Building #4!

The fourth building on our leased property was erected this week in Cercadillo by volunteers from Pennsylvania and Florida.  Once again, our partners TIME Ministries facilitated the teams and the construction.   We’ll hire Dominicans to make the concrete floor but will be using the building even before the floor is done.  Our need for classroom space keeps growing!

Cancer Has Slowed Me Down

An involved case of the chikungunya virus that plagued our island made June and July quite difficult.  When seeking treatment for that virus, it was discovered that I have cancer.  After a thyroidectomy in mid August I received the diagnosis of Follicular Thyroid Cancer Stage III.  A body scan after I swallowed radioactive iodine seemed to indicate that the cancer is being eradicated by this treatment.  A follow-up scan in March will hopefully confirm this.

I have received excellent medical care and have been showered with help and kindness here in the DR.  God’s hand has been evident throughout this whole process.  It’s been yet another opportunity to learn just how faithful our God is.

Thankfully my energy level is ssssllllllloooooowwwwwlllllllllyyyyyy returning.   I look forward to the day that I can be back in the village full time.  And as energy returns I will also plan to update this blog.  God continues to be involved in the lives of our dear ones in Cercadillo and I’m eager to tell you about all that’s happening!

The last few years we have had a sunrise service in Cercadillo.  We greet each other with, “Have you heard the news? . . . He is risen!”  I loved it that on this rainy Resurrection morning several people came running up to me to share the greeting before I had the chance!

After singing several songs at the top of our lungs, it’s time for the Resurrection eggs.

As each egg is opened by a different person in the crowd, and the small object inside is discussed, we retell the story of Jesus’ last week on earth.   Egg #11 with the rock was opened and then again this Easter morning one could feel the anticipation in the air as the group waited for #12.

The empty egg – to remind us of the empty tomb.  In unison, without prompting they yelled,  “¡Él resucitó!” (He is risen!)

Funny thing is, they knew what was coming.  This is at least the fourth time we’ve used the same eggs.  And yet the people of Cercadillo, perhaps like people everywhere who’ve really understood the Easter story, share in the hope of the empty tomb.

After a rousing rendition of  “Celebrad a Cristo” (Celebrate Jesus) complete with all the laughter that always comes with the energetic clapping in this song, it was time for Habicuelas con Dulce (Sweet Beans.)

Elida made the Habichuelas con Dulce for all gathered.  This, too, has become part of our Easter tradition.  It is a special food that is usually made at this time of year and so we have just incorporated it into our  celebration.

Sorry in advance to any of my Dominican friends who are reading this, but in my opinion, Habichuelas con Dulce is an acquired taste.  (Think blended beans with milk and cinnamon.)  It really wasn’t too bad today.  🙂  Old and young alike in Cercadillo love it!

Although this was not the traditional sunrise service and breakfast in the church basement that I grew up with, for our folks in the village, this is now the traditional sunrise service.

It was good to celebrate together.

Have you heard the news?

 He is risen!