10 months

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