A New Thing - Step One

I began a new practice today.

I have decided to wake up each morning and talk to Jesus. Revolutionary, right? :)

But truly, I am expecting this to change the way I experience and interact with the Lord, because it is a practice and exercise in hearing him. And then doing what I think I have heard. The idea is to learn His voice and reduce the frequency of this guessing game of "was that God in my thoughts or just me?"

Last night, I went to sleep asking Jesus to remind me to talk to him when I woke up, rather that just automatically walking through morning routine. He did. So I said good morning and asked what we wanted for this morning. I heard "go for a walk," so I asked for open eyes and ears to what He might say during our time, put on my sneakers (for the first time in months), took a swig of coffee, and walked out into my neighborhood. :)

It was lovely.

Cool air, birds chirping, squirrels chattering, acorns crunching... Light coming through the trees.

It blessed my heart and energized my body, which is exactly what I needed after an exhausting day yesterday that left me wondering how I could make it through the week more than simply functioning. I don't want to just survive.

I want to thrive.

(Corny? Maybe. But it's true.)

So be encouraged, Dear Heart! The Lord still speaks. He is the best friend we need, the Lover of our souls, and always has our best in mind and heart.

Happy Wednesday!

Have a beautiful day, and remember, find wonder in the little things.

Peace.
Jenna Christine

The next "Next Thing" - On the Road Again

When I left for the Dominican Republic two years ago, I felt akin to Abraham - called and directed by God, but not knowing where I was headed. Of course, I knew the physical place, but in terms of time and the big picture, I went out, not knowing where I was going.

Funny now, but I think I truly believed that my Daddy God, Papá Dios, was going to present me with a clear, laid out road map for the years ahead. In one version I imagined, I was going to meet a young doctor from one of our visiting teams who had a heart for missions. We would correspond long distance, fall in love, and through whatever series of events eventually find ourselves back in Jimaní as house parents in one of the newly established group homes.

Ha. 

The Heavens and I Declare His Glory

The heavens declare the glory of God,

    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

2 

Day to day pours out speech,

    and night to night reveals knowledge.

3 

There is no speech, nor are there words,

    whose voice is not heard.

4 

Their voice goes out through all the earth,

    and their words to the end of the world.

In them he has set a tent for the sun,

5 

    which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,

    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.

6 

Its rising is from the end of the heavens,

    and its circuit to the end of them,

    and there is nothing hidden from its heat. {Psalm 19:1-6}

Click below for more Glory!

There and Back Again: Homeward Bound

When I first prepared to come to Jimani in 2012 for 10 weeks, I had no idea what God would be doing with me in the time following. He has taken me on a journey of learning to trust him more and more, pulling me out of my comfort zone and tossing me (gently, of course) into unknown and sometimes uncomfortable situations and experiences. In March 2013 I came to Jimani for a year, yet after March 2014, I was still here and did not know if God would keep me here for another year, or another thirty. In the last several months, however, He has stirred my heart and Spirit which caused me to question and seek Him specifically about my timing or next steps. That being said, in October I will be homeward bound and moving back to the States to see what comes next in this grand journey. What a difficult decision it was, but I am confident in the Lord's leading, that he is Good, and that I can trust Him with the care of these kids whom have become so deeply embedded in my heart. After all, He loved them first. :)

I want to share with you a few examples of what I've seen God do at the Children's Home through my commitment to love and serve the kids, and through your financial and prayer support. 

Summer Surprises and Stuff :)

Several weeks ago, I was emailing with a friend and mentor from my home church Holden Chapel and she recognized a weariness in me even through the tone of my emails. I had just come off of several weeks of short-term teams and the Hanleys' furlough, and I was tired. She asked if I could come home for a rest and when I shared the dates it would be possible for me to travel, we found that those dates just happened to correspond with the time that my parents and brothers would be in MA for a retreat weekend and family vacation. We decided to keep it a secret. ^_^

First ever family selfie :) (thanks to Collin for making it happen!)
(Speaking of - aren't my brothers handsome??)

Butterflies filled my tummy as my co-conspirator and I walked across the field at the camp where Mom and Dad were. I could see Mom talking to someone on the other side and she finally looked up and after a few moments waved to who she recognized as her friend. I waved back, but soon realized that she wasn't even bothering to look at me. (Collin told me later that he saw us and thought, "Huh. She looks a lot like Jenna.") We kept walking and Mom eventually turned from her conversation and walked toward us. It wasn't until we were only several yards apart that she recognized me and stopped dead in her tracks with a blank look of total shock. :) Dad's reaction was similar, and it is sufficient to say that there were lots of hugs and a few tears.

What a blessing and gift it was to me (and to my family!) to be able to be with them as they stayed in a cabin on Quabog Pond for the week. Refreshment to my heart and soul and spirit. :) Thank you to all those who made it possible!

Life at the Children's Home continues to be as crazy as ever and full of adventure and frustrations and smiles and laughter. In the last several weeks, we have received a new boy and another teen girl. One of our teen boys made a decision to return to Haiti to seek out his mother and brother whom he had left 2 years ago on not so great terms. (We have talked on Facebook and he tells me they are happy!) As I mentioned before, we had several summer teams come and go, and the Hanleys had a necessary break with family and friends stateside while Nana and the interns and I held down the fort on this end. 

Mackendi (11) is our newest little brother. He made this handbag out of snack packages and cardboard and then some embroidery floss to weave it all together! Sweet!

Meet Melani

Said "adios" to Lopez, but am happy to know that he has reunited with family. Pray that he will continue to seek the Lord and grow in wisdom and favor with God and with men. 

Nashda has three teeth and is practically running on her knees. She pulls herself up and I am sure will be walking soon. Baby Ruth has grown so much and talks and smiles like it is her job. (I suppose it is ^_^ )

Yinancia turned FOUR last week! She is such a big girl!

Nashda is 10 months now :) Check out those two teeth! Her first top one popped through this week.

Baby Ruth :) 

Love and blessings to you all.

Stay tuned for some upcoming news. :)

Peace,
Jenna

Nashda - Angel of Hope

When Nashda came to us, I called her our Angel of Hope. Nashda Esperanza is how I even write her name out sometimes. But I had no idea how true that name would be. On April 4th, Maicol (John and Melissa Hanley's son) was in an accident and died that night due to injuries - even after all the prayers and searching scripture and assured belief that he would be okay. I was sure. But he crossed into to the long side of eternity and we are left here, still grieving and asking why - but learning each step of the way to "trust in the Lord with all your heart." This all happened just a week after Nashda arrived and Jesus knew how much we would need her. Baby therapy has been the best. She cultivated smiles and laughter and joy where it seemed there could be none. 

Once again, this post is mostly pictures - and definitely more than usual... but bear with me? I am enamored of this "Lil Bit" and can't resist her cuteness. If you are interested in joining Nashda's sponsorship team, click here.

Anyway, here is a progression of pictures of Nashda from the last two months.

March 26, 2014. The day Nashda entered my heart. She came to us so sick and malnourished.

Feliz Cumpleaños!!! (I got a baby)

March Birthdays!
Gabriel (19), Enel (15), Redando (14), Jenna (24!), Kate (13)
And Nana Rhonda celebrated this month, too!

The last couple weeks have held several big markers for me - the first being my one year anniversary of living in Jimaní (March 23!); the second, my 24th BIRTHDAY (March 27!); and third, A BABY (more on that later).

Year End State of the Family Address

 So another year comes to a close, but what a year it has been!

(...is there a way to escape New Years cliches?)

How to I summarize the year except to say CHANGE. I live a different life and in a different world than I ever thought I would. It is nowhere close to what might have been my post-college "plans" (I didn't really have any), but now, I can't imagine my life being anything but what it is. God SO knows best. :) More than nine months I have been in Jimani, and it has been a crazy ride of ups and downs and people coming and going and intense personal growth. My Papa Dios is a different person than I thought He was - and not because He has changed, but because I have. I am a little more tired, a little more worn, but a whole lot wiser, and still full of love.

I will be traveling stateside in THREE WEEKS and am super excited to see all the friends and family I have been away from for this time... and I am totally looking forward to pizza and ice cream and salad. Every day.   :)

I hope to share a little more in-depth soon, but here are some pictures  :)

Unrequited Love: But I'm Going to Chase You Forever

Unrequited love.

     Most know its heartache, have tasted of it's bitterness and pain - from a simple middle school crush, to deep affection for another who just doesn't seem to care. I, for one, know that my journals from elementary to high school are speckled (sometimes filled) with dramatic entries about my secret crush at the time and how perfect and wonderful that person was and the desire for them to notice and care for me, imagined scenarios and interactions, immature pining. 

     This time, however, it is different. This unrequited love comes from one of those whom I call my daughters, one of my girls. Every night, when I tuck the little ones in, I pray and kiss them good night, saying, "I love you" - sometimes in English and sometimes in Spanish... The usual response is a hug and a kiss back with an echo of (in Spanish or English!) "I love you, too!" 

To Dispel the Darkness

Where there is light, darkness cannot dwell. And so this, to be Light in a dark world, is my purpose. It is the purpose of all those who follow the greatest Light of all, who is Jesus Christ - Light of the World.  Do I carry His Light wherever I go? Do I carry the Glorious Presence of Him who created Light, so that it shines from my face so brightly that people cannot deny He who lives in me?

High and lofty speech is this, but it is my purpose, what I am created for. To be Light. To dispel Darkness.

Sometimes it is too easy to think that darkness is too big for me to do anything about it, but truly, the smallest bit of light can still be seen in a room full of dark. Think of the power of a single candle in a pitch black room. Even its flickering flame chases shadows to the corners. So it is with me, and so:

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine.

Yes, this little light of mine,

       I'm gonna let it shine! 

I want to share with you evidence of the Light that is living here at the Children's Home.

A NEW Day in the Life - September 2013

Buddies Yinancia and Eina, both just turned three, playing dress-up

As I sit here thinking about how I can best go through my day, I think, "Keep it short and sweet," but then I am immediately wondering, "How can such a long (albeit fast) day be made short?" So I have once again gone to my hour-by-hour description and hope you will be able to take a glimpse into my world. So much has changed since my A Day In The Life from April.

645am - my alarm goes off and I start to get ready for the day before I wake Yinancia (3) at 7 to get ready for school and go downstairs for breakfast. Eventually leans to ushering along the other kids who leave for school at 745.

It's a GIRL!!! ... Well... EIGHT of them!

Tomorrow brings big changes.

     I once said to a friend, "All I really want to do is be a mom..." 
     His response is one that has stayed with me and has proven true. 

     "Jenna," he said, "no matter what you are doing, you will be a mom."

     Since then, my jobs and other experiences have all put me in a position of "mothering" and now being in the DR, it is more true than ever. When I posted on Facebook the other day that I am going to be a mom (ok, so I admit to being kind of vague on purpose solely for the sake of creating questions), it was not alluding to pregnancy (I promise this is not yet possible) or to adoption (someday!), as some wondered, but to a shift in my role here at Chadasha's Children's Home.

Ever pray for a parasite??

Have you ever prayed for a parasite? I mean, prayed that there would be a parasite inside of you??
Foolish question.

But last week, I did.

"indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance"

How beautiful it is to be a part of the Lord's work all over the world! It is so encouraging to see updates of other ministries and know that I am bound in Spirit and Truth to the family of God across nations!

God has been doing a great work here in Jimani, Dominican Republic, in me personally and in our family as a whole. We are in a pruning time, transition, learning, growth, pain... all of the above, but I have such confidence that my Papa Dios is moving in profound ways. We have been seeing changes...

Papa Dios

Several times in the last year or so, I have known of people who due to growth in their relationship with God began to call him Papa, or Papa God. It seemed reasonable to me. Jesus calls God “Abba” - the equivalent of “daddy” or “papa” - and I never had qualms about it, but now, I understand. I really understand.

Throughout the day, I wear many hats and am “all things to all people” - sometimes giving mommy hugs, sometimes playing referee, sometimes acting as big sister, sometimes just being a good listening friend. I am teacher, nurse, comforter, corrector, tickler, snuggler, and all sorts of other things. Through all of this, I have learned more of what it is to be a mother. And what it feels like - I have had my heart close to bursting with love and close to breaking with sorrow for my children.

Something I didn't know would happen, though, was that God would teach me so much and so specifically about Himself through my individual experiences. Seems silly to say it, because I should be expecting His instruction... Like secret whispers to my heart, the Lord has been teaching me more about who He is as my Father in Heaven. My Papa Dios.

Some journal bits:

Worth 10,000 Words

There are always going to be more pictures... :) 

Whenever I am not the one with the camera, they all turn into karate ninjas ^_^

...or goofballs... oh wait, that is all the time anyway ;)

Nice backdrop for a basketball court, eh?

SonSon is a "super" colorer

Girls all dolled up for the concert last weekend. So lovely!

Sneaking a photo ;) Lones and Berlisson

Our handsome boys feelin fly ;) They love a reason to get dressed up, too!

(didn't realize I can't rotate the pics once they are in here...)
 It is not unusual to come across a wrestling pile of boys on the floor ^_^

Look who is washing dishes!

Yinancia!

Redeeming Moments from the Redeemer

My kids - Hard to handle? naahhh... haha - actually, they can be extremely challenging sometimes. It is difficult enough trying to talk to a 5 year old when there is a language barrier, but when you add on top of that that most of these kids have barely had any regularity, consistency, discipline other than physical punishment, or proper nurturing, it can be an overwhelming thing. And that is why every good moment matters and is an encouragement. 

Yesterday, I handed a boy at the door something and he walked away without saying thank you. Melissa called out to him, "You can't say thank you?" A minute later, he poked his head in again and said, very sincerely, "Gracias, Jenna." What a simple thing it is! But to know this young man is to know that this simple response and action is a huge thing for him. Every child is different. Each has different challenges... And God is working. Sometimes interactions can be so frustrating because you feel like nothing is getting through and what is the point if they are never going to change (does this sound familiar?), but then God shares with me a moment with one of the kids that says, "See? They do hear. They are learning. They do see. And they will know me."  Last week, I reminded 6 year old Wisguebi to have patience waiting for his turn on the bike. He looked up at me, got a thoughtful look and then in his sweet stutter told me that he also wanted love and joy and peace. We have been going through the Fruit of the Spirit for Sunday school... Thank you, Lord.

On one hand, I say that I have the easiest job and ask why God would put me here to love on kids and get colored pictures all the time and hugs and smiles and to fix booboos and laugh together! This is the greatest! ... But I have been learning more recently, as the kids get more comfortable with me and realize that I am here as an adult with some authority, rather than just a friend and a play thing, that life is challenging. Sometimes it is just overwhelming and exhausting and frustrating to have four or five kids hanging on you all the time, calling your name in four different directions, needing you for eight different things, teasing, touching, pulling, jumping, shouting, crying... haha! 

This is my reality. 

But then I have a magic moment -

Moments in May - a taste of life

... Some of what I have been sharing on Facebook...

MOMENTS IN MAY

May 2, 2013

After dinner, I am often in the kitchen refilling up our water pitchers to put them in the fridge. As I am squatting down with the fridge door open, Kiki comes up behind me and hops on my back. He has a bad habit of launching himself onto me when I am not expecting it and I was about to say something, but decided not to. Instead I just stood up as if I didn't even notice he was there. Well, he stuck. ^_^ And he giggled, and just held on while I went about pouring water. I couldn't resist a bit of extra lovin' on my little one and so we took some photos. 

Please pray that the Lord would protect Kiki's heart and mind from so much that he has already been exposed to at 4 years old. Pray that there would be a softness in him, and a open heart and ear to correction, knowledge of unconditional love, and a future of strength and integrity. He is one that breaks and melts my heart on an almost daily basis. Love him so much...

MOMENTS IN MAY

May 3, 2013

How much laundry do you do in a day? With a family of more than 50 kids and adults,

A Day in the Life - April

Have a taste of what my weekday looks like! Keep in mind that this is a surface summary - there is so much more depth to what we do.

7:00-7:30ish AM -- Wake up because my body says so. A couple mornings (like today) I felt I must have slept in some, but when I finally convinced myself to open my eyes to check the time, there it was, right on 7:30.

8:30ish -- Go down to Nana and Poppo's house for some "porch time" - this includes good conversation, lots of "Buenos dias" as people come in and go out the gate, sometimes a cup'o'joe, and some lovin' for Bob the dog

9:30ish -- Walk down to the Children's Home (I live in team housing on the other side of property) for my morning responsibilities. Two classes meet in the mornings for the kids who do not go to the public school - I make sure classrooms are unlocked, prepare vitamins and snacks for the kids, and set out water and supplies for the teachers. Then I hang out and visit with the kids until their teachers arrive.

10:00ish -- Teachers come and kids go up - we make sure they do not have their radios, hats, etc.

Between 10ish and noon while the kids are in class, my time is flexible. I may be helping with something Melissa is doing, taking some time to do a little Spanish studying, visiting with Maicol, or other things. A couple days last week I spent the time with Nana Rhonda, teaching her some of the basics of Facebook. One day, I climbed up to the top level of our play structure and wrote in my journal. (That was so nice!)

12:00 on the dot -- kids get out of class and I go up to give them stickers for their sticker charts if they have had a good day. (Each kid gets 3 sticky notes next to their name in class. If they lose one, they do not get a sticker. If they lose 2, they lose other privileges like being able to play at the basketball court. If they lose three, they have to leave class and are either given work to do or have to be in their rooms.) Once they fill a sticker chart, they are able to redeem that full chart for a prize or privilege of some kind. Good motivation to behave well and respect teachers. After being bombarded by children declaring, "Tres papel! Yo tengo tres papel!" (I have three papers!), I clean up and lock classrooms.

12:15-12:30ish -- Kids in the public school down the street get home and change out of their uniforms. (They do half-days here.) I greet them with hugs and high fives as they come in.

12:45ish -- When lunch is ready (we have a kitchen staff to prepare our meals - more than 50

SonShine

For those of you who do not follow me on Facebook, here are a few photos from the past couple weeks... My sunglasses (mis gafas del sol) have been a hit!

As you see the names of these children with each photo, please pray for them. Even though you may not know their individual stories and needs, God does and the Spirit will intercede through you on their behalf. So many have been through so much and yet look at the smiles on their faces... :)
May they continue to shine the Son and grow in the knowledge and wisdom of Him!

Avila