The Rest of Week One

Krista, Rachel, Daisy & Jessica

What a great week!  On Wednesday morning we met with another group of Adolescents.  We decided to try the same technique as the day before so Daisy asked Jessica, Krista and Rachel what their plans are for the coming year. 

Again, they responded with No se, Tengo mucho tiempo and No he pensando (I don’t know, I have a lot of time, I haven’t thought about it.)

Again, Daisy asked the teens what they thought.  Much to our dismay, this time they all agreed!  They are right, They do have lots of time, I don’t know either.  

The students were able to share the truth – which is that they do have plans!  We pray that hearing others of a similar age will help encourage our teens in seeking Jesus and His plans for their lives.

Charades of Playing volleyball - we think!

We ended with some fun – Jessica, Krista and Rachel acted out and drew some of the English the teens had learned last year.

On Wednesday afternoon we met with our Adult Women and showed them some short videos on Breast Self-Exams. 

We pray that the women will take to heart our encouragement to check their breasts monthly, and to set aside a bit of money each month so they can afford yearly mammograms.

On Thursday the rains (and cooler weather) came back.  We were supposed to meet with our Young Women, but because they typically have to walk to our Site (some for 30 or more minutes!) with young children in tow, the wet kept them away.

Instead of meeting with them, we spent time talking and sharing with some visitors from Joshua’s leadership, and others on a Vision Team, learning more about Students International.

In the afternoon we met with our group of Treces (thirteen year olds).  We had them individually write what they see when they look in the mirror.  Then answers were not surprising, but so very sad.  Like girls in North America, these girls see themselves as ugly and fat. 

We asked the students to share their thoughts about these responses.  In English – and in Spanish! – they encouraged their younger sisters in Christ to understand how beautiful and important they are to Jesus. 

On Thursday night we headed back into El Callejon to have dinner in the home of Susanna.  Susanna has two girls, seven years, and eight months.  Her home is painted a cheerful orange, and decorated with pretty things, many of which Susanna made at the Social Work site.  The Joshua girls got a chance to practice their Spanish, and to eat some delicious, traditional Dominican food, including rice and beans, chicken, and tostones (fried green plantains).

Friday morning was spent visiting some of the women in the community.  Francia’s 17 year old daughter, Rosanna, has recently moved back home after living with her ‘husband’ for 3 years.  They met when she was 13 and he was 30.  He asked her parents if they could date, they said No, and so she moved in with him.  They’ve fought on and off through their years together, but now she says they are finished. 

Right now she wants to try and find a job, but spends most days just hanging out.  Rachel prayed for Rosanna, and we continue to pray that she would see how much Jesus loves her, and has a plan and purpose for her life.

"Don Ramon" with the pre-teens

The afternoon was with our 11 and 12 year olds.  After our Bible lesson we played the ‘Don Ramon’ cup game, a Hand-slap game, and Telephone. 

For Telephone, we tried English as well as Spanish.  Krista’s “I like pizza” morphed into “Chocolate” (the Spanish pronunciation!).  We weren’t sure what was so funny, but little Naomi was literally wiping away tears, she was laughing so hard! 

What a blessing to be able to share fun and laughter and Jesus together, despite language and cultural barriers.  Next week we’ll have even more adventures, with Dramas and Activities and more time Meeting Jesus together in El Callejon. 

P.S.  Check out new pictures under New Site to see the work some of the rest of the Joshua team has been doing!