Hands over my ears!

I know the first thing you want to know.

Did we ever find that kid who needed water?

Unfortunately no. But it's funny how God opened our eyes and allowed us other opportunities to serve the hurt and hungry in our community.

We've been able to provide for and love on kids, a new mom, a man from Nigeria and even Robersy's family as needs have arisen... and God has blessed.

Still, that's not the point of why I write today. 

Do you ever remember a time that you and your kids have sat and watched a movie? All of a sudden, that "scene" you forgot about comes on and what happens? Your hands find their eyes QUICKLY! 

Or maybe it was a song. Oh my soul. As I listen back to songs I listened to in the past I am horrified at the hidden meanings and innuendos. Most of the things kids don't pick up on, but if there was a word here or there, those hands quickly cover your child's ears.

An act of love. Protection. Keeping their innocence. Deterring follow-up conversations.

But this week Robersy and I were surprised by a situation where the same hands that are meant to protect seem to be causing destruction in a community, which will effect a city, which will keep a country in the same place as it's always been... or worse.


In an effort to grow our young people in faith and truth, Robersy and I decided to do some school visits. Thankfully Robersy has quite a good standing in Guayacanes, where he coaches baseball, and so he is known by most and welcomed in to homes, businesses and schools with open arms.

I am simply his trophy wife :)

HAHAHAHA. Just kidding. 

However, since I am really trying to work more with the young ladies in our church and community, I got to tag along with my handsome hubby.

So off we went. 

Before we began bombarding the kids in their classrooms and asking their teachers plenty of embarrassing and invasive information (grades, behavior, attitudes, etc.) which they love - especially when they are on good terms with their teachers - we went and visited the Principal and Vice-Principal.

Of course they knew Robersy and so once they had caught up on life we began talking about some events we'd like to do in the schools over the next few months. The teens in church have been excited about missions, but we've emphasized the importance of starting where you are... so... we're starting were they are! 

However, while we were talking I thought... Ooooohh! I know Lily House also wants to speak to young ladies about risks, trafficking and prostitution. Let me put a word in for them too.

So on the topic of problems within the youth of today, I shared that Guayacanes had a very high percentage of young ladies who are involved in prostitution and that it didn't necessarily mean they were selling their bodies for money... many times it's for food, clothing, education...

She raised her hand and motioned for me to pause.

"Ma'am, I know you and your people want to educate ours, but there are some things we just don't want our youth to know."

My mouth literally dropped open.

I looked at Robersy questioning if I had crossed a line and thankfully my Prince Charming repeated everything I had just said in... um... Dominican?! lol.

"I understand completely. But again, there are things that happen and statistics that exist. We just don't necessarily want out our young people to know about them." Then with her hands she covered her ears. "Understand?"

I stayed mostly quiet for the remainder of the conversation, scared to over step my boundaries again, but the vice-principal mentioned several more times throughout the conversation that we "must be careful of what we talk about." She looked at me each time. I smiled and nodded.

As soon as we stepped out of the office I drilled Robersy. "Was it something I said? Was it the way I said it?"

"See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil. We choose to live in ignorance."

No matter how you slice it. IT'S HAPPENING! All around us.

Mother's are sending their daughters to the streets and many times even accompanying them there. Husbands urge their wives. Fathers encourage their daughters. Out of simple need to put food on the table, girls go.

And the schools remains quiet. The cities remain silent. The country raises their hands over their ears.

Yet it's happening.

And lest you think this is a blog to bash the Dominican Republic, I beg you to ask, when do you raise your hands?

Two presidential candidates. (I know you just sat up straighter. Stay with me here.)

Both involved in heinous sins and crimes. But we praise them. Pray for America? YES!!! Vote? YES!!! But are we honest with ourselves that there is a whole lot of crap that does not honor the Lord on BOTH SIDES... or do we cover our ears?

Our world is falling apart all around us.
Where sin is praised and those who do right are ridiculed. 
Where are our hands?

For I assure you, there is a difference between trying to protect... and choosing to ignore.

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Let me hop off my soap box and share with you what's going on in the ministry God has allowed us to be a part of.

This past week one of our boys got saved at church! We continue discipling (teaching, training and living along side our young people) young ladies and men from our church, who in turn are reaching out to their peers in their community.

We've had opportunities to sit down with new believers and encourage those who are tired in the faith.

We laugh. We cry. We learn. We grow.

Here are a few photos from youth group this past week. It was "Famous Friday" and so some of the kids dressed up. Robersy was Michael Phelps, Josiah was Rocky Balboa and I was... Robersy :) I just wanted an excuse to draw a beard on my face and Robersy was scruffy that week. LOL!

Nate led the games and Felipe preached the Word. 

We love having fun with our young people!

If you're praying for us this week please pray for a group of men from our church that crossed the border in to Haiti. Pray for their safety and that God would use their time to offer help and relief to those suffering there.

Robersy is off to a conference tomorrow with Baseball Chapel so be praying for his time and then the next week it's Baseball Week! So pray for a little extra energy for Robersy :)

God Bless! And watch where you put those hands.

Thirsty!

Since becoming a missionary in 2009 I have seen a lot of sad things.

Hungry children.

Horrible living conditions.

Dead dogs. Everywhere.

To be honest, sometimes seeing these things over and over again can leave us numb and emotionless to the hurt and suffering around us. I've found my self praying for the Lord to soften my hardened heart. 

As I've prayed, my eyes have been opened to marriages fighting to survive, women struggling to provide for the children she raises alone, children just begging to be children. A lot of the hurt I've seen is in those who should still be playing with Barbies and video games... except most are walking the beaches and streets selling homemade coconut lollipops, fried bread or simply begging.

Sometimes they become just another annoying person interrupting your nap, standing in your sunlight or getting in your way.

But when you look in to their eyes...

The other day Robersy and I were arriving home when we saw a group of boys standing at an "abandoned" housing area beside our apartment. Several people and stray dogs live behind the broken gate. 

In front of the gate is a dip where water gathers whenever it rains. Of course, the puddle doesn't ever stay clean long. With all the people walking in and out, motorcycles driving in and out, the stray dogs rolling their diseased bodies in the cool water, the group of goats that live near by enjoying the fresh fallen rain, the chickens, the pigs, etc. Before long the water is FILTHY!!!

This particular day was following the hurricane that passed by so the puddle was bigger and dirtier than usual.

As we stared out the window to see what had captured the attention of the boys. 

My heart broke.

A thin, teenage boy, up to his knees in the puddle, scooped the water to his mouth over and over again. He was SO thirsty. Desperate for something to quench his thirst.

Robersy ran upstairs to grab some clean water for him to drink... only to see the boy had left. His thirst quenched for a moment with the disgusting water. I dread to think of the consequences that followed.

The image has been ingrained in my mind for the last few weeks, which is why I knew I just needed to share. Only - in my minds eye, the boy looks like you and me.

We are SO desperate for satisfaction, pleasure, happiness, hope, peace... that we grasp at whatever we can to feel full, even just for a moment.

Only to be left empty and broken again.

This past week I had the privilege of participating in a women's conference that took this message out to the women of the Dominican Republic.

Nothing will quench your thirst, besides Jesus!

Nothing will fill that emptiness, besides Jesus!

Nothing will satisfy you, besides Jesus!!!

You can try. But you will end up trying your entire life.

Sadly, we have not seen the boy since that day but be assured we are ready with bottles of clean water... and the precious message of the Jesus Christ :)

This next week our church is heading out to Haiti with physical and spiritual help for those who are suffering. Unfortunately Robersy and I are not able to go because of a conference and other commitments made before hand, but please be praying for them! 

And my kid is awake... ahhh... so until next week!!! GOD BLESS!!!

Gate B32

Portuguese red bean soup is on the stove.

Home made biscuits are in the oven.

Candles are on the counter.

Luci's (solar powered lanterns) are charged.

Matthew... Bring. It. On.

I have to admit. Having a lazy, rainy day has been nice. However, knowing that our neighbors are not JUST enjoying a rainy day should bring us to our knees asking God for their protection as this hurricane heads their way.

As promised, I saved some photos from our time in Pennsylvania. We enjoyed a few Fall activities with my sister and brother-in-law although our attire makes it clear that the fall weather hadn't arrived yet :)

Apparently Josiah wasn't excited for the photo shoot... HAHA!

 As well as apple picking and photo shoots, we had the chance to pop up to the Poconos for a couple of nights. We got to visit with a few of our friends and I (Sarah) got to fly down a 4,000ft zipline! Pretty cool.

We are grateful for the time spent with our family, friends and supporters!

But as I mentioned last week...

During our loooooooong layover in JFK airport it was incredible to see the flights that were leaving and coming in from all over the world.

Robersy, Josiah and I sat and watched a particular flight on it's way to Japan.

The plane was HUGE! Two levels!

The line of people waiting to get through the door snaked quite far from the gate entrance, but once each person had been checked through there was another 20 minutes (yes... we sat and watched) of the airline staff walking up and down the gate area looking for late passengers.

Names were called on the speakers. Over and over again.

One staff member asked Robersy, "Are you going to Japan?"

We laughed and said, "I wish!" But after chatting for a few minutes, the staff member explained that the trip would take over 14 hours. They tried to give everyone coming from connecting flights ample opportunity to get on the flight since it could be several days before they flew to that city again.

Amsterdam.

Zurich.

London.

Santo Domingo :)

Each flight different. Varying on size, number of passengers, and distance to travel... but each one with a destination in mind.

It really got me thinking.

The flight to Santo Domingo might not seem so glamorous because it's ONLY a couple hours from the US border. But Zurich! London! JAPAN! They're so fancy! Double decker airplanes! 

But what good is that million dollar aircraft if it doesn't get where it needs to go?

GOD has been so good to create us with purpose. Sometimes our purpose might not look like others. Just a small aircraft hopping over to the next state.

It's not Amsterdam!

But the magnitude of what GOD has called me to matters little considering I arrive at the destination HE has called me to.

Friend. I don't know about you, but I want to be faithful in what GOD has called me to today.

Instead of looking at everyone else's flight and aircraft... let's just be faithful in what GOD has asked us to do. Let's just GET THERE!

AMEN!?

Going somewhere?

He's down!!!

After 3 nights of sharing my bed with a cranky, crying, fussy 7.5 month old that I swear is destined to be a professional football (soccer) player from all the kicking he does in his sleep, who is currently rejecting all solid foods and has decided he wants to be held ALL. THE. TIME...

the kid is FINALLY down for a nap!!!

Can I get a HALLELUJAH?!

So in these precious few moments I sacrifice much needed sleep to bring you a report on our summer.

Don't you feel LOVED?!

Haha! But really, I just need to get all this out of my system before I explode!

Over the last 3 months we have been in 2 different countries and a few different states as well...

Please hold.
The monster has arisen... (that is totally said in love!)

21 minutes. He slept for 21 minutes! ARRRRGGGG!

At least that little cat nap has changed his rebellious attitude and he's currently sitting on the carpet chewing things that ought not be chewed and watching some show about bugs made out of vegetables on Baby TV. P.S. I never want to eat carrots again.

OK, where were we? Oh yeah.

So we have been out and about quite a bit over the last few months. First of course to Atlanta, which you can read about in my previous post entitled "Fa la la la." Then Josiah and I finally got to Bermuda where he met my side of the family and rest a little since we haven't had the chance to do much of that lately.

It was well needed and so appreciated after 6 months of waiting for passports. #shoutouttohermajestyspassportoffice

(Crabby UPDATE - Now in his Exer-saucer)

Then with two and a half days to wash laundry and repack we headed out for for a ministry trip with the Juan Dolio church leadership team to West Virginia.

It was great to see many who have supported us and loved us well, and to minister to those still suffering from the recent flooding and a ministry that cares for and educates families of babies exposed to drugs before birth. It was a humbling experience being reminded that people suffer all over the world. We must all step up to help one another! Check out the report a local newspaper wrote about the trip.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!


(Crabby UPDATE - Now on my lap. Typing with one hand.)

From there we traveled to Pennsylvania to visit my sister, brother-in-law and supporting church, Clymer Baptist Church. Robersy and I updated the church, fellowshipped with the members (AKA Ate well, as good Christians do.) and were challenged by other visiting missionaries who shared their call and vision to serve in England.

I love seeing others that God has called to serve in other parts of the world.

Of course we also LOVED being with family and taking a few minutes to breath with a couple nights in the Poconos (THANKS MOM!!!) and a visit with Charles and Ashley Carter (fellow missionaries) too.

Photos of our last leg will be posted next week to give you something to look forward to! Haha.

(Crabby UPDATE - Back on the floor. Knocking things over on the TV stand. Breakables removed.)

So needless to say, it's been a great summer but a BUSY one indeed.

As we hung around JFK airport for 6 hours on our looooong layover we walked to each gate to see where each flight came from and where it was going. Incredible to see flights to Japan, Amsterdam and England. So many flights of all different shapes and sizes headed in all different directions. And it got me thinking...

But you'll have to tune in next Monday to find out what :)

(Final Crabby UPDATE - Daddy is home. Praise God Almighty!!!)

Magical milk and other life lessons.

Saline drops are your friend.

Breast milk is magical. Put it in eyes and ears to help infection. (It works, people!)

Don't give cough medicine after eating a bowl of oatmeal cereal. 
Barf. 
Everywhere.

These are a few life lessons I have learned over the last week while tending to our cuddly little peanut, Josiah. Although he is the happiest sick kid I've ever met... he has still been very demanding :)


As you know, I like to get our blog out every Monday but these last few weeks have proved difficult as we've been busy with teen camp, trips, ministry, groups and of course trying to stay afloat as the craziness of summer winds down.

Ministry has never been 9 to 5... but summer adds its own dose of CRAZY!

Saying that, we are so grateful for the amazing, unforgettable experiences we have had over the years, and the beautiful people we have had the privilege of serving beside.

Last week I gave you a run down on our trip to Atlanta, but had promised some updates on camp. 

It was an incredible (and tiring!) few days where teens enjoyed the preaching of God's Word, Bible competition, worship, sports, challenges and plenty of games. There were several decisions made, including Salvation and dedications. Please be praying for those who made a commitment! That their churches would come alongside them and help them to grow!

Here are just a few photos from Mud Day and one on the last day of camp:

Upon our return from Atlanta, we were able to serve with some of our favorite people!

Robersy has gotten to play a WHOLE lot of baseball lately :) and even translated (YES! Translated!) for a visiting team led by our director (John Zeller) and former MLB player, Keith Madison.

Tuesday Girl's club has been going great too. Last week we were able to share the Gospel with over 31 young ladies. We pray this time during summer makes a lasting impact on their lives!

Of course between groups and ministry we've been able to celebrate graduations, Father's Day (celebrated a little later that the States/Bermuda), and Josiah's 6 months! 

It has been a fantastic summer and we are ready for a little down time before the school year begins again.

Thank you for your prayers and I look forward to updating you again next Monday <3

Love,
The Laras

Fa la la la la...

"Ooooh, it feels like Christmas!"

I squealed with excitement as I got a chill from the breeze after the freshly fallen rain.

Robersy and I were sitting outside on the porch playing Phase 10 since the electricity had gone out for the fifth time today. ("THIS is the reality of the Dominican Republic..." Luci pitch)

Shivering I ran inside to get feety pajamas for our scantly clad child jumping in his Exer-saucer. Robersy gathered the ingredients to make some yummy Dominican hot chocolate and I lit some candles for seasonal ambiance. We love winter!

Brrrrr...

A brisk 77 degrees.

HA-HA!

So maybe it's not a New York Christmas or even anywhere close for our Canadian or UK friends/family... but for just a second that's exactly how it felt.

In fact, aside from the weather, it has felt like "the week after Christmas" since our return from the States last Saturday.

You know what I mean?!

You plan (and plan and PLAN) and prepare and travel and celebrate... then in a blink of an eye, it's over. Oh how you wish you could go back and do it all over again.

That's how we feel :( All 13 of of us!

But in the same breath we can not even find sufficient words to express our gratitude for the love and kindness shown by dozens of people through meals, equipment, uniforms, shoes, accommodation, transportation, time and several, SEVERAL other ways.

We confirmed that neither the English nor Spanish dictionaries successfully describe our hearts.

Yet we shall try :)

My Facebook contains well over a hundred photos of our Atlanta baseball trip but for those who didn't get to see... here are a few highlights from our time traveling with 10 Dominican boys on their first trip to America.

We were excited to see a miracle right before our eyes when Robersy, Josiah and my passports arrived through DHL Express DAYS before our scheduled departure.






The plane ride was especially thrilling as it was the first time for all the boys! We made it with no tears and only 1 barf bag filled which was sweetly handed to me at our arrival in to Atlanta. #thanksbuddy

We were given a warm welcome by Taylor Barnes (the man who put all of this trip together following a life changing mission trip to the Dominican Republic last year), his family and friends!

Immediately we were whisked away to see an Atlanta Braves game!!! 

After a looooooong drive home and a good night of sleep we were up and ready to go again with a visit to a Sunday School class and some time of worship with Pastor David Sampson and Parkway Baptist church.

For the next few days we had a Vacation Bible School in the mornings and practice/games in the afternoon and evening.

We studied Noah's Ark, but this wasn't a VBS for toddlers! We learned interesting facts about Noah and his relationship with the Lord as well as cultural information to help us understand the times in which this historical event occurred. Kyle (our Bible teacher and Parkway's youth pastor) even led us outside to measure the dimensions of the Ark! 





Of course there were games, snacks and music.

Our boys are STILL singing the VBS songs - in English!!!

"It was an ocean commotion!!!"
"Rock the boat. Rock, rock the BIG boat!"

VBS is where many friendships were formed for both the kids and for us adults too :)


Then off to baseball...

The Gospel was preached at EVERY game! 

P.S. See that super cool dude next to the preacher... that is Charles Carter. He, along with his amazing wife, Ashley, helped us translate for the week. We are so blessed by their friendship and ministry <3

I know you can see it in their eyes... but these kids LOVED every second! They even made the news! Not sure how to add the video from Channel 3 news, but here is the article from Channel 9 below...

News Channel 9

Then the boys were invited to a baseball presentation at... Lake Winnie Theme Park!

Bumper cars were their favorite, but we were able to get all the boys on a wooden roller-coaster too. They had a BLAST! Even though one boy claimed he was having a heart attack on a drop during the ride :)






The boys (and their coach) were proud to represent their homeland in the presentation and felt like celebrities as they shook hands/high-fived with each little baseball player of the teams represented.













In one final HOO-RAH, we said our goodbyes at a pool party.

Amazing that language was not a factor in the friendships formed.

Tears were shed by all.








And with that, we packed our bags and headed home once again.

Forever changed because of the sacrifice made by hundreds 

......(Taylor Barnes & family, Pastor David and Melissa Sampson & the Parkway Baptist church, Moriah Baptist (accommodation), Iglesia Misionera Juan Dolio (our home church), van drivers, cooks, cleanup crews, laundry crew, VBS team, the whole youth group, Choo Choo, Cracker Barrell (x2!), Chick Fil A, all other food suppliers, Chick's Lumber Yard (uniforms), all of our fans who traveled near and FAR! Everyone who gave... Everyone who prayed. I know I'm missing people, but please know from the bottom of our hearts we are so, SO, SOOOOO blessed by you!)......

and the love of one ALMIGHTY GOD!!!
To HIM be the glory forever and ever. Amen.