DRIME

DRIME is a ministry (a crew of great people) with a heart to see people encounter Christ.  Based in Vancouver, Canada, DRIME also has teams in Kenya and Brazil, and has trained teams who have ministered in numerous cities around the world.  

Through choreographed drama backgrounded by music, DRIME presents the gospel both visually and in conversation.  This ministry has been very important in my life.  My involvement has been used by God to shape my understanding of who He is, to shape my faith, open my eyes to others and new places around the globe.  

DRIME is taking teams to Paraguay & Benin this year.  Visit drime.com for more info.  

These pictures are from a recent presentation here in the DR.

clay mask

Hmmm...not sure what to say.  Met this lady the other day and I liked her clay mask. To be honest I'm not too sure if she had skin-wellness in mind...but, nonetheless, a nice mask.

foto class

The photo crew is back together with some new additions.  Here's the crew:  Tracy, Fey, Alejandro, Bertico, Dani, Derek, and Bau.  On Sundays we talk photography and on Mondays we get out and shoot.  Whether talking or shooting we are exploring the photographic medium & the art of seeing and storytelling.  Come back to see some of the crew's images.  For now here are some images of the crew.

C-hurch & c-hurch

Church.  An interesting word that brings to mind different images and experiences.  The Church. A church. The Universal Church. The Local Church. Church potluck (A-M Salads / N-Z Main Dish).  Church picnic.  Church bulletins.  Church meetings.  Church committees.   Church attendance.  Church clothes.  The many expressions associated with "church" (local and universal) can raise many questions? What does the church look like today and what do we see expressed in Scripture?  What is the "role" of the Church and the church? What is God's vision for his Church?

These and many other questions were explored during two recent Church Conferences hosted by TEARS.  The first conference saw 19 Haitian leaders from the Jima and Soto areas (in the DR) and the second conference had 25 leaders from El Camino Church in Maria Auxiliadora (the more I type the word "church" the less it seems like a word).  Those in attendance engaged in and wrestled through commonly heard but often misunderstood topics such as evangelism, discipleship, the kingdom, and as noted, what is the church (local and universal) and what does it mean for us who are part of the church (local and universal).

What are your thoughts?  What comes to mind when you hear church?  Post a thought.  Post a question.  Post a recipe (I'm "D" so fresh salad ideas are always good).

To Be or Not To Be...but which one?

So if this is the question--"to be or not to be"--then I am stuck with yet another question: which to be?  I have been here in the DR for almost 2 months and I am still trying to figure it out what it means "to be".  In Spanish there are two verbs that are used to express BE-ing: estar & ser.  These two verbs have me stumped.  Always a fingers-crossed guessing game (even with the gracious coaching of those around me) as to which verb might I chose, I now believe the "to be" code has been cracked with great thanks to my friends and tag-team Spanish coaches, Jennifer and Luis.  Both Jennifer and Luis serve on the TEARS team and have graciously made time for this newbie to the DR and Spanish.  We learn, we chat, we eat.  It is a great time!  Es (ser) un buen tiempo!

To visually express my appreciation I have pictured Jen & Luis beside the ever-convenient "to be" chart.  I'll keep you posted on my Spanish learning....a.k.a. "to be" continued.

Coffee, Oranges & Ramona

A friend and I recently hiked up to a mountain village called la Travesia.  In a word: stunning.  Thankfully enough pistachios and other, admittedly less natural, sources of energy were packed as sustanance for the 7 km trek.  Yes, trek.  Sounds much more robust than hike.  The trek is filled wil incredible views, fresh mountain air, streams to cross, and many hills to climb...to trek up.  

There are a couple ways to get to the Travesia.  The road and the shortcut.  We wanted the shortcut.  Upon arrival we saw what we thought was a washed-out option.  It appeared that tropical storm Olga had wiped out the shortcut and in so doing tacked on some extra trekking.  That is until we met Ramona (pictured).  At first meet you could just tell that you were in good, competent hands. The hands of a seasoned trekker were found in Ramona.  Without hesitation she guided us up through the still accessible shortcut and did so with the agility and pace of a seasoned trekker.  She was amazing.  Effortlessly gliding up the mountain pausing only to see if her North American followers were still behind her (in fact, well behind her!)  Her face and demeanor testified to a life of steady hard work.  The perfect guide.  Thanks Ramona.

The other new friends I met in the Travesia were no exception.  Hard working. Hospitable. Generous. All of which fell in a remarkable steady, consistent, and seemingly uncomplex life.  This is not to suggest a life without difficulties...but...nonetheless....uncomplex.  I loved it.  I rode a horse, picked vegetables, oranges, grapefruit.  I also got to pick coffee beans and then later watch prepared beans go through the roasting process.  As I type I am enjoying a fresh cup of said coffee.  Tremendous.  At night I stared up at the biggest sky I had ever seen filled to the brim with countless stars.  I felt like I was walking in a story book.  Sights, sounds, and smells that seemed unique reserved for the pages of a story that you would want to jump into.

This weekend I am jumping back into the storybook.  I can't wait to see what awaits in the fresh pages before me.  Come back to see images and words from the continued adventure.

Christmas Gifts Donated

A school in Calgary, Canada raised funds for the purchase of Christmas gifts for all the students at the TEARS school in Maria Auxiliadora (www.tears.org).  The TEARS school currently serves 100 students (from pre-school through grade 3) providing a solid educational base in core curriculum from certified Dominican teachers.  Additionally, students receive instruction in art, physical education, personal hygiene all of which is presented with a strong emphasis on Biblical character formation.

School Supplies Donated

Boxes of school supplies were donated by a church in the USA and distributed to schools in the barrios Maria Auxiliadora and El Tanke.

Relief for Tropical Storm Noel

Partners In Deed (www.partnersindeed.org) funded the purchase of many household necessities for victims of the devastating flooding from tropical storm Noel in October.  Many families lost homes, possessions, and loved ones in the wake of Noel and again in December with tropical storm Olga.

Introducing my new family...we're a full house.

I am thankful to be living with a warm, hospitable, energetic, social & full house.  The door is always open (literally) and visitors, friends, and family come through all day.  I love it.  My family here has welcomed me with generosity and very open arms--I am grateful.  We have shared many, many good meals, conversations with many pauses, hand gestures, laughs and smiles...and many rounds of UNO.  I have yet to master the art & science of Dominos and Casino (very common card game).  Games are a great way to connect, learn new aspects of language...and lose money...if your willing to bet (.....not yet:).

Pictured above are my host parents, Moreno & Tigua.  Full of love, generosity, care....and just the right amount of joking that keeps this Canadian on his toes.

Casa Nueva

Hola!  Welcome to my new house in the Dominican Republic.  Caille 12 / Casa 44.  When the sun is out so is the laundry!