New office things

My office space continues to change and grow with such exciting things. I am now the proud new owner of a sink...my very own sink! I wash my hands all the live-long day now which is so great! The water tank is held on the roof, and it's black, so the water actually comes out hot! Who could really ask for more?

We're installing a dentist chair that was donated and will be doing dental work every Friday with the kids. I'm apparently going to be trained to do cleanings so I can check the kids during the week, then the dentist will come on Fridays to do any work that's needed. It is such a blessing, these kids have such horrible teeth. Everyday I treat sick, black, rotten out teeth and so, as much as I hate to touch teeth and the whole mouth thing, I'm going to do it! I love the steps forward we're taking. It seems like real, physical things that we're moving towards and it will definitely make a difference in their lives.

New Space

We have a new classroom and storage open and running as of yesterday! One of the new classrooms was turned into a storage for classroom materials and sports equipment (very, very needed!) and then a space for two different classes.

We now have all kids present and accounted for after the public school made some difficult adjustments to their schedule. But opening this extra space has now made for a full school...just the way I like it. The cafeteria is bulging at the seams, which is great because in a few weeks we begin to tear down the walls for an expansion! The changes happen so fast it's nice to step back and remember when we were just a 4-classroom building!

Some measles, why not.

So the next sickness on my list: measles. Good grief! I has fever on Thursday and Friday and then Saturday woke up with rash all over my body. Fever continued and nothing I did could break it. This morning I woke up with the rash connecting itself and from my head to my toes...not good. Ariel called the hospital to see if this was a virus going around because some friends had something similar, but they said no and I should come in because it sounded like possibly dengue. So off we went. Diagnosis after all: measles. Glad it's not dengue, that's much worse! So now we just wait out, drink a lot, stay away from the heat (yah, right!) and pray for no more illnesses. On a side note, my stomach is doing well...over a week now with no pain or problems!!

Cafe

Last Thursday was a DR holiday, so we went on a little road trip. We decided to go with our friends Francis and Milka to a restaurant with an amazing view. It takes about an hour to get there, driving through amazing countryside. As I am a very seasoned road-tripper, everyone learned new roadtrip games!! It was well worth the trip once we got there, we had great coffee and go to just sit and talk and watch the view!

Cell phones

Got a used cell phone just sitting around? We want it! We can use them for staff at school, new missionaries, and of course, ourselves! If you can send it with all it's goodies (especially a charger) to our address listed on the right...we'd love it!! Thanks so much!! Can you drop me an email or note if you're sending one so we can watch out for it.

Baby steps!

Just wanted to add that as of today, we've got 200 kids who are de-wormed, weighed and measured, brushing their teeth daily, hand sanitizing before all their meals, and taking vitamins everyday. I think that's pretty cool.

Happy 1st Birthday

On Saturday we celebrated our neice's first birthday...the daughter of Alex and Marianne (Ariel's brother). We ate lots of pizza and watched the kids play in the sand. There was a pinata, also on the beach, and when it was opened lots of the candy got buried in sand! I can't believe she's already a year old...how fast time has gone!! Happy Birthday!

Pure love

Something special about kids is their ability to love from the first moment. I've known most of the new little guys for about 72 minutes but already they bombard me with hugs (mostly a massive group hug) and chanting "Jessi" together. I kind of like it.

As I watch these new faces, I understand more why Jesus taught us to be like the children, and see that more each day as I watch the kids interacting. They don't care about the fact that they're wearing pajamas as clothes, that the lunch they're eating is probably all they'll have all day, or that they're all sharing one cup to drink out of. I want to be like them. When the biggest worry of the day is if you're going to get to play soccer or what kind of hair baubles to put in. And these kids could worry...they've been dealt a hard hand of life. They often have 5 people sleeping in the same bed with no fan or mosquito net, no father figure, mom can't make enough to support the family of 9 so food is short if it exists at all.

It kind of puts things into perspectvie-again and again. So I'm not going to complain today. I won't talk about how hot it is, cause I get to sleep with a fan. I won't complain about my limited sick person diet, because my fridge is full of lots of things to keep me full. I'm going to worry less; think more about hair baubles and singing. I'm going to hug a lot and chant peoples names when I see them. At least I'm going to work on that.

Back to school

We started back to school last week and I spent the whole day smiling. The kids are amazing to put it simply. I wish I could do justice to what it means to have constant hugs from sweaty little faces, to meet 30 new preschoolers, to see each little face so happy to be back at school.

As I said, we welcomed in a new class of preschoolers and they are...precious. They're so tiny compared to the "big kids" who just yesterday were these little guys. It's fun seeing the older kids show the new ones the ropes. Sometimes it's easy to feel like we haven't really changed much in their lives, but when we bring in new kids, it's clear to see the huge differences. The "old" kids come in so orderly and wait to eat until we have prayed. The new kids come in and talk and start eating immediately. I love to see the faces and reactions of the older kids when they see the new ones do these things. It makes me proud like a mother to watch these guys.

On my end of things, I've been back for 2.5 weeks and seem to be doing mostly well. There are a lot of adjustments with food and temperature (it is HOT!), but so far it's going smoothly. I've had a few bouts of hurty stuff, but at least now I know better how to manage it and can usually pinpoint what it was that caused it. I'm trying to stick to foods I've already tried and tested and that seems to work well. I'm easing slowly back into work and will be going on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as to make sure I can smoothly handle this transition.

Adjustments

I woke up to the sounds of motorcycles going by. The lady outside is selling avocado and bananas. I sweat while sitting still. The electricity is out. There isn't water in the kitchen tap. The tile floor seems to be the only respite from the heat. A truck just drove by wanting to buy scrap metal. The horns honking on the road in front of our apt. are endless.

I am back.

Once again, in a matter of hours, I feel like I was beamed from one world to the next! It is still a strange thing travelling between the States and the DR. I get so used to life in each country that being in the other one still comes as a shock at first. Despite all the "quirks" of this country, it is nice to be here again. Nice for everyone to see that I am truly alive, that Ariel does indeed have a wife, and so nice to be back to whatever the "normal" of my life is!

School is set to start on Monday (I think) and I still am trying to figure out what that means for me. I want to be careful in how I adjust back to work and daily routines. I want to go slowly after 3 months of illness and make sure that I take care of myself...after all, I want to be able to take care of others and can't do that well if this happens again! I am looking forward to seeing all the kids bright, shiny eyes and new hair braids and catching up with the staff again.

I ask for your continued prayers in the transitions that I'm going through , in the adjustments and plans that are taking place, in the homesickness that will surely hit soon! I want to live in this time and place for now and not look too far ahead, for this is where I am today...and it is good. Thanks!

At last

I'm back!!! I made it into the DR yesterday to a very excited Ariel. It is so nice to be together again, 2 months is a long, long time to be apart. We are spending every second together now and got to play in the pool this afternoon which was great. So far, so good with my stomach. I'm going to go slowly with everything and not be so adventerous with my food. It is hot and humid like crazy...a bit of a change from Oregon, that's for sure!

From one home to another

So the long-awaited day finally will be here tomorrow...I'm heading back to the Dominican Republic! I have such crazy, mixed emotions as I leave one home to be back in my other home. I am excited like crazy and a little nervous all at the same time to see Ariel (it's been two months!). I've been feeling mostly good with my stomach stuff. I think the preparations and anticipation of it all has made it a little hard to sleep, but hopefully that will pass as I get back! Please keep this next transition in your prayers as I want to be as careful as possible with my stomach and body and adjusting to all the new changes. Thank you again for being so supportive during all these ups and downs.

A quick trip to Phoenix

I got to go to Phoenix this weekend to spend time with my college roommate and best friend Julie! She was trying to make it to Oregon before I left, but couldn't make it work with her schedule, so her mom Eileen offered my her free ticket with Southwest!! It was so amazing to spend time with Julie again...she is so special. We did a lot of talking, visited Grand Canyon University again (which has changed a lot!), saw some movies, played with Lucas, visited her parents, and ate at Ajo Al's twice!! Even if it was a fast trip, I am so thankful to have gone!

Happy Birthday

We celebrated my Grandpa Dixon's 83rd birthday the other night. We went to Mexican food and then back to their place for a bit to continue the party!

Summer Update Letter

The months seem to fly by and already I find myself at the end of summer, looking forward to the start of a new school year. In May we finished strong for the year with a great Mother’s Day program and presentations. I feel like this past school year has been our best yet as I reflect on the progress, growth, and maturing that has taken place. We worked hard with attendance and had almost 20 (not all pictured) kids with perfect attendance this year! For me that is HUGE because these kids mostly have only themselves to push them out the door each day. I am proud like a mother of each one of them and am excited for all that lies ahead this coming school year.

The biggest challenge these last three months has been my never-ending illness. Ariel and I were tested quickly in our marriage on the vow “in sickness and in health”. I became very sick in the DR and after being hospitalized for a week, and then not improving in the week to follow, we decided it was best to seek care in the States. It was one of the hardest decisions to make, but we knew it had to be done. I spent 3 days in the hospital in Oregon and have since been on numerous meds, in and out of doctor’s offices, and after almost two months in the States, I am so happy to say that I am feeling pain free and healthy again! It is still a slow process of getting my stomach strong again, and a little frustrating that no definitive diagnosis was found apart from gastritis, but the important part is I will be back with Ariel soon! This has also been a great time to be cared for by family and friends and a place where I have been able to truly heal.

On that same note, we have a new financial need that hospitals, medicines, and immediate travel have created, on top of regular needs. I thank God for those who continue to give so faithfully and ask that you would pray with us that the monthly support and one-time donations we are in need of would come in, as we trust will happen. If you would like to send support, the address is listed on the bottom. You can also support online through http://www.kidsalive.org/ (follow “Around the World” then “Dominican Republic” to find me)

With much love, Jessi

JNicole228@yahoo.com

Please send financial support noted for Jessi Veras to: Kids Alive , PO Box 2117, Valparaiso IN 46384

Not a Dominican Republic beach!!

Last week, to flee the heat, my brother John and I went with my nephew Josh down to Newport Beach where it was foggy and cool. I wore a sweatshirt the whole time which was a bit of a change from Gresham! We had such a fun time sitting on the beach while Josh dug and dug, then went shopping in Newport and had some tea and hot chocolate. It's been such a blessing to have all this time with family.

Pool time

We got to play in the pool last week with Bethany and her little man and Jenny and her kids. We tried out floaties and Maddie showed off her jumping...it was fun to go to grandma's again like the good old days!

On the mend!

It has been one whole week, 7 glorious nights, of pain-free sleeping around here!!! I am so thankful that (hopefully) those days and nights are gone. I am feeling stronger, less wimpy, and can go a whole day now without napping! I continue to have my meals/snacks every few hours, but that might be for awhile! I got out the other day and picked berries at my parents house...it was nice to actually do something again that makes me feel normal. So if all stays well, as I hope it pray it does, I will probably head back to the DR in another 3 weeks. I am excited to see Ariel again, although I feel like we may have to start with introductions and dating all over because it's been so long! Just kidding, I am so glad to have been in Oregon for this time, to have (and continue) healing and getting stronger, and to have gotten the care that was so needed. So we continue to take it a day at a time and hopefully those days will lead me to full recovery!!

To clear things up

Thought I'd let everyone know what's going on...it's been a few days. I've been to the naturopath a few times now to check up and start some different therapies he has recommended. I really like the diet suggestions he's made and I've started on a few supplements (protein, calcium, and anti-inflammatories). The therapies he says are to help increase circulation and get to my trigger points...but I'm still learning the new language. Since starting the therapies on Thursdays, I've had 2 bad nights and 2 good nights, so I'm not out of the woods yet.

Naturopathy seems to be a bit controversial these days, or maybe I've just never opened up the topic with anyone. My brother works in California as a psychologist with autism and sees bad outcomes because of naturopathy, of people pouring money into endless treatments and no results, or worse. That's my disclaimer. We have gone into this because we had exhausted the treatments with the gastroenterologist, except for starting steroids and another round of antibiotics if it was to get worse. I don't want to approve of ALL naturopathy, just as I don't want to approve of ALL medicine. I want to continue cautiously with the treatments I receive, with my body, with my healing.

But please don't give up your doctors and ultrasounds and prescriptions, that was never my intention. I'm a nurse...I believe in medicine's place in our lives as I believe in supporting other treatments as well. I think our bodies have an amazing capacity of knowing how to heal, and along with the right help (be it herbal or synthetic or whatever), healing will take place. I hope to use a midwife when my babies are born to have less medical intervention, but I know an obstetrician needs to be available in case of complications. I think it's finding a balance of where you are comfortable, not being blind to the realities, understanding options.

So that's the road I'm on. The road to recovery I'm hoping! It has been a long, long time since going a few nights in a row without pain and I am anxious to feel "normal" again. I am anxious to see my husband. I am anxious to live my daily life again. I move forward prayerfully in my decisions, hoping that I take the right steps.

You've got to be kidding.

So to top it all off...my mom and I walked into our house today, and we were broken into. So far, it seems they have taken my laptop, my travel money, my mom's jewelry, and some antique guns my dad had from his granparents. Oh yah, and my Vicodin! Argh. Thankfully we live in the U.S.A. where people carry homeowners insurance, so it should all be covered. In the meantime though, frustrating!! But to be thankful, we are all safe and in all reality, things are just things.

Thumbs up for Naturopathy

So I went to the Naturopathic doctor and didn't find one burning candle, incense stick, and no humming or meditation was required. It was surprisingly FANTASTIC and I am hooked to the end. The doctor was able to explain all the diagnoses that the other doctors gave me and did it in a way that just made sense. He took so much time to understand what I have gone through and to talk about what is still happening.

The exam was fascinating to say the least. As he examined me he kept explaining why things are happening in my body like:

Weird arms: I wake up in the night with what I've called "restless arm syndrome". I feel like they are electric on the inside and if I don't move them they'll explode, so I hug my pillow or stand up and walk around and shake them, etc. He said it is most likely due to a lack of calcium because my body doesn't have the fatty acids to help in that.

Lack of weight gain: Normally I wouldn't complain about this except that it is virtually impossible for me to put on weight. I eat all day and still have issues. Anyhow, he explained that due to the antacids I've been taking, I have decreased digestive enzymes, amongst other things, and so therefore cannot properly break down and digest my food, therefore lack of weight gain.

Pain: Due to all the inflammation in my stomach

He went on to say that my digestive system is obviously my weakest and we are going to work to strengthen it. He wasn't anti-medical anything, in fact, along with giving me a tincture of stuff for pain, he said that if it wasn't working after a certain number of doses, to take the Vicodin I had been prescribed.

Tomorrow I'm off again for the next appointment where we'll talk about more in-depth things I need to do and the treatment plan. I am expecting to be going to the office 2-3 times a week for continued treatments with physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, etc. If you're interested you can check out their website...I'd recommend it.

The hardest part of this whole process is that my ticket says I'm meant to be on the plane back to the DR next Wednesday. That obviously isn't going to be possible with starting new treatments here, so we started thinking of alternate plans so as not to have to be apart from Ariel for 2.5 months. Whether it was to head back to the DR for a week or leaving early, we tried to think through all the options. In the end though, after lots of praying and talking and thinking through it all, we have decided that I'll go ahead and stay here to start treatment immediately so I can hopefully heal faster and more completely, thereby returning healthy and sound, ready to move forward with all that is ahead.

I am a big believer that for everything that happens there is a God-driven purpose, whether we get to find out what the purpose is or not. So I am confident that as Ariel and I continue our days in opposite countries, we will continue stronger because of this, that we will be better and know each other more...as we have already seen happen. I wish I could tell you how truly good to the core Ariel is, how supportive and encouraging he has been, and how grateful I am that he is my husband.

Steps to being better

Well, second biopsy report came back as such: eosinophilic gastritis, CMV in stomach (from previous infection, I guess), and no parasites. The doctor said if the pain is worse, we can do antibiotics for the gastritis (which I've already done once) and steroids (which I don't want!). The biopsy is now off for a 3rd opinion, where they will do further testing to see if there is anything else in there! They also will be presenting my case at the next hospital round table discussions to see if anyone else has seen this or knows what it is.

In the meantime, I still have pain issues during the night. The days are great, I feel perfectly normal and go about my day mostly like anyone else...I just do a bit less and eat really frequently. But I wake up every night for about 2-3 hours with stomach pain, heartburn, spitty, weird stuff. Vicodin still seems to do the trick for it, but I'm anxious to get off the pain medicine.

Well, I'm off today to a highly recommended Naturopathic doctor. I had already researched online some alternatives to going on steroids (for inflammation of the stomach), and started an herb called licorice root, along with probiotics to sort out my guts. Then my dad brought in a reference from a friend at work for this naturopathic doctor, so I've decided to go. Hopefully he can tell me if the herbs I'm taking are right and what else I can be doing. He apparently works a lot with diet based upon your blood type, so I'm interested in what this will do. I go tonight for the first appt and a follow-up appt. on Thurs.

My ticket back to the DR says I should be leaving here on the 29th...next Wednesday. I am unsure at this point what I am supposed to do. I want so badly to be with Ariel, he is just so, so far away. But at the same time, I know I have made this trip to Oregon to get better, and so far, I'm not all the way better. I'm trying to figure out if I'm going to extend my ticket and be away from Ariel longer, or go back as scheduled and hope for the best with my stomach. I'm just a bit nervous to head back with a weak stomach to face more potential for getting something like a parasite which could do me in! Thank you for praying with me about this to make the best decision, for my body, for our marriage, for the long-term results. Ariel is telling me to stay in Oregon, that I need to get better and come back 100% healed...but that is the way he is, completely self-sacraficing and loving to the end. I want to love him too and care for him, but maybe that means healing in Oregon first so I can be the best wife I can be when I get back. These are hard choices I'm hoping the doctor today will help us figure out as he talks about treatments and options. I'll let you know!

Noah is 1!

My high school friend Jenny just had a bday party for her little boy, Noah, who turns one this week. It was great to be able to be at one of these events...normally I'm so far away. Happy Birthday, Noah!

Cousins and kids

We were once again, at my grandparents the other day for a get-together with my cousins. My oldest cousin, David, has 4 kids, plus 4 more kidswere there, so it was an active place! It was nice to catch up with my cousins, see their families, and play in the pool again!

A little behind

I'm a little late, but wanted to put a couple of the 4th of July up before August rolled around. My brother John and his family came up, we BBQ'd and swam at my grandparents then did another BBQ and fireworks at my parents house.

Better yet?

The doctor called today and it seems that everything is negative!! Hooray! He said something about my blood cells staining red, but he has a bit of a heavy accent and I didn't understand the word. Anyhow, he wanted a second opinion on the pathology test so he's sending the biopsies to another pathologist to be sure...that should be back in another week. He said my stomach was so bad that he wants to double check everything. He talked about putting me on steriods, but we discussed this and decided to hold off because of the side effects and that I've been improving.

The great news is that I am feeling mostly well. I don't want to get my hopes up too soon (as has happened before) but I have had 2 good days in a row without pain and nausea. It is GOOD to feel good!! I have started going out more in the daytime and eating more adventerous food, "testing" my stomach. I want to be sure I am truly well before heading back to the DR.

At the moment, I am set to leave for the DR on the 29th, just 2 weeks from now. I am anxious to see Ariel and hopeful that my stomach agrees with me being better and able to return. That being said, I am not looking forward to the Dominican August heat. It is hot, hot, hot! But it will be nice, nice, nice to be with Ariel again, so I'll put up with the heat. I just want to be 100% sure I am healed before adding in the extra stressors of different food and water, heat, etc.

Thanks for all the encouragement you have sent through emails, calls, Facebook...it is great having such support. Here's hoping and praying for more good days, full (and permanent!) healing of my stomach, and my family to move to the DR with me (you can always hope, right??!!)

Growing up

One of my high school friends came over yesterday too to introduce me to her new little man, Quinn. He's 4 months old and one of the worst parts of being away is missing all of these little guys growing up! It was really nice to see Bethany again, catch up on being married and parenting and our lives these days. Hard to believe we're old enough to be having kids and be "real" grown-ups!

Sandy Mountain Days

My afternoons and evenings continue to be the best time of day for me. I'm able to get out and do "normal" things and feel pretty good. The other night I was in the Sandy Mountain Days parade with my grandparents and aunt and uncle for their printshop. I got to ride in a car the whole time, so that made it even easier. Unfortunately, we had to wear parrot hats and shake pom-poms, but it was nice to be out and doing something.

Testing, testing

So I went in for the endoscopic ultrasound yesterday and...no change to my stomach. All my other organs are fine except my stomach, which continues to be very inflamed and unhappy. The doctors are stumped as to what is going on and so we are waiting for the biopsy results that he took from my stomach, which will be in on Tuesday hopefully. I still get pain off and on but I think that is getting to be less and less. Nausea comes and goes, along with feeling tired and like a slug. I'm getting the best mom-care ever, which I'm sure has lead to me getting better.

I miss Ariel like crazy and wish he could be here, it's hard to be away for so long...especially sick. He is a super laundry washer and informed me that he washed ALL the white clothes I have at home and they are now all yellow-armpit-stain free (I've got a problem with that, so??!) He is a good, good man. I want to share Oregon, the U.S., these things with him. But all in good time, all in good time.

So we continue to wait and hope and pray for good results...and answers to where this is all coming from!

Some healing photos!

Just a few photos my mom has been taking for Ariel to keep him updated on my progress! Here are a few from my hospital trip here. They taped my IV up like a little kid (I have problems with my veins and losing IV's!).

This was the worst and best medicine I have ever taken. It's called "Miracle Mouthwash" but rather than washing my mouth, I had to drink 30 cc's of it right down! It was the best though because it numbed up my stomach and I was able to rest the whole night through without pain, as well as keep my medicine in my stomach. Ew.So this is one of my healing places...my grandparents' house! It's either lie in my bed at my parents house or lie on a chair next to the pool, so we head to their house! I do spend most of my day laying down...it seems to be the best position to keep my stomach calm. Afternoons are my best time, and I've tried to take advantage of that and eat as much as possible in the "feel-good" time! I have yet to gain any weight back, but maybe this week I'll be able to do that with my new "diet".


It has been great being with family...and my cat. My mom was gardening yesterday afternoon so I threw down a blanket with pillows and my dad and Basil came to join me in watching! It's nice to be home.

Another test

So it's been a week since leaving the hospital and although I have seen progress, I still hurt in the morning and late evenings. This morning was pretty rough so my mom called the doctor and we went in again. He said I should be feeling better at this point and would like to do the next test...and endoscopic ultrasound. This will allow them to look at the layers of my stomach and get a closer look at other organs like my gallbladder, liver, pancreas, etc. Maybe this will bring some more definitive answers as to what is happening in there.

The funny part is the diet that he has suggested. The amounts that I eat at the moment are still fairly small so I've tried to make them high-quality with fruits and vegetables and proteins. I asked about diet today and he's actually suggested a diet high in carbohydrates and lean meats, low in high fiber foods like leafy green vegetables, multi grain breads, fiber-y fruits, etc. First time I heard a doctor say that! Anyhow, he says that the high fiber foods stay in my stomach longer and are harder to digest, so may cause more irritation in my stomach. So I've started my strange diet as of this evening and hope it helps!

So next Friday, a week from now, will be the next exam but hopefully all will improve between now and then! In the meantime, I continue resting at home and beside my grandparents' pool, which are great places to be!

Checking in

Progress continues, although I think it is a very slow process to heal. I continue taking the medicines and hoping that this is all that it is.

The reflux pain that would wake me up at night has not come back and I am so thankful for that. Sleep I feel is a big key to healing and getting better. I have a strong stomach pain that comes and goes, but the magic healer for that at the moment is Vicodine and a 20 minute bath.

I am eating, although small amounts, but that feels like a feat in itself. It seems I have gone back to infancy with eating...I bet a 1 year old could out-do me! But I am thankful for any baby steps I can make in this area, I want to see weight go on and not off anymore.

I love being at home. It is nice to be so doted on and the temperature is excellent. My only job is to heal, and that is pretty stress free.

Back to the house

So I get to go home today. I am happy to report I had a great day yesterday which included eating without pain and vomiting, a restful night's sleep (no waking up in pain like previous 3 weeks!!!), and I feel stronger and healthier. The doctor has just been in again and said he has never seen a case like mine, but so far, any tests that could be potentially scary (lymphoma, etc) have all been negative. For now he is calling it a severe acute h. pylor infection, probably brought on by the amoebas I had a few months back. I'm taking antibiotics, stomach protectors, acid reducers, and pain meds if they're needed, for 10 more days at home to hopefully irradicate the bacteria and continue getting well.

The continued good news is that he saw no more signs of ulcers and that is excellent because it means no more strict diet. He said at this point he wants me to eat, and eat as often as I can. So these are all great things that I am rejoicing about. I continue to hope and pray this progress continues and that after the 10 days, no other things are found in my guts. Thank you again for all the support you have given me, it has been the biggest encouragement receiving your notes, emails, and Facebook posts. So home we go pretty soon for more rest and recovery.

Another round of hospital

Well, I went to my appt yesterday morning and the dr. sent me to be direct admitted to the hospital. They repeated the endoscopy and found extreme inflammation and a very angry looking stomach. I have been started on all kinds of meds as they continue to look into this. Abdominal ultrasound came back fairly normal, with my gallbladder full of "sludge". Still doing more tests, checking for bacteria, parasites...anything that could be causing this. I've lost 12 lbs now and look forward to pain-free, throwup-free days. Ariel is worried like crazy and calling every 15 minutes. It's hard being so far away. That's it for now...

Finally arrived

I am officially in Oregon!!! Because of having to circle in the air yesterday I missed my connection in Atlanta which meant staying the night. It was a long night, but I am safe and sound in my parents house now. It is good to be here. Doctor appointment in the morning.

Off to Oregon

Just a little update is that I'm not feeling much better after a week out of the hospital and after lots of thought and prayer, we've decided it's best for me to seek treatment/recovery in Oregon. So tomorrow (Monday) I'm heading back to Oregon to see if we can't beat this. I've lost too much weight and am having trouble eating, so hopefully foods that I'm more used to can help with that. My strength and energy are so far gone that I've even requested a wheelchair to get around between planes and customs and bags. I know, it's that serious! I've got all my test results and meds ready to take to a GI doctor on Tuesday who can hopefully help with some answers.

The worst part of this all (yes, even worse than being sick) is that I have to leave Ariel here because he doesn't have a visa yet. Please keep him, and our 4 month marriage, in your thoughts and prayers as this has been the hardest decision to make. I feel selfish but he is so supportive and encouraging and knows I need to do this. I'll update as things move along. Thanks for all you've been emailing/Facebooking/calling.

To the hospital...

So I had to go to the hospital. I was having horrendous stomach pain and nausea, throwing up (sometimes blood!), fever, and I couldn't eat (in the end it was a whole week I didn't eat). So we decided it was time to go to the hospital. I went for 2 days, came home for 2, then went back for 5! It is, needless to say, so nice to be home now and feeling better and knowing how to manage what I've got. The hospital was great, it it the newest one in Santiago and was very much like being in America. The rooms were nice and big and as soon as I walked in I felt calm and that I was in the right place. So what have I got??
Well, I had every test done known to man, or else it feels like it. Including endoscopy, colonoscopy, tomography, heart tests, poo tests, urinalysis, and ENDLESS blood tests! What they found was a bacteria called h.pylori which causes ulcers...of which I have 3 large and 2 small. My stomach is inflamed, along with my intestines, and my liver function tests are a bit out of line, probably from not eating for so long. The photo above is my doctor, Dr. Rodriguez who has been amazing. She checked on me so often and would call just to see how I was feeling. This picture was after the endoscopy and to be honest, I actually don't remember it thanks to all the meds I got.

The nurses were so nice, apart from the middle of the night visits when all the lights got turned on for their checks (I didn't like that part so much). They have to wear white uniforms and hats, which I'm thankful I never had to do! The patients aren't given robes or anything to wear, you're on your own for clothing...so I spent my first night in khakis until Ariel rescued me!

I hate needles. I can start IV's all the live-long day, but HATE being stuck. Well, I got paid back for every needle I've ever given in one visit! I apparently have bad veins, which meant lots of sticks to find a vein and then after a day changing the IV site. The bottom left photo is when my arm actually filled with all the IV fluid instead of the vein, which promted yet another IV site (you can really noticie on my left arm at the top for comparison). I was, and still am, black and blue from all the sticks! Finally I got taped to a little kid IV board, which was the best thing and allowed a 2-day IV site, thankfully.

I had lots of company! Ariel's family came by and Robin stayed with me a few days for English influence and to watch movies and talk celebrity gossip. Ariel was a trooper, he was so worried and running around getting me this and that. The only thing I wanted to eat (no, not Dominican food) after I was allowed to eat again was KFC mashed potatoes, which he ran out and got me...3 times! He put up with all my crying and the waiting and driving back and forth between Santiago and Puerto Plata (1 hour at least) to go to work in the daytime. We celebrated our 4th month of marriage during this "trip" and we've already seen the vow "in sickness and in health" put to the test, which he passed with flying colors.

So I'm home now and so grateful for that. I'm on lots of meds and lots of appointments ahead to make sure everything is going okay. Thanks for all the prayers and emails and love you've been sending. It was a hard and frustrating time, but I'm thankful to have been through it and be on the other side now.

Summer days

Sorry for the lack of posting, it's just that I'm extremely boring (not bored) right now. We're on break from school so my days have been filled with watching movies and reading and napping and cleaning and baking. It's lovely, but boring to write about. Soon, very soon, we'll be back at school!

Juicemaster

So I didn't know that because I married the Juicemaster I would therefore become apprentice Juicemaster, but it has happened, I am officially making juice. I have mastered Orange (all you have to do is squeeze them, really), and then moved onto carrot (grating, blending, straining...a bit more complicated), but now...cherry. I thought I'd give a tutorial on cherry juice making, as it's so easy to do and I don't know why, with all the great fruit we have in the U.S., we don't make our own juices more often!



So first of all, pick/buy your cherries. Give them a good washing...and even some bleach water if you're still not sure!


Dump EVERYTHING into the blender...I'm talking seeds, stems, whatever you've got, put it in. Add water to the top and make sure the lid's on tight!


Blend, and blend a lot


Strain the blended cherries into another pot. Use a spoon to squeeze out all the juice from what is in the strainer, which is a lot because you've just blended the whole cherry (seed included). Add sugar to your liking, but not too much!

And now the best part is drinking it! Add some ice and pat yourself on the back for just having made your own cherry juice.

Caraballo Zoo

I don't know how, but we keep acquiring animals at the Care Center. We have a turtle, 3 peacocks, a cat, hens, and endless amounts of dogs. We were on our way to getting a pig until swine flu made us hold off for a bit. I asked the other day when the giraffe was going to arrive.

Perfect Attendance

Perfect attendance is a hard thing to achieve, especially when you don't have parents who insist you go to school, or when it's the "norm" to stay home when it's raining, or when you just don't want to go. But this year we had 15 kids who had perfect attendance!!! It's so encouraging because these kids have to overcome so many things to come each day. Despite them not having smiles for the photo, they were really excited to get their medal with their name engraved on it!

Last day of school

We officially finished off the school year on Friday. Mother's Day is this weekend in the DR so we invited all the mothers to school to be a part of the presentations. The kids worked so hard this year practicing their parts and songs. Each student also received a bag full of clothes to take home and share with their family, which is an added help in the house. We do a program twice a year, but this was by far the best year yet. I was so proud of these guys and now our 8th graders are off to high school and that makes me even prouder!

Singing on Mother's Day

Just a few songs to get the "crowd" warmed-up for the activities of the last day of school and Mother's Day presentations. Some kids are so animated and into the singing...others look like they've just arrived into the program that day and are a bit clueless to what's going on. Either way, it's fun to be a part of!!

The presentations...

No program is complete if there aren't poems and the all-beloved pantomimes (I'm still a little scared of them). It was the best program we've had yet and I feel quite proud of all the work they did.

Rain!

It has been raining and pouring every afternoon, today was no exception. The problem with where the Care Center is located is the river we have to cross to get in and out of the village. It rose quickly this afternoon so we waited awhile for it to go down. During this time, children were getting passed above the fast water and others were doing their best to find the foot bridge. Finally Alberto felt the river was low enough to get his truck through the high water, and we headed out, only to encounter more water along the path. I'm now home safe and dry...and the rain has stopped for the moment.

Kids Alive Care

This weekend the Kids Alive-ers from the DR and Haiti met in Jarabacoa. It was a great time to be encouraged and reminded of how to take care of ourselves far away from home and when the needs are overwhelming. The speakers were more than amazing and I look forward to meeting up with them again this week. It was fun to see others I haven't seen since the last conference a year ago...sometimes this little island seems so big! Ariel also got initiated into a full English-speaking weekend and did well, I'm proud of his tenacity and courage!

Gotta get there!

So I know it's not safe to take pictures while driving, but I couldn't help this one. He's actually carrying his wheelchair on the back while someone is driving the motorocycle. I've seen a lot of great things being carried, but this one topped the list!

Sponsorship Update!

As I've talked about before, we've been working on the Child Update project, which includes taking a new photo of every child. Here are a few of my favorites, if I'm allowed to have such a thing.

Smile Contest

When I was a kid, I watched a cartoon show that also had a live audience of children. During a break from cartoons, the camera would pan to the kids and they would get really excited. Well, they also had a smile contest as the camera went from kid to kid zoomed in to show their smile. So this is my verson of "smile contest". Pick your favorite! (Try to find the ones I couldn't get to smile for the life of me). Don't forget you can always click on one of the collages to make it bigger and see their beautiful little faces up close!

We had fun!

It was obviously fun and hard to keep a straight face while posing for a photo. These guys are priceless!

AWANA!

The AWANA program at school continues to go strong and the kids are absolutely crazy about it. They start with lots of games and competititions, then move into "manual" time where they study Bible verses and get points for memory work, then all come together for a lesson and more competitions. I love seeing how these kids are growing and maturing and changing and, despite the few fights and the scrapes and extra blood on these days, it's fun to be a part of it all!

Adventures in Babysitting!

Ariel and I watched our 10 month old neice, Grace, this weekend from Sat-Mon! We learned all sorts of things, to say the least! We didn't sleep much on Saturday night, but played hard on Sunday and didn't let the baby sleep until 9:30 and then smiled as she slept all night! She is the happiest, smiley-est baby ever. We took the nephews as well all to the grocery store on Sunday night and drove the cart around which they LOVED! Nice trial-run for parenting...we're in no rush!!

Layne and Caitlin

Layne and Caitlin used to live in Montellano and work in Caraballo with us until they were switched to Jarabacoa. This weekend they came to stay with us and it was great! Caitlin is 7 months pregnant and it was fun to talk pregnancy and labor & delivery like the "good old days"! We ate lots and talked lots and had a fun time together. They're leaving soon to move back to the States and start their family, so it was a nice last weekend to spend together.