Beauty Out of Ashes: End of Year Wrap-Up

Season’s Greetings

As I took time to celebrate and reflect on my past 3 years in the Dominican Republic, I was reminded time and time again of God’s faithfulness. It’s kind of crazy how fast, and yet slow, three years can go by, and I am forever reminded of the generosity of you, those who support me, in helping me to continue my work here.

A few weeks ago, Solid Rock International (SRI) and our Dominican partner, the Christian Association for the Promotion of Integrated Health (ACPSI), celebrated the groundbreaking of a revolutionary new clinic to benefit the poor here in the southwest region of the Dominican Republic. To celebrate the event, many individuals who have played integral roles in the beginning of the organizations gathered together. It was incredibly inspiring to hear the stories, the tears, the effort that have formed part of the history; to watch individuals who stepped out in faith, now see the realization of things they only once dreamed about. What an awesome blessing (and responsibility!) to be apart of SRI, here in the Dominican Republic.

As the first pieces of construction come together for the new clinic, I also like to let my mind dream of the role that social work services will be able to play in the integrated care that patients and their families will receive. It is fun to catch the vision of what could be, while remembering the roots that were planted that have formed a strong foundation.

This year, I have enjoyed digging more into my role within the Child Nutrition Program (CNP). In the Guachupita neighborhood, three of the eight children will be successfully graduating from the program in December! I am so proud of the efforts and commitment of their parents in ensuring a healthy beginning for their children. In El Cercado, we welcomed a new doctor to the CNP in July. Dr. Jazmin is all heart. I love her desire to serve and to improve the care that our families receive. There are currently over 120 families from the surrounding mountain communities in the CNP. This year we have formed partnerships with social services through the Catholic Church and with public health doctors in Hondo Valle, and are currently organizing plans to offer more organized health education not just in the clinic, but in the communities as well. SRI also just joined forces with Amway, who is now providing our families with their Nutrilite Little Bits product, providing key micronutrients to combat malnutrition in children. Additionally, in October, monthly physical therapy services were initiated for some of our kiddos in need. Given the families’ remote locations, needed services are nearly impossible to obtain. The El Cercado staff are really coming together as a team, and I love being a part of it!

Student Sponsorship is wrapping up the busy season of updating student profiles and photos for just over 1000 students. While hair-raising at times, being able to spend time in the five schools with the students and the administration really is one of my favorite things. It is difficult at times to see the great needs that exist in the schools and have limited resources to help, but it is also incredibly motivating to see how the school staff work with what they have to pour into their students and the lives of their students’ families. It is exciting to see the sponsorship numbers consistently growing, especially when you know the power that sponsorship really has in children’s lives. It’s hearing Dr. Lebron share with the medical “barrio” groups that come down about his experience being sponsored, and how that is a driving force for him to “give back” when groups are in need of an extra doctor to work with them during their week here.

It can be easy to get lost in the details at times, but it’s in refocusing to the “bigger picture” that provides the encouragement and motivation to continue. I’m excited to see what Year Four has for me here in San Juan and within the programs of SRI. I already know that personally, it contains big changes, as Wellington and I will be getting married in January. Along with this change, comes the desire to continue to dig into relationships and community here, as it is a whole new deeper layer of creating my life here that is occurring.

I also need ongoing financial support to continue my work with SRI. It’s difficult to ask, but it is the nitty-gritty of my self-funded position here. My current term is through December 2016, and my funding is running low. I believe strongly that this is where I am to be, the work that I am called to do, during this season of life. Would you consider partnering with me in this work through financial support? Monthly pledges and one-time gifts are both appreciated. Donations can be made online through the SRI website at www.solidrockinternational.org (click HERE) or checks can be made out to SRI with “Laura Demastus” in the memo line and mailed to PO Box 20867, Indianapolis, IN 46220. All donations are tax-deductible.

As always, I continue to be humbled by the love poured out on me through you, my supporters. Your encouragement, prayers, random emails and notes, give me strength and always seem to arrive right on time. Thank you for your generosity, not just financially, but in so many various ways. You are what makes the difference.