Visiting & Visitors

Here in the barrio doors are (almost) always open. You can expect unannounced visitors and freely be an unannounced visitor. "Mi casa es su casa y su casa es mi casa" is the modus operandi here in the barrio. I like this open-door-policy (most) days. It could be conversation over coffee, complaining about the economy, chatting about learnings and questions, playing the guitar & singing, playing games, cooking, working on a project together...or even watching the Office (yup, we can miraculously download it...sources remain anonymous). I am grateful for the community of friends here in the barrio.

Here are a few pics from some recent visitors and visits.

Platano (mini) Harvest

One of the perks of living on a sunny isle is that you can have your very own Platano trees in your back yard.  Now, knowing what do do with said Platanos is another thing (both in terms of harvesting and cooking...pretty simple but if your from Canada ya just don't know unless someone shows you:)

So, I invited over mi amigo, Wilson, and with his expertise and the very able and helpful hands of my visiting uncle, Cliff (a real green-thumb), the harvesting was underway.  To be honest I am not a huge fan of Platano so the harvest made for great presents to friends and neighbors.  An astute-Platano-eye may see that the pictured Platano are not totally ripe.  One must know that if you wait too long to harvest the Platano (here in the barrio that is) a well-meaning yet platano-seeking neighbor may get to the crop before you. 

I have been told I also have an Avacado tree...stay tuned for images of the Avacado harvest (hmmm....not sure when that will be??)

One thing is for sure....following the harvest the best thing is to head for the hammock!

Petite Printer

So, last month the photo ministry had a photo contest at tears.org.  The response through votes and comments was really encouraging to the photographers but one response was particularly special.  In support of the contest and to "up the stakes" for the photographers there was an anonymous donation (thanks, Rachel & Keith!) of a super sweet mini photo printer.  

In place of letting the winner receive the printer, we have-as a photo ministry-received the printer as a gift for the whole ministry that can be used to print photo gifts for special occasions our in home visitation.

Here's some pics of the new printer in action.  Again, huge thanks to all who voted and commented and our special appreciation to Rachel & Keith for this special gift to the photo ministry.

Congratulations to photo contest winner, Bau Valerio. 

 The wallpaper image below can be downloaded at www.tears.org

Ministerio de Fotos

At El Camino Church (here in Maria Auxiliadora) there is a crew of emerging photographers who have hearts to both learn and grow in the art/science of photography and to see how, through photography, they can communicate God's love, care, and creative heart. For some, that means capturing moments during a home visit and then returning with the gift of a printed image. This captured moment is a blessing for so many who could not otherwise afford to have family photos. It is a great way to meet new people and grow relationships. For others, it may be trying to generate some income through photography so they can help a neighbor or family member who needs some financial assistance. For others, it may be spending time taking pictures of mountains, sunsets, or a new flower to show the beauty and majesty of our Creator. With cameras in hand, we want to glorify God and communicate his love and care for his creation.

Ministerio de Drama

When I set off for college back in '95 (yikes!) I was not a drama guy.  Perhaps a bit dramatic (melodramatic)  at times but not the church & school play guy.  I never even took a drama class in school.  Remembering lines, keeping a straight face, stage fright....any number of factors kept me safely in the audience.

Well, God's providence being providential as it is, I found myself joining DRIME (www.drime.com) in college and over the past 14 years slowly releasing the choreographed-drama-set-to-music-not-pantomime person in me.  My involvement with DRIME sparked the missions bug (blossomed into a virus) in me and gave me the opportunity to travel the world, mature in leadership capacity, and grow in faith and vision for evangelism and discipleship.  

Through drama I have seen so many people burst out of shells that kept the artist in them tucked away or the evangelistic heart in more secure quarters.  I have seen crowds of young and old lend their attention to  see a portrayal of the  love and freedom that is found in Christ.

In my time here in the DR, I have been blessed and encouraged to work alongside a talented crew of young people at El Camino Church who want to share the gospel through drama and dance.  They have had opportunities to share in churches, open air venues, prisons, camps, and schools--each time enacting the freedom that is in Christ and leaving their audience with a visual image of the gospel.

Above: Church outreach service

Above: Presenting at a youth detention centre.

Batter My Heart, Three-Person'd God

My blogging sabbatical (let's call it that) is all wrapped up. It hasn't been a season without thoughts or questions but perhaps with limited words or, more accurately, the limited sense of being able to articulate them appropriately.

So, I'm getting things rolling by leaning on the profound and entirely articulate words of John Donne.

Batter my heart, three-person'd God; for you
As yet but knock; breathe, shine, and seek to mend;
That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend
Your force, to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
I, like an usurp'd town, to another due,
Labour to admit you, but O, to no end.
Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend,
But is captived, and proves weak or untrue.
Yet dearly I love you, and would be loved fain,
But am betroth'd unto your enemy;
Divorce me, untie, or break that knot again,
Take me to you, imprison me, for I,
Except you enthrall me, never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.

John Donne