Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic:
We have had a lot of downtime this month, more then usual but it’s been a blessing to get to know others during this month. I’m so glad I brought with me Loaded Questions, and have been playing tons of other question type games.
This month I have been teaching English and it’s been great having my students call me Teacher in and out of class. I’ve been co-teaming with Katherine and we have been teaching adults and kids Monday – Thursday for about 50 to 90 minutes each day. We’ve been teaching in the community and it’s been wonderful to feel used during that time with such an egger class.
I couldn’t prepare myself for what the Race would actually be like. This month, Jesus has been revealing a lot about myself. Our living accommodations have been challenging this month – our plumbing is no longer working, so we have been using buckets to flush down our toilet when “necessary” and using a pocket shower to “feel” clean. As an introvert and germophob this has tested me.
Constant community has been overwhelming and it has been essential to navigate ways for quiet time. My solitude looks like: turning around and feeling alone, finding an empty room/ corner works too, (in our 3-room apartment with 14 other adults). Or, my favorite escape this month has been relaxing on the rooftop.
Throughout all this community time, it has brought us closer and has allowed us to bond in ways I never thought possible. For example: doing laundry together on the roof with all undergarments for the world to see, flushing poop down the toilet with others, and sharing a bathroom with 14 others has been something new.
With my free time my heart’s desire and personal challenge is to actually memorize Paul’s letter to Ephesus, the book of Ephesians by the end of next month in Haiti. I have always admired others who could serve encouraging scripture when needed, and I would love for my heart to know this God inspired letter. This month I have also been encouraged by my teammates with using my voice for scripture reading and worship. That has been a blast!
Facts & reminders I learned this month:
You can eat Hot Dogs as your main source of protein. Snicker’s also works.
People want their opinions to be validated.
& Americans take so much for granted.
My next deadline is coming up! If you are able to donate PLEASE DO! Thank you for all the prayers and reading.
Grace and peace,
Matt
