Two words tenderly spoken

Thursday was clinic day. We were closed the previous Thursday since Bob was in the States for his brother's memorial service. So we knew when we pulled up that there would be a crowd....and there was! Atleast 30 people waiting...

We function on a first come/first served basis. The patients have come to know that. The line used to start forming at 6AM, then people said they were there at 4:30AM. Now the first people are in line at 3AM. They wait patiently, some bring their own chairs, keeping their own record of who arrived when and they greet us warmly when we pull up at 7:40...

Although regulars returning for refills on their BP and diabetic meds have priority, Elsie, our receptionist, makes sense out of the group and determines who is first.

Our small staff ~Elsie, Jackie, Bob and I~ gather for prayer. A little after 8AM the first patient is sent through to be seen.

Thursday was no different. Except that in the crowd to be seen was a Pastor and his brother. This pastor oversees several small churches, along with his own. He's known for his booming voice. Usually when he enters, I hear him before I ever see him. He can preach without a microphone!

But Thursday was different...I didn't hear him; I only saw his vehicle parked outside.

Then I opened the door to the reception area to call a patient back to explain their meds to them. Normally, I can hear their lively conversations long before I open the door. Try putting a receptionist, 15 or more people, including babies and small children (they bring friends and family members) and a TV playing a Christian movie into a room barely larger than most US bathrooms and you can get an idea of the noise level.

But this time as I approached it was quiet....as I slowly opened the door (I've hit too many people with the door to open it quickly any more!) the first people I saw were sitting very quietly with their attention to the wall where the TV is wall-mounted. But the TV wasn't on.

As I opened the door further, I heard a very gentle voice. It was this pastor, who was there as a patient himself, quietly talking to the assembled patients. No loud booming voice; no wildly pointing finger to make a point. He was leaning against the wall and in the most gentle and loving voice he was talking to all of them. I only caught a couple of words of what he said. But those two words were perfect...
"Jesus" and "loves"

Through the rest of that chaotic day my mind went back to that scene. We were swamped that day, only had 20 minutes for lunch, and didn't get out of there til 5:40PM (Normally we're done just before 5) But in all the busy-ness of that day, when I wanted to scream "Enough!!!" I could see this pastor leaning against the wall tenderly telling them about the love of Jesus....

That's why we're here doing what we're doing ~~because Jesus loves!

To the Glory of God

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

~~I Corinthians 10:31~~

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"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD,

and not for human masters."
~~ Colossians 3:23~~

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"If a man is called to be street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well."

~~Martin Luther King, Jr~~

A quiet Tuesday before Christmas

Bob's wrapping my Christmas presents...in the middle of the living room...on the floor. Since I'm not allowed to see what he's wrapping, I'm confined to the dining room table ~~well, except when I have to walk past him to get to the laundry room where the towels are washing, or the kitchen to refresh my cup of coffee, or the sewing room just because it's so much fun to walk past him and hear him say again: "No peeking!!!"

I do have a fun companion in my confinement~ Dickens is sitting in his cage. He periodically walks out of his cage on the ladder I made for him, takes a look, and then backs into his cage again.

I think when Dickens is bored, or scared, he eats. I just removed his food dish from his cage. He's gorging himself on seeds. He's also not very happy with me at the moment. I'm getting the evil stare.

In a little while Bob and I are going over to Pastor Geraldo's home for lunch. Hopefully, he'll be home. Last time he invited us for dinner, we arrived at 6PM...the time he told us...only to discover dinner had been served to other guests at 5PM, he wasn't home and his wife didn't know we had been invited. She graciously made us empenadas, while everyone else got ready to leave for other appointments. Bob verified that his wife knew about the invite this time!

It's a quiet day. I have nothing pressing or urgent to do. Which is good since I was up most of the night watching the lunar eclipse.

Tomorrow we go to Santiago to get our mail. We have 15 pounds this week, plus the 10 pounds Sharon is holding for us from last mail day. I'm so hoping for Christmas cards with family newsletters and photos.

Along the way we'll stop at CarreFour, a large French owned grocery store (sort of like Walmart), where I will buy the freshest ginger I've ever seen. I've learned how to make ginger syrup and love it in various beverages.

So, what's everyone up to this Tuesday before Christmas?

Tolkien, (oops! see below) palm trees and 4 little campers

If you read my posts on FB, then you already know about this new member of the household. He is a cockatiel...more precisely a Cinnamon Pearl Pied Cockatiel. We purchased him in the capitol on Wednesday. Bob has been wanting me to have a pet. We wanted a dog or cat, but considering different factors neither seemed very practical.


Years ago we had a handfed cockatiel when we lived in Florida. It was a fun pet, but didn't take to Ohio at all. ~~ RIP Jensen~~

I did ask for opinions and suggestions for a name. We originally thought something Spanish would be nice. The original name of this island is Quisqueya; he's very calm, so we considered Tranquilo, or Don Tranquilo. Various other names were suggested; Don Mohawk, Mr T, Gumdrop, Donner or Blitzen, Gingerbread, and then my son's suggestion based on the Latin name for the breed, Nymphicus Hollandicus. I'll leave him to reveal that one.


But the name that seems best is Tolkien. I started calling him that on Thursday. I've tried the other suggestions, but then I look at him, and go back to Tolkien. Although, if given a gold chain or two, with that crest he could become Mr T, as well.


Cockatiels are very socialable, so right now he's in his cage munching seeds and watching me type. Tolkien is very attentive and turns his head when he hears my voice. He's accepting of me putting my baby finger thru the bars, and no longer skitters away. Pretty good for not even 3 full days.

Updates on Tolkien's progress and antics will appear from time to time!

Stay tuned~~

~/`/`/`/`/`/`/`/`/`/`/`/`/`~

This was my basic view for 4 days last week on the North Coast.

Need I say more?

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If you look closely at the picture on this ornament from Lyndie, you will see 4 of the people we are missing at Christmas! The other three, of course, are their parents! If you see any of these 7 people, please feel free to give them a hug from us. Any pictures involving any combo of these loved ones would be enjoyed tremendously by us!

~*****************~

My life is good, because of the birth of One!

More later,

~anna~

Late breaking news: While I was certain our cockatiel had an author's name, we guessed the wrong one. Upon further observation, and in lieu of the season, we have discovered his true name. Let me reintroduce you to 'Dickens' ...sorry about the confusion in stating his name. He's a bit shy and didn't want to speak up previously...

I'm back!!!!

Yep...it's been a while...but interest in blogging has been renewed. Perhaps by seeing that others are doing so also. (I guess I'm a follower ~not a leader, huh?)

So, what's my first post? Nothing dramatic, nothing earth shattering....just these from the Vogue pattern book~~

Can you tell that I've been watching the news of snow and cold in the States and in Europe (Our best news channels are the BBC and DW-Euro. These guys know how to do the NEWS..not fluffy-duff!)

If we lived where it was cold, I would love to plan, sew and then wear one , or more, of these!

So, I only like the camel colored version of this. That vest is ble-ech!!! But cool, crisp Fall days in that tan cape without the stand-up collar...yeah! So much more comfortable when walking downtown to the library or coffee shop!



I love the jacket or the long version ~ that above the knee for me would not be practical. But bring on the cold, the wind, the snow cuz I would be ready if I had this! Solid black, or deep red or dark purple...ooooooo!





Ok, so definitely not these sleeves or that scalloped edge (reminds me of a dinosaur for some reason). But I do love the idea of combinding different prints and fabrics!




Long version, please! Want to keep the legs warm, and then it covers any length skirt, too! With that collar I wouldn't need to keep track of a scarf either~ very practical, I think.



So, there you have it...my ideas of fashionable ways to keep warm in all that wonderful cold air and luscious snow!!!! What about you?

Now that I've written a new post, hopefully, it won't take so long to update it....

~anna~

It's been a while....

I know it's been a while...okay a very, very long time...since I posted. Life, and facebook, took over and got in the way, sorta.



Yes, we've been back to the States for 10 weeks and travelled about 6,700 miles! Most of that in a 5 week span. It was a fun time. So wonderful to see everyone! The LORD gave us many blessings ~some physical but many emotional and spiritual



Highlights:

*babysitting Yoselin for whole days and having that sweet granddaughter all to myself. She's adorably precious. Love the hugs she would give without any prompting. What a delight she is!

*camping at Hurricane River with David, Lyndie, Yoselin, Shan, Stephan, Samuel and Shiloh. Ah, the memories! Just seeing all of them together in one setting interacting and enjoying one another was a treat.

*attending the Great Darke County Fair, even if it was only for the first two days. There's nothing that compares to that experience!

*seeing faces from the past and spending time in their homes: Tom & Diane Story, Bill & Cindy Harris, Jeff & Joy Durham and their two sons. For two of those reunions I can thank Facebook!
Discovering that the Storys live a little over an hour from Shan was a nice bonus, too!


*traveling to churches and Christian schools, making presentations. Bob was able to meet with several heads of various ministries while we were in Alabama, also. Great contacts made for future service.

* receiving a msg from Shan at 6:30 on a Thursday night while we are in FL saying she is headed to surgery to have her appendex removed. That was hard not knowing how she was doing, how her recovery was going, etc. Fortunately, she had a good friend who was able to stay with her for the night. Had to place our daughter in the LORD's hands (which is the best place for her after all!)

* being able to go in to a store with a list of items we wanted/needed and actually being able to find them at affordable prices (You have NO idea how nice that was!)

*being able to shop at Goodwill, resale stores, used book stores and flea markets along our travel routes. Some really good deals!

*enjoying 10 glorious days of Fall! The last time we experienced Fall was 2004, so this was a treat indeed. It was so wonderful layering tops for warmth, wearing jeans and not over heating, being able to wear socks, and finally getting to wear a jacket I made from a thick blanket about 8 years ago. Just the colors and smells of Autumn are something to treasure.

*walking to the library with Yosi in her stroller. How wonderful to be out walking, having some place(s) to go, and just enjoying things thru her eyes ~squirrels, leaves, breezes, church bells, store window displays. Then, of course, there were the stops at Broadway Joe's for a cookie with sprinkles for Yosi, a scone and Highlander Grogg for me. We would take them home and then sit together and enjoy them at the dining room table. simple pleasures but oh so beautiful!

*getting to hear Jason preach one Sunday, then the next Sunday to hear Danny teach during Sunday School and Matt during church. WOW! What a blessing, treat, joy...wow! We came away once again encouraged that our church leaders love the Word of God, love the people of the church and have a desire to serve them. (and with the new Grace web page we can now hear the msgs once they are posted!!!! Yes!!!!)

*having a place to call *home* while we were there. Our time with Mike and Linda was restful, relaxing and warm. What a blessing to have one place to stay in while we were in Greenville.

*Christmas with David, Lyndie and Yoselin the Sunday before we left. Yes, it's way early, but it was so much fun!

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And now we're back home in Juan Dolio. We left out Wednesday morning (after a 3:30AM alarm setting!) I started the day with the heater on in the van and layering two tops, long pants, socks and my blanket jacket. When we got to the airport, I left the jacket for Glen to store in a bin at his house. By the time we arrived in Santo Domingo I had switched to a cotton skirt and sleeveless top and was still hot when we walked out of the airport into almost forgotten humidity at 8:30PM!

Highlights since our return:

*a very dusty, dirty apartment! How did the dust, and grey dirt accumulate while it was closed up?

*a frig that's on the fritz. We're hoping that by emptying it (thank goodness for coolers and bagged ice!) and leaving it off overnight that it would melt any ice between the walls, then the thermostat will kick back in. Right now it's running and finally getting cold. So, hopefully, the worst is over.

*I had sniffles on Monday & Tuesday and now I have asthmatic bronchitis. My upper chest hurts, have a nasty cough that gets me gagging and have no energy. Fortunately we have meds and I'm off til the clinic opens on Thursday.

*Bob resumed teaching the Saturday morning classes for pastors and church leaders this morning.

*med team arrives tonight for a week of ministry.

So, that should pretty well catch things up. It was wonderful to be back in the States, to be able to rest and to see so many of our friends and family. But it's good to be back home and back in a routine.

love,
~anna~

PS: It's 4;50 Saturday afternoon and it's 86* with 79% humidity and feels like 99* ~Definitely a contrast to Greenville!
Did I mention that we are here for the ministry not for the weather? I love everything about Autumn! Thank you LORD for letting us enjoy it for those 10 days!

I sure feel safer now...

This is from today's DominicanToday (an online update of various items in Dominican news)


SANTO DOMINGO.- The Assembly to Reform the Constitution approved several articles on the environment and natural resources....

Article 56 states that the introduction, development, production, possession, marketing, transport, storage and use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons into the national territory is prohibited, as well as the introduction of toxic, nuclear, chemical and dangerous residues and waste.

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Which leaves me with only two thoughts:

1) These things weren't prohibited before?

2) I feel so much safer knowing that this article has been approved for the new Constitution here ~~(she said with a slightly sarcastic chuckle). I am so glad that I have put my faith in 'His oath, His covenant, His blood" ~~NOT in the proposed articles of man.

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My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,

I rest on His unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood,

Support me in the whelming flood.

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my Hope and Stay.
Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh may I then in Him be found.

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain

Where is your hope?

~anna~

Really? People do this sort of thing???

I know it's been quite a while since I posted on my blog. I joined facebook at the encouragement of my daughter, and that just seems so much quicker to update. But on the remote possibility that someone is still actually reading this blog, I will try to do a bit better. I will try.....

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There are a couple of TV channels here that have cooking and decorating programs, but they've always been in Spanish. I would watch but it annoys me when the mouth on the person speaking does not match up to the words being spoken. Well, recently they've started broadcasting some new shows in English with Spanish subtitles.

Tonight I watched a decorating program that had my attention at first as they were buying used items to redo for a person's home. So, that was fine.

But then a second program came on.
This program was some sort of designer to the stars.
The designer was a wacko-woman. It's one of those programs that the person is so unreal, that you keep watching just to verify that they are really that wacky. (Crazy on my part too, I know)

This designer expects ALL of her employees to work 70-80 hours a week. and even asked one prospective employee if she really required a lunch break. (So much for labor laws!)

Then near the end of the program it was showing the designer in her apartment in the evening. She has a large dog...sort of reminded me of a dalmation but broader chested.

This dog's dinner each night is organic minced liver, with freshly shredded carrot and cooked brown rice. For the program the designer was making his meal, but she let it be known that her housekeeper has been given the instructions for making it, also. It's made fresh daily!

Then she went on to say that she had a dog previously that she loved so much that when it died she had it cremated and now keeps its remains in a box on the nightstand next to her bed! (ew!)

But every night when she makes her dog's dinner she puts just a pinch of the cremated remains of her first dog in the food! Just a pinch cuz it makes her feel like her first dog is still living and a part of her and her new dog's life. Actually, I was telling the tv that if she examined her dogs droppings, she might find the 'ash' remains of her first dog but she didn't hear me!

Then it showed her placing the dog's food in a ceramic bowl and feeding the dog. YES she fed the dog. It does NOT eat from the bowl. She spoon feeds this dog every night!


Her favorite statement? "I know I'm crazy. I know I'm just so crazy"

No debate on that one!

It's never easy....or "Pay cinco"?

Since we didn't have a med team today, Tim, Evelyn, Bob & I decided to head out to Altos de Chavon about an hour and a half from Juan Dolio. Bob drove but we hadn't been there in about 4 years. For those that have been here, it is the other side of La Romana.

We cleared La Romana and started out the other side. We passed the airport there, and came upon the village of Boca de Chavon, which we all knew was past Altos de Chavon. So, Bob asked directions and discovered that we had passed the entrance before the airport. So we turned around and headed back. But where we thought the turn might be there was no sign (This is a major tourist attraction here!) After we passed the turn, I looked at a sign facing the opposite direction on the other side of the road. Sure enough it said "Altos de Chavon". So, we turned around again and tried to figure out how we missed it the first time. We all decided it was the smallness of the sign and the largeness of the bushes in front of it!

We turned in and after just a few yards we came to what should have been the entrance. But it had a chain link gate firmly closed with a huge chain and lock and a very nice security guard on the other side.

Bob got out to talk to him. Today is May Day (actually May 1st but it's celebrated the Monday closest to the 1st). This is their Labor Day...a major holiday! So, the major tourist attraction was closed or, so said the security guard the first time!

Bob asked him why and was informed that it was because it's a special day. After a few minutes of the two of them talking, and us giving the nice security guard an ice cold bottle of water (his idea!), and a few calls on his radio, Bob came back to the car again.

It seems the security guard first told Bob we couldn't enter because today is a major holiday, so no tourists are allowed in, ONLY Dominicans! He informed us there were large crowds of Dominicans inside. After Bob handed him the ice cold bottle of water, it seemed that we might be allowed to enter. This required several more calls on his radio, and Bob writing down our vehicle's license number on a napkin (only paper we could find in the vehicle) and handing it to the guard thru the locked gate.

Eventually Bob returned to the vehicle while trying to keep a straight face. He turned the vehicle around and headed back to the main road. We were being sent to the next entrance, where we were to say to the next guard something that sounded like "Pay Cinco" . Since 'cinco' is the number 5, we were trying to decide how much this was going to cost us: 5 pesos, $5, or more!

We got to the next entrance, after we all practiced our secret code "Pay cinco" several times. Hey, we were not going to blow our chance to enter. I needed extra practice since I repeatedly said "Say pinko".

It was very anticlimactic, since when we got to the next guard, he just lifted the bar and let us pass! Major letdown!

Ah, but we were not officially in "Altos de Chavon". Further down the road there was another checkpoint with 4 guards.

We figured this was where we needed to use our secret code word. Oh contrare! No, here the guard expected Bob to have his original passport on him for the guard to hold while we were inside. Bob handed him a copy of his passpsort, and the guard returned it saying it was NOT the original. (well, duh! Who voluntarily gives away their passport to a perfect stranger) The guard was not to be moved!

So, Bob handed him his Ohio Driver's license, which the guard returned saying it was NOT an original (most missionaries make copies and never give out their original). Meanwhile, I am in the passenger seat occasionally giving out the secret code "pay cinco", but he paid no attention!

Tim only had a copy of his DL, but Evelyn had her original. We thought he was just going to look at it. OH NO! We were informed she could have it back when we all exited! We discussed amongst ourselves whether or not this was a good idea,leaving the final decision to Evelyn who said okay. So, we were finally allowed to proceed to the parking lot.

We then went to enter thru the pay booth. When Bob told that nice guard we were missionaries, the security guard told the clerk that we were to enter free!

From the time we got to the first main gate, til the time we actually entered was 30 minutes!

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Altos de Chavon was built in 1976 to resemble a 16th century village from southern Europe. Perched atop a bluff overlooking the Chavón River, Altos de Chavón features an archaeological museum that is the most important Dominican museum outside the capital. The Church of San Estanislao is in the center of the village. The village of Altos de Chavón also has numerous restaurants, art galleries, a Taino art museum, stores, disco, school of design and an amphitheatre

.Bob tries to claim his own souvenir!

The lovely damsel in the bell tower! ha!

I just love porticos and arches! and they were everywhere!

Lunchtime!

Siesta time for Bob

Bob says this is "Anna and the Evangelists"

These were two tall windows on the back side of the art museum.

Chavon River is in the distance.

Altos de Chavon is known for its artists and craftmen. There is a school of design, art museum and several shops to buy locally made items ~jewelry, hand-embroidered items, pottery, hand-painted dishes, etc. We decided it was all just a bit too expensive for our wallets, but still a pleasure to look at.

After a while we stopped and had icecream in a cute little bakery. Then it was time to leave.

We did much debating as to whether this might be where "pay cinco" might be needed to retrieve Ev's license. As we approached the booth, the security guard asked me what the name was. He had about 4-5 licenses in his hand!

We never did 'pay cinco'; Evelyn has her driver's license, and there were NO crowds of Dominicans there. Other than the workers, we saw 2 Dominican families.

But we all agreed it was a beautiful place, very relaxing and well worth our efforts to gain entrance.

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Just hope I don't have this much difficulty clearing the Las Americas airport and customs tomorrow morning. I arrive at Dayton International about 11PM. I'll be at David & Lyndie's. I get to babysit Yosi Wednesday AM and Thursday. Friday I drive to Lynchburg to be with Shan and the kids. The following weekend I return to David & Lyndie's, Monday I babysit Yosi, Tuesday I fly back to the DR. Because of the shortness of my stay in Greenville, I don't think there will be time for me to see any of you, though! Sorry~~

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!

.

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~