9/7/06
Our first night in
San Juan was pretty lonely and unfamiliar.
Carrie and I laid in bed and tried to sleep as motorcycles sped by, dogs barked, and people yelled.
We laid there and wondered where we were and what we were doing.
It really hit us that we weren’t going to be here for one week, but for 52.
God was our comfort that night and Carrie was my companion.
We awoke the next morning to the bright sunshine and to life in the streets.
It was a refreshing sight that got us excited for the day.
We walked around the town and familiarized ourselves with points of interest.
It is a city of smiling faces, street vendors, and motorcycles, lots of motorcycles.
Carrie spent much of the day with Kristen (one of the base directors) and four little girls.
They had a great time playing games and doing girly things.
Miguel (the other base director) and I ran several errands in the city.
Miguel sent me on a couple of missions by myself.
One excursion in particular was quite humorous.
I was to go to the market and buy honey and baking powder.
By the time I arrived at the market I forgot how to say baking powder in Spanish.
I had the whole store trying to help me find what I needed.
I was at a loss of how to explain to them what I needed.
After about ten minutes of trying to find it, the word just came out in English, “Baking powder.”
One of the employees said, “Si, baking powder!”
She then got it for me.
We all began to laugh.
It will take a while to get adjusted to the culture and the language.
There will be times where it is uncomfortable and awkward, but that is normal.
One thing we know is that God has called us here for this time and we are ready for the challenge.
-Jonathan
Great story, Jonathan!
You’re in for a wonderful adventure in the DR.
God will surely speak to you and Carrie while you’re both there. I pray that you are blessed in every thing you do!
Yeah! You made it! We miss our downstairs roommates, but are so so excited for ya’ll! If you are wondering, you DO have what it takes…
Keep us posted on life down there. We cherish every report that we hear.
Know we’ll be praying for you guys lots!
Billy and Joy (Ellie, Josh, and Jake!)
I feel like I was hearing your voice today as I read your story. It wasn’t as good as having you here, but it was wonderful to know that you are safe and sound in San Juan.
Dad and I were reminiscing today about your early years at the baseball field as we watched Thomas’ first game of the season. You are definitely in the “Big Leagues” now. I know you and Carrie will hit it out of the park for the kingdom of God.
Way to go bro and sis! Be safe.
Love,
Audra
Dear Jonathan @ Carrie: How neat to hear about your adventures in the DM. Probably a lot of us in the US would have a hard time finding baking powder in our “do it the easy way” world. You are on our written prayer list. We’ll be praying every day. God bless you two as you do His work. We love you. Harriett and Lynn
Hi Guys,
I woke up this morning wondering what exactly it would be like for you guys to wake up in a new and unfamiliar place, I imagine it’s pretty scary so i prayed for you. Michael and I hope you know how much we love you guys. Thanks for doing this “blog” it makes us feel very connected to you, your adventure, and the blessings God has for you two.
We love you,
alecia and michael
Thank you so much for letting us know of your blog! I didn’t even know you guys had already left, I thought you were still raising support! I will make it a point to pray for you guys regularly. I loved hearing both of your hearts on the first two posts…keep sharing. I am so jealous for you guys to exerience all that God has for you this year. You are going to be drawn to the Father and drawn together in unity as a couple in ways you never could have imagined. Thanks for letting us “join you for the ride” if even for a little.
Christen & Jimmy