friday when we were there. We are also hoping to vaccinate all Mission Emanuel employees that morning.

On Tuesday, we will be going to the Nazareth Public Elementary School (La Escuela Basica de Nazareth) to vaccinate in the morning and afternoon classes. Lots of work that day, but it will be the end of the school vaccinations. Then on Thursday, Friday and the following Monday and Tuesday health workers will go from house to house checking shot records and giving anti-polio vaccinations to children under the age of 3.

The final stage of the vaccinations campaign includes vaccinating all agricultural and construction workers against tetanus.

Week End

2011-04-18T10:19:00.004-04:00

As I haven't written in a few weeks, I thought I'd up date you on how I've been spending my free time on the week ends.

Last weekend, I went with a group of 12 people to Castillo, a "campo" or countryside in the northern part of the country. It was a "viaje misionero" or a missions trip in which the group took Friday and Saturday nights to hold special services. As a group, we did two different dramas, a dance, showed a portion of the Passion of the Christ and sang. At the end of each service an alter call was held.

In Castillo, Joel and his family have been missionaries for the past 7 years. They work in a barrio called "Barrio Puerto Rico" that used to be a stronghold for drug dealers, prostitution and violence. People were afraid to enter the barrio and police had a hard time keeping all of the problems at bay. The church that Joel is pastoring holds its services in what used to be a bar/brothel that the church has cleaned up and is in the process of purchasing. Instead of being a place of vice, the congregation has redeemed it and made it a place where the entire community can come to receive from God.

Joel has been working with government representatives to pave roads, lay better electric lines and water piping and to provide general community services. The success that he has had so far in the barrio comes from loving people at the most basic level, by meeting their immediate physical needs. It was an honor to be able to spend time with him, his wife and his three young children. Please be praying for them and the work they are doing.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to take a picture of Joel and his family or the church. The only pictures I took were quick snapshots on my cell phone when we went further into the countryside and I rode a horse! So, here is a photo of me with the horse:

This weekend I went to Pico Escondido, a Young Life (Vida Joven) camp in Jarabacoa to be a part of the work team for a camp they were holding. Jarabacoa is about 2 hours from Santo domingo and is located in the center of the country in the mountains. The scenery and the weather are gorgeous. It was nice and cool in the morning and at night, a much needed and welcome break from the blistering heat of Santo Domingo.

Vida Joven meets weekly around the country and three times a year for different camps. The first camp in a sequence of three is held in June and is for people who are new to Vida Joven. The second camp is held in November and is a "growth" camp, lots of fun and games like June's camp, but more deep in the word and worship. In April, the "training" camp is held and volunteers, leaders and staff come together for training on how to work with the youth in their respective "clubs." We had the pleasure of serving on the "equipo de trabajo" so that staff could concentrate on giving and receiving training.

We started our day early at 6 a.m. with devotions and then preparing and serving breakfast. We then cleaned the rooms and bathrooms where the students were staying, moved right into preparing and serving lunch and then cleaned up after lunch and began preparing for dinner. Around 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. I was able to take a nap and then get back into it at 5:30 or 6:00 to setup and serve dinner. In the evenings we assisted with activities for youth and got to bed around 12 or 1 a.m.

I really enjoyed my time there, oddly enough considering cleaning bathrooms and pealing plantains might not sound like fun. But the difference is that the 10 people on our work team were amazing. They were all attentive and caring and pitched in to help out everyone even though we had division of labor. I really felt like the Acts church and the love of Christ through an attitude of service was demonstrated through the works of the team. It was a pleasure serving with all of them and it was encouraging to see a team work together so well. When God is the focus, everything falls into place.

Just some of the 150 teens and young adults at the camp

Adani, Auri and Elisa -- 3 awesome members of the work team

myself, Karen and Emmanuel, another part of the work team

2011 March Groups 3 & 4

2011-04-07T09:58:00.004-04:00

Colorado Springs and Ohio State

March went by like a whirlwind! We had 4 amazing groups from all over the U.S. The 3rd week, The Ohio State University came as well as First Presbyterian Colorado Springs. I had a blast hanging out with this group and spending some time with them at dinners and their nightly devotions. What a love for others and dedication to the service of God, each and every member of the group has!

OSU Group working on the playground walls

I especially enjoyed my time with the young women from Ohio State. Its nice being able to give input and a little advice from the experiences that I have had with work, college, life and my relationship with God. Seeing young women experience the same things that I have and struggle with the same insecurities and problems is oddly encouraging. It reminds me that none of us are going through life alone and that though our experiences are different, they are really very similar.

Jack, Emmanuel and I with the OSU Group

After OSU and Colorado Springs left, we received a group from First Academy in Orlando, FL. First Academy is closely associated with the First Presbyterian Church in Orlando. They were an awesome group of young guys and gals and enjoyed working on several houses in the community.

We are so thankful for all that our short-term missionaries do in their time here in Bayona!

Blessings,

Anna

March 2011 Groups 1 and 2

2011-03-19T12:48:00.003-04:00

Its that time again! March groups here in Cielo and Nazareth, young people choosing to spend their Spring Break trips making a difference!

The first week, we had groups from UNC, NC State and Wake Forest. They worked on four houses and a playground for the Nazareth school. They also helped out with some painting in the clinic. They painted accent walls for the pediatric consult room, a classroom for the new Early Intervention Program and murals in the dental office and vaccination area.

Kelly, Anna and Bob Heimall with the mural they painted

Bob's handiwork in the Vaccination Area

This past week we had groups from Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee (2 high school groups and a university group). Again, these students gave up their Spring Breaks, typically spent soaking up the sun or hanging out with friends, to come serve an impoverished community. They also worked on four houses -- the house of Ana and her family, the house of Grecia and Ventura, Marco's house, and Luis' house. One group spent time as well on building up the walls of the playground that will be put in later this year.

Jim and Javier praying over Ana's family's house site

Jim and Javier praying over Grecia and Ventura's house site

What an awesome month of groups so far! Today OSU and Colorado State come into town! :)

Looking forward to the next two weeks of groups to round out a productive and blessing filled March.

Promises

2011-03-08T10:15:00.004-05:00

Everything in God's time is a concept not easy for me to wrap my head around. In a world where microwaves, drive thrus and express lanes are the norm, I have a hard time getting my stubborn self to get that just because something does not happen now or soon, does not mean that it will not happen at all.

Oh, how I want everything to go my way in my time! I think that in my "infinite wisdom" my timing and my desires are what I need. And yet, God is patient with me in my rebellion. He lovingly guides me and keeps my foot from striking rock when I stubbornly try to make things that I want work out.

He says to me again and again, "Patience, my child, patience, I have a plan that is better than yours. Patience and I will give you the desires of your heart in ways that you could never have imagined..."

Probably my favorite reminder of this is the verse in Romans 8:28, " And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

God sends us visual reminders too of His promises. Here He is showing off His great majesty in front of the clinic! :)

Doña Antonia

2011-02-15T16:24:00.003-05:00

While conducting a survey in the community, we learned that the majority of the population of persons living in the 190+ houses in El Cielo are males under the age of 40, mostly adolescents.

Which makes the case of Doña Antonia so special. No one is sure how old she is really. Some people say she is in her 80's, some in her 90's and some family members have even said she's a 100 years old. No matter the age, she is easily one of the oldest people living in El Cielo and certainly one of the oldest people I've come into contact with in the DR period.

She is incontinent, so we have been providing her with Depends when we have them donated to the clinic. We were also able to get her a walker through our contacts with the Dominican Rehabilitation Association. Before receiving the walker she fell often, injuring her lower limbs frequently. Since receiving the walker, she hasn't fallen once!

Doña Antonia's husband died a few years ago and she has expressed her wish to be at peace and join him. Its sad for me to hear an older person say something like that, although in some sense I can understand her. Its my belief that the Lord leaves us here on earth for a reason. She has several adult children, of which the two or three I've met are very troubled persons. Doña Antonia has great faith and I believe that her purpose in still being with us is to minister to her children and others.

I'm thankful if we can even just make her a little more comfortable while she is living. Life is hard here. The heat, all of the work, the lack of transportation, and the broken, concrete streets and houses where she walks. I have so much respect for a woman like Doña Antonia who has overcome so much and still remains positive.

I hope that I can learn from her example!

Blessings,

Anna

Iglesia Evangelica del Cielo

2011-02-03T14:59:00.003-05:00

Every Wednesday, my church, La Iglesia Evangelica del Cielo, has a church service with amazing worship. This Wednesday while sitting in the service I had two realizations.

The first is that the church has really grown. And it isn't just people that come once and then leave. The church is growing by leaps and bounds with new believers -- children, adolescents, young college students and adults are all part of the new influx of church attendees in El Cielo. The church has grown so much that regular Sunday and Wednesday night services all the seats are taken and many more are left standing on the sides, in the back and in the stairwell.

The church has plans to build across the street from its current location. It will be a wider, longer church with 2 or 3 floors to hold classrooms, meeting rooms, a library and offices. I am so excited for the new developments! When the church community started working in El Cielo 5 years ago, I'm not sure they even imagined that the church would grow so fast, so soon!

My second realization was that we really have only two choices in life -- to live for God or to live for ourselves. I realized that we can be doing work for God, but still be living for ourselves. Because living for God has to do with whole hearted complete submission to Him in everything that we do. Absolutely every area of our lives must be turned over to Him and allow Him to do what He wants to do with us. Not just the convenient parts, the more visible parts or the easy parts of our lives - the parts of our lives that we are ambivalent about. No, the parts of our lives that are so important and deep rooted in all that we are, those are the areas of our lives that God wants for Himself. And if we give these areas over to God, then He can bless them and use us in new and amazing ways.

Have a wonderful weekend filled with blessings and new revelations of God's goodness and provision!

Jeepeta

2011-01-27T20:28:00.003-05:00

Say it with me, "Estoy monta'o!"

This Dominican slang translated into English means... I have a car! I was able to buy a 2002 Suzuki SUV with the assistance of so many wonderful people! Thanks for helping me to get a car so that I can get around easier, safer and without sweating so much. :)

I feel so very blessed for all the things that God is doing in my life. I know that He cares for us in the small and big things and that He is always with us.

Also, a very big accomplishment is that yesterday I got the "matricula" and the insurance for the car so now I can drive it around. Its all very exciting! :)

New Life

2011-01-17T10:18:00.004-05:00

Recently, I have had the pleasure of being present just hours after the birth of an adorable little baby boy named Ivan Javier Perdono.

Born on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 8.5 lbs., this precious child of God has become one of my newest little friends.

Ivan Javier

And in the clinic we met a little tiny baby that was born 3 months early. He only weighed 2 lbs. Now at a month and a half he is 4 lbs. They hadn't yet named him, so we gave him the name of Jose Benjamin. He is a fighter, but has been sick and we are in the process of helping the family with medicines and food.

Please pray for him and his mother Mache that God supplies for all their needs and that this little boy can live to grow up to be a man of God.

Blessings,

Anna

JanTerm 2011

2011-01-10T11:40:00.003-05:00

Each January we have the privilege of welcoming the Rockford Christian School for a week. They are an awesome group led by Keith and Karen Christianson who have an amazing love for not only the students that come on the trip, but also an outpouring of love and compassion for the community of Bayona.

Aquilino, Belkis and their two children

Their group finished up two houses, a duplex and a bathroom for a family. One of the houses is for Aquilino, the therapist in our clinic. Previously, he, his wife and his two children shared one bedroom. Needless to say he is ecstatic about his new three bedroom house.

The house before...

The other family to receive a house is a family that had 12 people living in 2 bedrooms -- the parents, the mother's parents and their 7 children as well as a niece. The house was originally constructed with wood and tin. It is now concrete block with a tin roof and has 3 bedrooms and a bathroom inside (the used to have an outhouse). This family is very special as their twin daughters (Nely and Yanely) are incredible 18 year old girls with overflowing joy. They are very involved in the church and teach a children's discipleship class on Saturdays. They dance in the praise dance group and participate in all the youth activities.

Nely, Karen, Nely's mom and grandmother

The duplex was created for two single mothers. Amarilis, whom I have talked about a lot and her four children and Maritza and her three children.

And the bathroom was given to a family who has a daughter, Estefenia, who is deaf and mute.

Keith and the group in front of the new bathroom

The week was great, but Friday when the houses were dedicated and given to the families was a touching day. I so very much enjoy seeing people who love and trust in the Lord receive His blessings. These families have been praying for years for God to provide a better situation for them. And I got to be there to see when it happened! God's timing is so cool :)

Blessings,

Anna

Thank You and Merry Christmas

2010-12-21T21:58:00.004-05:00

As 2010 draws to a close, I just wanted to say thank you to all of those who have supported me this past year.

Its been a great year, full of many accomplishments and improvements in the clinic. I am so proud of my amazing staff, many of whom are new. The four new women in the clinic: Tatiana, an ambitious doctor with lots of heart; Mary, a skilled medical assistant, always ready with a smile; Luz, a new Christian who is full of enthusiasm and Heidy, our dental assistant who is eager to learn more. I have learned so much from each of these women, their lives and their struggles. I feel privileged to call them friends.

Dr. Maria and her assistant Diana have taken on the new Community Health Program with an energy and love for Bayona. Their educational talks, seminars and tours through the community are changing the way that we help the sick. Prevention is so key and in many cases very simple. People just lack the knowledge to prevent common ailments.

Dr. Jose Miguel has provided great dental care to the children of our schools as well as assistance on 2 dental trips that benefited the community. We hope to be able to see all 500+ school children in the clinic for cleanings before the end of the school year.

In 2011, the ADR/ME partnership will culminate in an Early Intervention Program that I am very excited about and that will greatly benefit many special needs children. I know that Aquilino looks forward to working with therapists, a psychologist and a learning disabilities specialist.

Please continue to pray for the clinic, its employees and their families as well as each and every patient that enters our doors. Our hope is that the love and light of Christ shine brightly in everything that we do.

Merry Christmas to all! Many blessings this winter and a Happy New Year.

Thanks again for all you do,

Anna

God's handiwork

2010-12-14T21:51:00.004-05:00

As I mentioned I am here in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO finishing up my 3 week training at MTI (mti.org). I kept meaning to take pictures of the breathless scenery, but didn't get a chance until today at lunch. These beautiful images are just a little glimpse of God at work here in nature. Its amazing to wake up to these views every day!

Inner Intentions

2010-12-05T01:21:00.003-05:00

There are times when you think you've discovered everything about yourself. When you think you know all the dark and dusty corners of your heart. As a good friend recently reminded me, its usually then when there is more to learn.

I know that I have good intentions for most of what I do. That I want to love and help people. That I care about people and I want to be there for them. I also know that inside sometimes I am a mess. Emotions and humanness mean that I have "dark and twisty" (to borrow a phrase from a TV show) places in me. Before I guess I thought that they were inside and I was dealing with them -- as making messes clean is a process. Its becoming clearer though that the messiness is on the outside too.

Intentions are only half of the equation. My impact on others is the other half. I don't know what my impact is all of the time. Usually when its good I know because of the feedback I receive. And when my impact is negative and I know about it, I try to make it right. But I'm learning that I can make a positive impact more of the time. Perhaps its okay for that messiness to come out a little more so people know I'm struggling too. Perhaps its okay to be a little less confident and admit when I don't know because other people don't know either. Or say when I'm scared or unsure because we are all human and messy on the inside.

The thing I love most about H2O church at OSU is that they aren't afraid of their brokenness. They openly share it with one another and they care for one another as they heal. Jesus came to heal the broken and love the sinners. He is the only one who can clear out all of the mess and make it clean. So, we should share that with others so that as He puts our hearts in order He may be glorified through our transformation. And so that others may hear of His good works and believe.

Philippians 2 is a great chapter on this (v. 1-13):

¹ Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

¹² Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

My prayer is not to be free of my messiness because it is what makes me human, but for God to search out the offensive way in me and burn it out. To change me and mold me and to make me more like Christ, so that I may love His people as He did.

Psalm 139: 23-24

²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

MTI New Beginnings

2010-11-30T18:40:00.003-05:00

I am reporting in from a temporary home in Colorado Springs at the Missionary Training International where I will be for the next 3 weeks.

The 30+ participants include families, couples and singles. We are all getting to know each other and there are 2 other women and a couple who are coming to the DR. The 2 ladies moved to Puerto Plata in August and the couple is moving down in 2011. Its so great to meet other people who will be participating in ministry in the DR.

There are also many friendly people who are going to China, India, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, the Czech Republic, Australia, etc. Its interesting to hear about their different experiences and mission fields.

More soon!

Blessings,

Anna

Back Again

2010-11-17T15:05:00.003-05:00

In Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata, DR

I am coming back again next week to the states. I will be home for Thanksgiving and then I head off the following Monday to Colorado for missionary training. After the 3 week training, I will be home for Christmas, and then I head back to the DR immediately after. Please feel free to call me on my U.S. cell phone during this time. Please pray for safe travels as well and for God to use this time to strengthen and equip me before coming back to the DR.

Thanks much for all of your support!

Blessings,

Anna

ADR Evaluation

2010-11-15T14:55:00.002-05:00

So for those of you wondering about the hurricane... yes, we got rain, but no nothing was destroyed, thankfully!

It did, however, put a little damper on our previously planned ADR Evaluation of children in the community with special needs. Despite the quantity of rain, we still were able to evaluate 86 children and provide them with 117 services. There were four services available -- evaluation of development, language skills, learning issues and psychological examination. Most children presented learning problems and / or psychological issues. We also evaluated over 20 children that are under the age of 6, that are good candidates for our upcoming, eagerly awaited Early Intervention Program.

Unfortunately, I didn't remember to take photos... so this little blurb will have to do!

Blessings,

Anna

"Overflowing Abundance"

2010-11-09T23:46:00.002-05:00

"And delight in her overflowing abundance" from Isaiah 66

Sometimes we become complacent and comfortable and though we have asked the Lord for something, we may believe it is not going to happen, at least not now. So, we settle in. And then He blesses us by answering our prayers and then some! And reminds us of His goodness and that His love and grace abounds always.

Today I received a donation to my support account bringing me to 107% pledged and 68% received to my account. How wonderful to be finished raising my living expenses! I am so thankful to God for His ever flowing blessings. For if we trust in Him, He never fails us.

Thank you to all who have partnered with me on my support team. To all who are praying, writing encouragement and giving of the blessings that they themselves have received from God. I am so blessed to have amazing friends and family and a God who loves me and cares for my every need.

Blessings,

Anna

Prosthestics

2010-11-02T14:48:00.003-04:00

I know that I've talked about ADR in the past. The Dominican Association of Rehabilitation (its ADR when written in Spanish) is an organization we are working with to create an Early Intervention program, starting in the spring of 2011 for children 0-6.

It is an awesome organization that has been around for 47 years and is the leader in services for persons with disabilities and children with special needs in the country. They have 22 centers in the Dominican Republic. For more information see http://www.adr.org.do/

As part of the group 2 weeks ago, Rita Hook, a member of Rotary International, and her husband Harvey who is the director of The Gathering in Columbus, OH came to deliver prosthetic hands to ADR. These simple devices cost $50 to make, but are provided free to users, are non-electronic, extremely durable and the recipient can be trained to use them within 5 minutes. For more information, check out http://www.ln-4.org/

Harvey and Rita with a LN-4 hand

Rita and Harvey were able to meet with Dr. Zometa from ADR as well as the local Santo Domingo Rotary Club (of which Dr. Zometa is a part) to talk about a partnership for continuing to provide the prosthetic hands to the DR.

Rita with Dr. Zometa and a representative of Rotary Santo Domingo

The meetings went better than can be imagined and I believe that a long-lasting partnership has been launched. Thanks to Rita, Harvey and Rotary for investing in a country with a large need.

Blessings,

Anna

Healing Hands

2010-10-29T10:29:00.005-04:00

Although I've written about the 15th anniversary, the dental clinic and meeting needs in the community, I still have much more to tell about this last group's work here in Cielo!

Elizabeth, Emily, and Jackie with Dawi and his family

The week before the group arrived Joe Budd, his son and his father, brought down a load of wheelchairs, braces and equipment for the physical therapy program. Thanks to the Lord and our partnership with ADR, the 1,000 lbs. of materials passed through customs within half an hour.

Deanna fitting Christopher into his new wheelchair

Erin helping Aquilino with Nairobi's therapy

This prep work enabled Deanna and Jackie, physical therapists from Texas, and Emily, a PT from Winston-Salem, NC to fit 6 children with new wheelchairs. They also fixed 4 chairs for children that were already using wheelchairs. In addition, they were able to provide 10 children with braces and shoes. We had great attendance at therapy sessions with 13 children receiving therapy on Monday morning, 10 on Wednesday morning, and 16 on Friday morning.

Lisbeth after therapy

Emily working with Dawi

Thanks so much to Deanna, Jackie and Emily for all of their hard work, dedication, and love for the children with special needs of the community. Thanks also to all those who volunteered their time in the clinic entertaining siblings, assisting with therapy and making new friends. And of course thank you to those who made all of the week's work possible through their prep work beforehand -- Anna and Andrew Harper and Joe Budd and his family. I hope I haven't left anyone out. We are all just so grateful to the countless people who work hard during the year to provide for weeks like this and for the prayers that accompany everything.

Jackie working with Christopher

May God bless you abundantly,

Anna

Dental Outreach

2010-10-28T09:09:00.003-04:00

Last week's October trip included 2 dentists -- Dr. Johnson from North Carolina and Dr. Dillard from Texas -- and 3 dental assistants (from NC, TX and FL).

The doctors, assistants, and translators

The doctors and their assistants worked full days Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, in the afternoon on Thursday and all morning on Friday. They were able to work on over 80 people doing extractions and fillings. In addition to the countless hours of work they point in, the staff brought down thousands of dollars worth of medicines, materials, and equipment. Part of their work in the dental clinic also included training our dental assistant so that she is able to do more procedures.

Dr. Johnson and Heidy work together on a patient

Dr. Dillard and Johnny extract 2 teeth on a young girl

Every morning was jammed pack with people in the clinic. There is such an overwhelming need for dental services. People living in the community do not have the resources to pay for yearly checkups or emergency procedures. In the clinic, we are trying to concentrate on education to prevent cavities by working with our schools and the community. However, the immediate need is great as so many people have impacted, infected and abscessed teeth. I wish we could do these trips 5 times a year!

Thanks so much to all for their hard work!

Blessings,

Anna

Filling a Need

2010-10-26T09:30:00.003-04:00

Of all the things that happened on this year's October Trip, I think the one story that touched me the most is that of Francis and Frangelys.

Francis came to the mission several weeks ago to talk to us about her daughter Frangelys and her need for help. Frangelys has cerebral palsy and cannot move much on her own, talk, eat or bathe herself. She is completely dependent on her mother and eats through a feeding tube. Francis is a single mother with two children, one of whom needs around the clock care. Frangelys had been in a live-in program that was taking care of her, but the program recently sent her home without reason or warning. Apparently, they are sending all of the children back to their homes.

We prayed with Francis and set about trying to find a way to help her. Unfortunately, there was not an immediate way to help her monetarily. So, we continued to pray about it. Francis came to the mission again last week. Frangelys' feeding tube was infected and her mother didn't have any money for formula to give her through the tube. All Frangelys had ingested for days was tea and water. She cried all day from hunger.

On Wednesday morning of last week, Frangelys came with her mother to receive therapy. She met Emily, a PT from North Carolina who was moved by her circumstance. Emily asked Ron and myself what we could do for her. So, after explaining the situation, we all sat down to talk with Francis to pray with her and her daughter. We knew that circumstances had only gotten worse, not better for Francis. But we had hope. We used John 3:16 funds, a fund for urgent health needs to give Francis money to get food for Frangelys that day and take her to have her feeding tube cleaned. Emily asked her to come back Friday so that Deanna, Jackie and she (all PTs) could try to fit Frangelys with a wheelchair.

We spoke to several people in the group about the need that Francis had identified -- a blender -- so that she could liquefy food for her daughter to give her through the feeding tube. A simple appliance that was life saving for Frangelys would mean that she could now eat and that her mother could provide for her.

On Friday, we were able to find a stroller for Francis to use to transport Frangelys and we presented her with a blender so that she can feed her daughter.

We continue to pray for this family and for God's provision in their lives. For we know that as much as we love and care for others, God loves them so much more. He has a plan and a purpose and we may not always understand it, but should be looking for ways for Him to use us in it.

Thanks to all who are praying for this family.

Blessings,

Anna

Happy 15th Anniversary, Mission Emanuel!

2010-10-25T04:24:00.005-04:00

Hi all!

We have just wrapped up the October trip, celebrating Mission Emanuel's 15th Anniversary in Cielo, Dominican Republic. Mission Emanuel had events in the states in September in Florida and North Carolina and finished off its birthday last Sunday with a Quinceañera attended by 500 people from Cielo and Nazaret. At the celebration we worshipped together, the mission handed out awards to key people involved in Mission Emanuel's success, and showed a video recapping the mission's 15 years in Bayona.

worshipping together

The Pastor's Wife and I, post-ceremony

Mission Emanuel over its 15 year tenure has built 2 schools and a Haitian education program, a Dominican and a Haitian church, a medical center that includes a pediatric clinic, dental clinic, physical therapy program and community health program, a water purification plant and a children's sponsorship program as well as a women's cooperative, various bible studies and outreach events. Mission Emanuel has also built over 40 homes in the community, a baseball field, basketball courts, and youth center. Each year over 500 short-term missionaries come into the community from the U.S. to give of their time and resources to bless Cielo and Nazaret.

Here's to 15 more years!

Miracles

2010-10-13T12:07:00.004-04:00

Some people say that miracles only happened way back when. That they don't exist today. I've never subscribed to that theory ever. But in the case that I ever had any doubts, they have all been erased, as I was able to witness miracles last week.

For those of you who have been following my blog, you might remember Mari Rosa, the woman in the community with 5 children who was diagnosed with cancer last year. Mari has received extensive therapy including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which have both made her very sick. Her children and her husband as well as her neighbors have watched as Mari has gone through bouts of sickness, nausea, vomiting and fatigue with her treatment. They've observed as her faith, which was all but absent when she was diagnosed with cancer, has grown day by day even though she has been faced with a dire prognosis. They have joined with her in her struggles and sorrows and last Monday they were able to join her in her joy. Her doctors reported that Mari is cancer free! A miracle that we know came from God. Mari shared her good news with me and the staff of the mission and later that evening gave her testimony that night in women's church.

Mari Rosa

I am so thankful for a God who does miracles. A God who is with us in the big and the small struggles. One who will never forsake us, the only one who will never forsake us. He is a God that has done many miracles, is doing many miracles and will do many miracles until the end. And He allows us to see and be a part of these miracles so that we can remember that He is a God and loving God. So that when we pass through trials, temptation and fire we do not despair for we know that the same God who was with us before, is with us now and will never leave us.

Blessings,

Anna

U.S. Visit and M.E. Anniversary

2010-10-01T10:19:00.005-04:00

As my first week back to the DR ends, I wanted to write a quick update on how my trip back to the states went.

I had a great time in Maryland with my parents and my brother and sister. My brother came home for 3 weeks to visit and it was wonderful to see him as we hadn't seen him in over a year! I also was able to visit with aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends.

Mom and Dad :)

Mrs. W, a family friend, and me

my aunt and my brother

Towards the end of my trip, I went to North Carolina to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Mission Emanuel. Many people spoke about the way in which Mission Emanuel had touched their lives over the years. It was a reminder of just how important the work we are doing is for Americans and Dominicans alike.

Mission Emanuel staff and friends

A Joyful Welcome

2010-09-29T15:18:00.003-04:00

I arrived back in the DR Monday in the afternoon. I was thankful to arrive without any delays or problems. I spent the evening visiting friends and at church, where I was given 5 minutes notice that I had to sing in the place of a friend who was sick! Talk about pressure, haha. But everything went well and it felt great to be back here with everyone.

Tuesday when I got to work, I entered my office to a wonderful surprise...

(Welcome, Anna)

As if that wasn't enough, this morning they surprised me with a birthday party! :) I may arguably have the best job ever! Or at least the best co-workers and friends!!

With Dr. Tatiana Cespedes

Elizabeth, Aquilino, and Mary

CAKE!!!

Its wonderful to feel loved and cared about. I am just so fortunate to have so many great people in my life! :)

1 Year Recap

2010-09-03T22:29:00.001-04:00

U.S.A.

2010-09-01T21:03:00.002-04:00

I had a great travel day yesterday... no major delays, and I made it in on time without any problems. I am thankful to have had such a great day! I'm really looking forward to spending the next few weeks at home with my family and hopefully a few friends as well.

I will also be in North Carolina mid-month to celebrate Mission Emanuel's 15th anniversary celebration. I've never been to Winston-Salem where many of the people who come down on group trips to Bayona are from, so it will be cool to get to see people and experience the church.

Feel free to call or send me an email while I am home. I would love to hear from you!
Blessings,
Anna

1 Year

2010-08-26T11:40:00.003-04:00

I will have been here a year on Tuesday, August 31st. Originally, this would have been the date for me to go back for good -- a year of time spent in the community of Bayona and moving on to other things. However, in January I signed up for an additional 2 year commitment with Mission Emanuel as the Director of Healthcare Ministries. I am so fortunate to have been here this past year and be able to look forward to another amazing 2 years of what God is doing here in the community!

I will be leaving for a month for Maryland to spend time with my family and to raise support for my coming year here in the Dominican Republic. I have raised 61% of my support, but am in need of an additional $15,000 for all of the expenses of this next year. Please let me know if you would like to join my support team.

I am excited to see my family, especially my brother whom I haven't seen in almost a year and a half!

I will also be in North Carolina for almost a week to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Mission Emanuel and to plan for the groups coming in 2011.

Give me a call, send me an email or a facebook message! I would love to talk to you while I am in the states!

Blessings,

Anna

Cena de La Iglesia

2010-08-23T00:04:00.002-04:00

Last night the church had a dinner to raise money for the church retreat they are having in September. They invited several musicians and served a beautiful dinner of rice, chicken, vegetables and salad. I don't know why, but every time the musicians got up to play, I thought of Mariachi bands. :)

I helped cook a little, but mainly just enjoyed the environment and the company of friends. It was a nice evening!

It was a "formal" event... so I will leave you with a photo of me and my friends Yineris and Fela.

Fundraising Update

2010-08-14T22:52:00.003-04:00

Hello all!

Its a three day weekend here because Monday is a Dominican holiday. I thought I'd take advantage of the extra free time to write a quick update.

As most of you know, I am raising my support for next year (Sept 2010 to Sept 2011) to stay here in the Dominican Republic. I have received pledges for $23,200 or 61% of my overall goal. I need to raise an additional $14,800 in pledges by the end of August.

If you or anyone you know would be interested in supporting my ministry here in the Dominican Republic, please email me at bianco.13@osu.edu or contact me on Facebook.

I will be in Maryland in September to see my family and finish up fundraising. I am praying to have fundraising done before the end of my trip so that I can return to the DR at the end of September. Please keep my fundraising in your prayers.

The Lord has a great promise for all of us. He is faithful and just and He will never leave us. I am believing in His greatness and His plan for my life.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." ~Hebrews 10:23

Rainbow, view from the clinic

Sorrows

2010-08-08T00:17:00.002-04:00

I've not received many difficult phone calls in my life. Of that I have been very fortunate, but yesterday I answered a phone call from a friend to tell me that a little boy of 2 months had died while napping in his crib. They took him to the hospital immediately, but he was already gone and there was nothing they could do for him.

Such a joyful little baby... always smiling and laughing. I went to visit him the first day that he came home from the hospital. His mother was so happy and proud to show him to everyone. He had so much hair. I held him 2 weeks ago in church and I guess I'm just glad that I was able to spend time with him while he was here with us on earth.

His very mature sister, who turned 7 today, told me that he was in heaven and that he would always be with us in our hearts. They buried him this morning. His mother, father and aunts are not doing very well. Its hard for all of us to fathom. I can only imagine what they are going through. Please pray for the family: Mara (mom), Sylvestre (dad) and Perla (sister). As well please pray for the community, as the loss of Eliel has hit everyone hard.

Visitors

2010-08-03T16:06:00.009-04:00

Sarah and I out at dinner

This month, I have been blessed to have two wonderful visitors here. My friend Sarah who is a medical student at The Ohio State University came for two weeks to help out in the clinic. Sarah spent time observing with Tatiana, our new doctor, and assisting me with entering data from medical surveys. We also toured the city a little, went to the mall and the movies and spent time in the Colonial Zone. Since we were there during the day we were able to visit the Pantheon. I have been to the Pantheon probably 5 times before because of tours with the groups, but this time was really neat because we had a tour from a Dominican Marine that was on guard. The Pantheon is a historic building that Trujillo used for governmental purposes and where he wanted to be buried. He was murdered before he, his wife and his mother could be buried there, so the people took the building back and used it to bury national heroes --generals, presidents, poets, writers, and artists. The building also houses an eternal flame that burns in memory of those that were lost, like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, VA. Other sites we covered were the Cathedral, which I had never been inside, La Calle de Las Damas, Forteleza Ozama, La Plaza del Reloj and Diego Colon's house. Afterwards, we ate at a Ceviche restaurant in the square. It was amazing!

Diego Colon's house

Sarah in the Plaza del Reloj

Inside the Cathedral

Hannah, who coordinated my first trip to the Dominican Republic in March of 2008, came for a week and left this past Sunday. It was fun to be able to take Hannah around Bayona and have her see life here in the day and evening that isn't related to our regular group trips. She was able to spend a lot of time with a family she is close to and was even able to go to a Friday night church service at Chiqui's house (the house we worked on when we came for Spring Break 2008). Hannah and I also spent a little time at the mall and movies hanging out with my friend Karen as well as going to a national park, Los Tres Ojos, that has three subterranean lakes and one above ground. The pools are beautiful and formed in natural rock caverns. Unfortunately, because of the darkness I didn't get good pictures, but the above ground lake is just as beautiful. After the park, the group of seven of us went to the beach at Guayacanes. Thankfully, we had fabulous, sunny weather despite the rainy season!

Hannah and I at Los Tres Ojos

View of the lake

Vacation Bible School, Dominican Style!

2010-07-23T18:27:00.003-04:00

I've been involved in VBS many different years with churches, helping to teach a class of 5 year olds about Daniel in the Lions Den or talking to 8 year olds about Adam and Eve, but I have never been involved in anything quite like the EBDV. The Escuela Biblica de Verano or EBDV hosted by Cielo's church (and other Templo Biblico churches) packs the 3rd floor of the main mission building twice a day. Once at 3 pm for children under the age of 12 and again at 6 pm for teenagers and adults. At 3 pm there are so many children that there is no room to sit, stand or walk and the teachers have to shuffle through dense crowds of children to check the answers written in the students' books containing the curriculum.

Blue Team (my team) - talking about their act of service

Playing games of ring toss for points

In the evening, two teams of Red and Blue compete for points that will accumulate all week for the award's ceremony on Sunday evening. Points are given for answering the questions about the day's lesson correctly, for winning games during the course of the evening and for assignments given to a group from each team modeled after a TV show in the DR. "Reality Show," which probably could be compared to any show on MTV or VH1... Road Rules, Amazing Race, etc. involved challenges geared towards helping others. The theme of the EBDV is Actions that give Life. So, one night the teams were asked to do something for someone in need. The next day we watched videos of what the teams had done during the day. One team had helped to cook, clean, do laundry and give a makeover to an elderly woman. The other team cleaned and cooked for another elderly woman who was wheelchair bound. No winner was declared and the prize was simply the experience.

I had so much fun at the EBDV (despite the fact that my team lost)! It is amazing what the Cielo church can accomplish with such a small budget and how much joy they can provide for hundreds of people in the community of Cielo. The community benefited not only from the Reality Show challenges, but from the activity they were able to attend Monday through Sunday. Over 40 young people gave their lives to Christ on Saturday and Sunday and it has been awesome sharing with them this past week as they came to our normal church services. They are a great group of kids who were touched by Christ's sacrifice for all of us and are earnestly seeking His will for their lives. I look forward to spending more time with them in the coming months.

Dust

2010-07-11T13:43:00.003-04:00

There are certain things that keep you grounded. Things that remind you who you are. Yesterday evening, I went to a bible study where we are reading Matthew and talking about the context of history and events happening within the book. Most of the history has to do with the Roman empire and it reminded me how much I love Roman history, mythology and Latin. I spent three years in high school learning Latin mainly because they did not offer Italian, which I eventually took in college. I don't remember much of the dead language I spent so much time learning, but I do remember the emperors and the daily life of the people of this epoch contemporaneous with Jesus and his disciples.

When I lived in Southern Italy, I took a trip with my mother and sister to Herculaneum. This smaller site is less famous than Pompeii, but better preserved. Here Mt. Vesuvius erupted showering ash and dust so quickly that those living there died within minutes suffocating in the thick air and buried in the dust. There was no time to escape. Houses and people were preserved by the volcanic eruption allowing historians and laypersons an unparalleled look at Roman life. Earthen jars used to store food and water, tile mosaics and clothing and jewelry were all found alongside the bodies of the dead.

I wonder what people will see when they look back at our lives. Perhaps some might say that I liked to travel. They might find many books in my house, perhaps clothing and shoes. But what does this really say about me? What do they see when they look now? Anthropologists believe that they can construct a person's whole life from the relics that are left behind -- what they ate, how they dressed, what they did. This says a lot about a person, but does it really say who they were? Everyone here eats rice and beans, wears t-shirts and jeans and goes to work or works in their house. That is so common that it says very little about the person. How then are we set apart? By our actions and our testimony.

What is your testimony? And what do your actions say about you? I have learned that I can be impulsive, reacting purely on emotion. I am transparent, communicating exactly what I think. But if I slow myself down and think more about a situation, the players and what is occurring, I come to a much more rational solution. I would like for my actions to be like those of Christ. Calm for the most part, caring and loving. The Lord listened to those around Him. He knew their needs and he cared for them. He did everything that He could to help those around them and give them a better life -- here on earth and eventually in heaven. Christ was selfless, not thinking about His own feelings, but knowing His purpose and carrying it through. As He died upon the cross, words He said that have most affected me are, "Forgive them for they know not what they do."

How many times am I tempted to be hurt by the actions of other people. To demand an explanation for their actions and their at times purposeful affronts. But who am I to want such things? If Jesus who was blameless in the sight of God and deserved to be treated with the utmost respect, dignity and worship did not demand these things on earth, how much less can I, who am nothing, have an expectation of others? Thus I must learn to become nothing, to believe myself unworthy of anything and to accept whatever comes my way. I do not deserve anything, nor should I have expectation of it. But this I do know, that when Christ comes in His glory is when we shall have our reward.

Cresciendo

2010-07-09T22:51:00.004-04:00

I've noticed in the last few years what a difference a year makes. Even though they seem to fly by one after another, each year brings about new changes in my life. This year I feel like I've been confronted by my humanness and the raw human emotion evoked by circumstances simple and complex. These experiences have allowed me to empathize with other people and to better understand those around me. I have also been struck by how profoundly emotions govern our actions and have a better notion of what self-control means. Not just control of self in things such as eating or speaking your mind, but control of your reactions to the unexpected actions of others, perceived affronts small or large and stress. The scriptures mention self-control as a fruit of the spirit. This fruit allows us to carry out the mandate "be slow to anger and abounding in love."

Our sinful nature is predisposed to get annoyed and become angry, to be envious, to be selfish and to sometimes take joy in the tribulations of others. This nature is hard to control, difficult to train and nearly impossible to overcome, except with the help of the holy spirit. Though I have been made aware of the need for control and have realized what things trigger my annoyance, the actual control of these emotions is harder in practice. While still quite flawed, at least when my emotions get the better of me, I have learned to apologize immediately to those who have received the expression of said emotions. In the end it would be much easier just not to react, so that I do not have to apologize, however, I must remind myself again and again that I am only human... and after all what is it that makes us human if not our thoughts and emotions? Therefore, emotions are not to be cast completely aside, but neither can they govern our entire nature.

In this as in all things, I must continually seek God's forgiveness and will in my life. To become a better person I must learn from my mistakes and the wisdom of others. And I must be willing to take correction from heaven and those here on earth.

"A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence." ~Proverbs 15:5

I know the Lord is at work in my life. The more this clay is molded, the better able I will be to serve others.

Blessings,

Anna

Afterwards

2010-07-09T10:37:00.003-04:00

So, I probably owed everyone a blog post much sooner...

Thinking about what to say I found that there were many more thoughts bouncing around my head then feasible space in a post. Logically, that ought to mean that I post more, but instead while grasping for the perfect words I just decided not to blog at all. Well, I've gotten over myself and thrown that idea out the window. Thus here we are, be prepared for utter chaos instead of organized thought.

Its July now and that means that we've finished with groups for the summer. It was a great last few weeks for the clinic and the community as we had a dentist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, nurse and physical therapy all volunteer their time to improve the lives of people in Cielo. We also had a great meeting with parents of the school to give them dental hygiene orientation.

One other change that July brought about was the departure of our doctor and friend, Ismael. He was afforded the wonderful opportunity to journey to Spain and study his specialty. It all happened very rapidly as they called him on Tuesday and he left on Saturday! We are all very happy for him and wish him well in this new venture. We are also thankful to welcome a new doctor, Tatiana Cespedes, to our clinic. Tatiana just finished working for 9 months in Azua about 2 hours from here and returned home to Bayona in June.

I've observed a lot over the last 11 months and I will have to write more later about my reflections on human emotion, sinful nature and the growth that has occurred in my life. I also had the opportunity to observe many things with the groups and there was one particular reflection that I'd like to share later as well. Perhaps I will write more tonight or tomorrow... in the mean time have a great day!

Blessings,

Anna

Winston-Salem Group

2010-06-27T19:27:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, the group from Winston-Salem left for their respective homes. They, as well as the rest of us, experienced a lot of rain during their mission trip. This interrupted quite a few activities including some in the clinic. However, from my view point the week still went very well as we had an endocrinologist, a gastroenterologist, and a nurse visiting in the group.

Dr. Phipps (endocrinologist) was able to spend Monday and Tuesday morning assessing patients with various problems (diabetes, obesity, thyroid issues). He was able to diagnosis, rule out problems and get people started on better diets as well as adjust insulin doses. I know that the community is thankful for all the work he did! In addition to consultations, Dr. Phipps also helped another diabetic in the community by teaching him how to care for an unhealed wound he has had for 4 years and taking some skin off of the wound to allow it to heal better. Hopefully with some adjustments in Chercho's insulin, he can get his sugar down from the 220 range, which is very high. The doctor was able to provide Chercho with a glucotex, which reads blood sugar so that he can adjust his insulin.

Chercho, Dr. Phipps and Mrs. Porter

Many people in the community have diabetes or are at high risk for diabetes. Uncontrolled and under managed diabetes can be the cause of many issues including blindness, heart attacks and loss of feeling in extremities, which leads to open wounds that heal slower and can eventually create the need for the extremity to be amputated. In response to this, both Dr. Phipps and Dr. Bruggen (gastroenterologist) decided to go door to door in the community along with one of our summer staff, Rob, to take blood pressure and blood sugar readings. They were able to identify some people with hypertension and others that may have diabetes so that we can follow up with them. Hopefully, we can continue to do screenings once or twice a year to identify people with hypertension and diabetes.

Rob taking blood sugar readings

Dr. Bruggen also gave consults on Tuesday morning, but because of the rain was unable to see patients on Wednesday morning. We are all very thankful for his assistance -- I know that those with long-term stomach pain were glad to get some answers. Mrs. Porter (nurse) was very helpful. She assisted both doctors by screening patients and checking them in on Monday and Tuesday. She also worked with our medical assistant to give her a little more training and answered a lot of my questions.

Dr. Bruggen monitoring blood pressure

I hope that the doctors and Mrs. Porter can all come back soon!

10 months

2010-06-19T22:52:00.006-04:00

So, I have been here in the DR for 10 months now...

Quick recap:

Moved here on August 31st... learned to drive in the crazy traffic that occurs here daily, where all laws are ignored. Spent the next 3 months with my tutor Carlos, learning Spanish. Was a part of the short-term missions staff for the October group where I helped facilitate translation and organization for various projects including: cabinet making, dental care, physical therapy room setup, painting and dedication, house construction, jewelry making and more.

October trip, dental care coordination

Went home for Christmas and spent time in Ohio as well as being a bridesmaid in my friend's beautiful wedding. Returned on New Years and was a part of the short-term missions staff for Rockford Christian's high school trip. Awesomeness ensued when 3 houses were constructed and I gave the Colonial Zone tour for the 2nd time. 11th of January accepted position as Director of Healthcare Ministries with the Medical Clinic. January 12th earthquake in Haiti -- spent rest of the week preparing food, water and medicines for Haitian relief. January 16th travel to Haiti to deliver supplies and arrive back around midnight.

Checking in on the construction

February 15th beginning of the Community Health Program which has had several major projects including trash clean up to eliminate places where mosquitos can lay their eggs to prevent Malaria and Dengue. Also, a class to teach 20 health promoters (almost all women, all live in the community), vaccination campaign and most recently a movie on domestic violence where we had 150 people come to watch!

Cleaning up trash in Cielo

March -- college and high school trips from the U.S. including OSU (woot woot! go bucks!). Amazing time working with the groups and organizing volunteers in the clinic. Continued organizing the clinic, moving rooms and equipment around, purchasing equipment and supplies and working with patients. In April went back to Ohio to visit and raise support. Also, spent time with my family helping them unpack in Maryland.

Myself and Dr. Nunez before I left for home

May brought some more support raising and preparations for June trips. As well as lots of preparation for our likely partnership with the Asociacion Dominicana de Rehabilitacion. And here we are in June where we have had several trips already and will have our last short-term trip next week. First group, worked with Dr. Mark to give dental care to employees. Next week we will have an endocrinologist, gastroentonologist, speech therapist and counselor in the clinic. So excited!

Things are going awesome. I've been amazingly blessed and am excited for the things God is going to do in the next 2 years and 2 months. This experience has already been invaluable, but I know that I will grow and learn so much more in the next few years. Thanks to everyone for your prayers, thoughts and financial support throughout these past 10 months!

Elisa (Mission Emanuel's office secretary) and I

Dental Care

2010-06-08T17:15:00.003-04:00

We have been working with the Cielo school (100+ children) to give the children information on how to brush and care for their teeth. After an orientation on dental hygiene, children are then given a teeth cleaning and emergency assistance such as fillings for cavities and pulling teeth where necessary. Parents are sent a paper to let them know what other dental work their child needs as well.

Its awesome to see that the kids are receiving education on how to care for their teeth. Since we will be working with the school children annually the reinforced education will help to change oral hygiene habits. Hopefully, as adults they will not have as many dental problems and will raise their children with good oral hygiene.

We realize that some of the children are too young (three to seven years old) to really understand the importance of what we are telling them. So, we had a meeting last Tuesday night with the parents of the Cielo school kids. Dr. Jose Manuel Gomez presented a powerpoint prepared by his assistant Heidi about oral hygiene. The presentation lasted about a half an hour and covered the anatomy of the tooth, how to prevent cavities, good nutrition and dental appointments. Time was then given for parents to ask questions. There were about 50 parents present at the meeting. All and all a very successful night!

Last week, we were blessed to have Dr. Mark Kingry spending time doing dental cleanings for our employees. He was able to clean teeth and put in fillings for the most part, but had to pull some teeth as well. We are hoping that in the future employees as well as the community will have improved dental hygiene and won't need to have their teeth pulled! We are so thankful to Mark and all of his hard work! He also spent time talking to our new dental assistant Heidi about techniques and equipment use. It was an invaluable experience for her and our dental clinic.

Some exciting things have been happening in the clinic with dental care. I believe that we really take dentist appointments for granted in the United States and rarely think about the adverse affect a cavity or infection in the mouth can have on a person without access to dental care. An infection in the mouth is just as dangerous and potentially deadly as one anywhere else in the body. I am so thankful to Dr. Jose Manuel and Heidi for their hard work and to all those who have been supporting them and our clinic! We really are making a difference.

"Quiet my soul"

2010-05-28T18:44:00.002-04:00

Sometimes things become fuzzy. Where at one point everything seemed so clear, so easily distinguished, so black and white.

There comes a time when you feel burdened. When you feel weighed down, confused, doubtful. You doubt others or you doubt

yourself. And in this time, when it feels as though God is far away, in this time, I find that the words of this song remind me that I

need to remember Him. Because He will never forget me. He who paid the ultimate price for my life, could never forget the

sacrifice. It is I who must come to Him. And say I say Lord,

"Savior I come

Quiet my soul, remember

Redemptions hill

Where your blood was spilled

For my ransom

Everything I once held dear

I count it all as lost

Lead me to the cross

Where your love poured out

Bring me to my knees

Lord I lay me down

Rid me of myself

I belong to you

Lord, lead me

Lead me to the cross

You were as I

Tempted and tried

You are

The word became flesh

Bore my sin and death

Now You're risen

And everything I once held dear

I count it all as lost

Lead me to the cross

Where your love poured out

Bring me to my knees

Lord I lay me down

Rid me of myself

I belong to you

Lord, lead me

Lead me to the cross

Med Center Update

2010-05-16T13:56:00.006-04:00

Community Health Program

The Community Health Program began in February of this year. Dr. Maria about 20 community health workers over the past 6 weeks. The class, which meets Wednesday afternoons and will continue until the end of May, teaches participants about hygiene, nutrition and medicines. Participants are also learning how to take a person’s temperature and blood pressure. The goal at the end of the class is to assign 10 families from Cielo to each health worker. The health workers will be responsible for educating their assigned families about health, hygiene and nutrition. Topics will also include information on different diseases, their prevention and treatment. The health workers will check up on their assigned families monthly and report health issues to Dr. Maria.

Last Wednesday’s class covered medications. Students learned about different presentations of medications including pills, suspensions, and injections. Dr. Maria talked about the dangers of self-medicating, which is a widespread problem here in the community, as well as the side effects that come with different types of drugs. Dr. Maria emphasized that it is very important for each person to seek out a consult with a doctor or nurse and receive a prescription before buying or taking medicines. In the community, many people will go to the pharmacy and buy one pill of Amoxicillin when they have the flu. The members of the class learned valuable information, which they will then be able to pass on to the families in their charge.

In February and March, Dr. Maria and her assistant Diana gave mini-conferences in Cielo about Malaria and Dengue. The talks covered prevention, symptoms and treatment. As a result of these conferences, Dr. Maria ended up working with the community to pick up trash and discarded items where mosquitos lay their eggs. Over 50 members of Cielo showed up to help, the majority of which are youth.

Dental Program

Dr. Jose Manuel has been working hard with his new dental assistant, Heidi Caceres, to give teeth cleanings to all of the children at MIssion Emanuel’s school in Cielo. There are five classes: Maternal, Kinder, Pre-Primario, Primario, and Segundo in the Cielo school and over 100 students ages 3 to 9. Every Monday morning, Dr. Manuel meets with 8 to 10 of these students to give them an orientation as to how to clean their teeth. He then attends to them one by one to give them a thorough check up, which includes a cleaning and fluoride application and if necessary an emergency tooth extraction or cavity fillings. Each child is then given a toothbrush and toothpaste to take home as well as a piece of paper for their parents, which details what kind of additional work they need done.

Dr. Manuel and Heidi have almost finished providing teeth cleanings to all of the children in the Cielo school. We know that health starts at home and that even if we teach 3 year olds how to care for their teeth, they won’t be able to do it themselves. In light of this, we are meeting with the parents of the children in the school on Friday, May 28th to give the parents an orientation on dental hygiene and answer any questions that they may have on their children’s oral health.

Pediatric Clinic

In February, we purchased an executive fridge for the clinic, which today has over 1,000 doses of different vaccines including MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Polio. The vaccine count is not normally that high, however, this past week, in cooperation with a campaign initiated by the Dominican Republic’s Public Health Department, Mission Emanuel clinic staff vaccinated 300 children in four schools in four days. These children, aged 3 to 8 years old, were vaccinated against Measles, Mumps and Rubella. The schools included both Mission Emanuel schools (Cielo and Nazareth), the public school in Nazareth and the Haitian Education Program that Mission Emanuel runs. The campaign continues throughout May concentrating on MMR and Polio. The clinic continues to vaccinate children and adults on a regular basis free of charge.

The pediatric clinic has undergone quite a few changes including new pharmacy cabinets in the reception area, swapping the doctor’s office with the vaccination area, and donations of equipment including an otoscope, glucose meters, electronic blood pressure machine and thermometers and emergency supplies. The clinic has been organized, cleaned and is in the process of being outfitted with all the equipment it lacks (hopefully in the next few months) as well as being painted with fun murals for the kids. With relief aid for Haiti pouring in from donors, we have also created a storage room in the clinic. Construction is being completed on bathrooms inside of the clinic as well. New policies and procedures have been put in place that cover things like medications, which cannot be dispensed without a prescription from a doctor. Also, employees now have job descriptions. All in all, I believe that the working environment has improved for employees and that the patient care that is being provided has also improved greatly.

Physical Therapy Program

The beautifully outfitted and whimsically painted physical therapy room is the most complete part of the clinic. In October of 2009 it was equipped and dedicated to continue caring for special needs children living in the community. All of this after years of hard work by Anna Harper, a physical therapist from Texas who raised the money and equipment for the center and also provides technical support for Aquilino. We currently have about 15 special needs children that attend therapy weekly. Aquilino provides therapy for children with cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome and other developmental issues. The therapy that he provides allows the children to strengthen their muscles and gain more mobility. The children that are in the physical therapy program are such a blessing to all of us. I know that the groups enjoy volunteering in the physical therapy room the most!

In order to utilize the space and resources that God has given us more, Mission Emanuel is working with the Asociacion Dominicana de Rehabilitacion, Inc. (ADR). ADR is a national non-profit in the Dominican that provides physical, occupational, hearing and speech therapies. They have been working in the country for over 50 years and have 22 centers across the island. We are hoping that a partnership agreement with the ADR to become a satellite center for them will allow us to better serve Bayona’s therapy needs. In the physical therapy room, we could have up to six therapists working at a time with children. We would like to grow towards this capacity in the near future.

Thanks, Anna Harper for the photo!

Transforming the Nations

2010-05-09T16:27:00.006-04:00

Landa Cope speaking at YWAM Santo Domingo

Friday morning I got a text from my friend who is a missionary at YWAM (Youth With A Mission) asking me if I could come help setup for a breakfast they were having Saturday morning. I thought it would be nice to go and help out another organization as well as spend some time with my friend and hear the speaker the next morning. That evening I created response cards, set tables and did various other small jobs to assist in getting everything ready for the event.

In the morning I went with two other people to pick up Landa Cope, the featured speaker for the breakfast event (http://www.templateinstitute.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=27). She has been working with YWAM for 40 years and has written several books. Saturday she spoke about her most recent book, The Old Testament Template, which talks about how to create an impact on the world.

Her talk was very intriguing. One of the main points I took out of it was her talking about how in the 80's the Christian majority went to Washington to try to change government and ended up succeeding at doing pretty much nothing in the last 30 years. Its because you don't change the moral fabric of society through laws. Laws reflect the morality of society. Things like abortion are legal because citizens continue to have and want abortions.

We have to start with our own lives, examine ourselves and say, "What am I doing that is not really living for God?" and "How can I live by Christ in all I do?" Psalm 139: 23 and 24 says -- "Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." We must first deal with our offensive ways. Think about it. If you were observing a church congregation and you saw that the members all fought with each other, gossiped behind one another's backs and the majority of the marriages were failed or failing, would you think that this was a place to find a new and better way to live? But this is how our churches look. We constantly tear each other down, we live in and of the world and we do not look like Jesus. So, why would anyone want to become like us?

It all starts in our homes, first with us and then our families. Each church should be reflecting the love and goodness of God, but it cannot do that until each family is seeking God's will in their lives. Then and only then will the church become a place where unbelievers are attracted to and want to be. Then and only then will the morals of our society change. It starts with you.

He will bless us if we only follow him...

Jeremiah 7:5-7 If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and you do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever.

This is what we are and what we are not...

1 Thesselonians 5:5-11 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But, since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord, Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. THEREFORE, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Wake up church and come back to your God. The Lord wants His people to repent, seek him and turn from their wickedness. Then, will He heal THEIR LAND.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Routine Vaccinations

2010-05-04T16:39:00.003-04:00

One has to ask oneself if childhood trauma really can cause major issues later in life while helping to administer vaccinations for school age children. If so, I am afraid I was unfortunately a willing participant in a necessary activity that will cost parents thousands of pesos in therapy later on in life.

Yesterday, Melissa (our Medical Assistant) and Mari (a nurse from Cielo) vaccinated the children in the public school of Villa Nazareth per the instructions of Public Health and with my assistance in preparing everything. I heard about the successful vaccination of 87 children from ages 5 to 8 and was happy to have checked one school off of the list.

Today, as we do not have regular clinic hours, I told Mari that I would assist her in vaccinating the Mission Emanuel school in Cielo by filling out the paperwork while she administered vaccinations. Well, I had no idea what I was getting myself into...

After preparing the cooler for the vaccines, collecting the paperwork and securing the box of syringes, alcohol and cotton balls we started out in "Maternal" which is like pre-school for 3 year olds. Thats when reality set in... Mari instructed the teachers to handle the paperwork and instead handed me a large syringe and showed me how to prepare 10 doses of the SRP (in Spanish) or MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine for the children. I who am deathly afraid of needles then had to fill syringes with the vaccine and hand them off very shakily to Mari who had the much more difficult job of sticking each child successfully in the arm as they squirmed about instead of in the eye as I was afraid would eventually happen. Fortunately, it did not and we finished out the day of vaccinations after an hour and a half of giving vaccines to children ranging from age 2 to 8.

My abrupt and disturbing introduction to vaccinations was actually a pretty neat experience and I look forward to learning how to actually give the vaccines to the children eventually. And hopefully when I do it won't cause them irreparable emotional damage.

There and Back Again

2010-05-02T23:04:00.003-04:00

Its been less than a week since my time in the states ended and I am starting to adjust to the heat again. It helps that it rained most of the day bringing the temperature down to bearable (I’m only using one fan instead of two).

Having just come back from the states highlights the differences in lifestyles again. Electricity going on and off... no hot water (sometimes no water)... mosquitos, ants and other kinds of bugs, everywhere. Sweating all the time because I walk wherever I need to go and there is no air conditioning for the most part and well, its a tropical climate.

I find that the first week or so can be pretty tough, because I am not only adjusting physically, but mentally as well. I just got back from helping my parents move to Maryland. I was able to see friends, family and meet new people as well. It was a great blessing to be able to spend two weeks with them and my sister as well as getting to talk with my brother and many family members on the phone.

Its nice to see the people who care about you, who keep you in their prayers and who worry about you from time to time. Its a good reminder that you are not out there fighting alone. That even though at times it feels as though you are a world away you are never father than a 6 hour plane ride or a phone call on Skype.

I was encouraged with every interaction that I had either with college students seeking direction in life or with old friends and respected adults giving wisdom and advice to help me along my way. It was also great to see how the Lord is working there in the church and in the lives of all of you. He is awesome and good and He never lets us down. I am so thankful to have a family that loves and supports me and reminds me, as well as my friends, of God's love and goodness.

Please continue to pray for me, for the community here in Bayona, for God's will in all that we do at Mission Emanuel and for the church as it grows and expands. Please also pray for my support raising and for my work in the clinic. Also, for the clinic staff and their families.

Blessings,

Anna

Eventful Arrival

2010-04-27T23:13:00.003-04:00

The distinct feeling of water in the air and the sights and sounds of Santo Domingo welcomed me home this evening, five hours after my scheduled arrival. Not too bad of a delay, considering the events of the day.

My day began at 5 a.m. when I arose to prepare for my travels. I arrived at the airport at 5:45, straight through the security and on to the gate by 6 a.m. where I was so early that the display screen did not even mention the departure. All goes well until we board the plane and the pilot announces they need to do an engine check. Sounds suspicious, especially when they subsequently report that the engine failed the test and that they would see "what they could do." An interesting response to the aforementioned failure... hmmm... Fortunately, they made the logical decision to have all passengers disembark since the plane would not take off for at least another 6 to 7 hours.

Frustrated as I regathered my once checked bags, I called the airline to reschedule. They put me on a 3:30 p.m. flight, the earliest they had. When I arrived at the counter to check again they offered me an earlier flight out of a nearby airport. I agreed since they were paying cab fare, not a moment too soon as they announced that the 3:30 flight was canceled. Turns out that the were supposed to use the very same aircraft for that flight. The hour taxi ride with a complete stranger was uneventful and I was able to fly now rerouted to Miami (instead of San Juan) at 11:20. Everything went smoothly on this flight... until the pilot began to insist we all sit down and remain in our seats. He repeated this request more than once, testily, despite the fact that not one passenger had stood. Odd, though who cared, at least I was finally at a different airport closer to Santo Domingo. At that moment 8 members of the airline staff boarded the plane, strutted down the aisle and turned to a woman across the aisle from me to demand, "Show me your identification." Satisfied that this woman was the one they wanted (for what, who knows...) they released the rest of us from the plane.

Thankful to have survived I headed directly for my terminal of departure to eat lunch, where I was greeted by a bird...

The following flight went smoothly enough, despite the fact they changed the gate, the plane and all of the boarding passes at the last minute. We even arrived earlier than intended. So, I really cannot complain about my odd, but interesting day.

Recap

2010-04-25T23:47:00.003-04:00

Its my last day here in the states today... tomorrow morning, early I will be flying back to Santo Domingo. Its been a great visit here in the states. I have spent time talking to people about my job and God's work as well as visiting with my family and friends.

This weekend I drove to Richmond, VA to hang out with one of my best friends, Caitlin and her mom. We walked and window shopped on Cary street in Richmond and had great Greek food!

Caitlin and I - Richmond, Virginia

At the beginning of my trip, I was fortunate enough to be able to hang out with many friends in Ohio before driving out to Maryland to see family. I was able to see my good friend Megan, days before she left to do research in Europe. And my awesome friend Chelsea let me crash with her for a week! I met with friends from college and church and unfortunately didn't get pictures with everyone, but I had a wonderful time with all of you!!!

Megan and I - OSU Campus

Chelsea and I

I had a great trip! I have enjoyed the peace and quiet, the electricity, hot water and not being cat called on the street. I have enjoyed driving in my car and being able to speak English 24/7, but mostly I have just enjoyed being with all of you! Thank you for making my trip special!!!

Quarter Mile Mark

2010-04-20T12:24:00.002-04:00

Well, hello again. So weird to be posting from the US of A and not the Dominican Republic. I have now been here two weeks and will be returning to Santo Domingo in a week. I spent my first week fundraising and talking to lots of people about what God is doing in Bayona. My next week I spent visiting with my family (sister, parents, cousins, aunts and uncles) and now I am back to work again. Its been a great last few weeks and I am looking forward to enjoying my last week as I tell people about all the wonderful things that God is doing!

Just want to thank God for the awesome opportunity that I had sharing at H2O, my campus church last Sunday -- talking to almost 300 college students about the transformation that has taken place in my life because of missions. Several students approached me afterwards to talk about the calling they feel in their life to missions as well -- what a blessing!

That night I also spoke with about 10 mature Christian couples from my parents church that I respect immensely. I shared for about 45 minutes my journey to the DR, what God is doing in and through me and what I've learned from it. They prayed for me and encouraged me in the work that I am doing. I am so blessed to have such amazing people in my life!

In addition, I have been able to talk to many young people in and just out of college who are seeking direction for their lives. God has raised up a bright and motivated generation looking to serve wherever they are needed. I am so proud of the things that my generation is doing, the kindness, compassion and love that they are showing to all the world. God is good!

I have around 25% in pledges and continue to speak with people about joining my support team. If you would like to contact me about support, please email me at bianco.13@osu.edu or contact me on facebook.

Blessings,

Anna

Oh the Thrill of Spring!

2010-04-12T16:07:00.003-04:00

I flew back to the Buckeye state late last Wednesday evening. The pilot told us that the weather was a balmy 70 degrees outside. Well, the blast of chilly air that met me on the way out of the plane reminded me that I wasn't in Santo Domingo anymore.

Since then the weather has shaped up and turned out to be more of a spring theme, for which I am very grateful!

Blossoms outside of my window

I will be here in Columbus until Thursday when I head to Maryland to see my family and help them to unpack in their new house.

I have a had a great week visiting with friends and talking to people about Mission Emanuel, the medical clinic and the exciting things that the Lord is doing in Bayona! I was even given the opportunity to talk about my experience in front of my campus church, H2O, which has grown from just over a hundred people to about 300 weekly attendees!

I have been talking to many people about my support raising and have received pledges for 18% within the first week! God is so good! :) If you have questions about my support you can email me at bianco.13@buckeyemail.osu.edu or you can contact me on Facebook. You can also check out the links on this page labeled "2010 Fundraising" and "How to Give."

More later...

Blessings,

Anna

The Ohio State University Round 3 in Santo Domingo

2010-03-26T13:02:00.003-04:00

(Kate and Amanda with Melindina at Wed night church)

O - H

I - O!

For the third year in a row, buckeyes from the great state of Ohio, journeyed to Santo Domingo to share in what God is doing there.

I had the privilege of spending the week with this fabulous group of my peers as they spent time with one another caring for those in need.

Amy Davidson working with our therapist Aquilino

to help Guillermo gain muscle tone

Dr. Pillai teaching Dr. Nuñez pediatric techniques

Katie helping out with a well baby checkup

Nate playing with the kids in the community!

This amazing group showed the love of God through various projects including laying block on a house in Cielo, moving dirt at the mission to fill in a hillside, a children's program and serving at the leprosarium. As several as the staff commented, the group from Ohio State had a different connection to the children than others. Students from OSU came to the DR ready for God to work in their lives and the Lord did not disappoint. Perhaps most exciting of all, was the day Clint gave his life to Christ and the baptism that was later held for him at the hotel pool!

I was so grateful for this time that I was able to spend with friends from the states. It can be lonely here at times. And its not easy being away from your own culture and language for so long. I am so thankful to have had a few days to spend with friends whom I love and to be able to see how much the Lord has worked through the mission to impact their lives and those of the community.

Looking forward to being back at The Ohio State University in two weeks time to share about what the Lord is doing here.

GO BUCKS!

Blessings,

Anna

Spring Break Week 2

2010-03-17T23:18:00.006-04:00

(This is about a week late... oops, more later)

How many people get to have 3 Spring Breaks? I am so excited because its Wednesday night and The Ohio State University is sending a team to the DR that arrives on Friday night for our 3rd Spring Break trip! GO BUCKS!!

Right now there are two groups here: Wesleyan Christian School and North Carolina State University. They have continued the work of the previous group on Dominga's house. As well they have been giving vacation bible school classes in the Haitian church and working with the community.

As well I have received photos from a friend who is in Port au Prince with Youth with a Mission (YWAM). They are working together with several other organizations in an effort called Mision Rescate (Mission Rescue). Mission Emanuel has been providing them with water from our Provision del Cielo water plant (over 40,000 bottles so far) and medical supplies as well.

Provision del Cielo H2O in PaP

Preparing food packets with water to give to patients & families

Taking the much needed food and water to patients

Patients in the waiting area

Spring in the Clinic

2010-03-10T13:47:00.003-05:00

Spring is upon us and that means students from North Carolina, Ohio and Colorado are utilizing their Spring Breaks to give hope here in our community.

This week there are college students from UNC Chapel Hill, Wake Forest and Salem College building the foundation for a house, pouring concrete for a maintenance building and working in our physical therapy and pediatric clinics.

Here are some photos of volunteer students working on projects at Mission Emanuel and in the community:

Pouring cement for a maintenance building

Lindsey, Robinson, Oscar, Rob and Dr. Nuñez

after the doctor and team cleaned Robinson's badly infected finger

Rob scrubbing the infection out of Robinson's thumb

Blessings,

Anna

Fundraising

2010-03-03T15:51:00.002-05:00

Hello again,

As you may be able to tell from the increasing frequency of posts, I have gotten in the rhythm of updating everyone on things here a little bit better. I've also got a newer, faster internet that allows me to make posts in under an hour (and a computer that doesn't die on me) !!! :)

I thought I would dedicate this post to talking a little bit more about my ongoing fundraising efforts. I feel that the Lord has led me to stay here for another two years, which means He is going to provide all that I need and more in order to live and work in the community!

My current fundraising goal for September 2010 to August 2011 is $36,000. The breakdown is $10,000 to buy a car and car maintenance and $26,000 for all of my living expense.

Monthly Living Expenses:

Rent $165

Propane $15

Health Insurance $50

Cell Phone $60+

Internet $60

Data Back Up $15

Food, Water and Toiletries $200

Savings and Retirement $200

Child Sponsorships $82

Tithe $80

Taxes $200

Gas $200

Car Insurance $100

Clothing $50

TOTAL $1592 monthly

$19,200 for living expenses ($1600*12)

+$2700 Plane Tickets

+$2900 Fees for Processing Funds

+$600 Conferences and Training

+$200 Immigration Fees

+$400 Mailings

= $26,000

$26,000 Living Expenses

$10,000 Car + Maintenance

----------------------------------

$36,000 TOTAL GOAL

For those interested in supporting me, you can give online at missionemanuel.org/support or can call 1-877-422-9200 to setup direct deposit or to give a one-time gift. Just remember to mention my name: Anna Bianco or write it in the memo line.

Checks can be written out to "The Gathering / USA, Inc." with my name in the memo line and mailed to:

The Gathering / USA, Inc.

1220 E Concord St.

Orlando, FL

32803

Thanks to all who have supported me financially, by writing letters, sending me Facebook messages and especially for all of the prayers!

Blessings,

Anna

6 months

2010-02-28T15:55:00.004-05:00

I can't believe it, but as of today, I have been in the Dominican Republic for 6 months! Originally the half-way point, it is now the 1/6th point as I have current plans to be here through August of 2012.

Looking back on the last few months, a lot has happened... enough that I feel as though I've already been here a year or more. In the first four months, I spent most of my time meeting people, learning Spanish and getting a feel for the culture. To be honest, as important as it was, I felt very useless during this time. I did not feel a sense of accomplishment because I was not doing something "concrete" for the Mission. God told me in a gentle way, however, that I was wrong. Sometimes just your presence can be a catalyst for change. And that change does not always occur where you think it will.

I came back from Christmas break at home with my family and went through several weeks of turmoil in relationships in the community. I came into this experience with the idea that everyone would be welcoming and accepting and I could trust all those that I met. Well, my life experience and common sense tell us different and I was reminded of this harsh reality upon my return. The Lord tells us, "take up your cross and follow me." In doing this, He did not promise a smooth ride. On the contrary, Jesus said that we would be persecuted because of our belief in Him. This does not mean that every time we go through problems, we are suffering for Christ; sometimes we are suffering for our own sin and humanness.

This has definitely been an experience in character building. I know that the Lord is continually refining me and forging me into the woman that He wants me to be. Everyday I am faced with my weaknesses and imperfections. And as I view the things in me that I despise, I am presented with a choice -- to allow the Lord to burn out the undesirable even though its uncomfortable and painful at times or to continue on as I am knowing that later transforming that part of me will be even harder. I know that initially I chose to continue on in the same path. That it was easier to blame others or feel isolated and rejected. But I hope that now, as much as possible, I am seeing the value and wisdom in every trial that presents itself.

On January 11th, I was asked whether I would accept the position of Director of our clinic. On January 12th, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. Everything happens for a reason, including the fact that I accepted the responsibility for this position the day before the earthquake. Otherwise, I may have left and gone to Haiti. It appears that that is not what the Lord would have for me at this point. I do not always know exactly what the Lord has for me here, but I do know with certainty that He wants me here. And with that assurance, I have settled in here in the town of Nazaret, in the township of Bayona, in the Western part of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to follow God's will.

To that effect, I have bought furniture, more plates, cups and silverware in order to welcome more people into my life and my home. I have also begun to make plans for an English class or two and some one on one time with two of my friends to get together and share in our faith. I am investing in the community and in God's work here, more and more everyday.

(my new living room... complete with furniture!!)

I am excited about what God is doing in my life, the community of Bayona and the medical center. I am amazed at all the changes that have taken place and the work and improvements going forward. Thanks to all who are continuing to support me in this spiritual journey and the work that Mission Emanuel and I are doing here in Bayona. Please remember me in your prayers and my new support raising goal of $36,000.

You can give at http://missionemanuel.org/support/ and can contact me at bianco.13@osu.edu as well as http://www.facebook.com/bianco.13

Blessings,

Anna

Medical Center + Fundraising

2010-02-20T22:40:00.003-05:00

For those of you who do not yet know, I am now the Director of the Medical Center here at Mission Emanuel. This is the beautiful view that greets me as I leave the clinic each day. Isn’t God great?

When I agreed to take the position as the Director of the Medical Center I also agreed to work with Mission Emanuel for an additional two years here in Santo Domingo. I believe that the Lord has called me to work here in the Dominican Republic and I am ready to serve where I am needed.

Our clinic was without leadership and growing quickly. The Lord has given me the skills and opportunity to organize and professionalize our clinic so that we can better serve the sick and needy that enter it each day. I currently have six staff members which could potentially grow to ten or more by the end of the year. We are in the process of finishing construction on the main floor of the Medical Center and may begin construction on the lower level within the next few months.

Our medical ministry is definitely growing and has limitless opportunities. I am so thankful that the Lord is allowing me to be a part of this work. We are praying for His guiding hand in all that we do here in the community as we move forward. I believe that the purpose of the clinic is not only to meet physical health needs, but to address emotional and spiritual needs as well. As a Christian clinic we should be set apart from others by our patient care and our love for the people we serve. Every morning before beginning clinic hours, the staff and I pray for every patient that we will see that day.

Coming Up Over the Next Year

Over the next year I know that God will do a mighty work in our clinic and through it in the lives of those living in our community.

COMMUNITY HEALTH - Dr. Maria, who some may have met on their trips here, transitioned on February 15th from doing pediatric consults to heading up our Community Health Program. We would like to put more of an emphasis on preventative medicine over the next year. Dr. Maria will be giving weekly seminars on health topics such as Malaria, Dengue, Typhoid, Basic Hygiene, Dental Care, and Prenatal Health. She will also be training and overseeing community health workers to provide care for hundreds in Cielo and Nazaret.

DENTAL CARE - We currently have a dentist working once a week with the children of the school teaching them about dental hygiene. We’d like for our dentist to work another day a week to serve the hundreds to thousands in our community who are not receiving any form of dental care. This low cost service can really save lives!

PEDIATRICS - We have just welcomed a new doctor, Dr. Ismael Nuñez, who is from Bayona and who has taken over consultations in the Children’s Clinic. Dr. Nuñez has an amazing heart for God and his patients. Over the next year we hope to better organize the Children’s Clinic, expand our patient services and improve our patient care.

PHYSICAL THERAPY - We have an amazing new Physical Therapy Center that is well equipped, air conditioned and beautiful! Over the next few months we will be looking to partner with other organizations in the city for them to refer their children to our facility. We will also be hiring several physical therapists to work in the facility. We are also looking for sponsors for our special needs kids to help cover the cost of their treatment and physical therapy.

PROSTHETICS - After the massive earthquake in Haiti, the need of amputees in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic was highlighted. Mission Emanuel is currently in the process of fundraising to build a prosthetics lab and recovery center. We are looking forward to partnering with the National Rehabilitation Center in Santo Domingo, which provides prosthetics and physical therapy to thousands a year.

**FUNDRAISING**

In order to continue to live and work in Santo Domingo, I do need to raise $36,000 for living expenses from September 2010 until August 2010 and for a vehicle. If you would like information on how to support me, please email me or contact me on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/bianco.13).

Dios Es Bueno

2010-02-15T22:48:00.002-05:00

Buenas Noches,

Its been an interesting last few weeks here in the Dominican Republic for me. As I said I took on a new job, have a new roommate and of late a new understanding of God. Some of you may have heard me say over the last few months that even though many people, including me, start a mission thinking that they are going to change things for other people, I can confidently say that even if only I am changed by this experience, it was well worth the journey.

Well, the Lord has definitely been working in my life and in my heart. One thing I've known I've needed for years is more patience. So, I had been praying for that. Only God doesn't just give you patience, He gives you situations that need patience. And He has given me those situations in abundance over the last few months.

Its hard dealing with people... they are as complex and diverse as snowflakes, each and every one has its own intricate details and inner workings. It can be even harder working in a culture with a different language, different social values and a different way of doing, well, pretty much everything. Add to that not having water some days... not having electric some days... wondering how you are going to get to the grocery store, having the car you occasionally use break down in the middle of traffic... not being able to do your laundry... And you might have a few OFF days...

Well, I have landed myself in a culture that if possible is more blunt than me. Now what I mean by that is, is that though the Dominicans have very indirect methods of communication, which are completely circuitous at times, they will not hesitate to tell you about all of your faults. There is no better mirror than having people tell you what they do not like about your personality. And though you may be well acquainted with all of your faults, you do not confront them as quickly as you do when they are thrust in front of you by others. Its a truly humbling experience.

I feel as though I know a lot better what the phrase, "tested by the fire" means. By no stretch of the imagination am I perfect, far from it. And I thank the Lord for putting up with my human foolishness. And for the opportunity that He is giving me to learn and grow. I am learning to praise Him in the highs and lows because He is good through every circumstance.

May the Lord bless you with the gift of honest friends. May your enemies make you stronger by helping you to trust more in the Lord and His goodness. May you have patience with others faults so that they may have patience with yours. May the road rise up to meet you and may it be lined with still waters besides which you can rest.

Blessings,

Anna

February Update

2010-02-11T20:24:00.007-05:00

Hello all,

Its been almost a month since I've given you an update. Yikes! Sorry about that!

I am actually sitting here enjoying some throwback Newsboys greatest hits. Breakfast, anyone?!?!

Things have been pretty busy over the last month. I began a new job as the Director of the Mission Emanuel Medical Center on January 11th. The earthquake in Haiti hit on the 12th and on the 16th I went to Haiti for the day. Since then we have had three fabulous groups of men fly down to the Dominican and then almost immediately leave for the border to cook meals for hundreds of patients at the Good Samaritan hospital in Jimani. Check out the photos and stories at missionemanuel.org/haiti .

There are several people in the community dealing with medical issues that I have been updating you all on. Here are the latest updates:

1. Mari Rosa -- She will be receiving surgery to remove the cancer from her breasts on February 22nd. After that the government may be assisting her to pay for her chemotherapy which will be around $3,000 a month. Please pray that the surgery is successful and that she can find the resources to help her pay for this expensive treatment. Mission Emanuel will be taking care of the surgery costs.

2. Brenda -- She is healthy and happy and has not had any complications after her heart surgery. Praise God!

3. Kirsey -- She has received a set of dentures thanks to the goodness of God and the generosity of those here on our October trip.

Kirsey's new smile :D

From right to left: Me, Kirsey, Dr. Jose Manuel, Kirsey's sister and another staff member Anna Bolton

Recently, a baby came in for a 6 month check up who our doctor has been caring for since she was at just 1.5 lbs. She received formula and medical care from our clinic is now a happy, healthy little girl that surprised us by how big she has gotten!

In January we also began giving dental checkups and cleanings to each of our school students. Here are some pictures from this past Monday's mini lesson. Dr. Jose Manuel, our dentist, comes every Monday to give the children a lesson in how to care for their teeth and then works with 6 to 8 children to clean their teeth, fill cavities and in some cases pull teeth. We are hoping that the more dental care the children receive while young the less likely they are to loose their adult teeth to cavities.

Please continue to keep Haiti in your prayers, the mission's role as it serves the Haitians living and working in Bayona and the communities of Nazaret and Cielo.

Blessings,

Anna

Haiti

2010-01-19T22:59:00.007-05:00

This weekend, I had mixed emotions as I entered Haiti for the first time. I had been wanting to visit the country for some time now, but certainly not under these circumstances. I went as part of an eight member team to bring water, food and medicine to Port au Prince in the days following the catastrophic earthquake that hit on Tuesday night.

Many friends and family members contacted me Tuesday and Wednesday to see how I was doing. Thankfully, I, as well as many other people in the Dominican Republic, did not feel the quake, but instead simply felt a dizzy feeling at the time it hit. It still amazes me that though Haiti and the Dominican Republic share the island of Hispanola, the massive destruction was limited to Port au Prince and towns to the West of it. It has not escaped me for one minute that it could have just as easily happened here... that I could be a person caught under rubble or homeless. That my friends could be hurt or dead.

Perhaps because of this I feel even more of a burden to help the neighboring country of Haiti and its suffering people. Wednesday afternoon and evening we began coordinating ways to help in the relief. Thursday I prepared to leave with YWAM on Friday morning and ordering medicine with our clinic staff. For various reasons I was asked to wait and go Saturday with our team. We sent water from our water plant on Thursday with YWAM, who as it turns out did not leave until Saturday either. Thursday we also went to PriceMart and bought food to pack and bring to those in need.

Friday, we ordered more medications to send -- antibiotics, medicines for bronchial infections, alcohol and soap to clean wounds, antibiotic creams, gauzes, tape, etc. Then, I spent the morning helping to pack food into bags. We packed food bags with beans, tuna, ham, corn, granola bars, crackers, fruit cups, chocolate, cereal, milk, juice, soap and toilet paper. We also packed bags with diapers and wipes as well. More preparation followed that afternoon including meetings with those going the next day, buying gasoline to take in case of emergency and packing the trucks. By midnight I had finally finished making the food for our group and prepping my own personal bag to take. We set out at 4 a.m. Saturday towards the Haitian border.

The drive to the border was long and longer because of the anticipation of what might emerge before us on the road into Port au Prince. After 5 hours of driving we finally made it to Jimani, the border town. Crossing into Haiti took about an hour of waiting through traffic of other aid vehicles and negotiating with the border police. What came next was unexpected. I had expected a nearly impassable road and masses of walking wounded streaming towards the border on their way into the Dominican Republic. What I saw instead was a placid, but rising lake, beautiful sandstone clifts and a fairly tranquil country.

This calmness continued for about an hour of our drive into Haiti. We passed people on the side of the road who appeared to have food and water and the few buildings in the pastoral countryside seemed to have no damage. The road stretched on into a more urban area and we began to see signs of the earthquake in crumbling buildings, cracked walls and floods of people in the streets. UN vehicles, Medicins Sans Frontiers, Salvation Army Emergency Relief and other international aid organizations were all present on the road, a clear sign we were getting close to Port au Prince. Next we passed the UN base and then the airport. There were makeshift "camps" in every open space where people were living out in the hot sun, many without even the protection of plastic sheeting or tarps to shield them from the heat of day. These camps represent the lives of hundreds of thousands of people that steadily streamed past us on the street.

At one point we turned on to a street that was deserted of all other vehicles. The walls of every building crumbling around hundreds of people fleeing Port au Prince and the destruction that the earthquake left behind. In this street I saw the ruins of the capital city. The city that is no more. In this street I saw utter desperation and the triumph of the will to survive and the mercy of God over the raw movement of nature. This is what the world has been observing. The pictures of desperation, of death and of destruction.

Despite what we see, we know that the Lord has a plan for all things. And that out of everything He can create something good. Because of the Lord I have hope. Hope for Haiti and hope for all people. Saturday was a day of miracles. I expected to find a completely broken and desperate people, violent and riotous from hunger and dehydration. I encountered a broken people, but despite their brokenness, they did not allow their tragedy to affect their humanity.

When we distributed food and water, the people stood rather calmly in lines to receive the aid that we had brought. Some passed by the car and shouted, "God bless you!" and "Thank you so much!" to me in English.

Truly I have hope for the people of Haiti. There I see that the Lord has a plan to rebuild what was once of man for His glory. A city of hope and a people of God. The people of Haiti are strong, caring and kind. And God loves them more than any of us every could. And so while I will do my best to help Haiti and Haitians in anyway that I can, I know that my efforts are not too small nor in vain because the Lord is working in Haiti. Saturday, He allowed us to be a part of His work there in order that our faith might increase.

Remember Haiti in your prayers. Remember a people who are broken and hurting. A people who can use your help at this time of need. But do not be discouraged, take hope in the work that the Lord is doing there.

God bless,
Anna

Our Short-Term Missions

2010-01-11T22:05:00.006-05:00

Mission Emanuel facilitates short-term missions trips for over 500 people each year. The numbers are growing rapidly as each person makes a unique connection to the community in Bayona. In 2010 we will have 13 weeks of short-term missions trips.

This past week we concluded week #1 of the 13 weeks. Rockford Christian School visited Cielo and Nazaret from January 2nd to 9th and completed 3 housing projects. The group finished up new construction on Rolfi's house and rehabed Elida and Mari Rosa's houses.

Rolfi and his wife have been living in Bayona for the past 6 years. They have three children: Ludalnice (13), Aradelfi (9) and Rodelfi (7). Rodelfi loves baseball and his sisters enjoy singing. The family is an integral part of the church and always greets visitors with a smile and a kind word. It was wonderful to see the blessings that they received this week. The whole family was overwhelmed by the completion of the house and delivery of brand new furniture to their house.

Delivering furniture to Rolfi's house

Elida is a 73 year old great-grandmother who became wheelchair bound after a series of unexplicable falls. She lives in a house with her teenage grandson. Her son, Pedro, comes to help her cook and clean as much as possible. She was living in a half finished house without a properly equipped handicap bathroom and cooked and washed laundry for herself. The group finished her house, made her bathroom handicap accessible, painted and bought her a washing machine and new fridge, stove and living room furniture.

Dedicating Elida's house

Mari Rosa is a member of our women's cooperative. She was diagnosed with breast cancer this past year and has been undergoing chemotherapy. She and her husband Tony have 5 children: Luis Gerberto (15), Francisco Alberto (13), Luisana (12), Ayendi (10) and Maria Antonia (9). Tony works as a motor taxi driver to provide for the family. The group redid the house's floor and painted. The mission also had the house rewired and fixed the walls of the house. The group provided new furniture and hope to this family in their time of need.

Mari Rosa, Tony, Luisana and Maria Antonia at the dedication of their house

Thanks to everyone at Rockford Christian for all of their hard work!
Please remember to continue to pray for the community, for Mission Emanuel and the work that they are doing in Bayona and for my time here.
Blessings,
Anna

Back in the U.S.A.

2009-12-15T01:46:00.002-05:00

A quick hello to all to let you know that I am back in the U.S.A. and hope to be posting some stories and pictures soon!
FELIZ NAVIDAD! :)

Dancing with Joy

2009-11-19T19:22:00.003-05:00

Hola a todos!

Hope that all is going well in your respective cities. Here in the DR, we are just entering into an autumnesque phase. Which basically means it is 70ish instead of 80ish. I am told that it will soon be "frio," which I don't believe for one second! I think that cold here means a nice cool breeze in the morning and the evening. But enough about the weather!

Things are going really well here, which isn't very descriptive so allow me to elaborate. I have been learning a lot about myself, God's love and about community over the last 2 and a half months. First of all, I came down here expecting to "do" a ton and have found that while I have been able to help in some ways already by doing, my life has made a greater impact just by "being" that is spending time with people. What I have invested most of my time in is relationship building. And I never knew how really powerful that could be!

The best example I have is that a girl that I met here who has hung out with me a few times, emailed me to let me know how very desperately she wanted us to connect and be friends. That she was so happy to have someone to talk to besides her family. This floored me... to think that if nothing else, just my being here, my presence, enabled this girl to feel that she had a new friend. Having been without friends before after moving to a new place, I understand how hard that can be and am so thankful that the Lord is giving me the opportunity to build into this 20 year old's life.

The women in this community are absolutely amazing! The mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters and grandmothers work so hard to keep their households running smoothly. I have so much admiration for their diligence and caring. But sometimes they just need a break! One of the groups of girls that I have been spending a lot of time with -- Alba, Eneri, Lissette and Karen -- has a talent for and a love of dance. Recently, we were able to assist them in entering into a dance class with Amy Zamora, an instructor from South America who has a studio in Santo Domingo and teaches classes on how to use dance for worship and teaching. The dance class gives them a chance to exercise their passions, get away from their daily struggles and have a break. Last weekend, the girls performed a dance that they put together at a women's conference at the mission.

the girls warming up

exercise where the ladies had to come up with a way to illustrate a concept, here is "to adore"

wrapping up class

The girls are coming over to spend the night at my apartment tomorrow night again and I am enjoying being the older sister in their lives. It gives me the chance to encourage them in their walk with Christ and be there for them when they are going through hard times. I am also benefiting from the relationship by having great friends!

Speaking of great friends, two other amazing friends are my Spanish professor and a fellow translator who are both in the process of seeking God's guidance in finding jobs. My own job search has allowed me to encourage them in their pursuit of God's will in their lives, but it is always difficult waiting. So, if you could please pray for them as they look for jobs and seek God's will for their lives, I know they would really appreciate it!

Just one more quick update... Brenda, the little girl who had heart surgery, has recovered and is doing fantastic! She was at church Sunday and her smile brought tears to my eyes. I have seen her at our clinic three or four times over the past few weeks in pain and with infections in her stitches, but Sunday she was beaming from ear to ear and walking with ease. Praise God for his amazing healing touch. Please continue to pray for her, her family and for Mari Rosa who is receiving chemotherapy treatments for her breast cancer.

Other prayer requests: my new job responsibilities with the clinic, patience and love in all the work that I am doing, Mission Emanuel and the communities of Cielo and Nazaret.

Peace and love be with you all!

Blessings,

Anna

Its November!

2009-11-01T00:18:00.002-04:00

Hello all!
I'll try to keep this update shorter... so that you actually read all the way through, LOL. Its been a great two months here and I can't believe it went by so fast!

One of the most memorable moments so far was at a church service (Culto de Damas) of the women in the community. We went to the house of Mari Rosa who is battling breast cancer to pray for her and her family. Imagine if you can a house at the bottom of a hill where the way is narrow, littered with stones and garbage and beside a polluted stream. At the bottom of this hill you find 30 women, some sitting, most standing outside the porch of a little concrete house. Around the women are flies, mosquitos, and chickens all attracted by the polluted stream running less than a foot away from where the women stand. In the middle of the service, a little boy playing nearby runs casually to the stream to urinate. This is a place where we would never visit. A place we would not want to spend 5 minutes in, and certainly never 2 hours. Here we had a church service, here I felt the presence of the Lord. The women prayed, sang worship songs from memory and testified what the Lord had done in their lives. There was such a sense of community, of love and of belonging. Though Mari Rosa is the only one who is battling cancer, every women there felt a sense of loss and sympathized with her struggle. I find it hard to think of a better example of God's love poured out for us than what I saw in this service.

mid-October Update

2009-10-17T23:50:00.006-04:00

Hello all!
It’s been a little while since I’ve given you an update. Sorry about that. Things have been busy and then I didn’t have internet for a while.

Yesterday, Bralio’s daughter Brenda went to the hospital to have open heart surgery to take care of the hole in her heart. We spent some time with the family this morning praying and reminding them of the Lord’s mighty presence through all things. Everything went smoothly and she is in the hospital for the next few days recuperating. Praise the Lord that the surgery was successful and that Brenda made it through the long and risky surgery.

This past weekend I was able to visit another part of the island, a mountain city called Jarabacoa. I traveled with Elliott and Lindsey Drake to a conference for foreigners living in the Dominican Republic to learn more about the culture. The conference was held at the Vida Joven (Young Life) camp in Jarabacoa and I was able to not only become acquainted with the beautiful campus, but also meet some other Americans and Canadians who are living in the DR. We learned a lot about the history of the Dominican, its various conquerors and the period under Trujillo. I really want to read “In the Time of the Butterflies,” which is a history about Trujillo’s dictatorship. We talked about various aspects of the culture, driving here, food, and traditions. At the end of one night we learned how to dance the Meringue and Bachata. We also learned about stress, culture shock and adjustment and how to cope with living in a new culture. A large part of it is having a good support system and I am thankful that I have such a great support system back home and here. I continue to add to it, including a new friend who I met at the conference, Denine, who is working with Youth with a Mission (YWAM), which is known as Jucun.

Denine and me at the conference

A fun/embarrassing story happened this past week as well… I was sitting in church listening to the preacher, when I became aware that he was talking about me. He was telling a story about the Sunday before when I was at his house with some of my friends to say goodbye to his daughter, Tatiana. Tatiana was leaving the next day for 9 months to live in the countryside and accomplish a part of her residency as a doctor here. The family loves to sing and all of them are very talented so we spent the night singing. At one point they asked me to sing a song in English. I didn’t really want to, but I obliged and sang a part of Shout to the Lord, which I haven’t sung without having the lyrics in front of me in years. I couldn’t remember most of the words so it was a very short rendition. Well, the pastor finished whatever he was saying and I was aware that everyone was looking at me in the church. At this point my friend nudged me and told me that the pastor wanted me to sing, to which I replied, “Ahora, mismo?!?” which means “Right now?” So, basically I was hauled up to the front of the church to sing a song in English without lyrics, music or any practice… Needless to say it wasn’t fabulous, but it couldn’t have been completely horrendous either because I have been informed that I now will be singing with the worship team Sundays and Wednesdays. My favorite part of all of this is that every time I tell the story to someone here they just laugh and reply, “Oh yeah, he’s like that.” A little warning beforehand next time people!!

This coming weekend a group arrives from Ohio, Florida and North Carolina. Please pray for their safe arrival and that their trip would be an amazing experience. Also, pray for the work that we are doing this week to prepare for the group and the projects in the community. Pray that lives would be touched in an amazing way through God’s goodness.
Blessings,
Anna

Lissette, Diana, Karen & Tatiana

Saying goodbye to Tatiana before she left for the countryside

to practice medicine for 9 months

In Sickness and In Health

2009-09-22T08:33:00.002-04:00

Bralio's family (daughter Brenda in red and black)

Mari Rosa's family

Buenas dias todo!
So, it is now week 4 of my year in the Dominican Republic (wow, time flies) and its time for another update. This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting two families in the community that are in need of prayer. The first was Bralio's family. Bralio is a very hard working builder who has six children. He and his wife Reina and four of the children (Brownie, Brandy, Brenda and Stephanie) are pictured above. When I met Bralio on Saturday, he was hard at work on an addition to his house. Covered in concrete dust, Bralio met me with a big beaming smile and introduced me to his beautiful family. His daughter Brenda has major heart problems and is need of a very intensive surgery. I asked how she was feeling and was told that she is very strong. She too has a gorgeous smile like her father! Please pray for Brenda's heart and for the funds and doctors for a surgery.

The second family is the family of Mari Rosa. Mari Rosa works for the women's cooperative on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is currently battling stage 3 or 4 breast cancer and the prognosis is not very good. Mari Rosa is mostly worried about her family and what will happen to them if she does not make it through the next year. Mari Rosa has already had cancer once and it is now back. She is badly in need of chemotherapy, but the expenses are overwhelming for her family. Please pray for Mari Rosa and her family, for healing, strength and funds for treatment.

Sometimes life can be overwhelming. For those living on just over $5 a day it can be a struggle to survive each and every day. To care for your children, to feed them, clothe them and give them basic necessities. When sickness hits, it knocks the breath out of you. You are already fighting so hard to keep above the flood, it seems impossible to keep going. These families will incur mounting debts that they may never pay off if they try to get treatment for their loved ones. But what is the alternative?

Every day I am reminded of something for which to be thankful. Even if life doesn't go as planned, even if not everything is rosy, I have my health. There is always something to be thankful for, something to live for, something to give you joy. Look for the joy in your life and remember God is there through the sickness and the pain.

Blessings,
Anna

Tu Eres Santo

2009-09-17T08:29:00.004-04:00

So, its almost the end of my 3rd week here and time for another update. In all honesty, this week wasn't all rainbows and butterflies. There were a few things that were frustrating, but we worked through them and God has definitely carried me through the small and the big things.

A lot of adjustments and changes have been made and it takes a little getting used to. Its definitely different living in a place where at any moment you could lose all your power, which means all the lights, fans to keep you cool at night, refridgerator, etc. don't work. Most people have an invertor that stores power when you have it, so that when the power is out you can pull from the battery power to have a continuous supply of electricity. Well, if you need your fridge on the invertor (most people don't put it on there because it uses a lot of power) then you may end up having your power completely out as happened last night. In order to run an invertor you can have batteries in multiples (i.e. 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16). We currently have 4, so today I need to go out and buy 4 more batteries in order to have a continuous supply of power for the fridge and lights. That is just one example of the difference in lifestyle here. Though I must say they manage very well consider they only have power from the government maybe 10 to 14 hours a day (if they are lucky).

Well, enough about that... last night I went to the Wednesday night church service and had an amazing time in worship with God. My Spanish is getting a lot better, so I could actually understand most of the message and all that was going on during the service. During worship, I didn't know the Spanish words to the songs, so instead I listened. It was amazing to hear all of the people packed in the small sanctuary pouring out their hearts to God. There is one song where the chorus goes, "Tu eres santo, tu eres santo, santo, santo, santo." Which means, "You are holy, You are holy, holy, holy, holy." and another song that I knew the chorus in English, which was "I called, You answered and You came to my rescue and I want to be where You are." We sang these words over and over again, "You are holy" and it reminded me that God alone is sovereign. He is holy and He has all things in His hands. When we call, He does answer. He is there. We need to be where He is. We need to listen and hear His voice, be still and KNOW that He is there. A teenager in the church, Samuel, got up and sang a song. I had no idea what song he was singing, but as he worhipped God with all of his heart, I knew God was present in that place. Its wonderful to be where God is.

Here are some pictures of the house that we worked on in March, which is now all finished!

Que lo que?

2009-09-09T14:33:00.003-04:00

Hello all!
It’s been over a week now since I arrived in La Republica Dominicana, so there are a lot of things that I need to fill you in on. As you already know, last week there was a woman here from the states helping the Women’s Cooperative to make beautiful jewelry to sell in the United States and here in the Dominican. The project is going very well and the women are learning the new skills very quickly. As some of you may have seen in my Facebook album, the women have already made quite a few necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The hope is to have some jewelry parties in the states to sell the women’s jewelry and also to sell them in some boutiques as well. All of the jewelry is handmade. The Women’s Coop meets Tuesdays and Thursdays for three hours and the ladies also take their jewelry home to work on at night and on the other days of the week. I will be working with the women on Tuesdays to help them with the jewelry, to keep an inventory of the merchandise and to assist Caroline with the project.

This weekend, a friend of mine from the states who has been working for the mission for over ten years was here to help with some electrical work. He installed the internet in one of the buildings at the mission while he was here, so now during the day I am able to check emails, write my blog and get a few other things done.

On Monday, I started my Spanish classes. Carlos, a college student that is fluent in Spanish and English is teaching me for 3 hours a day in the morning. In the afternoons, I am working on different projects. For example, on Tuesday afternoons I help with the Women’s Cooperative. On Thursday evenings, I am assisting my friends Emmanuel and Vanessa with Young Life (Vida Joven). During the week I will also be working with the administrative office here, working in the clinic and helping the American missionaries that live here.

Tonight there is a church service, which I love to attend because the music is so amazing! You have to experience it for yourself to understand what I mean.
Blessings,
Anna

First Day

2009-09-01T22:03:00.008-04:00

Bienvenido a mi vida aqui en la Republica Dominicana!

Today was my first day in the community, after arriving yesterday. One of the women here from Georgia, Caroline, came down on Sunday to teach the women of Cielo and Nazaret how to make necklaces, bracelets and earrings that can be sold in the United States. This provides a valuable income for the women, so that they can help support their families. Caroline spent today and yesterday teaching the women one-on-one to make specific pieces of jewelry. The ladies have taken to it quickly and are making beautiful jewelry that would be perfect for Christmas or Valentine's Day gifts. I am hoping to post some pictures this week of the finished products, but in the meantime here are some pictures of the ladies working. And don't forget to check out the women's cooperative page online http://www.missionemanuel.org/women/.

Isa working on a project. Read her story here: http://www.missionemanuel.org/women/stories.php#Isa.

Ney working on a necklace. Read her story here: http://www.missionemanuel.org/women/stories.php#Ney.

Caroline demonstrating how to make a four string necklace. Everyone here is so thankful to Caroline for her hard work and creativity!

Alright one more interesting picture from the day. Apparently, another project that some people have been working on is making framed sayings with butterflies in them. But next to the beautiful butterflies, I found something else pinned up... I hope I never meet any of these alive in my room.

I hope none of you ever find this lovely creature in your room either!

Blessings,
Anna

Estoy Aqui!

2009-08-31T17:56:00.002-04:00

I am here!!! Just a quick update to let you know that I have arrived! Good, safe flight that came in on time. It is a nice cool 90 some degrees in the Dominican and it feels fabulous. :)

Tomorrow I will spend the day in Cielo helping with a project at the women's cooperative (http://www.missionemanuel.org/women/index.php). Check out the website. The 15 women involved in this project are amazing!

More tomorrow along with some pictures! Praise God for safe travels, no lost luggage and a great opportunity to give back to the community of believers who has given so much to me.
Blessings,
Anna

P.S. If you know of any international health grants or foundations, let me know. Thanks!

T minus 7

2009-08-24T12:40:00.009-04:00

I can't believe it, only one more week left! This time next week I will be sitting in the Miami airport waiting for my plane to Santo Domingo. I am hoping to send you all an update that day to let you know that I've arrived. And my goal is to try for weekly or biweekly updates after that to share the good news of all that is going on in Cielo and Nazaret. We'll see what happens with the availability of internet, but definitely check back from time to time to see what God is doing in the DR.

I wanted to thank my friend Emily for making these skirts for the girls in the Dominican. She even hand stenciled the design on one of them! They are so beautiful and fun! Thanks, Emily. :)

Thank all of you for your support as well! I now have pledges for 92% of my support. God is so good! I have been overwhelmed and humbled by His generosity. I know that this next year is going to be an amazing chapter in my life and I am looking forward to sharing it with all of you. Thank you for believing in me and God's plan for my life.

Blessings,

Anna

2 Weeks Notice

2009-08-17T22:07:00.005-04:00

2 weeks to go...
I'm starting to get a little nervous, which I guess is normal, right? I know it will all be fine and work out amazingly well. But I am a planner, an organizer and I like to know what is ahead of me. I think we all do. And at this point, a lot of things are really vague. Its all going to be an adventure and I guess oddly enough that is what I am looking forward to the most -- the unpredictability of it.

I had the pleasure of sharing with my parents' home church about my trip. It was nice to be able to tell more people about this next phase in my life and what God is doing in the Dominican Republic. It also got me thinking a lot about my life these past few years and the journey that has lead me to this move.

For any of you who did not know me as a child, I was a lot different than I am now (at least I think so). I was at times a very angry, frustrated and lonely child who had a hard time dealing with the world around me. We moved a lot and I often felt as though I was in survival mode 24/7. I have grown a lot in the last 10 or 15 years and have become more confident in myself, in God and His love and of His plans for my future. This has helped to take away the anger and fear and focus me on the path in front of me.

I think a major turning point was our move to South Korea where I was able to see first hand poverty in Korea and China and different lifestyles around the world there and in Australia and Guam. I thought that in college I would pursue pre-law and go to law school. But within my second year, I had a passion for non-profit work and a desire to help people. I began looking for jobs with the UN, Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, Habitat for Humanity, etc. but could not find a job suitable for someone coming right out of college. So, I decided in February of my senior year of undergrad to take the GRE and apply to grad school.

In graduate school I was involved in a campus ministry where I was presented with the opportunity to go on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic. A truly life changing trip, I was able to spend time alone with God and draw close to Him. Also, on this trip I fell in love with the people of the Dominican. It was such a great trip that I decided to lead the following Spring Break trip to the DR for my church.

If you had asked me as a child or a teenager what I would be doing after college, I never would have said or guessed that I would be a missionary. I might have said doctor, lawyer, veterinarian, but not missionary or even international aid worker. And yet now as I look back, I can see how the Lord was preparing me to make that transition. How He was setting out the bricks of the path and leading me to this field and to the Dominican Republic. For one thing, I didn't want to go to college, let alone graduate school. I got out of there as quickly as I could. And after the first quarter of grad school, I hated it so much that I wanted to give up my scholarship and quit. But the Lord had me there for a reason. Maybe to join the church I am in now was part of it, but mostly I believe it was to go on that first trip to the DR. And even then, I still would not have guessed that I would be moving to Cielo. Not even on the trip this past year. But God was slowly preparing my heart for what He had for me. And now I am so excited to see what He has in store for Cielo, the Dominican Republic and my life!

2 more weeks and I will be in Cielo, living with the people that I have come to consider a part of my family. I cannot wait!

Also, a fundraising update: 73% of support raised. :)
Blessings,
Anna

Greater Things

2009-08-06T16:14:00.007-04:00

The Lord's goodness amazes me everyday! He has steadily provided me with a group of kind, caring supporters cheering me along every step of the way. I am so thankful for His goodness and for each and every one of you! :)

To date, I have raised 65% of my support and counting. I cannot believe that in 5 weeks, I have raised a little over $13,000 for my year long trip to the DR. I know that if it were me alone, I'd be getting nowhere fast, but that the Lord has provided all of this.

I am also encouraged by all that is happening in the Dominican Republic. The youth group, Vida Joven, just returned from an amazing retreat of worship and fellowship with God. The church community is strong and growing and I was encouraged in June to see a larger congregation than when I first visited in March of 2008.

I now have 24 days left before I leave and in the flurry of fundraising and packing, purchasing last minute supplies and visiting friends and family, I am really enjoying soaking up those quiet moments with God at night as we talk about the future. I know that not everything will be easy, but that the Lord has something amazing in store. Greater things have yet to come, I truly believe that. Greater things for Cielo, greater things for me, greater things for God's work.

I met with a friend the other day to talk about her search for a job. Its been a frustrating road for her, as I well understand. But as I listened to her talk, I was reminded of the fact that when we are in a situation is when it seems like there is no way out, like nothing we do is getting us anywhere. And then, out of nowhere, God opens a door and we are given an opportunity that is 10 times better than what we were begging to take before. God hands us a gift, a new perspective and we look back at those trials and think, "What was I so worried about?" God is there, He hears our every uplifted cry and He answers those prayers in His time. He has something better than we could even imagine for ourselves and He generously lavishes it on all of us. Greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done...

Blessings,
Anna

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2009-07-19T22:20:00.008-04:00

The date of my departure is now official... I am leaving Ohio and moving to the Dominican Republic on the last day of August! :)

I am moving to this...

and this...

and a little bit of this...

and these smiling faces...

and all of the good things that the Lord has made. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

Join me on my journey as I walk in the ways the Lord has prepared for me. My hope is to update this blog a few times a month to let you know about what God is doing in the Dominican, in the lives of the people in Cielo and Nazaret and what God is teaching me.
Blessings,
Anna

Halfway There

2009-07-15T23:43:00.003-04:00

As of this evening, I have pledges for 50% of my support! That is $10,000 in 2 weeks! God is so amazing :)

I had been nervous about raising that much money, but as I began to pray about it and share about Mission Emanuel and what God is doing in the Dominican Republic with people, I felt encouraged. Everything is in the Father's hands.

All the glory to God. If I had set out to raise this money on my own for my own initiatives, I would have failed miserably. Through Christ, I can do all things. God is raising the money to do His work.

As I meet with people to talk about the ministry, my passion for the people in Cielo and Nazaret and the things I will be doing in the DR, its really not about the money. Yes, I need the support to be able to go down to the Dominican, but God knows who the people are who are supposed to contribute. I am merely presenting an opportunity to give to God's work. As I said in my last post, for some people it may just be that God wants me to share about the Dominican and what is going on there.

If you have any questions or want to know more about Mission Emanuel, my move to the Dominican or what God is doing in the DR, don't hesitate to contact me. I would love to share with you! :)
Blessings,
Anna

Abundance

2009-07-07T12:06:00.002-04:00

So, a quick update and more to come later...

In the last week and a half I have raised, or more correctly, God has provided 37% of my support for my trip to the Dominican! I am so excited about what God is doing!!

I was very nervous about talking to people about giving money towards my trip. Yet, I am learning that this is really an opportunity for people to learn about what God is doing in the Dominican Republic and how they can get involved. Some of the people I talk to may not be led to give money and perhaps I was only supposed to talk to them about it so they could learn about the DR and Mission Emanuel and all that God is doing. Others have been led to give above and beyond what I had even thought to ask. Because God is so much bigger than everything. And He gives abundantly. More generously than any of us could ever be. And I know that He is going to provide the remaining $12,000 that I need for this next year. And who knows, maybe even more!

Also, Jack called me on Sunday and he found a place for me to live! Its an apartment by one of the mission schools with two rooms and a bathroom (I am assuming a kitchen as well...). And would you believe rent of $100 to $150 a month?? Amazing! That is probably the size of the apartment I lived in for two years and it cost a lot more than that...

I know several people were asking about what exactly I would be doing in the DR. I will be doing a lot of things, including working with Vida Joven (Young Life), assisting the women's cooperative, holding bible studies with the teenage girls, teaching English in the schools and assisting the Executive Director (who lives in Florida) with anything he needs me to do for the mission. I will also help to facilitate the short-term missions trips and will translate once I become more fluent in Spanish.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment here or hit me up on facebook.
See you soon!
Blessings,
Anna

Looking Forward

2009-07-01T22:15:00.009-04:00

Hello again, all!

Just a quick update to let you know that I have just started support raising for my year-long (or more!) move to the Dominican Republic. I have raised 7.5% of my support goal already and am trusting God to increase my support to 10 times that or 75% of my support goal by the middle of August.

I need to raise $20,000 before moving to Cielo in September, which is just two months away. Please pray for me as I go through this process and contact me if you would like to learn more about my passion for the Dominican Republic, God's call on my life, what I will be doing in the DR, etc.

You can message me on facebook by visiting my profile at http://www.facebook.com/bianco.13 or leave me a comment here and I will contact you.

You can also give support by going to http://missionemanuel.org/support/ and following the instructions there.

Thanks and God bless!
Anna

Provision

2009-06-29T23:25:00.005-04:00

Today I was able to tell a friend a story about my trip to the Dominican, from which I just returned. The story was about another lesson that I have learned regarding provision.

When I arrived in the Dominican Republic, I had a feeling of great anticipation. I was unable to concentrate on much of anything until we arrived in Cielo. At church on Sunday, I was greeted by many friends, old and new, but did not see my sponsor family. The next day, I set out with another girl to visit Amaryllis and her four children. On the road to her house, we met her walking with her two youngest children Jasmine, 18 months, and Leslie, 3 years old. Both of the children were sick. I picked up Leslie to help Amaryllis carry the girls to the clinic, but Leslie began to cry because the sun was hurting her eyes, so I carried Jasmine instead. Though younger, Jasmine is actually larger than Leslie because Leslie was malnourished as a child.

As we walked, Amaryllis explained to me (in Spanish) that the girls had been sick for two weeks already. Jasmine's eye was swollen shut because both she and her sister had pink eye. On top of the infection both developed a fever and refused to eat or drink. Upon settling Amaryllis and Leslie in the waiting room at the clinic, I took Jasmine and got some water for the girls to try to drink. As I filled the cups of water, several young girls that were on a short term mission trip in Cielo prayed for Jasmine and Leslie. Both girls drank their cups of water while waiting for the doctor, which was necessary because of the strong heat.

The doctor assessed the girls' condition, which I did not understand and prescribed medicines, some of which were available at the clinic. I did not understand much of what occurred, but I did comprehend that there was still something more that the children needed, something their mom apparently could not get. She would not tell me what was wrong, so I told the doctor that it was okay, that she should tell me and I would get it for the girls. The request was simply for milk. Something we would never think twice about buying here, but which was too expensive for Amaryllis to afford for her girls. So, having had the exact type written down, I set out to figure out how to buy this milk. There were no stores close by, but one of the teenage boys volunteered to go get it for me from the store. He soon returned and we set out back to Amaryllis' house.

The following evening, the group that was visiting from Orlando, FL held a family fun festival at the community baseball field. Several hundred children attended to play games and win candy. It was an amazing sight to see. After it ended, as we were leaving for the night, I saw Amaryllis again. She had just returned from picking up her two sons, Georgy and Brian from their grandfather's house. Unfortunately, they arrived too late to enjoy the festivities and since we were leaving to eat dinner at the mission, I asked two guys in the group to walk the family home with me. Amaryllis had left the girls with her neighbors and when she went to pick them up Leslie was much worse. Both of her eyes were swollen shut, she was burning up and crying. The neighbor, an older mother, told Amaryllis she had to take her to the hospital. I stood by helpless, unsure of what to do. I could not go to the hospital with her. I had to return to my group. I kept asking what I could do, but in the end there was nothing to do, but write down her number and promise to call the next day to check on her.

On the way back, I ran into an American couple that we knew and asked them what they thought could be done. I was told to ask someone who was in charge. Halfway back to the mission, I saw the Director of the mission and asked him what he thought. "Anna, I have to put all of these supplies from the festival away tonight and it is already dark. I am too busy. I'm sorry, but I cannot help." As discouraged and disheartened as I was to hear this, it caused me to think more about the situation. I was upset and I wanted to help. After all, these children were like my little sisters. However, there were probably sick children in Cielo everyday. Some sicker than my little sisters. I could not help them all. I could not even help some of them, especially not everyday. I alone, could do next to nothing.

When I returned to the hotel, I was able to talk to the Executive Director and ask him about calling Amaryllis. He reminded me that it was late and suggested that I should check on them in the morning. I thought that calling was the least that I could do and I think seeing that I was troubled, he talked to me about getting worn out. Again, I could not help everyone. I could not do everything. But the Lord, the creator of all people, holds all His children in His hands. How much more does He love them than I do? How much more does He carry for their every need? I can do next to nothing, but He can do all things.

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? " Matthew 6:26

Here is a picture of the whole family, Amaryllis, Georgy (10), Brian (8), Jasmine (3) and Leslie (18 months). All happy and healthy at the end of my week in Cielo :)

The Lord is mighty and good and He gives us all that we require. As I begin to raise support to go on staff with Mission Emanuel, I am trusting the Lord for His provision. I know that He will supply more than I need. Please pray for me to continually trust the Lord, to stay focused on His goodness and provision and for support raising to go smoothly.

Fully Relying on God

2009-06-21T18:28:00.004-04:00

Savior, He can move the mountains.
My God is mighty to save,
He is mighty to save.
Forever, author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave.
Jesus conquered the grave.
~Hillsong, Mighty to Save

I recently returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic to plan my move there in September. We sang this song, Mighty to Save, nearly everyday. Its a recent favorite of mine that contributes to a lesson I've been learning.

While I grew up in church and having a relationship with God, I have tried to maintain my own control over my life. Throughout the years and especially in college, God has shown me that this is futile. I am ill equipped to see the big picture. I do not know what the future holds and as a result most of the decisions I make are designed to mitigate future loss or pain. I settle for harmful relationships because they might be better than those I would find if I passed these ones up or at least, so I think, better than none at all.

Over the past few years and especially in the past few months, parts of my life had become overwhelming. I was unsatisfied with graduate school, my personal and family relationships and with the direction my life was heading. Yes, I was "successful" because I had good grades and worked several jobs, but I didn't have much joy. As I slowly began to yield over portions of my life obediently to God, praying about each one and searching for God's purpose in each situation, I found peace and the joy for which I had been longing.

My life will never be perfect -- God did not promise that. In fact, Jesus said that when we take up the cross and follow Him we will face persecution and difficulties. But I have found that when I encounter those difficulties, I have a friend and partner to help me see through the darkness. I may not always see it at first, I may still struggle for my own will, but ultimately I try to remember that God has never let me down. He has provided for me in every situation large or small.

For One who is mighty enough to make the whole earth tremble, who died upon the cross to redeem not only me, but all the world, what are my troubles compared to this? He is the author of my salvation and the author of my days. My simple prayer is "Lord, may your will be done." I couldn't ask for anything better.

Finale

2009-06-07T23:28:00.004-04:00

Its finally here, finals week! The end of my school career... for at least another 5 to 10 years. I think at this point most people talk about their nostalgia for the past years of school and how much they are going to miss it. While I enjoyed my time here in Columbus at Ohio State and the people I have come to know and the wisdom I have gained, I am ready for my future. There is so much out there that I have yet to do. So many places to go, so many experiences to have, that I cannot for long spend time pining over the past. The best is yet to come, I really do believe that.

Speaking of good things, I leave on Saturday for a week long planning trip in the Dominican Republic! I am excited to see where I will be living and how everyone is doing. Please pray for a safe trip and an amazing time with the Lord.

I am looking forward to a time when I have been in the Dominican for a few months, speak Spanish fabulously and my friends are coming to visit! Hope to see you all there!

Goodbye to my home of five years, THE Ohio State University! O - H - I - O!

Preparation

2009-05-24T00:51:00.006-04:00

So, I have officially started my preparations for moving to the Dominican Republic! I am beginning the support raising process, Spanish language training and I am taking a Teaching English as a Foreign Language course this summer. I leave in three weeks to visit Cielo and Nazaret to work on preparations for my arrival and talk to Jack (Director of Mission Emanuel) about where I will be living for the next year or more. I have been so encouraged by the way that things are coming together. :) My current employer just asked me to work full-time in June and July, which will provide some extra financial support for moving expenses. My family has been very supportive of my decision and are looking forward to visiting me in the Caribbean. I have a back injury that I was afraid would continue to plague me, but I have been seeing a Chiropractor for a little over a month and I am noticing a world of difference. I haven't been in pain for weeks. The Lord is good!

We had a recent development in my family today. My grandmother and aunt have come to stay with us for a few weeks. My grandma has dementia and has been very confused lately. She cannot take care of herself. I am praying for her health and for our patience. It can be frustrating sometimes to explain the same thing or answer the same question 100 times in an hour, but I know that we will get used to it in time.

I am also praying, and would ask others to pray, for these next few months as I raise support to move down to the Dominican. I know the Lord will provide more than I could ever ask for and that I need to trust Him. Please pray for me to give this up to the Lord and trust in His provision. It will certainly be a learning experience for me.

Well, I am off to work on my final paper of graduate school. Two more weeks and 15 more pages to go.

Blessings,
Anna

Ripple of Hope

2009-05-15T01:21:00.003-04:00

"Let no one be discouraged by the belief there is nothing one man or one woman can do against the enormous array of the world's ills -- against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence... Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation...It is from the numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest of walls of oppression and resistance."~Robert Kennedy

I read this quote a few years ago and have found it to be an encouragement. There are times when the the tide of injustice around the world seems overwhelming. I feel, as I am sure many people do, helpless, powerless to stop the violence and oppression. As I rest in God's love and goodness, I am reassured that He cares for all of His people, the whole world over. That in loving Him, I love my fellow man and must do what little I can to make a difference, however small that difference may be.

Blessings,
Anna

The Backstory

2009-05-14T01:15:00.000-04:00

I am a start-at-the-beginning sort of person. So, let me begin by explaining a little bit about me and what has led me to write this blog.

I am a student at the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University. I will graduate with my M.P.A in a month, June 14th to be exact. It has been five years since I began taking classes at OSU as an undergraduate in Political Science. Through involvement with the university community, I began attending Mosaic church and was offered the opportunity of participating in a missions trip to the Dominican Republic with a group from the church over Spring Break of 2008. Though not my first trip out of the country, this was my first missions trip, which is vastly different from a tourist vacation. The trip was an amazing and eye opening adventure where I experienced God in new ways day after day. Relationships that I formed in the DR with the students on the trip, the staff of Mission Emanuel and the people of the Cielo and Nazaret communities -- along with the spiritual connection and growth -- prompted me to volunteer to lead a group back to the DR the following Spring Break.

I have just returned from my March 2009 Spring Break Trip to the DR and I can honestly say that it was even more amazing than the first trip! I felt God's presence in every situation and circumstance while I was there. It is a challenge to lead and be responsible for a group of your peers. I have a much greater respect for those in leadership now that I have had the opportunity to be involved in the intricacies of planning the trip and guiding students on a journey of spiritual exploration and growth. God has been working on me and my heart and has given me a love for the Dominican and its people. I began to feel a calling to do relief aid work at the end of my sophomore year of college. Over the last few years I have prayed for God to show me where He wanted me to work and though I have been frustrated by a lack of direction at times, I feel as though His call is clear now. I am thankful to all the friends and family who have been praying over the last few months for my decision to step out in faith and trust the Lord's calling to the Dominican Republic. I know that God will be teaching me many important lessons throughout the next few years as I raise support and move to the DR to do His work. Knowing that despite the inevitable tribulations and trials that occur, I will never be alone, I feel encouraged and excited for what is to come.

I return to the Dominican Republic in June, immediately following the conclusion of finals and will spend a week with the Mission's Director, Jack, to figure out the logistics of living in the Dominican Republic for a year. When I return I will begin support raising. I will continue my current job on a part-time basis, which fortunately gives me the opportunity to attend the Leadership Training that my new church H2O is hosting this summer. I will also have time to take a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course in preparation for some of the work I will be doing with the youth in Bayona. And of course, I will be improving my Spanish, which will be much easier now thanks to my friend David's gift of his Rosetta Stone CDs! Hopefully after a very busy summer, I will be able to leave for the Dominican in September. At least that is the plan for now.

Check out the links to Mission Emanuel, H2O and my Alma Mater.

Blessings,
Anna

http://missionemanuel.org/

http://h2osu.org/

http://glennschool.osu.edu/