What is normal exactly???

So it's been three weeks since I got back to American soil...and I'm finally feeling like myself again. I usually have a hard time coming back regardless, but this took an extra week or two. I was just in a funk, being super analyitical, and increasingly sensitive...all things that I am normally not. Granted, I used to be Queen of thinking about absolutely every little detail and analyizing it over and over again. However, a few years ago...with the mental breakdown of July 3, 2006 (which is actually a VERY FUNNY STORY)...God sent conviction about trying to figure everything out. It doesn't matter...He knows! In the past three and a half years, He has proved over and over that He is faithful and He is the provider. It applies to all the aspects that seem so important. Where are you going to place me on the map? Where am I going to live once I get there? Which hospital can I serve you best? What church should I go to? Which friendships do I pursue? Am I ever going to meet someone? Will I ever get to be a mom? How long am I going to be in this city? How attached do I get? Which ministries do you want me to be a part of? It's often at this point that the Spirit brings to my mind common scriptures that mean the world to me. "Be STILL and KNOW I AM GOD!" "For I know the plans I have for you..." "Are you not worth more than sparrows?"

A week after getting back to ATL, I went home. Ah, Dayton, Ohio...how I love you. It may be a dying city and I am glad to be out on a great adventure, but it is home and where my heart feels so comfy and safe. The time was packed with people, just the way I like it! I got to spend a full day with the Carters. Scott was my youth pastor, Laura became a mentor and very close friend. I watched their kids all the time and it felt like they were my own. They have been called to Colombia and were back on furlough. It had been three years since I had seen them face to face and hadn't seen Scott since I visited them in Costa Rica in March 2004. It was a fantastic day of catching up, deep conversations and genuine encouragement. Pray for them as they head back to Colombia in January.


Of course, time with my parents...my rocks. I just love them and am so thankful for everything they have done in my life. Being raised being taught to pray, to put others ahead of yourself, to seek God in all things no matter how big or small. It's priceless and as I deal with children everyday who have less than engaged parents, I grow more and more grateful. I had the priveledge of sharing Thanksgiving a week early with them and their house church. What a great group of people...and it only deepened my longing for close community in ATL (something that is happening!)



Also, The medical group got together for a couple hours before the big OSU game. GO BUCKS! It was fun to see everyone a couple weeks out and how perspectives are still affected.


Passion City Church is slowly becoming a permanent presence in ATL. I cannot explain how much I love this church! I am on the volunteer Host Team and it's been fun to see us grow closer, share parts of our lives and begin to encourage each other in everyday life. The worship is so God honoring, the preaching is straight from the Bible, and the actions of the Bride are all about helping others and showing them Christ. We have begun a relationship with World Relief, helping refugees and now sharing meals with them. We were able to furnish almost 40 apartments and bring food for Thanksgiving to families thrown into a whole new world and culture. I was working and unable to participate, but from what I gather, these people are amazing. Their stories are humbling. I cannot wait to get to meet and share Christ with literally all the nations!

Thanksgiving was a blast! Since I was on call, I couldn't leave the city to join my brother and his family. The Reeves welcomed me in. Janet has been such an encouragement ever since I moved here. This woman loves the Lord, is as honest as honest gets, and has no problem making you feel like family. It's been such a blessing getting to know her, Jesse and their brood of four over the past year. The whole day was laid back, including all of us racked out on couches and chairs in the living room. Amazing family, GREAT food, and I didn't get called in...=)

That's a little of life right now...

Processing...

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.

Cars, Crazy women, Healthcare and Movies

I had to take public to get to Cara's apartment. I hadn't seen a guagua for atleast 10 minutes and a public car is flashing its lights at me. It's only 5 pesos more so I give him the "I need a ride sign" and hop in. We get up the road a little ways to drop off one of the passengers when the driver asks me where I am going. I tell him and he states he's not going that way. Apparently I was too taken with flashing lights to notice he was going to Munoz instead of Sosua. I offer money for my little ride and he says it's no big deal and lets me go. Not a typical Dominican thing to do, so I am telling him thanks when his car dies. Yep, just shuts off. The car behind him stops to jump him, but some random guy across the street yells at them to just push it and jump in the car. I move to help, but being a woman, they tell me to stay where I am. Ah, chivalry...I'll never fight it. I did get a picture, one of the guy is running to jump in the car. The next public car was going to Sosua and it was just the driver and myself. He asks me if I like Obama, because they always do, and I reply absolutely not. I respect the office, but I greatly dislike his ideology, policies and worldview. This puts us into a good political conversation and ended by him telling me my spanish is really good. It's not, but I appreciate the compliment.

Yesterday Cara and I went to take Joslina to Maternidad to see a doctor for a specific issue she has going on. Maternidad is a free clinic that Anne calls "straight out of Africa" and since she's been there, she can say that. That's how I feel about it too. Everytime I go for whatever reason, I leave just hating that this is their option. I cringe at every part about it. Healthcare here is weird. There are both public and private, but the private Doctors have to give so many hours a month to the free public clinics. Regardless, we only need one slip of paper to ensure that the furture treatment is taken care of and even though the lady had it sitting right in front of her, we were told to return on wednesday. The doctor that was going to be there that day doesn't deal with the issue that we were bringing. That's a little frustrating. So since we were up se early to get a good number and hopefully avoid sitting there all day, we couldn't even go to the pharmacy because it wasn't open. Cara and I took Joslina back to her apartment and gave her breakfast and looked through magazines. Finally the pharmacy opened, we bought the medication we knew she needed and took her back to pancho in Cara and Ashley's new car.

Next we had to go to Chichigua to drop off some medicine for Renal, who's in much better health and is on his way to getting his surgery done! Along the way, this old woman needs a ride, so we give one to her. At first she's going on and on about how beautiful we are for giving her a ride, she rips off the lid of the box she is carrying and hands it to me. There are drawings on it and she's apologizing that they were colored in. She kept saying "There's no one to help me and give me money, so I don't have colored pencils" Um, I'm confused, is that how life works? She offered us a tomato and pepper in exchange for the ride. I knwo we will have food later, but I don't know if she will. We tell her that it's her food and we are happy to just give her a ride and don't need anything in exchange, the drawing was enough. I gave her my diet coke too. The woman is old and frail and I immediately think that water would be a much better choice for her, but I don't have water on me. Plus, this could be a treat for her. Maybe she just wants to tastle the bubbly goodness like I do every once and a while. Then she kept going on and on about stuff I didn't understand. I looked at Cara to translate and she said "I'm pretty sure this woman is crazy. She's making no sense" She hopped off at Chichigua with us and that's there she stayed. I wonder if the chichiguans are wondering why we brought this woman and then left her.

The rest of the day was uneventful, but full of community. Even with Anne and Garrett at the beach with their days off, the four of us left in the house have still eaten almost every meal together, shared life stories and shed a few tears watching Finding Neverland and The Green Mile. A couple of them I have only met for one week, and there's a good chance I'll never see them again. However the time is sweet and will not be forgotten quickly.

Hola Sr. Tarantula...now go away

Last night Garrett picked up his backpack and SURPRISE! There is a tarantula. It was small compared to others seen on the island, big by my Ohio standards. I immediately hopped up on the bench that I was sitting on and Garrett starts trying to shoo it out. It's not cooperating. Leave it to the broom to do the trick! Of course, the rest of the night, I was very shifty and inspecting everything before I committed to using it or entering the room. Here's the little guy. Obviously, I am across the room and zoomed in as far as I can go.

Dr. Steve left today and we took him to Lax in Cabarete to eat. The picture isn't great, but the sun was out and conversation was wonderful. It's always fun to watch people's perspectives change from what they think poverty is to what they now know it to truly be. Until you actually see true poverty, you can't understand it's impact...and you will never be the same.

Yesterday was a hard day physicaly speaking. Every person we saw needed to have work done...like 6 or 7 teeth. One boy flipped out and we all assumed our now very familiar positions. We saw less people as we were more focused on the adults, but adult teeth are much harder to remove. We had no idea what we were in for. The last guy had three teeth, it took an hour and a half to just get two of them out. The third one was from a broken off tooth with semi-infected roots and he wanted to save it for another day...he wanted to be able to chew tabacco. His was an hour and a half of bending over, teeth breaking, blood pooling and terrible sounds. None of it hurt him, but the noises always sound so awful! It became a personal mission for Dr.Steve and I to finish. Mission Accomplished.
This is a house at the end of the street leading into the school. I don't know what goes on there...but this is always what the porch looks like...tons of kids. Must just be a good location.

This is sweet Amaury, he actually lives in the house across from the one above. I don't know why, but I just love this kid. He is always so good with his sisters and sweet to me. It's so funny, every time I see him six months has gone by and he is looking more and more like a man instead of the kid I met. Life goes on...

This is amaury's siter Heidi (Jasmin is his sister too) Heidi always has gripe, a cold like illness, but she is cute none the less and on bad days I give her motrin to help with the fever. Otherwise she is a happy girl. The mother, Mercedes, is one of the sweetest women I have met on the island. She always remembers my name and welcomes me in and we chat about the kids. I hope I smile as much as she does in my life. P.S. in the picture Heidi is chewing on something...she doesn't have a dental abscess =)

This is Esmili, in the yellow. Neither she nor her sister, Escarlet, every say anything to me. In fact, they usually keep their distance. I remember their family very well since they were one of the first families we helped the first time I came down. Well, yesterday, she had to get a tooth pulled and was doing great...no crying. After she got her shot of lidocaine she just looked so sad and I picked her up off of the table. She wrapped her arms around my neck and laid her head on my shoulder...dead to the world. I stood rocking back and forth and she shut her eyes. It was an incredible moment! After the tooth was pulled she was up and out of there with a quickness and I didn't get to talk to her much. Today we stopped by the school to grab something and she came RUNNING to me and jumped in my arms. My how one moment changes everything. I have a picture of her up in my new apartment along with other faces of the dominican, but I kinda thought twice about putting her face in the frame since I was pretty sure she is scared of me. Now, she'll be one of the first faces I see when I come home and a gentle reminder of what I am living for.

Um...wow

This is Luis Miguel. Remember him? Fungus Head? Well he is numb right now and swears his bottom lipis gone and wants to see a mirror to prove it's not there since he can't feel it. I don't have a mirror, so I took a picture and let him see. So concerned he is...

Typical first five minutes of the morning. Notice...this is Dominican Hair, I'll show you American Hair when I return to the states. It's huge and I can't help it...just embrace it

My Robin and I right before she leaves for her flight home to Austin. Miss her already

The famous cups of Tylenol, water and a rinse they have to swish until I tell them to stop. It burns and I am quite impressed...I have a hard time using regular Scope and this stuff is pretty potent.

Working...I'm not having to do much, she's a good kid

This is crazy Kendri before the extractions with Anne. Can you see our issue? The front teeth needed to come out. You might get a better look if you click on the picture

This is him after...mom carrying him home

The work station

Kendall making the kids brush their teeth before seeing Dr. Steve

Yazmin and I playing around outside

So the dentist is here and we had lots of work to do. Thankfully, not as much as last year, but still...lots! Most kids did great, the girls did much better than the boys. Not one peep out of most of their mouths, and yet there were a set of brothers that it took four of us to hold one of them down. Jesmarco has more strength than one child should, but I seriously think for a lot of them, they go into survival mode and they will fight with all they have to get out of a situation. Kendri, who had has multiple medical issues, gave us a run for our money. Between a stuffed animal, bubbles, singing, four women, tylenol, benadryl and brute force, we got the six teeth out. I don't know the exact count, but I believe we have so far removed somewhere around 45 teeth. Only four kids have given us a really hard time.

Yesterday I went to visit Marta in Pancho Mateo. She has a bad case of chicken pox and was not herself AT ALL! This is the one who is usually up to something, bouncing off walls and barking orders. She was sleeping and miserable when we got there. I went to take motrin for her fever and a bunch of water to keep her hydrated. Her one eye was swollen shut and she was covered in bumps. I am going to be taking some benadryl to her tomorrow and some drops to a kid with pink eye. Gabrielle's burn looks much better and I didn't get a chance to see Diori's dog bitten hand, but will call for him tomorrow.

Today in between groups of kids I met a super sweet kid. I was talking with Nata, whom I love, and he was telling me they had no gaterade in their colmado but there was another one around the corner that I could go to. His brother, Isaac, walked me around the corner and it was closed...next one...closed. Finally way up the street and around the corner there was an open colmado. He even negotiated getting change for me. How sweet! It's always nice when people take time out of their day to help, even when not asked. I often feel like I am inconvient and troubling someone, but here, that thought doesn't seem to occur to them.

Tonight we had a great big family dinner with many stories and laughter. Time to be still...which I don't do well in the states. Praying to come back with new insight and depth that can only be gained through this experience.

Oh the adventure begins...

So I have made it to the DR without any problems. I took a new flight route with a new carrier and this brought on a meal and movie. I have purposely avoided Marley and Me like the plague since I heard it could make a grown man cry, but alas, that was the movie that was on. I had four hours and no place to go, so I watched it. I thought I was doing great until I felt a tear trickle down my cheek and drop onto my arm. What in the world! Dang animal movie. While I am trying to hide my tears and face, I notice the MAN next to me wiping his eyes and pulling his sunglasses down over his eyes. Now, I feel better.

Upon arrival, I get a huge hug from Anne and Kate. (Kate is the same Kate who was here the first two times I came, she's visiting). They immediately tell me that we will catch up later b/c they are on a mission and want to know if I am willing to participate. GAME ON! Apparently a guy hit the back of the truck at the airport when Anne was paying the 5 pesos to get in, she and he got out and he saw she was white, shrugged her off and got back in his car. She doesn't know insurance spanish, so they got his license plate number and wrote a note that went along the lines of "Dear Mr. Accident. We are nicer than you. You need to help if you hit someone. We hope you get eaten by a cow." The next step was going to be to have his car towed to a different spot in the lot just to mess with him. It's nice to know people. However, we spotted his car too late, he was in it, and we followed him as he picked up someone from the airport and then for a while on the main road. I think we made him nervous...which was our goal.

Got back to the house, settled in, and heard a really high pitch beeping. We notice people are gathering outside the house. We go out and there is a snake in the bushes! A beautiful black and teal snake, but a snake none-the-less. I run in to grab my camera, but when I come out it's slithering by and I jump up on the truck as I have no shoes on and one of the guys picks it up. And they walked away. We still don't know what was causing the beeping...

Cara has been teaching some boys guitar and last night was their concert. It's amazing how the second I stepped off the plane, I immediately fell right back into place. It feels so familiar, comfortable in a "man, I can't get comfortable" way. Kate and I walked into the apartment and Cara just waved from across the room. I waved back and ran in the kitchen to gove Robin a hug. Cara started cracking up! "I can't believe I didn't get up to hug you! It just seemed so natural to see you and Kate walk through the door! Like, Oh there's Kate and Laura". This made me laugh as I did the exact same thing when I walked in...Oh look, there's Cara!

Today I went to school to do some nurse-like things and catch up with Cara on vaccine progress. I would be lying if I didn't admit that my heart was FULL as kids ran up calling my name and giving me huge hugs that lasted minutes! Luis Fernando sang a song about five minutes long for me, Bernito gave me an earing, Regina was the first to jump in my arms, Ruth and Wildana were fighting over my lap as Ashley played with my hair...I was in heaven. Diori got bit by a dog on saturday and his hand looks awful...cleaned it up and will check again for infection tomorrow. Luis Miguel hurt his foot and won't walk on it...and there are others with moto burns...something I know plenty about. After school Kendall, Mary and I went to Chichigua and hung out with some kids. It staretd raining and we ended up sitting in a room with a bunch of haitians playing pool. Who would have thought I would ever do that in my life. Took a moto ride back to the girls apartment and then picked up the dentist at the airport. We ate dinner at an Italian place and I got to do one of my favorite things. A little boy was asking for money, of which I don't give away because I don't know where it's going, but then he patted his tummy and there went my food. I had it all boxed up and ready to go...just for him. One of my most dear moments of the day...handing over a meal to a kid that doesn't know where his next one if coming from.

Tomorrow starts all the dental stuff. Should go pretty smooth...but as you learn in this country, just go with the flow, whatever you plan will change.

Que crees!?!

Guess what!?!

I will be heading back to the Dominican Republic May 19-28 to see my little kiddos and hug them until they squeal "no mas!" This time around I will be assisting a dentist as he does his thing. I remember watching all this unfold last year and laughing hysterically as Bobo feel asleep with 8 of his teeth being pulled. Snoring actually. SO dental assisting will be new for me, but I will do whatever is needed and am quite excited about it. Also, I am going to do some investigating with the clinic and find out what vaccines they have and try and get the kids on a schedule. Then, when the group goes back in November, we can work in the vaccines as well. Maybe I'll get to give a few shots since I enjoy perfoming that task more any human should. The only thing I like more...starting IV's...sick sick sick, I'm aware.

It's been an emotionally rough week at work. We've had a few abuse cases in which the babies are now no longer here. I've had suicidal teens. A few weeks ago I was rocked when I took care of the sweetest little girl with a pretty much terminal diagnosis. It happened again this past week. The parents needed a few minutes to grieve and mourn the future months. I walked in after about fifteen minutes of talking to the kid and making sure he was alright. Mom was on the phone making calls and Dad was a mess. Nothing kills you more than seeing a grown man cry in desperate brokeness. I looked straight at him and asked if I could get him anything. Water? More tissues? It seemed like such a dumb question considering I know he wants me to take this diagnosis away and all I could offer was something superficial and material. He looked right back threw him hands up and said "prayer." THAT I could do. I knelt down beside him and just prayed. I have no idea what I prayed and was pretty sure I was repeating the same thing over and over, but what an honor to be able to intercede through words and tears for a family that has had their world turned upside down in one second. I think that's what I love most about my job. Whether it's in the Dominican, innercity Philly or Atlanta's suburbia...the Lord has a role for me in each. I love getting to pray with my patients. I don't know their relationship with God, they may or may not know Jesus. But I know with all my heart and soul that I can speak straight to my Savior and I can bring them to the foot of his Throne. It's a stressful job sometimes...but it's very humbling.

Last night we had a global night of worship at Buckhead. Anyone could join in via web. We had two worship leaders from our partner church in Brazil come and sing with us, videos about what's going on all over the world, an 8 yr boy singing a lullaby his dad wrote to the disabled children of China that have been abandoned, Tribes in africa, Ireland joined in, tons of US states and many other countries. It was two hours of praising God, communion and once again realizing how big he is and that he is the same all over the world. I was choked up all night...as usual when I quiet down enough to get a little glimmer of God. Apparently the skies were just as abundantly thankful! When we left there was a lightening show going on, thunder shaking everything and POURING down rain. It was wonderful. I love thunderstorms anyway, but in that moment it was just a continuation of His power.

Here's Rachael and I when we finally made it to the car.

New Hair for a New Life...

It's time for summer Laura to appear and winter Laura with darker hair will not appear again until next fall. =) And I figured it was a nice little emphasis on the huge change that was made official yesterday.

Over the past couple of months God and I have been having some very serious conversations, several tears, and a major tug of war with my heart. I wish I could say that the whole time God and I were trying to figure out what to do with my life, that I was completely on board and never once wondered if I was doing the right thing. Let me go back and explain...

With the ecomony being the way it is right now, EVERYONE is cutting back...that includes hospitals and healthcare. It's expensive to bring on a traveler on board and since they are cutting their own staff, they certainly aren't going to keep a temporary nurse around. The jobs just aren't coming in like they were. That being said, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta has asked me to come on board as staff numerous times, but I wasn't really ready to take the plunge. I went into travel nursing thinking that I wouldn't stop until I A)Loved a city so much that I couldn't even think of leaving b/c I had finally found my place or B)Met someone, fell in love and decided to finally settle down and start a family. Let me be the first to say that I have experienced neither of those things here. I have however developed friendships that have changed my life, found a church that preaches the Word and reaches out to the community in a major way, and work at a hospital that is at the forefront of researching better ways to make kids lives better...and I could get back into the trauma room, a place I miss. All that should be a no brainer to want to stay...ecomony stinks, I'd actually have a job while so many are left without, and I have a great life here.


On the other hand I was going to have to do things that I have not missed at all being a traveler. Triage, rape kits, abuse cases, getting sent home early, staff meetings, evaluations, work place politics...the list goes on. Not to mention that I felt like I had no choice in the matter. I felt like my wings were being clipped before I was ready. I didn't know where I wanted to travel and didn't really want to leave ATL, but I didn't like dealing with the realization that my dream of travel nursing only got to last 9 short months. I loved having everything I needed in life fit into my car...this posed another issue that I didn't even realize was a problem. I think it had actually become a point of pride for me...it was freeing, I was a simple person, not materialistic. NOW, I was going to have to find a place to live and buy furniture...how much was I going to let myself spend on it. I need it, I need it to last, but I also need to be realistic about it. I quickly found that pride can be at the root of everything that I do. I'm pretty self sufficient, never really ask for help, I'd rather do things myself and get it done right the first time that ask someone to do it or help and then have to go back and redo it. Pride.

That's why there was a tug of war. I completely feared that if I left I would never again have the friends that I have here and it would never be the same if I ever came back, that I would hate every other hospital I'd go to, and that I would be longing to have the teaching, worship and fellowship that I so missed while I was in Philly. On the other hand, I completely feared that if I stayed I would never be able to travel again, my friendships would change anyways with or without me, and I'd have to do all of the above nursing issues. I wish I could say I totally trusted God and whatever He said I was going to do, but guess what, I had fear. I took it to Him daily and he provided...in a HUGE way.

1) I already have churches that I love (one is just getting started) and the friendship that I have are in no way coming to an end just because our Bible Study did...we already have plans to start some new things in May. I just love these women and what they have poured into my life is priceless.
2) I found a really nice apartment in a nice/safe part of town in my price range. I am actually really excited about "having my own place" decorating it how I want, my own bed and furniture. I found a great deal on a table and some other affordable living room sets.
3) I already know everyone at work and people keep telling me how excited they are about me staying...that just does a heart good. I am coming on full time and have the option after six months of dropping down to a status that actually will allow me to continue my medical missions AND take travel assignments! Who gets that kind of flexibility with their job!?!

Best of all I am at peace...the peace that transcends all understanding. I feel like I didn't make any of these decisions, but not in a bad way. It was just like God said, "This is what you are going to do, I have the best for you, are you going to trust me in this?" to which I say "Here I am Lord, send me! Even if that means staying where I'm at!" My life has been cake since August and I came to Atlanta knowing big things were going to happen. Maybe the big things were just to occur in my heart and teaching and stretching me. He's keeping me here for a reason. Though unknown to me, I will rise daily in eager expection of great things.

So on May 9th, I move to Savannah at Park Place, go back down to the Dominican, visit my new nephew Ethan Davis (due May 30th) and then start as staff on June 15th. It's official! All my ducks are in a row and they're quackin'!

Random...

Where to begin. Well, if I hadn't extended, I would be headed home this weekend. I love Ohio and miss my family and friends there...but I am very glad I extended! It's hard to believe that I only have three months left here. I would love to stay through the summer and with the economy taking it's toll on ER's (you won't hear me complaining, people are actually seeing their doctors and only coming in if they are truly sick) I don't really know where I will end up. All the other travelers are having problems finding new assignments and with this lovely stimulus package promoting universal health care, I don't know how much longer traveling will be able to last. Very sad, but I really think by May things will have turned around and I will have a job available...God provides.

On a lighter note, I am very excited about the start of Passion City Church this weekend here in ATL. Check it out at passioncitychurch.com I am actually looking forward to spending 6-7 hours there volunteering. I haven't been given a specific role yet, but I am just happy to be a part of something.

Also, right now my friend Rachael and I have been going through Lady in Waiting. I've done this study before and it helped change my perspective a lot. It's been fun to go through it again 2 years later and see how the principles have been applied to my life. In addition to that, I am part of a weekly study going through James with 6 absolutely amazing women! I cannot believe what God can do when hearts are totally open to Him and devoted to learning from His word. I feel like half the time I don't even really get it until we start discussing the verses. All the sudden the light comes on and we are all on the same page, applying deep truths and becoming better women for it. These are my favorite times of the week!

I have to work tonight and tomorrow. I get called all sorts of things at work. Lately, it's been whatever scrub top I am wearing. Twister, Bambi, Rainbow Bright... I can guarentee you that I will hear "hey Dora!" more than once tonight. However, Jermaine, who didn't talk to me for the first month I was here, ALWAYS calls me Donna Reid. He and everyone else thinks this is hilarious...my vote is still out

Cherish today...tomorrow could be totally different

Well I am totally loving life right now. I was telling my mom tonight that life is just so great. I have such a feeling of excitement about the future and what's going to happen (I have no idea what I am so excited about, but my heart is full), thankfulness for God's provision of my needs, friends and guidence, and awe of watching God work in people's lives. Light is shining through the dark cracks of peoples lives and some tough conversations have been had. Satan is doing his best to thwart any sort of gain, but I do not serve him. I serve a God who knows all, is in control of all, and has His own perfect timetable. I will cherish today, because tomorrow could be totally different. But even if I wake up and all the excitement and awe is gone...I will cherish that God is still at work doing all those things. How grateful that my hope is not placed in my feelings. He's constant, my catalyst.

A few random notes...I went to the Bodies Exhibition and Dialog In The Dark down at Atlantic Station tonight. I had mentioned I wanted to go at work and then all of the sudden four other ladies were wanting to go with me. We had a great time. Bodies was just cool and being nurses we were all fascinated. Dialog was amazing. It's an hour long tour in complete darkness where you are lead by a visually impaired individual. Ours was Dexter, he has been blind since he was four. He was incredible, always knew exactly where we were at. We asked him how he knew and he said he's just used to it, plus we all were wearing perfume which helped him distinguish us from each other. Thank you Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue...I've never been so happy to smell! After we all has a mild anxiety attack in the first room, we learned to use all of our senses and what we each depend on. Some felt like they were squinting the whole time, trying to see something and that the world was closing in. I, on the other hand felt like the room was huge, my eyes were opened wide and hated being in the middle of a room. I had to be touching something...like a wall. I needed a reference point. Even though it was so dark and you couldn't see ANYTHING it never ceased to amaze me how it could always get darker. But how? Isn't that so much like life? We walk around aimlessly, feel alone, desperately grasping whatever we can to gain some reference and trying not to get hurt. And it can always get darker. I tell myself and others all the time, "it can always get worse" You learn to get through life. By the end of the tour you are functioning pretty well. You've learned to trust your guide, you're pretty good with the stick, and your stress level has finally decreased...but nothing compares to seeing that glimmer of light peek through the curtain. I quickly picked up my pace and couldn't wait to see again. I wouldn't choose to go back in. Life with light is much better than just trying to get through without getting hurt.
Didn't mean to make that into a weird deep thought, but as I sit and think about it, it just kinda popped out. In any case, if a Dialog In The Dark comes near you. GO! It's so interesting! Here are all of us on our way to dinner...

My Tara came in for the weekend and we had an absolutely wonderful time! She's one of those people that you can just be yourself and laugh around. And we did a lot of laughing. We hit up Cirque Du Soleil: Kooza and I left once again feeling like a big lazy person. Glad I saw it though. It never failed, no matter where we went, there was someone with a super annoying laugh. Now, I like laughs, they usually make me laugh, but these laughs were not those laughs. They were obnoxious, high pitched, loud and always happening at the wrong time. Oh well, it's now a memory of ours! =)

This is one of my new favorite things to do. I cook. I cook a lot. It's cheaper and better for me than eating out all the time. And since I am single and have plenty of food for my meal, a meal for work and still have left overs...people at work and in my apartment complex get fed as well.

Also, Michael Jackson's "Don't stop till you get enough" has been in my head for literally 5 days. I'm ready for it to be gone.

I'm watching a rerun of the Office, laughing to myself and yes, I still love Jim.