Through Open Doors

Impressions

2011-05-22T16:03:00.000-07:00

It’s interesting the conversations we get into down here at times. There are some that are preoccupied / concerned with what is put on Facebook or blogs about living their life here. They worry about the impression that others see when they post pictures of Caribbean beaches or getting manicures.

Generally, the conversation is with folks that would be considered Godly people. That is, they would profess to be a follower of Jesus Chris and their general resource use (time & money) would seem to be devoted to tasks that would glorify Him (pastors, leading small groups, preparing locations for conferences, etc). Or another way to think of it is that their day to day ‘work’ is typically related to the church AND their free time activities many times include similar activities. You could say they were bearing good fruit.

Yet they worry about people’s perception.

Many times they have uprooted themselves from their extended family, put themselves in a country less safe than their home country, and chosen or felt called to a place having less opportunity then they could have in their home country. Many would be called missionaries.

Yet they fear that if they show something pretty, fun, or that that is beyond the realm of absolute need (food, water, health) to the public, they will be attacked.

Why the fear?

I heard a story during one of these conversations. A family took a vacation on a beautiful Caribbean coast, posted pictures, and lost one of their long term supporters because of the pictures. “Do you still believe you are missionaries, living like that?”. The supporter was not aware that the place they were staying was given to them for several days. For nothing. For thanks in response to things that the family had previously done in the community.

Another story dealt with a group of girls getting their nails done. Similar reaction. Yet that person did not understand that the $3 paid for a manicure gave a young lady the opportunity for a decent living. She was not starving and she was not feeling obligated to sell her body.

However, there are times when things are exactly as they seem - when you do go to dinner, a movie or to the beach. There are times where life is beyond the realm of absolute need. Just to get away. Just to relax. How can that be justified?

Many things we do in life could be construed as Godly or not depending on the motivations. Are we at dinner building a relationship, a community that will someday help fund the new building for the church OR are we simply being wasteful in our finances? You simply won’t know unless you know the person’s heart. And until you do, is it pointing out sinful behavior, gossip, or just misunderstanding the circumstances and being judgmental?

Perhaps the saddest and strongest point of being a follower of Jesus is that you cannot be as good a role model as the one you are trying to emulate. You will never be as good as Jesus, not one, no one. And so, you are instantly a hypocrite – that is, the faults you DO have will be seen as hypocritical to those who think you should have all the characteristics of Christ.

And that brings us to Grace. Because for all the good we want to do to glorify Him – we will always have faults and those are only erased thru His loving grace to us. We can’t earn it. It’s a gift.

So I come out of these conversations in several ways. Sad that people feel obligated to filter their lives, not show a complete picture of the blessed life they have been given because of fear that others will see it as wrong or not sacrificing enough. Happy for those friends of ours that see our pictures, good and bad, and may not fully understand the circumstances life has thrown at us, but have the Grace to be happy in our good times AND to stand by & pray with us in our times of refining.

Maybe next time I’ll take this discussion personally and talk about what I hear from others and to my own opinion about how that makes me feel and respond. Or maybe not.

~Tim

Announcing the launch of New Hope Girls Academy!

2011-05-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

When we first arrived in the Dominican Republic and for months after we struggled with our purpose here. The environment at our school is much like that of the US and so we questioned why we couldn't serve somehow in the states. Then one day Chris had a after school meeting with a mom from her class about the mom's daughter but conversation soon led to this same question. "Why are we here???" This particular mom, Joy, is a missionary who has been here for 7 years with her family working as a director in a barrio of a Pre-K- fourth grade school. She and Chris became fast friends as they share many common interests (namely coffee!!!) and within a month or so Joy said "You are going to work with me someday. I just know it!" She was right!

What began for us in November has been a dream of our friends, Joy and Vidal Reyes for years. On Easter Sunday we officially announced (after MUCH prayer, tears, and bumps along the way),

Nueva Esperanza - New Hope Girls Academy!

We cannot even begin to explain the excitement here!

If you watch the video on http://www.thegirleffect.com/ , you will see why this is an exciting adventure.

So, a short recap because our school blog says so much more. A property with a small home on it was donated by a woman who lives in the barrio of Maria Auxiliadora in La Vega. Her name is Delia and, wow, what a woman! What a heart for these girls...

The path to the school

Delia unlocking the door so we can get to work!

We spent a weekend afternoon cleaning out the house to get it ready to be renovated.

The front of the property currently used as a garbage dump.

This will someday be a patio.

Noah mopping DR style...pour five gallons of water ont he floor and go to town!

Adam and Helena, Joy and Vidal's daughter, cleaning up the yard.

Tim tearing down walls...Go Timo!

The inside, after the walls came down.

Once the house was cleaned out, Joy and several women had a "vigilia," a prayer vigial late into the night.

Powerful night for all of the women involved. We have never been around so many women so obedient to God and committed to prayer...what a blessing!

Soon after Carolina Diplan, a former SCS student who founded Home of Change (http://www.site.homeofchange.org/ ...check it out! Awesome ministry!!!) was in touch with Joy about meeting up and talking about how her organization could help us raise funds stateside for this school project. In God's timing Carolina needed to come the DR for a wedding and we were able tomeet and to plan out a fundraising campaign, logo, printed material, etc. What fun to dream for these girls but to get out of the way and let God work!!! He is on the move in this barrio...

Massi, Grecie, Joy and Carolina outside of the school

We launched our blog (http://newhopegirls.wordpress.com/) and Facebook page (New Hope Girls Academy) on Easter and began a campaign to "Buy a Cup of Hope" by encouraging 10,000 people to donate $5 (the price of a gourmet coffee) towards the construction and operating expenses of the school. So far we have sold close to 400 "cups."

Once construction is underway, we will begin a scholarship program for the girls. People will have opporunity to send a girl to school by sposoring her with a monthly donation. This scholarship program is going to be Chris's baby. Her goal is to make this a very personal relationship between the girls and their scholarship donors.

Yesterday Chris and Joy went out into the barrio with Delia looking for girls to enroll in the school. Wow...she was brought to tears by the excitement of the families as we arrived in their living roms to offer education to there girls. As Joy says, "To them it is like winning the lottery." In fact, when we left the last house, the family cheered with excitement! Some of the girls are 9-11 yeard old and have never been to school.

This mom (holding the baby) has 8 children, none of which are in school.

So there you have it. God is on the move and we are blessed to be his hands and feet in La Vega, Dominican Republic. We pray you join us in "dreaming for the girls of the barrios the same dreams we have for our own daughters."

Love,

Tim and Chris

http://newhopegirls.wordpress.com/

2011-03-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

We pray that 2011 is going well for all of you! It's hard to imagine that we posted last in November...yikes! Soon after that post we had a wonderful visit from Chris's mom and then of course the holidays were in full swing. We had an awesome trip to the states where we saw many friends and family that we haven't seen in a long time.

January was a month when school was closed for many Dominican holidays, so February was finally a stretch of normal weeks. So here we are in April. Sigh! And only 30 something days left of class. Hard to believe!

We stole the following paragraph from a friend's recent blog mostly because these are the words we have been trying to coagulate.

"There are so many beautiful things God is doing here that it’s difficult to capsulize it all without losing the spiritual and emotional impact that is occurring in the relationships we have. So my challenge here is –“How can I speak to your soul?” In this age of information and sensory overload, how can this blog be more than just information of activities and events in our life, but words that can penetrate to your soul?" (Thanks Dave!)

This is our prayer and hope for this blog. That your time spent here will bring you to a new place of thinking, to make you question your status quo, to wonder "Where do I fit in the story of this world at this moment? What is going on outside of my comfort zone? outside of my everyday life?" In Romans 12, Paul calls us to this, "So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."

We have comitted to staying through to June 2012 (at least.) YAY! We are really excited about this because coming as independent missionaries (ones without a mission organization training, backing and supporting them), transition takes a bit longer. Being here another year will provide us with time to invest in the ministries that are tugging at our heart strings. Big news and pictures coming by April 9th on the ministry front, God willing. Many things will need to fall into place by then but all in God's timing!

The Dominican Republic is a beautiful island with even more beautifully hearted people and we are falling in love with them more and more each week! The video below was created by a teacher at the school who is also a graduate. Look how beautiful the Dominican Republic is!!! As we watched this video we were like "Wow! Where is that?" "We need to go there!" So, come see us so we have an excuse to go! LOL!!!

See you here again on April 9th.... :) :)

Photos of our world

2010-11-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

I know many of you are afraid to send packages as they might cost us an unplanned expense but we REALLY love getting fun things from the US. This box was sent by our fabulous small group in NC. So fun to see if something is waiting for uson mail day at SCS...

Our church, Iglesia Bautista Vida Nueva. Pastored by John Webb and his lovely wife, Kelly. Services are in Spanish so it is our two hour Spanish lesson each week. LOVE!!! The members are incredibly warm and welcoming as are most Dominicans. Tim and I attend a weekly couples small group in Spanish as well. Great time with wonderful people!

Our living room. Our first adventure shopping in the DR for a big item. Talked them WAY down with the help of our friend Mindy and her Haitian friend, Patrick.

Our electric is not grounded very well so the boys need to use a Rubic's Cube to turn their lights on and off...

The boys bedroom

The boys hang out room

Master bedroom

Our dining room and view from the front door.

Our kitchen

The office...

The boys bathroom

This is our hot water switch which we flip on about 20 minutes before we want to shower. The warmth lasts about 3 minutes and then starts to cool off. THAT is why I loved standing in a hot shower on my visit to the US. Makes timing morning showers for all of us a bit challenging!

The Early Childhood Education gang decided to get uniforms for school. We have four different color shirts to wear and two pairs of pants. So nice to not have to think about what to wear each day and Fridays are our choice. Custom tailored for me..four shirts and two pairs of pants..less than $100. Nice!

Not uncommon to see a dozen or more men riding in the back of a truck on the way to work.

A rainbow over SCS last week...beautiful!

We took a day trip to Sosua Beach last weekend. Love the water at this beach...crystal clear...

The shops on the beach at Sosua.

A shot from the stores on Sosua Beach, DR.

Epic sand battle at Sosua Beach. A friend pointed out that it looks like I was taking cover behind the beach chair when I shot this pic...love that!

Nowie after the sand battle. Still sand shrapnel in his ear...lol!

This is Ninja, Adam's new kitten. Raul found them near the cafeteria at school.

This is Cheveyo, Nowie's new kitten.

Baked Beans!

Tim and Raul in Jarabacoa last week. Raul grew up there and showed us around his hometown.

This is spray painted on the outbuilding of a friend's church in Barrio Blanco in Jarabacoa, DR.

This photo is an incredible testament to brotherly love. With respect to our friend in the picture, I will not offer great detail, but suffice it to say none of us have ever experienced the heart burden this man has for his brother. Please pray for our friends Raul and Diane and Raul's brother as they seek options for medical care.

Boys Update

2010-11-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

Wow! Sorry it has been two months since our last update. Life is busy, even in the Caribbean! I have decided to send an update about the boys but will also post a "Photo Update" with lots of pix later today.

Noah: Noah is in the fifth grade this year at Santiago Christian School (SCS). Every morning before school he is out on the quad playing some sport or other. Shocking, I know! I see him headed to class already wet and dirty most days! LOL! He is doing very well in school although it is getting more challenging. In fact, this coming week he will begin math in the sixth grade cyber school here as he scored very high on the standardized tests this fall. We LOVE that SCS is willing to flex with the kids even though they do not have a formal honors or GT program.

What Noah loves about the DR: his new kitten Cheveyo (A Hopi Indian name he found meaning "spiritual warrior), the food, the weather, the people, learning Spanish, the campus at SCS, the people at school are so helpful with learning Spanish

What Noah misses about the US: his friends, Fireballs soccer (GO FIREBALLS!!!!!), American food and candy, English movie theaters, speaking English, XBOX 360, shooting hoops in the driveway,

Prayers for Noah: Noah has been strongly seeking God recently. Practically begged for a bible for his birthday. Prayers for him to have open eyes and a heart for God.

Noah playing kickball

Jake: Jake is in second grade this year. He tested out of first grade this year because of the language difference. It is likely he will move back to his appropriate grade once we return to the states though. Once again, we are so grateful for the flexibility that SCS has meeting the kids where they are. He is doing well in second grade but still works hard at his handwriting as fine motor skills are not his strong suit. He loves all of the young women teachers who he charms and entertains regularly. I know, that's a shocker!

What Jake loves about the DR: (his words exactly) "the food down here, the internet, the school, my teacher,

What Jake misses about the US: my friends, some of the food there, my old school, Miss Boone, the language.

Prayers for Jake: Pray that Jake would continue to make successful choices in school and that we can find ways to use his time productively. It's a challenge because the kids can't just go outside and play.

Jake and his friend, Juan Diego, playing before school.

Adam: Adam is in seventh grade this year. We (me, Tim and Adam) decided to hold him back a year because of the homeschool situation last year and we wanted him to be able to focus on acquiring the new language. His three boy cousins have stayed back a grade by choice with much success so we all see it as an opportunity to be successful rather than struggle through. Adam is taking two Spanish classes a day, plus a cyber school science class. The kids have 9 classes a day!!! A LOT to keep up with. He ended last marking period with all A's and one B. He has really turned a corner in his ability to manage his school work. I think we left the old Adam in the US! LOL! He's doing very well with his Spanish and really steps out confidently to try it when we are out and about (unlike his wimpy Mom!) Every week he goes to Wyldlife, the middle school version of Young Life and loves it!

What Adam loves about the DR: the food, my new friends, the internet because I can stay in touch with my US friends, speaking Spanish, Wyldlife.

What Adam misses about the US: my friends, being able to walk to Beaver Creek with my friends, birthday parties, XBOX 360.

Prayers for Adam: Pray that Adam would be strong is dealing with his feelings as an outsider. Like most missionary kids he struggles with not fitting in. He is blessed with several great friends but it's still hard for him some days.

Adam and his best bud, Homin. They hated having their picture taken. Thanks boys for humoring me! LOL!

"For" them, not "to" them

2010-09-11T05:25:00.000-07:00

When we first decided to move to the DR in April, you can imagine there was a multitude of responses from friends and family. The most striking to me was this: "I could never do that to my kids." But we felt something missing, something empty for us in the everyday typical life.

Tim and I, for anyone who knows us, suffer from severe wanderlust. After 5 years max we get antsy for something else or more or different or whatever. For several years we have chatted with friends about wanting our kids to have a different story.

To us the most interesting adults and young adult children of friends are those who have a story beyond what is typical. I distinctly remember standing at a welcome home party for a friend's son who had returned from Iraq for a leave. His younger brother who was about 22 at the time was talking with me. He said "Yea, Mrs. Chittenden, I just feel a need to get out of the country for the summer so I'm headed to an orphanage in Africa for six weeks." Um, really?!?! You are 22, shouldn't you want to go to a beach house and party with friends? That's what all 22 year olds want to do, isn't it? That's what I would have done. But you know, all the stories that come from beach houses really sound the same don't they? Talk to me about your trip to Africa...now that's something I don't get to talk about every day. The same two young men grew up being moved from country to country for their dad's job: France, China, US and more. They have a different story.

On a daily basis the boys are now surrounded by people who have different stories. One teacher who is 28 has been to 15 different countries. He has worked in the DR before at SCS and has been a missionary teacher in Korea and a missionary in the Romania. Here is something he posted several years ago:

"Graduating from ***ville I had a plan that in my mind would have been nothing short of perfect. Go home for a year while I got my feet on the ground at a good job in the area, until the opportunity opened up to teach in the district I progressed through from kindergarten to graduation. Move out, find a nice mid-west girl, settle down and start blah blah blah. God definitely had different plans, and I am thankful, because I can't imagine being that closed minded 22 year old. Culture has a way of opening one's eyes to the bigger picture. Experiencing another culture has a way of breaking one down and causing reevaluation of everything. Suddenly, I have gone from this cocky college grad to knowing that there are so many more important things than the silly things we as Americans tend to stress about on a daily basis."

Yup, different story.

And another guy teacher at the school has worked in Colombia, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bolivia, Taiwan, Israel, Northeast India, Cameroon, England, Mexico, and Tibet.

Everyday we chose as parents what our children are exposed to. Do we control it all? No. Should we control it all? Certainly not. But through conversations and experiences our children can experience more than video games and hang outs at the mall. Before I was a believer I said to a Christian friend "I don't want to force my religion on my kids." She said "Why not? The world spends millions of dollars and hours forcing itself on them. Why wouldn't you, maybe not force but, share your convictions with them? Christianity is not a religion. Religion has a sense of obligation and rules. Christianity is a relationship so introduce them to God. Jesus

We don't know why God called us to the DR. Maybe it is as simple as meeting these guy teachers, people our boys can relate to, spend time with and see the world through. Maybe it is to put in check with the things we take for granted in the US. Maybe a million different reasons. Maybe we will never know in our lifetime. Maybe we'll return to the states and their lives will be typical again but their story will never be the same. But one thing is certain...we didn't do it "to" our kids.

Picture Heavy

2010-08-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Some of our friends do not use Facebook to keep up with us so we wanted to share some photos with them. Enjoy a little peek into our new world....

Beans crashed on Miss Brooker's lap after a long day at the beach...

My awesome aide,Yudelka and I before our Open House.

A picture of the quad at SCS...pretty campus. The boys really like the whole big campus feel.The cafeteria. I get free lunch as a teacher and it is AMAZING! Not Ellio's pizza here!

My classroom!!!

The boys putting away the hand washed dishes...teamwork!

Monument to the Heroes of Restoration is close to our home. It sits on a hill overlooking Santiago and has wonderful views of the city. It was built by the dictator Trujillo but has since been renamed and his statue on top removed. The statue that is now n top is affectionately named "Touchdown Jesus" by one of our friends!

The following five pictures are taken from our roof.

As you will notice we are in a valley named Cibao and surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Cordillera Septentrional and the rugged Cordillera Central.

I shot this this morning in our shower.

I was thinking it beautiful to be surrounded by palm trees.

This sticker, which says "God Bless This House" was left by prior owners. I noticed it the first night we were here when the boys were stressing about things. Reassurance....

First day of school at Santiago Christian.

Bean's lost his first tooth!!! The tooth fairy left dollars AND pesos!

Our new truck...still trying to sell the old one!!!

Staff beach trip to Sosua...fun day! I kept saying "Pinch me. I LIVE here?!?!?"

Some new SCS friends enjoying lunch on the beach.

The view from our lunch table...aaahhh! So nice!

Limoncillo Drew bought on the beach and shared with all of us.

You squeeze the skin and suck on the fruit inside.

Much like the inside of a grape but with one big pit.

View down the beach in Sosua

Jake learning how to use a snorkel.

Isn't the water amazing?!?!?!?

Adam, happy to be on the beach again. And Noah loved snorkeling...little fish!

Jake, little poser! This is a security guard at our bank. ALL security guards carry shotguns.

A bit unnerving at first but actually reassuring now.

My new friend, Naomi, and I after we got our bank accounts. Woo hoo! Now we can get paid!

Week one...

2010-08-08T05:54:00.000-07:00

What a week! First, we simply must say that Santiago Christian School has done an outstanding job making sure we are settled in and comfortable. I went to new teacher orientation each day which was very informational. So much too know about the school, the culture and the kids. SCS served us a fabulous lunch each day. Someone even overheard one of the teachers talking about loving yucca and changed the menu to include delicious yucca the next lunch. SO sweet!

Each day included a "field trip" to accomplish some daunting task like setting up a cell phone, getting our bank accounts and applying for residency which included a trip to Santo Domingo, blood/urine test and a chest x-ray. I cannot imagine trying to ANY of those things without the help of someone from here. It was easy breezy with the SCS team! This week on a personal note one or more teachers or staff from SCS helped us fix our stove, measure for screens, exchange our US dollars, set up a maid, take us to IKEA, loaned us tools to put together said IKEA purchases and ran out for a Gatorade when I was sick with dehydration. I'm sure I have forgotten something. Truly it is like an instant family. Brothers and sisters in Christ. I cannot imagine an international move any other way!

Little things this week:

We have had to acclimate to: (not complaints, just realities)
-NOT flushing toilet paper (Yup, it all goes in a little trash can next to the toilet.)
-hand washing and air drying dishes
-hanging clothes to dry
-driving worse than a New Yorker
-loud motorcycles setting off car alarms at all hours
-soaking our fruits and veggies in a bleach bath before we cut or eat them
-brushing our teeth with bottled water
-no air conditioning in our home
-applying bug spray 3-4 times a day
-booming bass out of 5 foot speakers in the back of a pick up truck
-very pleasant Latin American music played by our neighbors which we can hear of course because everyone keeps their windows open
-security guards and police carrying shotguns
-not texting on our cell phones
-having an employee test anything electronic or electrical before it leaves the store including light bulbs and televisions
-watching Phineas and Ferb in Espanol

Big things this week:
Well the truck we bought before we arrived was a bit worse for the wear for our comfort. With being here for awhile and wanting to take road trips on weekend to explore this beautiful island, we really weren't comfortable with possibly breaking down when our language skills are not quite up to par. So we reached out to our friend Ken George who ministers here through G.O. Ministries to see if he could suggest some options for buying and selling a vehicle. Lo and behold, he was selling HIS truck because he would be headed back to the US and not returning until 2011. His truck is 11 younger than the one we had and he also knows a guy here who put our old truck on his lot to sell. So we are now the proud owners of a 2006 Ford Eurosport. Of course, this was not on our financial radar so please pray our old truck sells quickly! :)

So this week we all start school. I start on Wednesday with an open house for my class and the boys start on Thursday full fledged. They have had some time on campus and have befriended many of the teachers so the last hurdle of comfort for them will be meeting their classmates. Pllease keep them in your prayers this week for peace and comfort and confidence in who they are as they seek out new friendships.

Thanks for all of your prayers and encouragement! Praise God for a blessed first week and our new Dominican "family."

Love, love, love!

First Night in Santiago

2010-08-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is a photo I took this morning from Noah's bed... :)

Saludos de Santiago, República Dominicana!!! We arrived Thursday night right on time to the happy face of Wayne Lynch, the executive director of Santiago Christian School. It was so nice to see a familiar face in the crowd. Adam whispered to me “I feel so out of place.” Viola! Lesson one: Adam got to first hand experience the feeling of being a minority if only in a small way. It will continue of course but we were able to have a conversation about how that feels and we talked about how sometimes foreigners in America or new kids in school, etc must feel when they enter new countries or situations.

The kids did great helping us handle our 20 suitcases through the airport. Once outside, it was immediately apparent what a friendly, relational group the Dominican people are. Loud, happy greetings and hugs to family arriving. It was almost like a party! Valerio, the SCS driver, loaded our luggage into the school van and then gave Tim immediate practice in Spanish for the ride to our apartment.

Arriving in the night was interesting and I have since heard from other new teachers and even missionary from another country that it is difficult to do. Hard to see, unsure of what you are seeing…then Adam spots someone holding a shotgun. Of course we later find out that most security guards are visibly armed however the mood of the night was now set. At least for the kids, gloomy and for us, well, not nervous but overwhelmed with all of the newness we will be facing.

I liken our arrival at the apartment to arriving at a rented beach house. At first you feel like a guest but after a few days it feels like home. So we unpacked and saw the light of day and things were much better. Our phone rang early in the day and another new SCS employee, Paul Gibbs who lives across the parking lot, said he was bringing us coffee. Woohoo! Someone who speaks our language!!! LOL! Things were already looking brighter. J

So the big realities for the kids is that they are now living in a city and never have. They will be immersed in a new language and are also attending a new school. SO much to adjust to. They are handling things amazingly!!! They could still use some prayers for sure. I was talking to Adam last night and told him to think about how easy Spanish class in high school will be for him once he returns. He said “Sweet! I didn’t ever think about that!” It’s those big picture things they really cannot know because they’ve not lived much of their lives yet.

We have SOOOOO much more to share but will add later. Don’t want to lose you with the length of posts. It’s amazing how much I could share with you from just of first three days!!!

Thanks so much for all of your payers and continued encouragement. Facebook chat us if you would like our Skype address. We LOVE “showing people around” our little spot in Santiago.

Abrazos!

The Farewells Have Begun...

2010-07-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

I have been terribly remiss about keeping up on the blog...sorry! It's been quite a whirlwind month. I've been battling what to write mostly because preparations have had their challenges and I feared coming across as pessimistic. I liken the experience to trying to shove an octopus into a gallon Ziploc. Lots to do in a short time. We remain incredibly optimistic and peaceful about our move despite momentary frustrations with as I often call the "Eewy Things." Yes, I teach Kindergarten! LOL!

I read this on the Facebook status of our missionary friend, Karen George, the other day:

When Satan knocks at your door do you say "Jesus, will you get that?"

It's been a month of "knocking." Things from 3 computers crashing (one was only 2.5 weeks old!!!) and the associated affects on all of our businesses, cracked windshields, unexpected surgery, LOTS of paperwork confusion, pukey kids, dead A/C in the house, and wasted trips to the health department for immunizations ("I'm sorry you needed an appointment with the travel health clinic." UGH! )

But it's been a more resounding month of "answering the door." Friends bringing meals, financial support for our mission, family pitching in, our Small Group and the Peter's family just rocking the garage sale prep, selling both vehicles and the associated arrival of the "Blue Limo" (Tim's grandpa's 1992 blue Caprice Classic station wagon... SAHWEET! Just call us the Griswold's! :D), the gift of a Flip video camera, a relaxing week at the beach with friends old and new, Tim's IBM contract extension.

So as we take the last step off American soil and our first step onto Dominican soil this Thursday, we go confident that God has opened AND answered the doors to clear the path for us.

Thank you Lord.

Psalm 119:34-36 (New International Version)

34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.

BTW, pictures and videos promised in the next post... :)

How good is He???

2010-06-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

I just crazy LOVE when God uses our obedience to continue to bless His children. Tim's cousin, Brian shared the following after he read our DR story...{sigh} God is so cool!

"It is so funny too. Heather and I were just reading your blog and why you went and everything and when I got to the part where you listed Revelations 3 I almost fell out. Heather was in Virginia this week shooting my cousin's wedding (on my mom's side) and I was here with the boys. We were visiting this new church here in Davidson, since we just moved and the message was on getting visions from the Lord and how to recognize them. The verses were mainly from Acts 16:6 where Paul has a vision to go to Macedonia. However, he also mentioned how God opens doors that can't be shut and closes doors that can't be opened. Of course, this is Revelations 3... and I was sitting there thinking during the sermon I wish I could find out what I'm supposed to do (we are supposed to do) for the Lord. I still am not sure what it is... I used to write a daily Passage of the Day email after my study time (5am-6am) when we lived in TN. The list grew and I'm ashamed to say that after we moved back to NC I failed to keep my daily study time. You have encouraged me to start it again and maybe even to start a website this time instead of e-mails (as blogs are easier and more popular anyway as you aren't bombarding people with updates, they can check as they wish). Anyway, the timing of you all going and the messages and everything has really inspired me and I want you to know that Heather and I will be praying for you daily. "

I will keep you posted on Brian's upcoming website. I know it's going to be awesome be he is called to it by our amazing Father!

Thank you Lord!

The Missionary Heart

2010-06-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

A freind of mine from church has venutred on a three month missionary trip aboard a ship called the Logos Hope Missionary Ship. (www.hopeonthewater.com) A very cool back story to how he ended up on the ship! Someone posted the following quote on his Facebook page before he left on May 28.

The Missionary Heart ...
Care more than some think is wise.
Risk more than some think is safe.
Dream more than some think is practical.
Expect more than some think is possible.
I was called not to comfort or success but to obedience.

I find that some friends and family are embracing our decision to move to the DR. Some think we are crazy. Some are envious and wish they could go. Some think it irresponsible to bring our kids out of their school and schedule. Some think our priorities are out of whack. The quote made me realize that my missionary heart is in God's perfect place.

Thank you Lord.

Our Domincan truck!

2010-05-27T08:00:00.001-07:00

So the Hoekstra family is headed out of the DR and well, we're headed in so we bought their truck! YAY! They have three kids as well so it should be a perfect fit. In fact, they took their family and three teachers to the beach in it sitting in the the lift back. Cool! THAT would so not fly here! AND, Tim is excited that it is a diesel engine...can you say "convert to cooking oil???" Now our car can smell like french fries in the DR as well...

Our Dominican Digs!

2010-05-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Here are s ome shots of our new place in the DR. Can't wait to get it personalized! Lots of nice cool tile...

Kitchen
Living room

Family Room and I think the front door

View out from the living room balcony

View in from the living room balcony

And so the story goes...

2010-05-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Well, many of you know that something is up but are not sure just what it is. With the Chittenden's, you can never really tell! LOL! Below is the story...

Let me back track a little. The nights after hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, I was sitting in my living room thinking, “Man, Tim and I are not working. I can’t send money but I want to DO something. I wish we could “GO” there.” I went to bed, woke up and read my daily devotion which was entitled “GO For It!” I was struck by this:

“You are endowed with a unique purpose and in order to fulfill that purpose you will need to press toward the desires God has given you. They may seem trivial, or they may seem unattainable, but don’t neglect to reach for them as He leads you. One step in the right direction could catapult you into the next level of the calling on your life. Take a risk and you’ll realize it’s no risk at all – because all of heaven backs you when you reach for God’s desires.”

Whoa! Okay God, I’m listening. I shared this with Tim on the way to church. He thought it would be pretty cool to go but how. Who would watch the boys? We had JUST moved to NC. Once we arrived at church our pastor said that they were going to send teams to Mississippi to help with disaster relief. We looked at each other. Let’s head down this path and see what happens. So as you know we went and I cannot even begin to put in words the blessings we received in helping others. We were hooked and while we were down there decided to do mission work someday. We’re not the type to retire and go to the country club etc.

Last year I was challenged instead of having a New Year’s Resolution to pray about a word that could be my focus for the year. Something to meditate on, pray about etc. After a week or so of praying about this the word “Go!” came to mind and then proceeded to proliferate my life.

Hebrews 11:8 By faith, Abraham, when called to go to the place he would later receive his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

John 15:16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.

Just about a month ago Tim and I were in a meeting for the church plant we are teaming up with in Raleigh. A gentleman stood up to speak. His name is Ken and he will be the church’s “Send” pastor which basically means he will the missions pastor. Anyway, he stood up and began like this “My wife and I went on our first mission trip to Mississippi to help with Katrina disaster relief in October 2005.” I nudged Tim, “That’s like us!” Ken went on to talk about how this trip impacted their life and plans for the future. Same for us. We talked with Ken and his wife Karen immediately after the meeting and they shared what all they were doing living in the Dominican Republic. They shared about an English speaking Christian School in Santiago that they have friends whose children go there, friends who work there, etc. Tim sort of looked at me. “That sounds awesome!” we said. Ken says “Check out G.O. Ministries online. And they let’s get together and chat some more.” Really? G.O. Ministries??? Tim and I laughed.

No sooner then we hit the car did we both say “What do you think about that? I mean, we didn’t think missions would work until the kids were gone because of bills and financial obligations here, but we don’t have those anymore. And we are constantly talking about wanting to experience life outside of the bubble of suburbia. We talked to the kids about the possibility and the next day Adam was searching real estate online and Noah brought home a book about the DR from the school library. Tim and I got to praying. Our prayer has been this:

“God, we are trying so hard to make our will be done in this crazy life that we’re leaving no room for Your Will to be done. We don’t want to decide this simply because it sounds like an adventure, but because it truly is Your calling for our life. We ask you open or close doors as you see fit. Your Word says, “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” We will accept the path you will lay out for us because we know all of heaven backs us when we reach for your desires.

I received an email from a friend with this quote the very next day:

Revelation 3:8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

Now, to FINALLY get to the point, Santiago Christian School offered me a position for the 2010-2011. The position would be a permanent substitute which is a full time position. I would sub where needed and have projects to work on the days I was not needed specifically to sub. This would be a great position as it would not involve planning, grading etc and would allow me to get the kids settled, work on my Espanol, etc. It would be for one year (at least…one day at a time), the kids would go to school for free. I receive a livable salary, insurance, airfare and various other odds and ends. The school helps us find housing and they deal with securing whatever we choose and our rent is then deducted from my pay. That way we know we are safe in the dealings from people trying to take advantage of foreigners. Tim would continue to work remotely for IBM until whenever. 90% of his team lives in Mexico and Brazil so this should pose no problem although would likely result in a decrease in his salary because the cost of living is so much less there. We plan to sock away his paycheck in the US and live off mine. We would be home for Christmas for two weeks. We’d then be back in June until the end of July to visit, regroup, etc…

Our wonderful friend,Robin, has been working with us in JumpBunch since January and she will be taking over the stateside dealings with the business here. This is awesome as it will allow her to be back in the workforce, allow her children to go to the schools she and her husband desire and she's an unbelievable asset to our company (and life!:D)

Regarding Soul Fusion, I will basically be on sabbatical. Amazingly, Leah and I have another photography friend with whom she will likely collaborate for the year, supporting one another with both businesses! How good is God for introducing these two ladies through the art auction we coordinated for the Hope for Haiti Foundation??? Blessings abound!

My sister and brother in-law were planning a move to this area sometime this summer and will likely be staying in our house until they figure out where they would like specifically live!

When we step back and look at all that has fallen into place, we feel so much confidence that this is where we are to be. We will spend this first year acclimating tot he area, working at the school and praying to see where God will have us in other ministries as that is our ultimate desire, the one He put on our hearts 5 years ago.

So that's the story...we are excited, nervous, happy, sad, and every range of emotion you could imagine going into this next stage of our life. But with all of that we have peace.

Philippians 4:7 (New International Version)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Thank you Lord.