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Oh Crazy Marta! I've decided I have many favorites and this girl is definely one of them.

Ambiorix actually didn't run when he saw me this time...although he didn't really smile either! =) It was so great to see him and his family again. He's growing so big!

Yunairi...ahh, seriously one of the most beautiful children I've ever seen

Yulena, Luis Fernando, myself and Islan

The medical team on the first day of clinic

Wow...it was an amazing week. Still don't have words for all of it. I usually have to take a few days to adjust to being back, but this time is a little different. I am terrible at goodbyes. With it being my 5th time leaving, I really thought I would be ok, but I found words escaping me with the staff and tears streaming down my face on the way to the airport. I didn't really have a chance to say bye to any of the kids...no special hugs, but in my heart I was hanging on! I've honestly been an emotional wreck since I've been back as I try to flesh things out and decide where to go from here. I'm not usually emotional...but twice a year it happens!
Our Team was such a great group of people! This was probably my favorite year as far as groups go. Everyone just got along really well and all willing to help out. It was wonderful to meet new people and get to know hearts better. It was a little piece of home (ohio) in a place that feels like home (dr) even though I have established a new home (atl).
Once again, we all felt like what we were doing wasn't enough. You always want to do more and give more and love more, but it is important to keep in mind that what little we were able to offer is still more than they would have available to them. The clinics went well, the dentist and his assistant were fantastic, and we were able to see all the kids and their families. All of us that have gone all three years have been encouraged to watch the living conditions and the conditions of the little bodies improve over time. The Mak Team is doing a great job medically. Between cleaning wounds, making the kids brush their teeth, getting two meals and taking vitamins...the difference is obvious.
The Makarios Staff is alive and kicking! It has expanded and it's fun to watch the organization grow over the past three years. Meeting the new staff was so encouraging and I can't wait to see them again and see how much they've grown in just 6 months.
I've already started taking steps to go back in May. I have to go back. Hopefully there will be more post in the future that make more sense.

Mi Familia

Ok ladies and gentlemen...We head out in 4 DAYS! As usual, I am beyond excited and literally losing sleep over longing to be back in the DR for a bit. (I don't sleep well at all while I'm down there and kinda wish my body would keep that in mind this week!) Being in Atlanta and the rest of the team in Ohio, I have yet to meet 3 members of our group, but it will be a sweet introduction in Miami Airport on Saturday! And a sweet reunion as the other 7 members are returning to the island. Please pray for us as we 1)meet and work, not only with each other but alongside the staff already down there 2) Travel...we need to stay healthy and safe! 3) Effectiveness...keeping a big picture mentality and wisdom on what/how to treat 4) We will have opportunites simply orchestrated by God to encourage, teach, discuss and, we pray...to show others Christ in all we do and see them come to know Him personally! 5)Great attitudes. When you are thrown into living life with strangers and friends while you are used to flying solo, it can be an adjustment. Also, not to get discouraged with the language barrier.I can communicate but it takes my spanish a few hours to get adjusted to island spanish. God is bigger than personalities and communication...and since He created both of those things...we want to use them to honor Him.

Also, I decided to sponsor a child. I was so excited to find out which little one was going to be mine. Introducing Ambiorix Martinez Baez...

I LOVE THIS KID! He's just so fun! Of course, since I helped the dentist pull six of his teeth, he's a little leery of me. How appropriate, my kid runs when he sees me! I am very excited to see him again...and look at him through different eyes. Here is a picture of after his teeth were pulled...he walked right in, looked me and climbed in my lap...I didn't mind holding him for a little while

Here is his sweet family. His mom is really one of the sweetest people I've met down there and does so much for her family. His dad died a couple of years ago and his oldest brother has really stepped up. Click on the picture and take a look...18 months later he still doesn't have any front teeth!


Also, some great news to share. Ronal had his surgery! Can't wait to check up in him and see how he is doing.

I thank you in advance for your prayers, for I am well aware that without God, none of this is possible and all for nothing. I will try to update as much as possible, but since internet/electricity is spotty and everyone will have their computers, I make no promises. =)

Two reasons I love life...Because I knew you, I have been changed for good

Do you have these kind of friends? The kind of friend that even though you are miles apart and can't talk all the time, you just love each other and have a bond. Literally the best friends you could have even though life goes on and you're not five anymore, your lives are completely different. It doesn't look like the typical friendship, but yet, it works. I have five of these friends. We literally are all over...Dayton, Columbus, Raleigh, Chicago, Colombia...special bonds with special ladies.

This is one of them. My Sarah, known fondly as Sarah Kate, Say-rah, but mostly to me as my best friend. We met when we were two. There was a group of us and I keep in touch with most of them, but Sarah, Beth and I did spend our sunday mornings together long before AWANA started. Sarah and I haven't had the perfect relationship. It was seemingly perfect and than came crashing down. And I mean crashing...painful, heart-wrenching time. But I believe this time cause both of us to turn to God and good counsel harder than we ever had before in our lives. A few years went by and things were awkward as we waded through desperately wanting this friendship back, but not really knowing if it were possible. I stand here today being better for knowing and loving this beautiful young woman. As only Christ is able to do...we have been restored. There has been radiant reconciliation! I praise God that He had brought us together again, to share in life, and what an honor to stand there with her as she excitedly moves forward into this new chapter of her life with a fine man who loves our Lord. At the rehersal, we both ate our typical meal...only instead of walking to Dairy Queen, we drove to TGI Fridays. Yay for chicken fingers and fries!

Sarah and her father. She got married in the backyard of her childhood home...just like her mom did.

She did in GREAT job of picking out beautiful dresses and colors

Myself, Elizabeth (sister) Sarah, Christina (sister) and Stacey (sister)


Also, since Justin (Sarah's hunsband) and I went to high school together and we all went to the same church. How funny is it that Bo was one of his groomsmen. Bo was Prom King and I was Prom Queen in addition to being great buddies...Here's a picture of us in the Fall of 2002.

And here we are in the fall of 2009...and now I feel old!!! What the heck happened!

The end of a busy and fun day. Oh Sarah, I love you!

In any given box of pictures at our houses, there are atleast 100 pictures of us in 100 different outfits on 100 different days, but the same pose. I have long arms =)

Here is the second reason. This is the Lovely Lindsey, AKA Lou, Linds and aggressive twin...of which I was the other half. Lindsey and I met in 3rd grade but didn't really become friends until we started playing volleyball. Even that was a bit rough at first as we both played the same position and are both highly competitive. Once we figured out that we both can play the whole game,just opposite of each other, our friendship blossomed. Both being believers on the team and going through the same things outside of school at the same time, we became a stronghold for each other and constant encouragement. Our friendship has continued through going to different universities, me traveling and her traveling both for our jobs. James is one blessed man and I could not be happier!

Also at the wedding was Andrea. She is a dear friend of the family and we laughed...a lot

Lindsey's photographer caught this shot. I had no idea, but it is one of my favorites! Linds mom told me to go up and see Lindsey before the wedding. I came around the corner and she came running across the room in her dress. We did the typical hug and scream...can't express my excitement for her!

Also, Sarah and Lindsey, thanks for both getting married in the same weekend!

Love Thy Neighbor?

Situation: My upstairs neighbors are LOUD. I hear everything. Every step, the cabinets, when they move stuff. Pretty much everything but conversation...and they constantly seem to be on the move. I've gone up to talk to them, the man was smug, denied everything and basically told me I was wrong and must have been hearing someone else. I went to the office, spoke with the manager who promised to send them a notice. A few nights later, I had to knock on my ceiling three times to which they stomped three times. And there went a call to the security officer. Then tonight...doors open, two fans on, and my TV on watching the game and I can STILL hear them. I knock, they stomp, I lose it. I walked myself right up there and knock firmly on their door. The man looked at me like "here we go again, what's your problem?" The first words out of my mouth..."Why do you insist on being so inconsiderate?" I said it calmly and with a look of dumbfoundedness. That was the beginning of me being berated by the man and the two women. Once again, they were rude, denied everything and implied I was the one with the problem. The conversation ended when the woman told ME that I was disturbing THEM and to please leave. I strongly stated, "I'll leave, and you have a WONDERFUL night!" but part of me wished I would have said right back "WHY DO YOU THINK I AM HERE WOMAN!?!"

Upset, I called Mom who sympathized and told me that I needed to continue to pray about the situation and pray before talking to management agian tomorrow. I did that very thing, and as only Jesus can do, I was covered in peace. The noise hasn't stopped, but my heart is sad for these people. And once again, the question rose to the surface that I always seem to struggle with...How do you love others without getting walked all over? If they were purposely being loud because they wanted to annoy me because I was a Christian...I'd let them bang away and I doubt it would bother me. But they don't know I'm a believer. A fact that I am ashamed of and considering that our only interactions have been heated discussions, I doubt that it has even crossed their minds. I'm annoyed with them for refusing to acknowledge that maybe they might be louder than they realize. I'm annoyed in general when others live in their little world and don't consider others. Small things like stopping in the middle of a walkway, putting your cart in the middle of an aisle, talking on your cell DURING a movie and having to be the first person on the plane bother me just as much as a parent insisting their child is sicker than every other child when my other pt just died or found out they have cancer, or that people state "I don't care, I'm not paying for it" when I work hard for my paycheck and insurance. On every level, lack of consideration and thoughtlessness are like fingers on a chalkboard to me. Not that I am never guilty of this! I feel bad everytime I am on my phone when I am checking out or am lost in thought and make a stupid move driving.

But I am to consider others better than myself. I am to be a representative at all times. I am to extend grace and mercy. I am to practice patience. The fact that I love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength should be shaping my every interaction. I'm mad that they just won't simply say "sorry, we don't think we're making that much noise, but we'll try and keep it down." when I should be devastated that they could be going to Hell. Who knows why God placed them above me. All I know is, my attitude needs to change and I need to be praying more for them. As my mom used to say even though she thought it sounded cheesy...you can't kick those who you are on your knees for. And honestly, if I wouldn't be charged for assault or I was still a two year old...I would have been happy to kick them.

But the question still remains...how do I love without rewarding their behavior? How do I love without feeling I am getting walked all over and am constantly just having to let things go. I'm a pretty easy going gal, it takes a lot to upset me...but inconsideration and lack of respect will put you in the fast lane to reaching that destination. How do I love and express my frustration when we can't see eye to eye?

So I have learn to love my neighbor as myself...I just have to trust God to show me how.

If you're wanting to help...

Hello all! So for some reason unbeknownst (yep, that's right, I used that word) to me, the children of the DR have been heavily on my heart over the past couple of weeks. It's normal for me to think about them once or twice a day, but it has been a flood. I've even had a couple of patients that looked just like two of the little one's still living their little lives in La Republica Dominicana. I cracked up when I heard a girl at church laughing just like Cara...who has the most contagious laugh ever. And I watched a video made by Makarios' newest staff member Jody Chance that made me miss the kids all the more.

Facebook, of course, played a huge role tonight. I started talking with Cara and she told me about Ronal. Ronal is a teen that lives in Chichigua, a Haitian Batey and has no income. Last year, as a medical team, we learned about Ronal and his health issues. We examined him and found out he has what's basically a hernia that causes lots of swelling and guessing by it's location...pretty uncomfortable. Makarios has been working really closely with Ronal to get him ready for this much needed surgery. It has taken some time, but we found out in May that he is finally ready. His bloodwork looks good...he's been having to take vitamins/supplements to level it out so that he would be safe during surgery. This is a huge deal for him! In the US, we just expect people to remember to take pills everyday and have access to the pills. Well there, the staff would have to buy it and then take it to chichigua and then he was responsible for taking it. Again, this seems simple, but as I said before...nothing is simple in the DR and this is a huge deal for him! Cara told me that they have a doctor, they are basically waiting on the funds to come in.

I know that times are hard. Money isn't really something that we are willing to part with these days. But I know for a fact that God is bigger than the American economy and that there is a precious human being in the DR who could forever be impacted for the Kingdom of God by those who are being faithful to care for those that have less than we do. I wouldn't ask you to do something I myself am not going to do. The surgery will cost approximately $1000. The Mak staff does a great job of seeking out honest and good care. If you want to offer some money to help pay for the surgery you can send it to

Makarios International
3267 Bee Caves Rd
Suite 107-71
Austin, TX 78746

Just put a note with the check saying "Ronal's surgery" or "Medical Fund"

Big Girls Don't Cry

That was inspired purely from the musical Jersey Boys and has no reflection on how I am actually feeling at this particular moment. If you know me at all...you know I only cry when it's appropriate and it usually has nothing to do with my own life! I saw this musical this weekend with my wonderful Rachael at the very fun Fox Theater. Terrible language...great music...that's my review.

This isn't a great post and really has no point. Just kinda a recap. Got back from the DR and went to Ohio and then onto Atlanta. On my way back Jordan, sister in law, went into labor which led to me being in ATL for less than 24hrs before I was on the road down to Ft. Walton. Ethan Davis Simpson made his way into the world on June 2nd (also my grandma gouge's birthday) at 0716 weighing in at a hefty 10lbs 1oz and 21 in long. He's huge! And cute! Got to spend some special time with Emma and thought to myself more than once, "I would be so content to have her with me everyday." It just seemed so natural. Obviously Skype plays a huge role because I am not a stranger, she knows who I am...and she comes running right up for some big hugs and kisses. Here we are...a very happy Aunt with her precious niece and nephew...


I came home long enough to get everything ready for my good friend Justin to come down and visit from Ohio. He stayed at my place while I stayed with my friend Charlotte who lives in the same complex. He was here two days and we packed in the goodness of Atlanta. Lunch in Centennial Park, World of Coke, Aquarium, Stone Mountain complete with laser show, walk up to twisted taco with coffee at the bakery on the corner...and then a Braves game. A good visit with many laughs. I'm pretty sure all the business and traffic of this city was too much for him and he thinks I drive crazy...but honestly, you have to go with the flow down here. I can't help it if the flow is 85mph! =)


Rachael and I have been able to hang out a lot and started a new Bible Study on the life of David. It's pretty much life changing and I am loving every second of it! We did head down to screen on the green to watch Field of Dreams, of which we left early, but did thoroughly enjoy watching people get together play, sing and dance. The Cupid Shuffle was calling our names...but I'm not one to dance in front of thousands. That's right...rockin' the Ohio State Buckeye hat


Had orientation the past couple of days and am working the next two nights. I have missed the people, but not really the job...for the first time. I am sure once I get there, it will all come flooding back and it won't even feel like I've been off for a month.

As I sit here and write this, I feel so content. I love my new place. I love walking through the door. I love people saying it's "cozy and homey". I always want people to feel comfortable in my home. I grew up in a comfy home, a place people could drop in.

Guess that's all for now...looking forward to seeing everyone at work again and lunch with friends next week. Trying to stay up late tonight so that I can sleep late tomorrow in an effort to not be exhausted tomorrow night. A month of days...might take me a few nights to get back into the swing of things. Although, I could just keep reading about all my benefit options and be right to sleep in about two minutes.

Here and gone...

Time flies. I feel like I just got here and now I am already leaving. A dentist and another family have come and gone since I've been here, so I should just be grateful that I got to stay 10 days instead of 4 or 5.

Yesterday was a success at Maternidad. We got there at 7:15 and there were already a lot of people there waiting with numbers. We got a number and waited for our turn. The doctor was pretty nice and added in the letter "s" when he spoke which made it immensely easier for me to understand. One letter...amazing. Our time with the doctor took about ten minutes, but the tiny little office we were in had about 30 degree air blowing out which was a much better alternative to tropical island weather and being packed in with tons of other people. Cara and I looked around the room and saw the bed half falling apart and an isolet (where you put babies when transporting or they need extra protection) that was being eaten away by rust. The doctor had a little table where he did his thing. The sharps container was an old Ajax bottle. It's not like that everywhere, but it's like that here. And this is all they have. We got out of there around 10:30-11 and dropped Joslina back off in PM. We went back to Cara's place for lunch and had incredible conversation. About language, God, our gifts and our life experiences that we have learned.

I didn't get very far to finding out about the vaccinations. Maternidad said that we would have to bring the kids five by five to get their shots done. They can't send them with a group because they need to be refrigerated. I'm thinking a cooler would work, but they aren't really budging. So that's one option down, but we do have a couple more that if I had more time, I could have explored. Hopefully, it'll all work out with email.

I always have this internal crisis while I'm here. Mom says that I get really introspective everytime I come down, which can be a wonderful thing since I am usually too busy to see or notice the things I should while I am living life in the states (my words, not hers. She'd say something like that, but with a lot more love). I have new goals in mind for my life back home. Things that need to be done and made into a firm part of my everyday life. Once again, I feel like I am leaving having learned more from my time in the Dominican Republic than I have given back. But God sees the bigger picture, He is able to communicate between our native languages, He is able to reach down and heal things I have no clue how to treat, and He has the ability to protect the little bodies that I can't. Because I can't. I'm not God. I do not know His ways. Yes He gives us knowledge and skills, but we first and fully rely on Him.