Hello!
It’s a new
season, do you feel it? Where many
of you live, fall is giving way to colder and colder temperatures. Here in San Juan de la Maguana, we’re
ending the rainy season, the afternoon thundershowers giving way to somewhat
cooler temperatures as well. It can get in the low 60s at night- brrrrr! :) It’s
all relative, right?
It feels like
a new season of life for me as well.
I just celebrated 2 years of living in the Dominican Republic and
working with Solid Rock International (SRI). As I neared this anniversary, I recognize the confidence
that has grown in me, the relationships that have developed and deepened here,
and that maybe, just maybe, I don’t fumble my words in Spanish with the same
frequency. I am also exploring new
ways to integrate into the community as I have moved into a new apartment in
San Juan. I also look forward in anticipation of what’s to come.
I have committed to 3 additional years with
Solid Rock International through December 2016.
This past
year was a year of adjustments. I
returned to San Juan in November after a month and a half in the states for 2
neck surgeries and jumped into updating student profiles for the Student
Sponsorship Program. My role here
changed a bit this past year as I became more involved with the 5 schools with
which SRI partners. Each time I visit with the principals and staff at the
schools, I am left encouraged and motivated by their level of commitment and
compassion to transform their communities The Student Sponsorship Program continues
to grow- we have 954 students sponsored which includes 78 new sponsorships this
past year. This is exciting news,
as we know what a pivotal role education has in combating poverty.
Although my
responsibilities shifted towards Student Sponsorship in the past year, I would
not feel complete in my role here without being able to serve with the staff
and families of the Child Nutrition Program (CNP) in El Cercado. While I still love nothing more than
visiting with families in their mountain community homes, this year’s focus has
been finding new ways to support and encourage the Dominican staff in their
roles within the program. The
program is well on its way towards financial self-sufficiency with the implementation
of a monthly pledging system and CNP quarterly
newsletters. While one-time gifts help us meet our yearly budget, we are
now only 24 monthly pledgers away from consistently meeting our month-to-month
needs!
In June,
Bradley University partnered with the CNP in training staff how to assess the
physical development of children and provided tips and suggestions for parents
as they care for their children.
Since travelling well over an hour to be seen by the nearest physical
therapist is not a realistic possibility for many of these families, this
screening process with its practical skills and encouragement make a world of
difference for families in need.
While I will continue to support the CNP in El Cercado, I am also
looking forward to overseeing part of the program in San Juan for the next 6
months as the nurse who currently runs that branch of the CNP will be on an
educational leave.
I greatly appreciate SRI’s
goal to address Body, Mind, and Spirit through their programs, recognizing the
importance of an Integrated Health model.
It’s an exciting time to be a part of the organization, not only for the
work that I am involved in through Student Sponsorship and Child Nutrition, but
also for seeing Christian leaders and youth of San Juan excited and motivated
for transformation and planning for conferences on effective ministry and the
return of the Global Leadership Summit that is coming to San Juan for the
second year. SRI is also in
the midst of a capital campaign for a revolutionary change in health care here
in the southwest region through a new clinic. Education and medical training is flourishing in the mobile
community medical clinics that groups hold and also through teaching sessions
with doctors and nurses in the public hospital. I am humbled and honored, as well as challenged, to continue
to be a part of all that God is doing here. 
My position here continues
to be Self-Funded. That
means that I am again looking for individuals to partner with me financially in
this work. Your
financial support will make it possible for me to continue in this work that I
believe that God is calling me to both professionally and personally. Donations can be made online at www.solidrockinternational.org
and follow the links through the “Donate” tab, or by check made out to “Solid
Rock International” with my name “Laura Demastus” in the memo line and mailed
to SRI, PO Box 20867, Indianapolis, IN 46220. All donations are Tax Deductible.
Words do not capture how humbled and grateful I am by
and for all of you who support me in so many ways. Please keep me in your
thoughts and prayers. Your
encouragement truly makes a difference.
I love hearing from you!
For ongoing insights into my life and work here, you can read my blog
which can be found on the SRI website.
Thank you for your consideration of partnering with me
financially this next year as I continue to be a part of God’s work here in the
Dominican Republic.
Gratefully,
Laura Demastus
