R.I.P. Max, the cat...

Max looking at Theo with the Mouse.

Friday! Finally. Today we mourned the death of  Max the cat. The kids only had Max for a few weeks but it was their first pet so they were very attached.  His brother Theo was a little wiser and is still alive and well.  We think Max was sleeping in the Jeep and when Josh left to leave somewhere....well you can figure out the ending to that story. As I stood hugging my crying children, I thought, "how do I tell the kids that daddy killed their fluffy sweet kitty'? Instead we focused on the subject of death and what that means for us - great chance to share the hope of Christ with them and what we have to look forward to some day.  We also had the

Theo and Jerry

chance to reiterate what we learned at MTI , when goodbyes hurt, it's ok because it means you have loved well. We did some much needed "spring cleaning" around the Mak house today as well, then ventured into Puerto Plata to find 'casa Nelson's '... Which only took us 30 minutes because josh couldn't quite remember the spot....only to find out later, he was thinking of a different store. (driving 30 minutes in a third world culture is enough to give you a migraine). We found it because we had circled the area so many times, a bystander stopped us to ask us where we needed to go. So if your husband wont stop and ask for directions,

Every Wed. village visit Josh met a boy
 making a kite out of sugar cane and plastic bag
Poncho Mateo is where some of the kids live
 go here to findout more about life in a batey

they will stop you here and just give you them! Can i get a 'praise the Lord!'from all the ladies out there? Stopped at a fruit stand...tried to act like I knew what I was doing...bought bananas...realized when I got in the car that I said "cuando" (when) instead of "cuantos" ( how much)... That should explain the look I got! We proceed to the La Sirena to get some groceries. The Christmas music playing is rather different...I don't know, I felt like I was in a film where it's the moment in the store when it's about to get held up...eerie music and an old school feel to it. It also was as packed as the equivilance of 2 walmarts in one on a Saturday afternoon,on a holiday! The hubby and five kids waiting in the car were restless to say the least. Finally return home to cook dinner and do nightly routine. Go to get in the much needed hot shower..and it is nice and cold! We realized the gas tank is empty. So at 9:30 the good ole hubby has to venture out into the dark D.R. To find gas so we can have hot water. He said he almost took out a family of 4 that were on one motor without lights ...oh yes, street lights in the D.R....what's that?

Learning the seven continents

- Jen

We housed a group from Canada that
was flooded out of another mission house!

10 plus days of rain - lots of flooding

A day in Jen's life...

WHAT DOES YOUR DAY LOOK LIKE?

I have been asked several times, "what is your day look like?".  Often that is hard to answer because every day with 5 kids is full of surprises.  AND every day living in a third world culture is full of even more surprises!

2 inch slug in our house

Ollie caught a lizard and a cricket

I am still awaking to a baby who has been stuggling with diarrhea(from a parasite/amoeba) and the wonderful rash it brings, a hungry toddler, and either fighting or laughter by the oldest three.  I begin to pray for electricity so the coffee pot works and then do a quick 'floor check' in which I usually discover a slug or spider that hasn't made it into hiding yet! Thankfully with gas stoves, we usually have fire to do eggs ( we have power 12 hours or less a day. When we do have power it charges batteries that give us power the rest of the day. We have gone many days without the batteries/inverter working).   Clean up from meals is a must, unless you enjoy sharing your home with tropical insects.  We then attempt homeschooling.. the tempatation of lizards, spiders, slugs, and roosters cockadoodling is overwhelming for young minds.  If that isn't distracting, the fact that we live in a community house brings other things or people unannounced.  Time for the baby's nap...she must get a bird bath by mom because she has been crawling on the dusty, dirty, and yes...dead bugged floor. It is a very dusty area and with no air conditioner, windows need to stay open inviting the above in.  (Good news, our bodies are acclimated better to the heat and I no longer look like I am in the middle of a heart attack with sweat pouring off me) Tim the tool man, Josh, built a nice card board baby gate since she fell down 4 cement stairs!) Who needs Babies R Us?

Ready for  a walk!

I start another round of meals for lunch..do the dishes and sweep the floor for round 2...and hope the oldest three will nap at 2.  Nap time allows me to work with Tate on more school or catch up on things for the ministy.  Dinner follows and there are no options to grab Chic-fil-A so I repeat my meal routine!  If we don't have Bible Study at night or another commitment, we start our nightly routine of Parlyn taking a bath in the kitchen sink (fill with water, add clorax for 15 minutes, and sometimes boil a kettle of hot water if we don't get hot water that moment).  The older have learned to shower themselves, although Miss Finley usually requires our presense or she will dump the entire bottle of shampoo on the floor to use her little body to slide on (Finley is our curious, determined, and strong willed child). Prayer time...and buenos noches (good night!) kiddos.  Josh and I then catch up on emails, life, plans, or maybe an episode of 24 (we have no TV so we use dvds on our laptop that were left or donated).  And many times we just flat crash from the daily heat and brain power used from learning a new language.  This may sound similar to many of your days- the busyness that is.  When we have a team visiting from the states...this whole schedule is different. 

Our street right outside the Mak House

It is easy to be frustrated because I am doing what I did in the States...but with added inconveniences.  I often wonder, "Lord, what is my purpose here?"  But He has been gracious in reminding me that THIS is what He called our family to do ( we asked, He answered), we had peace about it, and He provided the ways to get here in just 4 short months.  It is easy as a mom, through the daily grind, to feel like you are accomplishing nothing and yet you are dog-tired by 8 p.m.  It is easy to want to 'get out there' and think I am making a difference because sometimes that daily grind of nurturing 5 kids doesn't seem heroic.  It is a continual mental battle to take those thoughts captive and know that I have 5 disciples to minister too.  And that will be fruitful one day!

Friends Sylvia, Miguelina, Ines

People have told me they feel bad complaining to us because of our what we experience daily.  The truth is that this is where God has us and therefore He will provide if we are in His will.  Now, do I do great at trusting in Him 100% of the time? No! Do I let my thoughts over run me at times? Yes!  Do I do the things I wish I didn't do? Yes!  Being on the mission field has just forced me to face the things I struggled with in the States.  I think if I was forced to return to the states tomorrow, I would be hesitant in fear that I would fall back into my trust in other things and not in the Father.  So for those of you faced with decisions to step out... it may be rough, it may be lonely, it may get ugly when faced with your sin....BUT finding your joy IN HIM and allowing Him to prune you no matter what the cost will be worth a deeper relationship with your Creator. 

Main street in Los Ciruelos, Montellano. Walking through the neighborhood.

Things I am learning: have JOY in the Giver and not the Gifts, how to love the unlovely  (psalm 133), repent more often, have grace with my spouse, know that I am given grace more than I deserve, many of you are teaching me about giving beyond, and to trust in Him in all things (meaning I don't need to control all situations).

LESS SERIOUS NOTE:

Oh, I must share. I now drive by myself (and my ducklings) to the La Sirena to grocery shop! At first I was scared to death because the law of driving here is... well...there is no laws from what we see. So, I have learned to pass on the right, honk as a way of saying 'move over', run a red light if I feel like it, and cut people off to not get myself cut off! I told Josh, I felt bad because I honked loudly at a 'newbee" driver at the round about the other day. You have right away if you are entering the round about and you don't if you are exiting. Well, the newbee in front me sat in the middle of the road frozen and fearful of entering....so I kindly gave them a loud honk to prevent me and the kids from being rear ended. I felt bad and should of given grace since that was me a month ago! Yet, I was proud of myself for being sucessful on conquering the trip there and back DOMINICAN STYLE.  Once in the store, we are stopped in every isle so the locals can pinch Parlyn and Finley's cheeks.  Which calls for another bird bath after the grocery store trip.

Holding the chicken

"Finley Funny"  We are teaching the kids Spanish and she is very receptive.  She also uses it to yell at people..  As the ladies in the grocery store pinch her cheeks she yells, "no mas" to them (no more!).  She also takes Parlyn's bottle out of her hands and gets in her face and says, "say, 'por favor! say, 'por favor!"  demanding her to say please.  (Parlyn only says 'moma' and can moo and meow!)  No mercy for little P.

GOAL: 

At the Makarios School

I am hoping to figure out a way to be at the Makarios School more and in the community more to build relationships. Today, I fit in a walk in the neighborhood. As I was walking, a lady came out of her house and snatched up Finley and took her inside to show her off I guess...they were rattling off in Spanish. STRANGE!  I had to follow her in to make sure nothing happened. I am learning this is part of the outgoing culture here. (This happens often to Finley... not surprised people love her, but it is making her very guarded.)

RECENTLY:

Essentials for D.R. quiet time: candle, coffee, raid, bible.

We hosted Thanksgiving Dinner for all the staff.  We did the turkeys and some sides and others brought side dishes.  We were concerned how to cook a turkey for 4 hours in ovens that function with heat levels 1,2,3,4, or 5...and tend to jump temperatures for no reason.  Josh cooked the best turkeys I have ever ate!  We all had a wonderful fellowship and comida (food)!

Best Turkeys Ever!!  Found Butterball from NC! REAL Treat!

Thanksgiving with the Makarios Staff

Also, the Miles family, who had signed on this year to be the Principal of the Makarios school have decided to part ways with Makarios.  It is nothing that Makarios has done, but their hearts are directed elsewhere in the D.R.  Josh did a great job in leading our team through this, focusing on the letter to the Ephesians regarding the Body and how it functions with many parts.  When the parts are functioning correctly, then the Body can function as a whole.  The enemy could have used this to tear apart our team, but instead unity has continued.  Praise to Him.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for all the prayers, emails, support, and cards!

Chicken, rice and beans (not pictured) National lumch food.  Seriously every day!

Blessed,

Jen

Update and Medical Team Visit

This past week we hosted our first team.  The team was a medical team from Ohio.  It was made up of a Pediatrician, PA, EMTs, and nurses.  They were wonderful!  They come once a year and give physicals to the students at the Makarios school, as well as their families.  They also see the Dominican/Haitian staff members along with their families.  Each child recieves PinX, a deworming medicine at this time, whatever treatment is applicible, as well as their physical assessment.  There was even time for visits to near by villages, Pancho Mateo and Chichigua to check on these residents.  The team worked very hard to see 300+ people!  They were joyful to share that it is so awesome to see the kids at the school thriving since when they last came.  Every year they are seeing healthier children, much due to the food, vitamins, and care from the school that Makarios provides.  Many of these children were malnourished greatly before attending Makarios.  The week was a blessing to all of us in many ways.  Read more here www.makariosinternational.org

How are we?  Well, I think we are starting to settle in more.  Don't notice the heat as much, nor the billon bugs.  Although, I was awoken at 4 a.m. this morning to 4 children running around in their room trying to kill the banana spider that kindly dropped her nest of 100+ baby spiders in their bathroom.  In my half asleep vision, I looked, processed, and ran for  "big daddy spider killer Josh"!  He then filled the entire room with the can of RAID, lets pray the kids lungs are strong!


Josh has been busy settling into his role as director as well.  He spends time overseeing things at the school, taking care of details for teams that come from the states, meeting with the staff, leading Wednesday night bible study, and getting to know the community.  Of course, his past career has prepared him well for the leadership role.  I think he is doing his role well!  He has also been practicing driving his 'motor' (motorcycle)... I think he has only fallen twice!

I had fun putting together the menu for the team of 12, shopping for them, and preparing meals for them.  I wasn't sure how it would really turn out... but I think it went well overall.  The kids enjoyed jumping in to help too.  The team leader brought his two daughters, ages 8 and 10 months so our kids really appreciated the companionship!  It was cute to see Parlyn interact with a baby her same age for the first time!  I am doing my best to school the kids during the day.  The distractions are many, but I pray they are learning just by living here!  Cooking three meals a day, pretty religiously, makes you appreciate the word "drive-through".

Tate has set his heart on writing his numbers to 3,000.  He is around 1200 right now and relentless.  It is neat to see him set a goal and strive for it.  He, as well as Oliver, spend much of their day capturing bugs, insects, lizards, whatever.  They actually put a cockroach in a baggy in which I found in my freezer today.   A plus to having boys, they will kill the bugs and throw away the dead mouse on the traps! 

Aribella is still shy, yet puts good effort into trying out the language.  It is cute to hear her try to communicate.  She does still leave notes around the apartment for us to find that say, "I wut to go bake to NC" and in her prayers she admits to missing home but also says she knows this is Gods will for our family.   She is a wonderful helper for Finley and Parlyn.  When we have a sitter, I can just say, "ask Belle"!

Finley.  Finley.  Many say she was born Dominican!  She dances the same.  She is blunt.  She is outgoing.  She loves people.  She also, is picking up the language some.  We were with the medical team at their pool on beach day and a local boy was speaking to her in Spanish and she responds, "NO SE!" ("i don't know"!).  Then he continued to try to pick her up in the water and bounce her and she points her little finger at him and says, "NO MAS!" (NO MORE!).  She not only is learning phrases, but apparently knows how to use those phrases too! 

Audrey and Little P (Darren Youngs Daughter)

Little P (Parlyn) own now 4 teeth, is playful, tempermental, and stands when holding onto something.  Since our home is surrounded by a cow pasture, she understands the phrase, "Donde esta las vacas?"  (where are the cows?)  Her eyes widen and she jerks her head to see out a window and then attempts a 'moo'.  Yes, she understands Spanish!  I just wish I knew it better so she would for sure be bilingual.  Her big blue eyes and white skin capture much attention.  They say she looks like a baby doll.  When we attend the Spanish speaking church, the women just scoop her out of my arms and love her to peices. 

Though things are going better, Satan is still in battle towards our team.  Pray for our team out here.  I have been more aware of the spiritual battles that we are against everyday.  I have been teaching the kids about Ephesians 6, the armor of God.  It is important for us all to recognize the enemy at work. 
They have had fun making a helmet of salvation, a sword of the spirit, and the shield of faith out of... a diaper box!  Hey, you do what you have to when supplies are limited in the D.R.!  (Michaels and AC Moore, where are ya?).


Even Jen got help from the doctors! Ingrown Toenail=)

Josh with Kelvin & Beliseur(teacher aides)

Eating in our kitchen as a family.

Careful what you ask for!

Finley overwhelmed by her fame.

"I want to know you more Lord."    "I feel like there is something more! What is your plan for us, Lord?" 

Ever pray a prayer like that before? I have.  And He answered.

In April we said we would pray about Makarios.  Within a few days we had "peace that surpasses all understanding".  In May we started getting our house ready for the market.  By June we were having yard sales, craigslisting our belongings, packing, storing, and trying to raise partnerships.  By August we were in Colorado for Missionary Training (MTI).   August 24th we were on a plane to the Dominican Republic with about 20 pieces of luggage and our 5 small children.

We arrived at the hottest time of the year,  shortly after the hurricane (Irene I think).  The power goes out several times a day as a normal,but there are inverters at the Makarios house.  But due to the storm, the inverters were not working properly... no A/C (ever) and now no fans.  No screens.  No place to put our unpacked belongings.  No furniture except beds. Dirty water.Tarantulas. Mice. Mesquitos. Cock Roaches. Lizards.Spiders.  Exhausted from the previous 4 months.  And we pretty much jumped into training.  Not to mention chasing a curious 2 year old and a crawling 9 month old who is teething. If the mooing cows next to our window wasn't cutting down our sleep hours, the 4 kids in one room above us did!

Culture shock? yes. Homesick? yes. Spiritual Warfare? yes. Discomforts?yes!!

My first five weeks here were... lets just say I was tempted to climb the highest mountain and jump off it as an airplane flew by hoping to catch a ride.

Each day as my expectations got further from reality, I crumbled.  I crumbled to the point of questioning God's presence, plan, and exsistence.  "Why are you not helping me through this transition Lord?" I would pray.  I spent time crying out to Him to help me adjust to the place He was calling us.  That is what He does, right? He gives strength, right?  He gives peace, right?  So why was I being excluded from that for 5 long weeks?  He sees everything, right? Doesn't He see me sobbing in the stairwell?  Doesn't He see me avoiding getting out of bed in the morning?  Where are you God? was my thoughts. 

My first ride on a moto! Personal space?

On a few occasions He brought John 15 to mind.  "I am the true Vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.  Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.  Abide in Me..."    Abide in Me is all I kept jumping out at me.  That is hard when you don't think you hear His voice or sense His presence.   It is hard when you wonder if the plan was the right plan.  I was starting to read a book by John Piper and it mentioned the scripture , Psalm 90:14, "satisfy us in the morning with you steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days."  Wait a minute!  Was I satisfied with His love when all of my comforts, I mean ALL, were taken from me?  I knew that my joy must not have been IN the Lord or why would I struggle so deeply? Yes, there is a sense of normalsy to struggle when going to a third world country, but could it be that when I was in the USA that I had joy because of His blessings and not because of the Giver Himself?  Whatever the answer, I knew this was worthy to ponder.  Lord, help me understand what it is to have JOY IN THE LORD.  See, as things were stripped from me, I realized I was without joy.   I started praying for supernatural strength and power.  I knew there was nothing I could do.  I needed the supernatural to stop the oppression I was experiencing, clear my head, change my heart, and give me peace.  About 4 days ago... I sensed the supernatural peace flow over me.  I haven't cried a tear since.  Praise the Lord.  Get my attention? Yes He did!  Did He give me a plan that wouldn't of been my choice? yes.  Did He use it to show me my sin? yes.  Did grace come along side of that? yes.  John 15 says that I am clean.  So He forgives me for not even being aware that my joy wasn't foundational in Him, but His blessings.  Do I know Him better? yes.  I know His character better.  He prunes, though painful, because He loves.  He loves me.  Now I know how to pray for what He has revealed to me and in me.  Psalm 90:14 is my prayer. Would you please pray for me that I will be satisfied in Him alone and have joy in Him alonel.regardless of the discomforts,culture shock, homesickness, and warfare.

So, that is what has been going on in my heart the last month.  Not fun, but worth it.  Worth it to know Him better.

Thank you all who have been praying for us.  Thank you for your encouraging words also.  I am grateful for the body of Christ.

Jen 

Thristy

Internet really is an amazing blessing (when it works).  Today we used Skype to video chat with our A-Team (Advocacy Team) that is our go to team in the US.  It was so encouraging. It did kick us off a few times but the call was a success.  I felt as if we were back with them for a moment.  We would not have made it here if it was not for them and all their help and many more.  We are blessed with friendships in NC and praise God for them, along with all our partners financially and prayerfully around the world.  Our Skype name is on the right side of our blog with the rest of our contact info.  www.themenoldminutes.com   Let us know how you are doing!

Tate, Oliver, Sylvia, Finley and Megalina - New friends

This weekend felt a bit more normal.  We hung out as a family and i did not do a whole lot of work.  Didn't feel the best since i had the "amoeba", small parasite in my stomach.  I took a regiment of medicine for the past 7 days and i do feel incredibly better but things just don’t feel the same.  I am reading the book A Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, the World Vision president.  I mention that since he describes how devastating it is that billions of people do not have clean water.  I have been drinking bottled water since we have been here and so i must have eaten something that had the parasite in it.  It is a water borne parasite. 5 others got the same thing - i think i had it the worst.  Water borne diseases knock the life out of you and then it is hard to do everything else.  Work, take care of your family, and be motivated to do well.  We are blessed to have bottled water, most have to fetch their own water and boil it or just deal with how dirty it is.  Many people around the school go to the river to bathe, drink, do dishes, and more.  You lose hope eventually because suffering is your reality.  Survival is more the focus and if you can't get clean water then this is an everyday deal.  Sure your body might somewhat get used to it as many kids do here but eventually untreated diarrhea kills and a child dies every 15 seconds worldwide from waterborne diseases.  Water is crucial to our existence.  Praise God I have medicines to help me, clean water to drink but ~1.2 billion in this world don't.  Working among the very poor is going to be challenging to my heart and mind.  Not sure how to process all this but God is working on my heart and mind as I think about clean water and all the people that don't have it, all the kids that are hurting and dying...  Next time your thirsty, think about how precious it is to grab cold clean water to drink or even take a shower, drink coffee, wash your dishes, water your yard...  

This experience has highlighted a lot of things for us that we just didn't think about in the US.  Clean water, clean food, can't stop by subway for lunch, electricity working (out most of the time and our inverter which stores power in batteries did not work the first 3 weeks we were here), air conditioner(get a reminder of this at the grocery store when we go), dryer (we hang dry our clothes), a yard for our kids to play in, the ability to trust workers to get the job done (had screens put in that are falling out and have had to do the rest myself), and much more.  All these things i have had to choose mentally to not miss them too much.  God is teaching us so much about trusting Him.  He is our provider and strength.  I am thankful to be able to walk through this and hope in sharing you too can appreciate all that the US is blessed with and think as well how you might respond to your abundance.  

Caught this in our apartment and all her babies leaped out of the sack she was carrying.  Thank you for sticky mouse trap paper!!!  We have caught two tarantulas as well=)  This is a banana spider

This week Jen is flying back to the US for her Brother, Ed Lischner's wedding.  We are excited for them and wish we could all go but tickets are quite expensive for 5 kids.  I will be flying solo with the 4 older kids here as Jen will take Parlyn with her.  The Makarios School opens this Wednesday.  I am excited to see the kids again.  I saw them in February and May trips.  There will be new faces.  There is a medical team coming Oct 29th so that will be the first team to come stay with us and that we will coordinate.  So we have another month to continue to get settled, help out with the school, and learn Spanish.  It’s coming slowly and my head hurts trying to listen. It will come and i can’t wait to be able to speak and share my heart with them and hear theirs as well. 

Prayer Requests:

- Health – our family and our team as well

- Learning Spanish

- School starts this week - for the kids to know Jesus and for the teachers not just to survive but thrive=)

- Dealing with the poor - how does this work?  Easy to read and say but doing is much harder.  

- The Snapps - Chris and Erika have been here for two years and since we are replacing them somewhat they are leaving many friends, transitioning back to the US.   

Transitions

Cooking for the team.

Making Plantains.  Look like bananas but taste like french fries

Belle helping hang laundry.

After spending the last 4 months uprooting, the chaos of moving and resettling is much more than we realized.    It has been somewhat of a challenge trying to settle our new home and learn everything again.  What we grew up with in the US knowing how to speak, where to go to get food, and everything else is different here.  However, we are learning Spanish and how to get around!  We are also thankful for our new Dominican and Haitian friends.  I can't wait to share pictures with you but its kind of odd if you take a pic the first time you start getting to know someone so they will come later!  The people are very helpful and understanding but it is still so hard to not be able to communicate well.  Our housekeeper speaks Creole and a little Spanish so we both don't know much Spanish but that is our somewhat common ground.  Not ready to learn Creole just yet!  So you can imagine it has been trying in staying organized when we are still in the chaos phase and trying to wade our way in to the "replanting" phase.  MTI gave us a great picture of what we are doing in crossing a bridge to another culture.  Pretty wild to see it happen so quick before your eyes.  Praise God for the pruning process though.

Yesterday the previous host couple(Chris & Erika) that are staying til October 1st left for a mini vacation. Wednesday night I prepared my first meal for 20 people solo!  I was wondering what it would be like cooking a casserole in a huge kettle like pot... in an oven that has heat level choice of 1-5???   I picked 3 that seemed to do the job!  Wednesday evenings is staff Bible Study so occasionally you eat together and then do study.

Josh is feeling more confident in what to do in his new role as director on the Dominican Republic end and hopes to do well with it once we are completely on our own!  Its a new norm to get used to dad working from home... his presence is tempting to utilize him :)

The kids are still doing okay.  Aribella likes to help me hang laundry on the lines and cook.  The boys are still chasing every creature that has legs.  When we were at church last Sunday, about 5 Haitian children were lined up against this wall. There was a small spot open between a few of them and I see our little Finley march right over and fill it in... no doubt she LOVES people!  Parlyn is learning to crawl... she likes to try to pick up the several ants that run by her. 

The Lord has been teaching me so much about depending on Him in the midst of trial. 
~the heat and humidity (cooking in it, caring for kids in it, nursing, anything in it!)
~loss of power several hours everyday (try timing laundry to get washed and then having to get it on the line while the sun is still out or not raining)
~the endless creatures that sneak in all day or you awake to something crawling on you
~all the kids sharing a room has led to everyone awakes when anyone awakes!

Our new Alarm clock among the roosters!

~trying to learn a language
~piles of stuff from unpacked suitcases and nowhere to really put it (no dressers, but purchased wire cubes yesterday!)
~no furniture for our place yet
~can't find a vehicle yet so kind of trapped (we did fit our family of 7 in the back seat of a small truck for church though!)

I don't say all that to complain, just to give you a picture of my last several weeks.  These are my discomforts that the Lord is continually reminding me that sometimes following His will does not promise ease.  What He is doing is showing me 1)how thankful I can be for what He did provide us in the states 2)that this is others everyday life 3) what I need is to rest and rely on Him for everything, especially in the discomforts of life and 4) He really is STILL PROVIDING

Psalm 25 1-2 "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God..."
Psalm 27 13           "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living"

I was challenged yesterday morning with these scriptures.  Do I really trust in the Lord? What evidence is there, if so?  Do I really believe in His goodness?  How do I answer these questions in the midst of "good" and the "not so good" times?

Pray for me that I can say YES to both the questions and that there will be evidence of it so that I may glorify Him in my life.

Other prayer requests:

~still in the midst of transition
~finding a vehicle
~I am traveling with Parlyn to Charleston for my brothers wedding for 4 days in a week ( josh will be here with the other 4 kids)
~Other staff here looking for places to live and settle themselves
~language learning

Thank you so much for your prayers!!

The Menolds

Hola from Menolds

We are into our second week almost, feels like months! We have been Having Staff training the last four days- both the American and Dominican staff. It has been fun getting to know fellow believers and singing worship songs with them. I loved closing my eyes & hearing a worship song being sung in Spanish & English. The picture of praise and worship of the same God in different languages does something to your soul...

Update on us:
Kids seem to be transitioning fairly well. There is about 13 staff staying in the Mak house plus our 7 so it's a lot of activity right now. The Miles family has 3 kids so they are enjoying new friendships. Our families are the trailblazers for bringing kids to the D.R. - so many "creations" in that area!

Since we have been here the inverter which supplies power when the public power goes out (which is several times a day) has been having problems. So often we are w/o power, making it hard to get internet, make contacts, have fans in use, sometimes showers by flashlight! I am even writing
This and saving it until net use is available.

I am having a harder time transitioning than Josh- as many of you know, I hate camping with a passion.... And often I feel the discomforts of camping. No air, open windows for needing a breeze sake, bugs, spiders, hot and sticky all day. We don't really have a kitchen table or futon to sit on yet. I want to make our 2 bedroom apartment "home" for our family but everything takes time here, and most everything is more costly. BUT, having said that, God has been reminding me to REMAIN IN HIM regardless. John 15: 4 "remain in me & I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself;it must remain in the vine...". John 15:2 "...while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful". We felt called. We obeyed. We are being stretched. He never promised ease. I love reading paul's messages in the new testament. He is a great example of pressing on for the sake of the Gospel. Pray that our family will press on in the midst of trials & discomforts.

I was able to sit down & write out JOYS that he has given us... Many of you are and have been one of those joys. THank you for you prayers!

The funnies: Josh was meeting some lady in a village & meant to say " it's nice to meet you" in Spanish , instead accidentally told her he loved her! Still laughing about that.
Today Josh,Parlyn , & I took a GuaGua (8-10 seat van) and they fit 26 people in- Josh was standing on the outside of it holding onto the open door as we did about 60 mph down the busy road! I just prayed a quick shout out to Jesus!

Prayer requests:
Transitioning to life and quick learning of language
And our remaining 15% need of partnerships monthly


Adios!

Jen

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We made it!

So hard to believe the kids are nestled in their new room in their new home fast asleep.  Hard to believe we are sitting here relecting on the fact that today actually came and occured!  Hard to believe that in 4.5 months ago we felt peace to move here and with that the choas of preparing was initiated.  Hard to believe that 20 pieces of luggage made it here!  Hard to believe saying goodbyes were so exhausting.  Hard to believe that GOD HAS BEEN SO GOOD! 

Well He certainly has!  I was even praying for something as small as 'Lord, let there be enough overhead bins for our 6 carry-ons and 6 backpacks (just picture trying to get 2 strollers collapsed at boarding, 6 heavy carry-ons down the narrow isle of a plane & in the overhead bins, 6 backpacks under the seats, and everyone situated in seats 22 A,B,C,D,E, & F).  It went smoothly!  Thank you Lord!  The hardest part of today was saying more goodbyes.  We learned at MTI that if goodbyes are painful, then you have loved well and been loved well.  I can certainly say that it is true that we have been loved well.  That is what has made the last few weeks so bitter sweet.

The Body, our sisters and brothers in Christ have allowed us to see Christ and His love through all the ways they have encouraged us and helped us.  I think I am still processing all that has gone on since April... feel like I am ready to breath now.  I have been challenged by some very wise people to make this our home while we are serving here.  I am excited to take that challenge on.  We were welcomed with about 15 neighborhood kids hanging out at the house gate cheering as we drove in.  Finley of course was doing her pagant wave back to them. 

The kids seemed to really enjoy their evening tonight as we had dinner with the Snapps and Uptons.  Ollie even got to ride in his first Gua-Gua (he was looking forward to that)!  The kids ran through the house exploring and quickly to the backyard to chase the rooster!  Ollie said , " this place is weird" (his vocab for 'different').  The boys spent more time chasing the lizards in the house.  They all got showers and I think I successfully saw them all not drink the shower water! 

It is hot with LOTS of humidity.  That will take some getting use to.  Continue to pray for the remainder of our monthly support needed, health, safety, and transition.  Will update more this week! 

We miss you all!

Colorado/MTI

Hello everyone!
I apologize for being M I A for a few weeks.  Once we arrived in Colorado for our 3 weeks of training we dove in!  There is soooo much that I am not even sure how to put it all into words.

First, the kids are doing great and have made great friendships as well as have had great teachers.  They each have age appropriate classes that parallel with what the adults are being trained on.  Parlyn got her first two teeth, Tate lost a tooth, Oliver turned 5, Aribella will turn 7 on the 17th, and Finley is a celebrity here!  She seems to be the entertainment for all ages.  The kids are having a blast!

Secondly, Josh and I are enjoying the beauty of mountain after mountain!  Last weekend we decided to 'site see' and drove to the top of Pike's Peak... a mountain at over 14,000 feet up on a non-guard railed road!  It was like 50 degrees at the top and took us about 3 hours to drive to the top and back down.  Amazing getting a 'birds-eye-view'.  The day after that, my adventurous husband found a dirt road that ended up being 27 miles long, 2hours drive, in a canyon, and they called it "the Shelf" we later found out.  The road was wide enough for one vehicle, was dirt, had not railings, and was at least 200 feet up on the side of the mountain wall!  If you looked up the mountain wall was about 400 feet up and the valley below was about 200 feet down! It literally was a shelf on a mountain.   And we were in a mini van!  The sign recommened 4WD! Ha!  It was so narrow that you could not turn around.  So my cautious side had no choice but to enjoy God's beauty... and that word beauty doesn't describe what we saw.

Okay, back to the program.  Thus far we have covered subjects like Lifestyle choices, expectations, cultural differences, conflict provides opportunities, spiritual vitality, who we are under stress, transitioning, and embracing rest/keeping the sabboth.  We also spent a lot of time on handling conflict since 75% of missionaries leave the field due to not being able to deal with conflict appropriately with teammates.  It was very enlightening! We learned that Josh is a "shark" and I am a "fox" when we deal with conflict! It would take too long to explain what each of those mean, but there is advantages and disadvantages to each!  It is helpful to know things like this when dealing with someone when in conflict.  "The key for successful personal relationships and ministry is to understand and accept others as having a viewpoint that is as worthy of consideration as is ours".   

It has just been very encouraging being here with other missionaries.  Everyone seems to be having similar feelings, struggles, excitement, and transitions.  God has also used these new friends of ours to minister to our hearts as well. 

God has continued to be Jehovah Jirah!  We are probably at 85% monthly support.  Which is awesome especially since we have just begun this journey in April! Our vehicles are sold, we are packed for the D.R., and we think we may have our home rented. 

Please continue to pray for these things:
Transition into a new culture
Remainder of Partnerships
House sale or rent
Our departure goes smoothly ( 16 suitcases, 5 kids, 4 carseats, strollers, backpacks...ugh)
That our eyes will stay focused on our Father

I will hope to update you later this week!

Blessings-
Jen

On our way!

Wow!! We are on our way to Colorado for training. We could not have made it to this point with out all the help babysitting, cleaning, packing, storing, meals, support in prayer and financial. Thank you everyone! We are at DFW awaiting our next flight to Colorado Springs, CO where we will attend MTI- Missionary Training institute for 3 weeks. Then on the 24th we fly to the DR. The kids were great on the first flight but they are terrorizing Gate C7:) Thank you Mcdonalds pancakes and syrup for energy!




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Location:Dallas/FT. Worth Airport

Completely AMAZED

We are completely AMAZED at everything!  In 3 months our tasks were to raise partnerships, get our home ready for the market, travel to IL,TX, & SC, sell 2 vehicles, resign from a job, pack up and store items and furniture... and the zillon details that fall under each of those tasks.  All the while, managing 5 kids and all that they require :)   I say this not to applaud ourselves, but to brag on our God.  What He has provided through the Body, the Church, has absolutely left us speechless.  He has brought us to about 3/4 of our financial support, sold both vehicles in one day, provided smooth transition out of Josh's job, & provided unbelievable helping hands with the kids, packing, and moving! I can't believe that this process was not that stressful ( i was expecting many breakdowns on my end, honestly)... and that is because of how the Body has come along side us and provided help in many shapes and forms.  We have had nonstop childcare, meals brought, physical moving power & cleaning help, transportation help, time out with friends to "recoop"...& more. We can't thank each of you enough for the sacrifice of time from your families in order to serve our family.  It is truly an example to us.  It is also a challenge for me personally, in how I should serve others.  Do I serve only in a capacity that is "easy on me" or is it truly a sacrifice of my time and energy in order to honor Him?  We are just blown away that 99% of everything is done, packing & moving wise, and we have the weekend to take it easy before our 3 weeks of intense training in Colorado.  God is so good! 

Our 3 prayer requests are for the house to sell or rent, the remainder of the monthly partners to come in ( I think we need about 800$ more in monthly support), and our transition period! 

We will soon be sending out a mass email with our contact info. 

Thanks to all who have prayed for us, partnered with us, and served us!

We love you!

Auto Draft Option

Greetings everyone!  We are very excited to be verbally around 75% in monthly support.  For those of you who have been waiting for the auto-draft option here it is:   https://secure.etransfer.com/Makarios/donate.cfm

 .  Just click on this link and you will be able to do auto-draft from your bank account.  This is the best method as it is even cheaper than a stamp for processing.  Thank you so much for your prayers and financial partnerships.  We have already had so many challenges but God is ever present and sovereign over all the details.   Trusting Him, Josh

16 days and counting...

Well, this is definately the home-stretch!  We returned from our 5 day trip in Austin, TX, after meeting with the American staff that will be serving in the D.R. along side of us.  We also spent a great deal of time with Sharla and Chuck who are behind the whole organization! It was wonderful to get to know the staff and we are excited about the team that the Lord has orchestrated. 

So, where are we? We have about 15-16 days left before we head to Colorado for MTI (Missionary Training Institute).  We will be there for about 3 weeks and then on our way to the Dominican Republic, we will have a long lay over in RDU of about 3 days in which we will pick up our 12 suitcases or so!  So we are in the midst of chaos, needless to say!  We are trying to pack, store, and sell many things still.  Five busy kiddos slows the pace down a bit. 

God has been faithful in many ways.  We are coming along in our monthly support.  It is amazing to watch Jehovah Jirah bring in the full start up costs in just a few short months, and at over half our monthly support.  We still need more monthly partners and our house to sell... but He will provide.  It may not be in the form that we think, but we clearly see His Hand in this. It was very encouraging to hear the story of a family that was wanting to partner with us monthly and how the Lord provided for them to be able to partner with our family!  He is even faithful to encourage us when Satan is throwing thoughts into our minds. 

Pray for our family as these next few weeks are bitter-sweet.  We are so excited to get to the D.R., and we are also having emotions of leaving such close family and friends.  We are also having to take time to minister to our children as we have seen the emotions of moving in our 3 oldest.  It has been an awesome opportunity to teach and share with the children that trials are not fun, but serving Jesus can be!  I had the opportunity to hear the view of a 6 year old getting ready to move to another country and culture, her fears, her concerns and feelings.  It was neat to share scripture with her and see her tears fade and her child-like faith grow.   He is faithful!

Traveling to Austin!

Traveling today to Austin, TX to meet the staff in Austin and the staff we will be serving with in the DR! Excited to meet everyone and learn more about Makarios and how to prepare. Parlyn, our 6 month old, will be traveling with us. My parents flew out yesterday to watch our other four kids. Hope they are ready for a marathon! Pray for them. Hope everyone is doing well. Even though we are very busy right now we love hearing from others. We get back from Austin Tuesday night and then I have 3 days left with Faulkner/Haynes. I have only been with them two years but have made many friends. Lot of emotions but checking that against the Truth in that God is who ultimately provides. This process has been revealing how much I have my hope/faith/love in the Fathers things and not in him. I have to preach the Gospel to myself every day so I am reminded of His story. Praising God for your support financially and through prayer!


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Location:Airport Blvd,Morrisville,United States

Video: About Makarios

Check out this cool video on Makarios and more about where we are serving in the DR.


Makarios from The Austin Stone on Vimeo.

One Nation UNDER God...

The Last few weeks my "senses" or "awareness" of moving to another country has been illuminated!  What do I mean by this? For example,  the birds chirping is so sweet, the stillness of the morning air is so refreshing, people driving with (somewhat) following laws is appreciated, air conditioning, a pool within walking distance, the ability to drive to the store to pick up a forgotten item, camps and lessons for the kids to participate in... things I've been numb to remember daily of HIS blessings of living in the United States.

The other day I was thinking about this and realized how much I have taken for granted how God has blessed the USA.  We, as a nation, have forgotten the phrase, "One nation UNDER God".   I remember this past year studying with our oldest about our founding fathers.  George Washington, immediately after his inauguration, marched to the local church and prayed for God's leadership and direction.  These days, I think the USA has turned the powerful phrase, "one nation UNDER God"  into "one nation ABOVE God", or "one nation NOT IN NEED of God" or "one nation that has chosen OTHER gods(in a friendship, spouse, hobbies, jobs, a house, a title)".   It is sad that we are choosing to lead and live life in our OWN power and not asking for HIS leadership and direction daily.  It is sad that we have made so many things "God" in our lives.  We get wrapped up in "life" and forget that God Created all things and is our true provider.

As we are getting ready to leave these conveniences of the states, God has been reminding me of why we have these conveniences.  It started with HIM and because of Him.   I have been more wrapped up in the Father's things more so than Him.  So what and whom have I made my gods?  As we go, our trust will need to stay in Him and not in the things he has given us. 

Home-Stretch!

From our May trip

Well we are in the homestretch it looks like!  Hard to believe we have 32 days before we are off to Colorado for training for 3 weeks, then a brief stop in Raleigh to grab our 'several' suitcases,then to our new home...the Dominican!  

To update you all, we have been very busy with travel and meeting with partners,family, and friends the last month.  God has provided our start up costs and we are close to 50% of our monthly support.  Our Father had provided (through many of you) 1/2 of our start up costs in about 2 weeks.  It was amazing.  It is so important to stop, breath, and look for His Hand in all of this.  Our house is still on the market, we had some showings while we were out of town (a blessing for me to be out of  town with the kids and know that the house was in showing condition).  If you would join us in praying for the house to sell soon and the rest of our monthly partnerships (about 50%) to come in before we leave for Colorado.  I have more than once been asked, "what are you going to do if the house doesn't sell?"  Well, won't you join me in this faith challenge :) We know that He gave us peace about going and we are having to completely trust Him to work out the details.  "...because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance.  Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  Thank you James!

Yesterday we recieved a letter in the mail from the 2 orphan girls in our neighborhood in the D.R.- mainly addressed to the kids with their picture attached.  They welcomed the kids and us...  The host couple in the D.R. right now said the girls love to look at the picture of our family that I left there in May.  This is a testimony to how the kids there are excited and grateful for the hope in Christ that we/you can bring.

We appreciate your prayers, encouragement, and partnerships.  We are committed to keep you connected with how God is using you in the lives of the kids in the Dominican.

As time is progressing quickly, we will do our best to keep you updated on our status.... and sanity :)

Jen