Looking ahead

Saludos!

I can hardly believe that I have been living in the Dominican Republic for over 10 months now.  I remember the excitement and nervousness I experienced as I began the fundraising process to be able to move here to San Juan de la Maguana and begin work as a social worker within Solid Rock International’s Child Nutrition Program and as a Student Sponsorship Coordinator.  THANK YOU hardly seems sufficient in expressing my gratitude for all the support others have given me to make this experience possible.

I am thrilled to let you know that I have committed to extending my term here through at least November 2013. 

It is difficult to put into words all that I love about my life here, but I am consistently brought back to the concept of “relationship.”  The Dominican culture centers on the importance of relationships and community.  In really looking at and experiencing the value relationships with others and with creation, I also am viewing in new ways and growing in my relationship with Christ, which in turn opens me up to share more with others.

This past year has seen a remodeling of sorts within the Student Sponsorship Program.  I have immensely enjoyed working with my dear friend and co-coordinator, Nicole Eby, in updating student photos and ensuring communication between students and their sponsors.  One of the joys of this part of my role here is getting to visit the six schools with which we partner and spend time with the directors and staff.  Being able to share in their heart for ministering to students and their families through education, to provide encouragement and support to their visions is incredibly inspiring.  And there is no joy like that of sharing in the get-togethers between students and their sponsors. To see in live form the difference of student sponsorship gives- not only in providing the essential step-up that education provides, but how the relationship between a sponsor and a student’s family adds that personal affirmation for the student that “I am valuable. I am worthwhile.” What a difference that makes…

Within the Child Nutrition Program, we have been working to strengthen and organize the important medical care, milk & vitamin supplements, and health education that is offered.  In January, we held a first ever “fiesta” for program families in El Cercado.  It was a great event that included health talks, devotionals and music, and time for the families to connect and get to know one another over lunch.  Solid Rock just recently held its first annual “Rice & Beans Challenge” to raise awareness of the issue of malnutrition and as a kick-off for organizing a monthly pledge system to support the program.  I have enjoyed being able to support the efforts of the health promoter and clinic administrator in El Cercado, as well as Dr. Perdomo as he deals with the medical issues that arise.

My absolute favorite part of working with the CNP is getting to spend time with the families.  To hop on the back of the moto with Angel and head out to the mountain communities.  To play with the children and sit with the parents and grandparents as they share the realities of their lives.  Realities that involve lost crops due to drought, illnesses like diabetes that nearly rob a child of his life, domestic violence, and murder.  To be able to support families who are without formal support networks for their children with special needs.  To be humbled daily by the generosity and gratitude of spirit.  I can only pray that somehow my presence blesses them in even a fraction of the way that I am continually inspired and encouraged by them.

I have found community here in many forms and in many faces.  I appreciate having the flexibility to jump in to help with the medical and youth teams that come to serve, and to experience culture at such varying levels- to recognize and watch for God in the weaving together of all of these pieces. 

So I look to this next year with Solid Rock, to continue to build upon the work that has been strengthened this past year within the programs.  To continue to look at strategies for sustainability.  To continue to pour into relationships- not just in the work context, but with my family and friends here as well.

My position continues to be Self-Funded, which means that I am again looking for financial support.  In fact, I am in dire need of finances to continue serving in this capacity.  While it is uncomfortable for me to ask for money, I believe that God is calling me to continue to share professionally and personally in this capacity.  I ask that you please consider joining in the exciting things that are occurring here through your financial support.

Donations can be made online through www.solidrockinternational.org and following the links to “Donate,” or just click here.  Checks can also be made payable to “Solid Rock International” memo line “Laura Demastus” and sent to PO Box 20867, Indianapolis, IN 46220.  All donations are Tax Deductible.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  Your encouragement truly does make a difference.  I hope that you are keeping up with my experiences through my blog.  After first accepting this position last summer I wrote these words which continue to resonate my feelings—“Feeling so HUMBLED that God has led me here, CONTENT to be a part of it all, and so EXCITED to see what’s in store.”

Thank you again for all of your support.

Gratefully,

Laura :)

Look for me at:  www.solidrockinternational.org