Catching up

Weddings and Holidays

My sister, Paige, got married at the end of October. It was a perfect way to end my time at home in Michigan. I was able to see so many family and friends all in one night. I flew back home to the Dominican right after my sister's wedding and began getting paperwork and life back in order since I was gone. 

Even though I was just home for my sister's wedding in October, it's always a little sad to miss holidays with my family in Michigan. Thanksgiving was spent with us providing a traditional American Thanksgiving meal to some of our Dominican family and friends. One of the priests that came has also been to the states for a Thanksgiving dinner, so during prayer we all went around saying what we were thankful for! It was such a wonderful tradition to share with our Dominican friends. Christmas was a little different this year. Unfortunately, Rosie’s grandmother died on Christmas Eve. Rosie is a young teen who is being fostered by the Carlile family and me. We spent the majority of Christmas Eve Day with her family, and had the burial that day, but ended the day with a big family dinner at Dr. Angel and his wife Yudys’ home followed by attending mass! 

Truck Update

In early November, I started looking for a new vehicle, a Toyota hilux, which is a 4x4, automatic, pick up truck. I went to the Dioceses office in San Juan to begin the paperwork process, because they will help with lowering the cost of the truck and provide an exemption on the taxes. We ordered the truck but am still waiting for it to arrive. I am told it will arrive late March or April. So, I am here patiently waiting for the truck to arrive. Hopefully by my next update there will be a picture of a brand new truck :) 

Harsh Realities

I would like to share a difficult story about a boy who passed away not to make a spectacle, but to help you understand some of the harsh realities faced by many here. Shortly after I returned to the Dominican, we brought a 4 year old from Rosa La Piedra down to the Missionaries of Charity. He was severely malnourished and only spent four days with the sisters before he was sent to a hospital in San Juan for further care. I was glad to be able to visit him when I got back to San Juan from work that day, but he did not look good. I prepared myself to hear the worst news when my phone rang that night. I have dealt with children dying and bringing them home to their families before, but this was the first time that I had to figure out the hospital system myself. For the hospital to release the child’s body, they required a parent and a coffin. I had neither of these things. The child's parents were in Haiti and unable to legally cross the border to get to him due to continued issues in Haiti. I never thought I would be in this position, but I vowed to bring this young boy back to his family to rest in peace one way or another. After negotiating and pleading with the hospital morgue, they finally agreed to release the child to me. One problem was solved, but I was still in need of a coffin. We finally found a coffin after a less than productive negotiation with the funeral home. The coffin cost me a big chunk of money, but it was an expense I could not refuse in order to reunite this family. During all of this craziness, we were still trying to get word to the family that their child had passed. Paperwork was eventually finished, the boy’s body was released to me, and I made the drive from San Juan to Rosa La Piedra in a quasi-funeral-procession that I never imagined myself to be a part of.  We waited until three uncles of the little boy came to pick him up once word finally arrived to the family. There will never be the right words to describe watching these grown men carrying a child size coffin through small mountain paths. Please join me in praying for the repose of this boy’s soul and for his family during their grief. I would also appreciate your prayers as I continue to heal from the situation.

Teams 

The first few weeks of January were spent planning and prepping for our three teams coming in January and February. Mid January we had our first team of the year, Good Shepherd, from California.The majority of their team has come and served with us before; it was so nice to see so many familiar faces!! My friend Katelyn also came down to help during the week.  During the week we saw over 450 patients, this included medical and dental! They were also able to provide women's hygiene kits to the women in one of our communities. 

We had one week off, and then my friend Cassie brought a team down from her parish. The majority of the team had never been before. The weather during the week was less than desirable. Unfortunately, we were unable to make it to one of the clinics due to rain! Thankfully the team was so flexible and willing to do anything. Despite the weather we still managed to get some much needed organizing done, painting, medical clinics, and a visit to the Missionaries of Charity. Right as Cassie's team flew out St. Mary's team flew in!l Also an amazing group! The group consisted of 8 women, 5 of whom I already knew! They spent the week at the preschool, elderly visits, medical clinics, and visiting the sisters. They were here on Ash Wednesday. We went to Mass early in the morning and Dr. Angel was able to bring ashes to the preschool and to the community that we were serving in. Before the clinic started the team sang as all of those who wanted to receive ashes came up. It was beautiful. 

We are looking forward to having a team coming down the second week of March! They are all from St. Catherine’s high school. Thankfully my friend Cassie is coming down to help with this team as well. 

I always end my blogs with a few prayer intentions. I would like to explain one a little bit. Christopher is another child that has been at the Missionaries of Charity, the hospital, and home. He is one year and two months old and weighs maybe 10lbs. He was not a child that we found at one of our medical clinics, but a child that the Sisters found and asked me for help. He spent over a week in the hospital and is at home now with his family. I have done a few home visits and will continue to follow up with him. 

Prayer Intentions:

For Christopher’s health and care

Delivery of truck

For the March team’s safety and success of their mission week. May they grow in their faith and love for Jesus through this experience

Adam and Jessica and family’s safe return in early March