Vaccines

Despite wedding plans and excitement, I do actually continue to work, believe it or not! In these last weeks, we were able to start something I have wanted to do for so long...vaccines! We now have great contacts here in Montellano where we will be able to get our vaccines and continue the process of getting our kids up-to-date with their shots. We're assuming the kids haven't had any shots, or at least very few, so this is a long road ahead, but it is exciting to see things I've hope and prayed for coming together. We gave all our little guys Polio, Diptheria, and Tetanus shots and our bigger kids Tetanus. We hope to work on all the rest in the months ahead, all of us except the kids that is!

Another happy customer. These are the smiles that make me continue doing this, he's like a little teddy bear, right??

No doubts

So my mom thought I should just let everyone know that not only do I like Ariel a lot, I love him a lot. I thought that would have been obvious and it was kind of just funny to say I liked him a lot, but now it's all clear so no one has to wonder...

And besides, I do like him a lot. I can like him and love him, right?

Wedding plans thus far

So onto the wedding plans, as everyone is asking for all the details.

We'll be getting married February 14th. I know it's a little corny to get married on Valentine's Day, but it is a Saturday and after all, why not?

We'll be getting married here in the Dominican Republic on the north coast at a place called Sea Horse Ranch. It is where Ariel used to work but more importantly, it is a special place for us. We went there on our first official date and many dates to follow. My parents got to go there, and then that is where we got engaged. It is absolutely beautiful and will make for an amazing backdrop. We'll get married in the grassy spot with the trees and have the reception in the restaurant (bottom and top right photos) overlooking the ocean.

My colors are kelly green and pink.

My bridesmaids are Candace (friend/roommate from here), Julie (Phoenix roommate, friend), and Lucy (friend from DR).

We'll have our pastor from our church do the ceremony, but have it translated into English too.

Yes, we'll go on a honeymoon here in the DR.

We're planning on staying here afterwards and yes, I'll continue working with Kids Alive.

So I think I've answered most of the questions I've been sent, but if you have more, let me know!! I'll keep the details coming as things come together, but mostly we're just happy to know that we will soon be married. All the details are just for one day, so we're trying to plan more for the days and years to follow.

Who's Ariel???

So here's some more details and updates about Ariel and me. Maybe I should introduce Ariel first...he is Dominican, 29, accountant, and I like him a lot. He has lived in Montellano all his life and has 3 brothers (he's #3 of 4). He's really good at making juice and keeps us in full stock of passion fruit, pineapple, or whatever kind of juice we want. His heart is made of gold and his biggest desire is to make others happy. His sincerity and honesty have been the foundation of the the huge trust that I have in him.

We met through our church, Templo Biblico, here in Montellano. I remember meeting him at a church retreat a year ago and then we kept talking after that. We started hanging out more and moving onto dating February-ish. Since we began dating, we made the goal of our dating relationship to continue onto marriage. Why else date, right? I'm also a bit more complicated because of being with Kids Alive, being an American, etc. There were lots of "rules" to follow and we were happy to do what was right and walk correctly in both cultures. In May, we were presented at church as an official couple. This came after meetings with the pastors, seeking counsel from others, and lots of time between the two of us. Getting presented was much like getting engaged or even married!! It has been nice though, during these months of dating, to have our relationship supported by the church and those around us. We have many people to love us and check in with us which has been great.

So after having the approval of my parents on their recent visit, Ariel went forward with asking me to marry him. We went to Sea Horse Ranch, a beautiful place on the ocean where he used to work, on Sunday afternoon. We were talking about futures and families and then...he asked me to marry him and gave me my beautiful ring. Was I surprised?? Yes, only because I had been expecting it all the other days and had given up that it would happen on the weekend. So now we're into planning and working out the details for our lives together and our wedding. That's for the next post though...

We're engaged!!!

Ariel and I are both Dominican AND American engaged! It's officially official now and we are so, so excited. Dominican-engaged is having a dinner with both families and talking about it with each side. American engaged is asking the dad and giving the girl the ring and all, and now we've done both! We know this is just the start to lots of adventures in joining cultures and languages and happy days!

NKOTB

So I was thinking last night that also in the van was the New Kids cassette single "This One's for the Children". Hmm. If the thieves only knew now far that rang true.

Hangin' Tough

The saddest part about the van getting stolen (apart from the fact that THE VAN was stolen) is that I had my New Kids On The Block tapes inside. Yes, I still had them, and yes, the van had a tape deck.

On vacation??

Missing: One blue van (also called gua-gua)

Used for: Teams, getting to school, air conditioning relief

Last seen: At the team house the night before

So our gua gua got stolen this morning. Candace and I often joke about it because it is a 16+ passenger van, but it has REALLY happened...they stole it. Alberto and Ariel spent a lot of the day at the police station today, so tomorrow there should be checks along the road of anyone driving a van to see their papers. Hopefully it comes back home soon, we already miss it!

Ups and downs

Sometimes I get disappointed easily. I try not to, but it happens. Sometimes being here, it happens more. It's easy to get a little discouraged when all around you lies needs and needs and you feel helpless to them all. But these last few weeks, I have been encouraged greatly. When my mom was here, we weighed and measured all of our kids. This now makes the second or third time for the kids, so we've been able to track their growth and development. The encouraging part comes when I charted them all and now see that they are truly growing...and well! Kids that were once under the chart are now certainly on it, kids once with red-yellow hair from malnourishment have brown-black hair as it should be due to regular meals and nutrition. I had planned a malnourished kids program where I would be giving the underweight kids extra fat/calories daily, as I thought that was one of our biggest needs. As it turns out, there are only going to be a few in that club. It's nice having the little ups every now and then!

Candace's turn

Candace's parents came on the tail-end of my parents being here...in the name of being fair and all. It was so nice to finally meet them, although I felt like we were already old friends from how Candace and I talk about our families.

More and more photos

These are a few of the thousand photos Ariel took. This was our night in Cabarete...walking along the beach and then holding random lobsters.
Our trip to Rio San Juan, going through the lagoon and caves and all of us together.
Our big dinner together in Cabarete at Blu...fun night and lots of talking!

Santo Domingo

More from our Santo Domingo trip...there were just SO MANY photos!!

Big date

On Friday night Ariel took us all out on a date. We went to Puerto Plata first for dinner and then out to Cofresi to Ocean World for their show, Bravissimo. We had fun and laughed a lot and then enjoyed walking around a bit in the hotel and casino.

Helpful mom

My mom's still here and she's been helping us at school all week. It's time again to weigh and meaure the kids, which is always a task when there are 200 kids to be seen!

We also gave each on an de-worming pill but didn't tell them until after they had taken it. I know, it feels wrong, but it 's just that last year they found out before what they were meant to take and then it was too hard to make them take it...especially the teenage girls who were afraid that they'd then have to get rid of the worms somehow. Anyhow, they took their pills like mostly good kids and then we also have been trying to help Candace get the next sponsorship project together. I wish my mom was here ALL of the days, it's been great!

Educational

I saw this store whilst in Santo Domingo and it made me laugh a bit. It's a little ironic I thought that a store called "Kid' Stuf" is offering educational material. I think I'll keep looking...

Santo Domingo

I'm a little behind, but last weekend we went to Santo Domingo to take my dad to the airport. He left on Sunday, but we got in on Friday so we could play the full day on Saturday. We walked and walked and saw lots of old building and all things related to Columbus.

Trips around the island

Yesterday we took a drive to Rio San Juan, Laguna Gri-Gri, and Pozo Dudu. We took a boat ride through the lagoon and past a cave and beaches, then drove to a little pool of crystal clear water and ended the day at Playa Grande...one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Ariel topped off the day by making us dinner. Don't worry, I go back to work on Monday. I tried talking my parents into staying forever, but they said something about work and bills and a house and my cat that they have to tend to...whatever that's all about!!!

Family dinner

On Tuesday we had a big family dinner with all of Ariel's family. We had Sancocho which she made over a little coal fire out back and had a good time talking with everyone having both families get to know one another.

More parent time

The good times continue with my parents here. My dad took me diving which was great...I held a jellyfish and didn't even get stung. It has been so nice showing them around and being with them in all my "normal" places. It's been better than I imagined!

Jarabacoa

We took a road trip to Jarabacoa yesterday and my parents met all the Kids Alive-ers up there and saw the other Kids Alive sites. It was a nice day to drive and hike the waterfall...we went on the lower waterfall since the previous rains had made the water muddy and rivers rise. We had a picnic at the waterfall of pastelitos and chips! It is so fun having my parents here, my two worlds are getting to know one another and, although weird at first, it has been special to share my Dominican world and my parents with each other!

Ocean World

We went to Ocean world yesterday!!! It was a treat from Ariel and his cousin and we had such a fun day!!

I touched a dolphin! To be honest, I was actually IN the dolphin show and got to play ball with them, get kissed by them both, then ride one...with everyone watching! It was an amazing experience, I still can't believe I got to do it!

It was such a fun day...

Mom and Dad

My parents are here!!! These couple days have already been so special, better than I even thought. The worst part is that it's going too fast. I seriously have the BEST family in the whole world!

Ike

Still doing fine after Ike passed...or continues passing. We got a good amount of wind and rain last night and off and on today, but it looks like the worst of it is over. I have to say it was nice sleeping with a blanket!

Hurricanes

Just to let you all know, before I get anymore hate mail for not updating, we have all been fine through these hurricanes. So far the South has been hit harder than us, we have just had a few lovely rainy days that have cooled us down and reminded us that we do like living here (sometimes you question it with so much heat!). Hurricane Hannah is apparently passing right now with Ike on the tail, so we'll keep hoping that it stays in the ocean and just graces us with nice rain.

Landlord love

We have the best landlord. He has fuzzy hair that is manicured well and wears his pants high on his waist with a belt and shirt tucked in. He always says ?Que tal? (How's it going) and waves and smiles like we haven't seen each other in years. Most times when we pay our rent he gives us gifts. But as he owns an auto-repair shop, the gifts make us laugh. We have gotten smelly car trees, key chains, and lately mangos. But yesterday we came home to find these coconuts delivered to our door and waiting for us. The only problem is that after two years, I still don't know how to open one up. What a sweet landlord we have.

Happy not to be a hen

Remember these ladies?? We got them about a year and a half ago...

They're now turning into this! Their egg production has never been that amazing and it now turns out that we're paying more for per egg than we would in the store because feed prices have increased so much. So what do we do? Eat them. Ew. They killed 10 of them yesterday and then went through the whole de-feathering-gutting process which is, not great. Some of the hens had eggs forming inside them (bottom left photo) when they were opened up. Whatever happened to just swinging past Safeway on the way home for your boneless-skinless chicken breast??!!

Gira

This is Gira (Jee-ra). I know I'm not supposed to have favorites so I'll just say that I really love her. She used to have crossed eyes but was able to have surgery to fix them. During Easter Week, she got braids that were almost longer than she was tall. Her little voice makes me smile. She is best friends with Estefani and they hold hands and walk around school together. Her little brother is Melfy...yes, his name is Melfy and that makes me laugh each time I say it. I miss her and can't wait to see her this week as we enter back into classes.

Sunset

"Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths." -Etty Hillesum

Good-byes

Two of our friends from the group Makarios, who have a school here in Montellano, left this week. Weston was here for a year and Camille for two, both living in Montellano as well. They saw many changes and I'm sure go back different people...hopefully only to come back and visit us again!

More options

Another option is to donate through my name on the Kids Alive website using Paypal and direct debit. It's all become so easy, I don't know how missionaries ever did this in the "olden days"!!

Thank you

I write between my regular updates because of present needs. I want to start by thanking those who have already supported me through these past two years. It’s hard to believe that two years has gone by since first arriving on this amazing island.

This purpose of this entry is to officially ask for your support. As the years have gone by, I have been amazed to see how I have always been provided for and the amount of people willing to help in allowing me to stay here. .

For those who don’t know exactly what I do (I guess I don’t sometimes either!!) I am serving as a nurse and assistant director to a before/after school care center in the Dominican Republic. We serve both Dominicans as well as Haitians in a very poor area on the north coast of the island. As school nurse, I have plans to start a toothbrush program, daily vitamins, anti-worming, sex education, vaccinations, nutritional support and evaluation, as well as regular health assessments.

To be able to do these things, I need approximately $14,850/year to continue serving with Kids Alive. As it stands, I have a bit under half of that need coming in through monthly supporters. To continue here I would need approximately 29 people to commit to supporting me at $25/month. One-time donations are hugely appreciated as well. All money is tax-deductible when donated through Kids Alive International.

I will continue to keep you updated on what is happening in my life and with Kids Alive. There are constant changes to the Park Care Center as well as things in my own life, all of which I enjoy sharing with you.

You can send support marked for Jessi Mather to:

Kids Alive International
2507 Cumberland Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383

With all of my heart I thank you.

Jessi

Last day

The last day of medical outreach we stayed at the school and opened the office clinic up to the families of our workers. Our construction workers have very few benefits and some are making only 250 pesos (8 dollars) a day, so we thought this would be a good way to give them something special. We found a lot of high blood pressure, did wound care, and treated coughs and colds. This was my favorite day because I got those that are normally working so hard, in a new light as they were caring for their kids and brought in their families. It really is an honor to be able to do things like this.

Beach stop

We went on Thurs night to the beach where we sang and talked about the week. It's a nice time to get everyone together and think through all that has happened over their time here.

It's also been a crash-course summer for Ariel into what my Dominican-American life is like...hopping between two worlds! I think it's been fun for him interacting with the groups, explaining what it's like to be Dominican, and trying out his English!

Candace has been busy all summer with sponsorship, talking with the groups and sharing the importance of Kids Alive continuing by sponsoring kids. She then makes sure the sponsor meets their child and even fits in a home visit if time allows.

Negro Melo

The next village we spent the day in was Negro Melo, a sweet village on the top of a hill in the middle of the sugar cane fields. We saw about 60 people in the day for baby care, sore necks and backs (which the doctor was able to adjust!), and regular check-ups. Thanks to all the donations we have received throughout the year we were able to fill prescriptions for a few days on meds that we had.

Severet

We started the medical outreach in the village of Severet where two of our teachers and some of our kids live. We saw probably 100 or so people over 2 days and treated everything from cuts and scrapes to asthma and high blood pressure.

Groups

Here's some pieces of our groups. The last group did medical outreaches in a few surrounding villages which was a big help.

Smiles

Why are these guys so sweet? Every now and again the smiles and braids and bright eyes remind me how blessed I am to get to hug on these guys everyday!

Vacation Bible School

Just some photos from VBS (EVDV in Spanish) which we had at church for a week. Apart from a fight between some big kids, the week went really smoothly for them.

Godparents

So this is little Alejandro and his family (mom, dad, big brother). Ariel and I became his Godparents a few weeks ago (or is it months now??). He was presented at church and the parents asked us to testify with them and stand alongside them in praying for him and watching him grow. Of course we said it would be and honor and privilege. He's also really cute, so that makes it easy!

Catching up

So it's been awhile, sorry. We've just finished our summer teams and now have a break for a few weeks. I got a little panicky cause I thought I hadn't posted photos since June, but it looks like I have. There are so many things missing though so I'll try and do some catching up, especially with photos. Thank you Julie, for conitinuing to check my blog twice daily, even when I slack!

Summer program

We've just finished our summer program on Wednesday. The kids came in for a special presentation, lunch, and awards. They learned about Fruits of the Spirit and can sing all sorts of songs about them now. It was a fast summer program and hard to believe we've already finished it!

La rana

So last night it was a frog. He saved his life though only by keeping himself on the outside of the mosquito net...but was still hanging in front on my face through it. Close call for him.

La cucaracha

I once said the worst thing was having a mosquito trapped inside the mosquito net. I would like to officially retract that comment. The worst thing is having a cockroach trapped inside the net. There were no lights when I went to bed last night but I crawled in as normal and closed my mosquito netting. Happily asleep at 1:03 am I felt something crawling across me. Yes, it was him. Him and his big body with wings and hairy legs and antennaes. I killed him. That is, after I scramled out of my net, found a shoe, flung him off the net, and trapped him. What a night.

Happy Birthday

Perla is officially 18 now! We celebrated with pizza on the beach and then went later on and had cake with everyone after VBS at church. I attempted to make a cake that looked like a lake with frogs on lily pads, but was reminded of the temperature in this country as I watched the icing melt right down and off the cake! Oh well, at least it looked more life-like with the puddles! Happy Happy Birthday, Perla!

4th of July

Our 4th of July celebrations consisted of a trip to Cabarete. The cover band for U2 apparently dresses like them and sings all their songs...I don't know, it's what they say. Anyhow, it was fun to sit on the beach and spend time with friends and listen to what mostly sounded and looked like U2. There were even some fireworks, but no smoking tanks or growing caterpillars or spinning flowers.

Photo update

Since it's been awhile since posting, thought I'd update with some photos. The above is a day-outing to Seahorse Ranch where we got to play in the pools and relax for the day. Also, a beautiful Sosua sunset.

A church trip to take part in their week-long conference...it was directed towards youth and the theme was "Dating". It's been interesing learning about Dominican dating!!

And of course, Princesa!!! She is so great and has such personality. She parrots back everything her mom says to her and has learned to do all sorts of things. One of our teacher aids, Nati, is heading to Santo Domingo to study and this was her last day at school before heading off to the big city!

It's a miracle

I've been on my computer since the wee hours of the morning. It's actually a miracle. I think I've gotten rid of the virus, and somehow been able to find all the files. Yes, this is to include all of my music and photos!!! I've had to reinstall all of the programs to manage them, but I'm still beside myself that they were somewhere hidden on my computer. I'm back to blogging folks.

Virus

I've found it. It's name is about.brontok and it's the virus that has made my computer unhappy...and me. I'm using something to remove it now so hopefully we'll be back in business soon. Why have anit-virus software if it doesn't stop the viruses???

Things are not well on the computer front...I'm still having problems and will post again someday, I promise!