Life amongst the living

What a week it has been! A time of highpoints and lowpoints.
Last Monday began our Ladies Retreat. Ten ladies from Alabama came for a few days just to do a retreat for the SCORE wives! This is the 2nd time for some of them. What a blessing it was.
Last year was just SCORE ladies, but this year included 1 lady from Word of Life and 3 ladies from another ministry in San Pedro. Also, this year some of the Dominican wives came. So, we had conversations going in different languages, and lots of laughter!

This is Valerie from Word of Life. She was only able to come for Tuesday, but what a joy it was for me to reconnect with her. She said she thoroughly enjoyed her time and gleaned much from the teachings. She kept turning to me and saying, "This is good! This is very good!"


Margaret and Sherry did the main teaching. Sherry spoke on "Being an Uncommon Woman in this Amazing Race." I have pages of notes...pages and pages! I couldn't write fast enough to get it all down. Three sessions full of 'good stuff'. I guess John MacArthur has a book out about uncommon women of the Bible. The books sounds quite interesting. Have any of you read it?

Sherry when she wasn't teaching. Margaret with Keila translating. Keila did all the translating for two full days which leads to this next photo at the end of Tuesday with her head on Diana's shoulder.


Margaret spoke on being a peacemaker. How to deal with conflict and confrontations. When is something an offense to be dealt with and when is it just a difference on how we deal with things.
This had a great discussion time, esp amongst the Dominican ladies. Guess it isn't discussed much in their churches.



Two of the ladies that came are beauticians so we were all treated to a new hairstyle. Mine looks better than this picture shows! This is Heather, my stylist!


We were all treated to pedicures! Four beautiful pedicurists with true servants' hearts!



Monday night they treated us to dinner at Mandalay. Much laughter and fellowship! There were 25 ladies together!
This is Tim Craeger's mom, who lives with them here in the DR. She is 86 years old and is a joy and inspiration to everyone! She doesn't go out with any teams, but when she is at the complex, you can be sure of a warm smile and a good bit of encouragment! Besides she gives the best hugs!


Wednesday at noon we prepared Waldorf Salad and fresh fruit slices to take to the Old Folks Home in Monte Criste and to give them a special luncheon later in the afternoon. The SCORE cooks had prepared rice pudding and Gladys made cupcakes.

This conference was a blessing in so many ways. They brought gifts specific for each lady. They had written earlier to ask what we would like. So I asked for books by Nancy Leigh Demoss. I now have "Becoming God's True Woman" and "A 30-Day Walk with God in the Psalms" along with a number of other goodies, including a book of prayers and one on God's promises.

These days were the highpoint of my week! I guess the LORD knew I needed them to get thru the lowpoint... (Thankfully no pictures of this!)

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While I was at the conference Bob had a med team. Before they even arrived they had invited us to go with them to Catalina Island. This is a beautiful island that is only open to visitors during the day. Government owned and nobody lives there. Cruise ships bring their guests here for a day at various times. It is absolutely gorgeous.

It involves a 35-40 minute boat ride, snorkling and a buffet lunch, along with relaxing under a palm tree with a good book!

I have never had a problem with any food there, but this week was the exception. They had grilled cube steak and chicken. The chicken was delicious as usual. Everyone was raving about the beef. My first bite left me wondering what they were raving about! I had to use two hands to pull it with my teeth to get a piece 'chewed' off. Everyone else was cutting theirs with a plastic fork. So, I turned my piece to the other side and was victorious with my fork.

However, after swallowing it, I went to take the next bite and discovered that my piece was raw inside. Bright red! RAW!!! so, I stopped and went for a 2nd piece of chicken, which turned out to be a very wise decision.

That evening I had a mild headache. I had a migraine earlier in the week, so thought it was residual from that. Saturday morning headache was worse, nausea set in. By afternoon I couldn't raise my head, keep anything in and the pain in my head was excrutiating. I laid on the bathroom floor moaning barely able to move. I've had migraines that didn't come close to comparing with this pain....

Bob realized this was quite serious and was able to bring back everything from our clinic pharmacy and hook me up with an IV. This was so he could give me the meds I needed and I could keep them down. He said later he could barely find a vein to put the needle in.

Well, the meds worked and headache and nausea/vomiting finally ended late in the evening, but oh! the side effects! Meds and I do not do well together to say the least.
Sunday morning I was surprised to find myself among the living still. I am very weak and shakey still. My body muscles are sore from the vomiting, even my neck muscles are sore!
But I am alive!

I thank the LORD that He has given man the wisdom to produce medicines. I truly thank Him for Bob who stayed with me continually, and knew just what to do to get me through this! God gave me the best!

So, how was your week? Did you have highpoints and lowpoints? Care to share?

^^Guardian Angels and the US Marines^^

This is from today's DR1 (which is a collection of news articles from various news sources in the DR, and is sent daily). Keep in mind that the DR is 18,000 sq. miles or roughly the size of New Jersey and New Hampshire combined.
New Jersey has about the same population as the DR. Jersey averages 450 traffic fatalities per year while the DR averages 1400. AND there are a lot less vehicles in the DR. about 125 per 1,000 people compared to 750 per 1,000 people in New Jersey. I have added the notes in red below.

Road deaths "twice regional average" (This is where the Guardian Angels come in)

According to statistics presented by the Ground Transport Department (DGTT) and the National Statistics Office (ONE), 7,042 people were killed in traffic accidents between 2004 and 2008 in the DR.

The road accident mortality rate is a serious concern for the DR especially when one considers that this figure is twice the regional average, according to the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO). PAHO registers the average regional road accident death rate at 16.9 per 100,000 while the DR has one of 30.4 per 100,000.

The numbers have been on the rise since 2004 when 1,370 people were killed. In 2005 1,367 people were killed while 1,602 were killed in 2006 and 1,747 in 2007. The year 2008 saw 956 people killed on the roads, but statistics only run up to June.

Santo Domingo and the National District are the worst when it comes to reckless driving, with 91,275 registered accidents and 1,860 deaths, while the provinces of San Cristobal, La Altagracia and Santiago followed suit with 548, 397 and 366 deaths, respectively.

The Autopista Duarte (This is the route we take to go to Santiago on mailday) was the scene of the greatest number of accidents, with the Las Americas Highway (This is the route from where we live to get to the airport and Santo Domingo)coming in second and Autopista 6 de Noviembre in third place. According to reports, 90% of accidents are caused by reckless driving and 30% of accidents are caused by drivers between the ages of 14 and 30.

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So yesterday we went to Santiago for Mail Day. On the way back we stopped as usual at Jacaranda (pronounced Hacaranda). It's a big rest stop with 4 little restaurants strung along together, 3 gift shops and restrooms in one open-air building! (On the above mentioned Autopista Duarte)

As we pulled up, I noticed these 3 guys standing on the edge of the covered seating area. They were US Marines. Quite obvious from the regulation white t-shirts, royal blue pants with red side stripe, khaki web belt, and the shiniest black shoes ever! There were two more in one of the gift shops.

After we got our cafe con leche, we were exiting and I told Bob we should say Hi to the Marines.
Next thing I know, he's walking up to them with his right hand outstretched to shake hands, saying: "Hello! I'm Bob Nilsen, this is my wife Anna. We're missionaries here with SCORE International. How you guys doing?"

They were so friendly, shook our hands, introduced themselves, (first names only). They are with the Security Detail out of the US Embassy in Santo Domingo. The one guy said they were just back from a gig in Santiago (His word!) (They passed us later on the road in two SUVs with very dark windows - we never saw who they were guarding)

They asked where we lived, what we did, etc. They were familiar with Juan Dolio (beaches and golf course). Bob told him where SCORE was located, and invited them to stop in when they're in town next time.

After we all say goodbye Bob & I proceed to get in our Terrios. The one guy came across the parking lot at a brisk walk, while Bob put the window down. He introduced himself as the Detachment Commander and handed Bob a medallion as he says: "Here, I would like for you to have this. There aren't many of these floating around down here. Good meeting you." and walked away.

This side is the map of the DR imposed upon the DR flag. In the center is the same emblem that is in the center of the flag. Around the outer edge it states: MSG Detachment Santo Domingo, La Primera Ciudad del Mundo Nuevo (The first city of the New World)

Of course, the other side is the US Marine Corps logo.

How cool is this!

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The fun we have down here!

Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

Words and music by Phil­ip P. Bliss.
Salvation by Christ!


Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!


Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Are you sure 5ml/1 tsp x 3 tsp/1 day x 8 days = 120 ml?

Well the Pharmacy Tech course just got alot more fun! *cough-cough*
At the end of the lesson book I completed yesterday, it said to check online for some supplemental material. Being the good student that I am, I did just that.

I now have a list to *familiarize* myself with. They said I didn't have to memorize it, but it will be info that I will need to know for the PhT certification exam. (BUT I DON"T NEED TO MEMORIZE IT???)

The list? "Top 200 Drugs Prescribed in the US", ~~brand name, generic name, therapeutic catagory and typical use.

Example:

Brand name: Prozak (PROE-zak)
Generic name: Fluoxetine (floo-OX-e-teen)
Therapeutic catagory: antidepressant, seretonin specific reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Typical use: Treatment of depression

Now I have to multiply this example by 199 other drugs and write it on index cards so that I can carry them with me for the next few months...and you get the idea! (BUT I DON"T HAVE TO MEMORIZE THEM!!!)

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My next module of books consists of: Pharmacy Arithmetic, Pre-algebra, and Pharmaceutical Calculations.

The Pharmacy Arithmetic looks pretty simple...actually it reminds me of my 6th grade math. Addition, subtraction, fractions, etc. The only difference is that all the story problems deal with medical situations. I'm pretty sure that I can handle the equivelent of 6th grade math.

Pre-Algebra is 115 pages of torture reminiscent of my 8th grade classes. I was placed in an advanced math class starting with 7th grade. In 7th grade we were doing base 3, base 6 problems.....arrggh!
By 8th grade I was convinced they were trying to torture me. Pre-algebra made little sense....and now it's coming back to haunt me again!

I glanced through the book. Some of it I remember and it looks ok. But then there's the other 100 pages!!!

This 115 pages of mental torture is followed up by pharmaceutical calculations!

See, I can come up with most of these answers using basic math...I just don't use equations.

This is a sample story problem:

How many total milliliters of medicine must you dispense to a patient who needs to take three teaspoonsfuls a day for 8 days?

Their equation: 5ml/1 tsp x 3 tsp/1 day x 8 days = 120 ml

My way that I use all the time. Patient needs to take 1 tsp 3x a day. 1tsp = 5 ml 5ml x 3=15ml
15ml x 8 days = 120ml

WHY oh why do I have to use equations? I am a basic math sort of person....not an equations/modern math/ algebra person.

"I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me."
This shall include equations/formulas/pre-algebra/ and pharmacy calculations, right???? RIGHT!!!!

Now, to find some index cards to use to 'familiarize' myself with the top 200 drugs in the USA...but not to memorize :)

Mail Day!

*I apologize if this post looks strange in its layout...Blogger would not co-operate and let me move pics where I wanted them.....*
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Yesterday was our mail day ~ which means a drive to Santiago (about 3 hours each way).
Just as a reminder, if you look at our prayer card there is an address on the back for Ft Pierce, FL. THAT is the address where all of our mail and pkgs are delivered. It arrives at the offices of Missionary Flights International (MFI). Every other Tuesday they then deliver our mail (along with a multitude of other missionaries) to Santiago.
This is the plane that they use. It's a DC-9. It's also the plane that we flew on when we moved to the Dominican Republic on December 15, 2003! They add in seats when they have passengers ~ otherwise the space is used for cargo.
The site of this plane arriving is a joyous one! This picture of it was taken the Tuesday before this last Christmas.













I think I mentioned before that I am currently enrolled in a Pharmacy tech course through a distance learning program. Originally, as I finished a pkg of material and took the exams, they would then send the next packet of course material. This had me rushing though the books, so I could be sure to have my next packet when the mail arrived in two weeks. Since I had paid the course in full, I contacted them and asked if they would just send the entire course to me. Which they did.

This picture on the left is the 4" stack of materials I have to complete to finish the course! That doesn't include the 2" stack I've already successfully completed. By the way, God has been gracious! I am carrying a 96% for my course grade thus far.










However, since these 3 to the left are in the stack, that grade average could be altered :)

The company made one *slight* mistake. They left out one of my PhT modules, and included this packet below instead. So, I guess they decided I should expand my education..... I guess a phone call is on my 'to-do' list for today. PTL for SKYPE!

(I do like the pencil though~ Anyone else remember when this was on the 'school supply list' each Fall?)


After picking up our mail, which included a box of fabric I had ordered (clearance priced + 30% off ~~~YES!!!), we then headed to CarreFour on the northern side of Santo Domingo. This is a French owned store. It has household appliances, hardware, clothing AND groceries! They carry items that Jumbo or La Sirena do not. However, many of their labels are also in French. I was going to purchase a pkg to make flan, but my French is a bit rusty. After figuring out that I needed to add milk, I couldn't decipher the rest of the directions. Decided that would then be a 'recipe for disaster."
This picture is how most of our yogurt is packaged. It is thicker than a beverage, and runnier than regular yogurt. This time I tried mango, but my favorite is guineo (banana) or pina colada (pineapple and coconut). I can purchase yogurt in individual containers, including some US brands, but they generally run from $1-$2 each. This 100gm bottle in only 60 pesos. (well under $2) and is delicious!!!!

Shopping here in the DR can be a challenge, but it can also be fun. They have a habit of packaging things together for a promo. Sometimes it makes sense, such as a plastic bowl with a box of cereal. Other times we shake our heads and laugh. A bar of handsoap with a can of vegetables? A sponge with a can of soup?

Or the time the gallon jug of cooking oil came with a battery operated wallclock; while the quart size came with a cheapie CD case!

Yesterday I had fun and got a treat (or two).
As we turned down one aisle, the shelf had an *oferta* sign. We always check those out as they are the specials. This special was for ~fine de Dijon~ mustard in adorable little glasses. They either had blue, green or lavender base. You can see which I chose.
These were only 30 pesos (almost 36 = $1), but in the houseware department little glasses like this are about 35 pesos and they don't have the lavender base. The labels are easily removed so I now have two adorable little glasses.
The mustard is really good, too. I tried it last night on whole wheat toast with Gouda cheese! I will be sharing some of the mustard, however, with another one of the missionary families as the expiration date is April 23, 2009. But, they will receive their portion in a plastic container :)

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Our temperatures are starting to warm up. I actually had a fan on all Monday night in the bedroom. Since Thanksgiving we have had pleasant temperatures, and have not been using any fans at all. The entire time we have lived here we have never had such pleasant temps for such a long period of time. All good things must come to an end, I guess!

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One bad part of yesterday is that somehow I managed to aggrivate my Achilles tendon on my right ankle. It started hurting as we were leaving CarreFour. I thought it would settle down overnight, but it hasn't. Many of you remember my past problems with this. It's NOT near that bad. We do think this will be a lifelong problem of small flare-ups. Right now it's very annoying!

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This Saturday the SCORE ladies will meet again. We started about a year ago with our *First Friday*. We try to set aside the 1st Friday evening of each month as a time for the missionary wives to get together for a time of fellowship, prayer, short Bible study, and a snack. We've had to change it to Saturday due to a major conflict for some of the ladies. This Saturday I am giving a brief devotional. I want to give it on prayer but put an emphasis of "pray without ceasing" How our life should be an attitude of prayer, of continually offering up prayer to the LORD. As different ones are brought to mind, to stop and pray for them right then. We may 'know' why the LORD has brought that person to mind, or we might not. But I believe that the LORD brings people to mind for a reason. I believe we should use that as a stimulus to pray for that person.

Any thoughts or input from any of you would be greatly appreciated!

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So, hope you all are having a delightful day!

love,

~anna~

Well, it's Saturday evening and once again I have a cool breeze flowing in the front window. Tim, Evelyn, Bob & I are all amazed at how wonderful the weather has been for MONTHS! The humidity has been down since Thanksgiving. Temp is usually in the 80's during the day, too. The combination of low humidity and temperature has made our lives here much more pleasant.
I can't remember the last time we have even had a fan on in our apartment! The entire time we have lived here (Since December 15, 2003) we have not experienced this long of a period with a comfortable climate!

I'm not overheating, not having to take 5-6 cold showers a day to stay cool, not miserable at all! I actually am having opportunities to wear my jean capris, and tops with short sleeves (as opposed to sleeveless). Sometimes in the early morning (6AM) I even have a very light weight cotton sweater on!

Best part of all? While our group was here from Grace, I was able to go out with them on Monday for the med clinic in the village and did not suffer for days afterwards! We have another group arriving tonight from Texas, and I am planning to go on Monday while we do another med clinic in a batay! Thank you LORD!

We're so thankful for this sustained pleasantness.

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The only thing we are experiencing is more frequent power outages. Two hours last saturday night, eight hours on Wednesday and three hours this afternoon. When the power goes out that means NO water! No doing laundry, dishes, flushing toilet, etc til the power comes on. Papo refilled the pool today, so atleast in the future, we can get buckets of water to flush the toilet! Praise the LORD for *small* blessings

I think I've mentioned before that we do have an invertor that runs off 4 large batteries (sort of like car batteries). This keeps our lights, frig, etc working for about 12 hours if we are careful NOT to use the microwave or toaster oven.

If Papo turns on the main generator, then we have full power (except for the hot water heater). But for some reason he has not been turning it on much.

...but why is it? If the water is off, the only things I can think to do all involve using water? Ok, no power? No problem, I'll just wash my hair...ack! no water!
No power? Okay, with the invertor I can still do a load of laundry...ack! No water to fill the tub!
Ok, I'l just do the dishes while I'm waiting for the power to return...ack! No water!
You get the idea, right?

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Today I had the great idea to make Rice Krispy Treats. chuckle-chuckle! I now have a new recipe for them! One that does NOT use rice krispies.
It was like this:

My gas stove has 4 burners, but only one of them has a knob. That knob is on the one burner that does NOT work! (No, I cannot move that knob to another burner either.) So, I use a pair of small pliers to push in the post that controls the gas for the burner, while holding a lighter in the other hand.

I put the 3 T of butter (NOT margarine) in the pot to melt. Turn to open the marshmallows, NOT Kraft by the way. While I do that, the butter starts to smoke and turn brown. Poured that out, and started over. Hopefully I can do a better job this time.

I add the large marshmallows (pkg has 36 not the required 40, but that's ok). They took forever to melt. When using the pliers to adjust, I have "almost off" & "Burn". Since 'burn' didn't work the first time, I opted for "almost off".

Then I opened the Rice Krispies....oh yeah. A member of a previous group a few weeks ago had left them for us. Good thing I tasted them first! Stale doesn't even begin to describe their condition!

But now I have a dilemma...melted marshmallows and no Rice Krispies. But I did have some Kellogg's Vanilla Almond Special K. Did a taste-test and they were acceptable!

The end result was very good, but also very, very, very sweet.
Evelyn had sent over some chocolate chip cookies the other day. I returned her plate this afternoon with some of my "Missisonary's Dilemma Treats" and she came over a few minutes later and said they were delicious!

Feel free to borrow my recipe! :)

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If you note on the side column where I have "blogs that bless, encourage and amuse me", I have added a new one. "From Russia with Love". I have been following this connection for quite a while from Charity's blog and been blessed incredibly. I've posted notes to Eileen on occasion and finally asked permission to add her to my list. She graciously gave me permission, or I wouldn't have added her :)

If you want a real blessing, read her blog. Then pray for this dear sister in Christ!

til next time
~anna~

At long last....(with a L_O_N_G post!)

Wow...this post is so far overdue it's ridiculous.... I think of things to post, but then get sidetracked....or ill..or busy..or the power is down.... (Warning: this is LONG! It' making up for lost time! ha!)

Two weeks ago I was quite ill. On Friday we thought it was just a plain old garden variety head cold (itchy eyes, sneezing, scratchy throat). By Saturday I did not want to move, and by Sunday I could barely get out of bed. I ached horribly, and had NO energy or strength. Fortunately, NO fever! It left me drained for a week afterwards, and with a nasty, hacking cough for a week. At one point I was taking three different cough meds just so I could get some sleep...impossible to sleep when you are coughing to the point of gagging... But I thank the LORD for medicine and that I am over what Bob called a 'respiratory flu" (as opposed to intestinal flu)

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On Friday when I thought it was just a simple head congestion, I started sewing a doll for Yoselin. Due to the fact that I was not thinking clearly, it was quickly nicknamed *frankenbaby*. For some reason, I thought I had sewn the arms in wrong, so I took them out and restitched. It wasn't till the doll was finished that I realized that I had resewn them in a permanent "praise the LORD" position. Which is not bad ~~ just impossible to get the sleeper on it! So, I removed the arms, which created a problem because I had already completely assembled the doll (stuffing and all) and had nicely done re-enforcing stitching to be sure no limbs would come loose in the future.

I was working under a time-frame since Tuesday was mail day, and with many meds, ......so that's my excuse, the replacement of the arms caused them to be *miss placed*. Definitely not some of my best sewing.

Poor thing...even the ears are lopsided and different sizes! What med was I taking?

Lyndie has been quite kind and is renaming it Lucy....David, thinks it should be Helga! Me thinks I should make a new one and not torture my dear granddaughter!

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Last Saturday Tim, Evelyn, Bob and I left for the northern coast. Bob had located a nice resort in Las Galeras (all-inclusive) at a good rate. It was beautiful! relaxing! French owned so it came with a French chef. I want to personally thank the chef for the Swan cream puffs on Monday's night buffet. I ate two before the main course! And we're not saying how many after dinner, and back in the room!

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This was one of our many meals! In the morning we had chickens walking around eating whatever food we *dropped*

We spent much time under a palm tree on the beach reading and relaxing. Walked the shores and gathered seashells. Would you believe I found a rusted horseshoe? Bob and Tim went sailing

Tuesday morning we travelled back to Samana (still on the north coast). It's only about 25km but took 45 minutes to get there due to the condition of the roads. But we went out on a large boat to go whale watching. We headed from Samana Bay out on the Atlantic Ocean.

We saw whales! humpback whales! One pod of 5, and then another 2 together in a different location. Regulations require that all boats keep a certain distance. Unfortunately, every time the boat stopped to observe the whales, the boat would rock, and rock, and rock, and rock. So, every time the boat stopped, I *fed the fish* over the side of the boat. But I really did love seeing the whales!

~~Unfortunately, I am still experiencing motion sickness 4 days later...not happy about that.~~

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Thursday night Noah arrived, and yesterday the rest of the group! What a joy to be reunited with friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ! This morning the group is heading over to Monte Criste to the almacen (storage facility) to do some major sorting and organizing. I'm planning to go over to SCORE to spend the afternoon with them.
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Unfortunately, with being sick and then away, the laundry didn't get done. (The maid never shows up here! hmmph!) We are experiencing power outages here about every 7-10 days. They usually last about 8-10 hours. They're not hard to endure, just inconvenient. While the power company plans them to conserve power, they don't alert us as to when they will occur. I had a load of laundry started yesterday morning when the power went out. I was able to finish it at 10:00 last night. But now while I have power today, I need to get at least one, hopefully, 2 loads completed.

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All in all, our life is wonderful! I truly praise the LORD for allowing us to be here. Yes, there are frustrations, illnesses, inconveniences, and oh, how I miss my family! But I feel blessed that the LORD would want me here. That He would allow me to be part of all this!

Currently, we have missionaries here representing Argentina, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama and the United States. What fun it is to interact with so many different cultures and know that we all serve the same wonderful, glorious LORD and Saviour!

This is Diana from Costa Rica. Oh, what a blessing she has been to me!

My Spanish is starting to pick back up...working in the clinic and having to explain medicines and how to take or apply them is helping with that. Plus, Diana from Costa Rica is helping me tremendously. I can understand her Spanish, and she knows how to reword (and reword) until I can understand what she's telling me! Smart girl, that Diana!

Marianella (recently from Costa Rica but my mind just went blank on what South or Central American country she originates from, it might be Ecuador) Anyway, she speaks a little English, but she helps me too.

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I love my time in the pharmacy. It can be a challenge, but I know it's what the LORD has for me at this point in my life. Never did I picture myself doing this! But "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me." An added bonus is that I really do enjoy being in the pharmacy! Having people return from a previous visit and show how they, or their children, have recovered is a tremendous encouragement!


We had a little girl who was in the clinic 3 weeks ago. She was one years old and weighed 12 lbs 4 oz! We gave the mom all the soy formula we had, thinking it might be a food intolerance. Mom brought her in on Thursday. In three weeks the baby has gained over 1 pound! This time the little girl was sitting up and alert!



Monday I am hoping to actually go out with the group on a med clinic in a village. Please, pray that I recover from this motion sickness before then. A 75 minute bus ride with motion sickness before I start is not appealing.

But again I say: My life here is wonderful. Praise the LORD for allowing me to be a part of this!
~until the next time~

love,
~anna~

Just for Deanna

Well, since Dee so kindly published all those lovely pics of snow at her house, I figure I could return the favor.

As of today we have three med teams and one surgical team for the week!!!This is probably our busiest week of the year. So Friday morning we took a couple of hours to walk to the beach and spent time walking the shore, collecting seashells, and sitting on the beach reading.

Bob knows which kind of seashells are my favorite. So, he always collects a few for me!

This is a little restaurant that sits out on the water. It is part of an All-inclusive hotel. Sadly it is not open to the public, and we have never seen any one in it (except for the employees)Marissa, this is the beach that I felt impressed to walk and pray for you!

I would rather be stomping in the snowdrifts, but this is very relaxing!

Yes, my toes with their lilac polish warming themselves in the sand!This little crab popped his head out just about a foot from Bob's head!

So, Deanna~~did these help you to warm up just a bit!

....and the seas will roar....

I've had the flu the past couple of days, so I haven't accomplished much. Spent many hours resting, reading and sleeping. Consequently, at 3AM today I was awake. Although, it could have been the incredible body aches that had seemed to settle in my back, making it impossible to find a comfortable position.

But as I lay there awake, I was aware of a sound. Not the normal sounds of cars, trucks, motoconchos; or the daytime sounds of construction going on; nor was it the sound of birds that I hear continually from my balcony.

No ~ this was different. It took a while but I finally figured out what it was. It was a *roaring" sound.

I so wanted to follow the sound to its source. But I knew that the night time was not the right time to follow it. So, I patiently waited. Yes, I did get some sleep...not much though.

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At 10:00 this morning I got ready and followed the sound of the roar. Five minutes from our apartment is the Caribbean. Bob told me a while back that I could go there by myself during the day. Now is the tourist season, so I wouldn't be alone on the beach.

As I exited the short walkway leading to the beach, I knew for sure that this was the sound I had heard in the early morning hours. The waves were constant, and larger than normal. Why, oh why, did I not bring my camera???

I wish you could hear and see them right now. The sun is glinting off the waves and the surface of the water. There are no clouds! The sky is a beautiful shade of blue. The sound from the waves is drowning out all other sounds.

I walked for a ways and gathered seashells. Yes, that's them displayed on my table in the pic at the beginning of this post. You can tell which kind are my favorite. The waves were inviting, but I had worn a simple skirt and top so I could not enter completely. Of course, that did not stop me from allowing the waves to splash on me as I stopped to pick up the shells. Yes, the lower half of my skirt was almost dripping.

I walked part way back to where I had begun and finally sat for a while and just watched. It was glorious! I didn't have these verses memorized, but thoughts like these were what was going through my mind and heart as I sat there.

Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

Psalm 89:9

The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.

Psalm 93:4

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

Psalm 96:11

This was the song that I was singing. (Okay maybe not outloud as to disturb others, but quietly to myself and the LORD)

Shout to the Lord, all the earth,Let us sing

Power and majesty, praise to the King;

Mountains bow down and the seas will roar

At the sound of Your name.

I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,

Forever I'll love You,

forever I'll stand,

Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

My Jesus, My Savior,

Lord, there is none like You;

All of my days

I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love.

My comfort, my shelter,

Tower of refuge and strength;

Let every breath,

all that I am

Never cease to worship You.

Shout to the Lord,

all the earth,Let us sing

Power and majesty, praise to the King;

Mountains bow down and the seas will roar

At the sound of Your name.

I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,

Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand,

Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

I eventually had to get up and walk. I planned to stop at Guiulia's Cafe for a cafe-con-leche and wanted a dry skirt when I entered. I walked quite a ways. As I turned and was walking back, I got to remembering the time I was in a wheelchair and braces and could not walk. I wondered if my life would ever be back to *normal*. Which brought me to thinking of Marissa.

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Marissa, I walked a stretch of the Caribbean beach for you. But I didn't just walk it. I walked it and prayed for you. That some time in the future the LORD will heal you, so that you might enjoy His creation in all its fullness. That you might take steps for His honor and for His glory.

I don't tell any of you this to bring honor to myself; but Marissa, I want you to know that you have been on my heart much since your accident. The same God who controls the roar of the sea, who first formed your body, is the one in control of your healing now.

And our God is an awesome God!

He reigns from Heaven on high

with wisdom, power and might

Our God is an awesome God!

It's MONDAY morning again! HA!

Well, it's Monday morning and so far no tarantulas (dead-or-alive), and I am NOT sick. YEAH!
I am fully recovered from last week's illness and conjunctivitis.

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Bob and I got our apartment decorated for Christmas on Friday, went to another wedding on Saturday. For any of you who have been here and remember Elias, it was his wedding. Wedding was scheduled for 4pm, and four of us had 'bets' on the actual starting time. Manny won ~ he guessed 4:45 and it was right on the dot! Dominicans are NOT known for punctuality.

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Yesterday was another great time in church. Bob is teaching the English SS and going thru I Corinthians. We had a great discussion on the foolishness of man vs the wisdom of God. So, often we want to complicate the gospel when talking to people. We will NOT convince them with our 'enticing' words, or by arguing science or philosophy. It's the Word of God thru the working of the Holy Spirit that will draw them in.
Good discussion....great study.

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After church we stayed while Hugo put on the TV all the pics he had taken of Manny and Olga's wedding just three weeks ago. Manny and Olga loved it! Esp when Hugo told him he was making them a CD, too.

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Once we got home, we decided it was a pleasant day for the beach. NOT too hot with low humidity. So, we packed a simple lunch of apples, hard boiled eggs, cheese and crackers; packed books, beverages and towels in our totes/backpacks and walked to the beach at the end of our lane. We were able to stay for two hours, and read, relax, swim and walk the shore. Very relaxing~

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A week ago while shopping at La Sirena in Santo Domingo, I finally found molasses. The entire time we've lived here, I have never seen it in the stores. Linda Fourman brings it in her suiticase when I ask. Molasses is a by-product of the sugar cane process, and it goes into the making of rum. So, I was elated to finally find molasses! Yesterday afternoon I made a batch of Ginger Molasses cookies. Moist, chewy and delicious!

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Today is our 5th anniversary of moving here. We flew into Santiago on MFI (Missionary Flights International) in the afternoon, were met by Kiko (SCORE bus driver) and a rented bus with driver, broke into tears when the custom officials told us we would have to come back the next day for them to approve the removal of our 2500 pounds of belongings, (Tears worked, as making a woman cry, esp an American woman, embarasses their macho-ego) and we arrived at SCORE at 9:30 that night!

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In official celebration of this momentous anniversary occasion....our power went out at 9:45 this morning. Since, it's been a little over 2 weeks since we've had a full day power outtage...My guess is that it's going to be off for the entire day. Guess I won't be fixing our chicken in the crockpot after all.

ah...welll...welcome to life in the Dominican Republic!

We won't need electricity to go snorkling off the beach this afternoon though..he-he! (No groups till the day after Christmas, so it's time to relax!)

love you all,
~anna~

another not-so-fun way to start my week....

I had planned to come up with a much longer post today with pics from last week. But my day has not gone well.

Had a cold of sorts over the weekend, but thought I was doing better.

Went out on the balcony to trim some plants (BIG) and within 5 minutes was very nauseated.

Came inside and it eased up, so I went downstairs to take the trimmings outside of our apartment complex and just across the dirt road (more like a wide path that cars drive on).

By the time I got across the path, I seriously began to wonder how I was going to get back. Everything was going black, and swimming before my eyes. All I could think is "Oh LORD, please don't let me pass out right here on this road." Made it back inside the gate and had to sit on a ledge with my head down. Papo started cleaning up my plant trimmings, when he realized I wasn't feeling well.

It started to clear some, so I was able to make it upstairs. Once in our apartment the room started going black again. So, I took a shower fully clothed while kneeling in the tub. Unfortunatley, Bob wasn't home. I thought maybe I was overheating, but I have never felt this week and shaky after I cooled off.

I don't know if it's a weird reaction to some sort of bug (virus), or if I way overheated (eventhough I didn't think I had even gotten hot), or if I am just worn down and didn't realize it.

Please pray that this passes soon...I hate feeling like this. So, much for the plans I had of things to accomplish today....

love,
~anna~

NOT the way I want to start my day!

Went into my laundry room, ((right next to our kitchen by the way)) looking for a new roll of trash bags. What to my wondering eyes should appear??? But a tarantula!!!!
Urgent call has been made to Bob to put vehicle in reverse and get home NOW!!!

I HATE TARANTULAS!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update: My knight in shining armour arrived home and dispatched with the wicked critter!

The box with the rolls of trashbags is stored in a corner that is hard to get at, since once I get a roll of bags out I don't need the box for a long time! What I needed was on the bottom, of course.

As I reached for the box, I saw the tarantula less than 6" from my hand! Fortunately, when I jumped I did NOT hit my head on the wooden cupboard right over me!

Then the frantic hunt for my cell phone, only to discover that it was without power, since I hadn't plugged it in to the charger for a few days! Plugged it in, (Why does the signal always seem to take forever when you're in a hurry?) called Bob...while imagining this black furry thing crawling out of it's previously hidden location.

Praise the LORD! Bob wasn't too far away, and arrived home *muy pronto*.

He could not believe how far into the corner the thing was...it is a very small area which made the whole procedure quite awkward. Due to the design of the laundry water hookup and drain, he only had a 12" wide area to work in. But with flashlight and a HUGE can of Raid, he commenced with his duties. I stood nearby with a 2nd can of Raid, just to be sure it did not escape....only to discover it was a DEAD tarantula.

I guess if I have to have a tarantula, that is the best kind to have.

I wonder if this is the mother to the baby one that was in my cupboard last Christmas Day?!

I HATE tarantulas...but I love my knight in shining armour!

ALL in a day!

Last week was incredible. What a joy it was to have Mike & Linda and Danny here and to spend time with them. Watching Danny speaking and interacting with the people here was a true blessing. We are so thankful to have a pastor and church who truly are involved in the ministry here! I'm not posting pics of Danny in the churches, yet, since he hasn't even seen them.

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Sunday was a full day. It started with our church service at SCORE with Ron Bishop giving the message and Aby Prado translating. Church was full since we had a number of people 'left over' from last week's baseball clinic.

Ron, (right) preaching while Aby translates. I made the curtains behind them a couple of weeks ago, as there was such a glare due to bright sun!

It was interesting for us to see how Aby translated some things. At one point Ron said" I'm just a dumb coach..." But when Aby translated he left out the word 'dumb'. Bob & I asked him later about that. His response, "I wasn't going to make him look bad in front of these people."


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Immediately following the service, we all walked back to the SCORE pool for Carolina's baptism. Carolina is married to Giovanni, a Dominican SCORE missionary. He is very involved with the sports teams that come thru here. Because of his status as a former Dominican basketball player, he has no problem getting our teams in to places to play. But most importantly, he and Carolina, truly desire to serve the LORD with their lives.
Aby, Carolina and Ron





Carolina and Gio. In the background is Sarah. Her and her hubby, Hugo, are our newest missionaries, having arrived only 3 weeks ago with their 16 month old son, Mattias.

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Then later in the afternoon we celebrated the marriage of Manny and Olga. Any of you who have been on a SCORE trip, may have met Manny. What a joy this was to attend! Manny is now a SCORE missionary, also, and a more humble Godly man I could never imagine.
The wedding was held at SCORE in the front area. Erica Jude and Ginny Craeger, (SCORE missionaries) did an incredible job of decorating. Pastor Henry, from Quisqueya and Olga's pastor, did part of the service. Ginny, Erica and Gladys sang, Ron did the major portion of the ceremony with Aby translating. It was beautiful! (I'm writing this part in orange, since that was the color of the flowers, and the bridesmaids dresses)


Mr & Mrs Manuel Tucen!


Of course, there was the traditional wedding cake, but they didn't feed each other any cake. Guess it's not a Dominican tradition! But during clean up time Aby and Ginny decided to have some fun!

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Today is our version of Thanksgiving. The SCORE missionaries are getting together at the SCORE complex to celebrate together. It was going to be at our apartment, but there are too many people for our '6 people table'. We will have Costa Rica, Argentina, Dominican Republic, and El Savador all represented along with the United States. Should be fun!

We're taking the turkey over to Nate & Erica's at 10AM since they have the largest oven. I have the dressing in a crockpot already. Made two pumpkin and 1 cherry pie last night. Linda brought me a 3# bag of fresh cranberries, so I was able to make cranberry orange relish, too!

The rest are bringing the potatoes, veggies, rolls, and more desserts. Hopefully, someone remembers to make coffee!!!

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Hope you all have a wonderful time with family, friends, feasting, football, fellowship and fun!

love,

~anna~

Little glimpse of our past 2 weeks!

Guess I'm a tad bit slow in posting here. The past 10 days or so have been a bit crazy and busy.

I have had ear infections for over 2 weeks. First one ear, and then the other. Complete with intense feeling of motion sickness. A couple of times I felt like I had been in the back seat of a fast moving car on a very, winding road! It went from bacterial infection to a fungul infection. The antibiotic made everything taste like metal! Cuts down on snacking that's for sure. Since it's now a fungal infection, I'm off that antibiotic. (some small reason to rejoice!) One other missionary here has had the same thing, and has taken almost three weeks to recover.

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We did get our new vehicle, and that only took two trips to Santo Domingo. One trip to pick it up and another trip two days later to take it to the dealership and have the radio, spare tire mount and license plates installed.

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This is our first view of it behind the chain link fence at Customs. In 36 years of marriage, this is only the 2nd brand new vehicle we have ever purchased. The first was the month before our wedding when we bought a 1972 Datsun 1200 for $2,100 right off the lot! We thought we were in 7th Heaven back then when the dealer changed the radio from AM to AM/FM.

With this Terios we are excited to have a CD player, AC that works, seats that work, windows that work, a hatch that doesn't require a broom stick to keep it open, etc, etc.

The washers and wipers work on the front and back windows!!!!

With gas down to 130.4 pesos (34 =$1), and the increased mileage this will be a major savings for us!

It handles great, and is really comfortable to ride in! We are so thankful for all those who prayed and donated for this vehicle!

.It barely had enough gas to get it to the gas station, since we picked it up right at customs and not the dealership, It is Sonic Blue Metallic. The white you see is just protective plastic covering.

What you don't see in this picture is the fact that I am following behind Bob while driving the Explorer. He offered to let me drive the Terios, but I was nervous enough driving in Santo Domingo, let alone driving the brand new vehicle! Fortunately, here we are on the Malecon, where traffic is much lighter. And YES! I snapped this photo while driving!

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I finally finished a wallhanging that I have been working on for the past two years. I would work on it for a few days and then take a break of a couple of weeks or more. It is 4' x4'2" and hangs in the hallway leading to our bedroom and bathroom. But it is visible from the living room. It's not how I would decorate in the States, but I live in the tropics. In these photos I moved it out to our landing to get a better angle.

I pieced the background using different batik fabrics. The fish were cut from 'fish' fabric and then embelished with beads, sequins, or glittery fabric. The sea shells are actually from our walks on the beach. The 3-d embellishments that are meant to look like coral or plant life are from the Christmas decorations department at the stores here. Yes, they decorate differently here!

I'm quite pleased with it, and Bob loves it! Next project, probably after Christmas, is to actually paint the bathroom. Currently it is battleship grey with white and gold shower tiles, that have gold fruit baskets. Nothing I can do about the fruit basket tile, but we want to paint the bathroom blue and give it a tropical sea look. More photos to follow. I do have plenty of odds'n'ends from the big wall hanging to make 2 small ones to hang in the bathroom. These two pictures are close-ups of the two lower corners.

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Last Monday was our 36th wedding anniversary; Thursday was my 56th birthday, and Friday was Bob's 58th birthday. So, we spent three days relaxing and having fun. We went to the capital and strolled El Conde and ate there at Hard Rock Cafe. Had the best bacon cheeseburgers while laughing at some of the old music videos playing on screens mounted by the tables. "House of the Rising Sun" was our era! It's a bit pricey to eat there, but it was our anniversary!

Thursday we spent the day at the all-inclusive relaxing on the beach while reading under palm trees. Friday we went back to the capital and went to a mall (Bob's idea!). By the end of Friday, my legs and ankles were just about killing me with pain. I didn't think I had done any more walking on Friday than when we've gone shopping before, but for some reason my body rebelled. Tylenol, Advil and, eventually, a stronger pain killer, so that I could even fall asleep. Took it easy on Saturday, needless to say! Aging is hard on my body, I guess!

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Bob had a med team on Tuesday and Wednesday, so I spent some time sewing some Christmas presents. Can't say what, as perhaps David & Lyndie may be reading this too! Pictures possibly after Christmas. Sewing for me is relaxing, so to have two days in a row to work on projects was a real treat!

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This afternoon Danny and Mike arrive. Although we just discovered that their flight has been delayed in Atlanta. Not due into Las Americas now til about 5. We're going early to the airport to eat (Burger King) and watch the planes take-off and land. We each take a book and sit and relax! We're easily amused!

Til later~

~~anna~~