Wow, time really flies! I can't believe I have been here for almost three weeks and have just over one week left. I'm learning a lot about this culture and how students are similar in so many ways. They have the same needs- to be loved, accepted, and valued. One can look at their needs or lack of resources, but the parents try to give them the best opportunities they can. For example, I met a 2 year old boy last year at his home and now I discovered he is in the Early Child

This week I saw first-hand the crucial need for the completion of Polytechnic Building #2 as space is at a premium for holding classes at the high school. TEARS has tried many solutions from holding classes in the open area of the school (not ideal learning conditions for sound and privacy) to having students doing online classes at home one day a week (difficult to engage students). I am impressed how the teachers and students manage in the heat and limited facilities. The

Nursing Polytech The nursing team expanded into wound care training today using temporary tattoos to identify wounds and required treatment. The nursing assistant students applied hands-on dressings in addition to theory of wound healing and infection control. In Maria Auxiliadora, the children in the early learning centre learned a few new exercises including counting games and peek-a-boo. The amazing teachers utilized story-time along with lessons on naming people and objec

The nursing assistant workshops at the polytech high school (grades 10 & 11) focused on CPR training and the students excited to wear their nursing scrubs for the first time. The early education program (Maria Auxiliadora barrio) continues to offer little ones a safe place to grow, learn, and thrive. Today the building blocks and toy cars attracted eager builders. This week the team enjoyed a delicious meal (thanks Sonia and Ada!) during a home visit in the nearby barrio. The

It’s been a fun and rewarding first two days here in the TEARS schools and community. In the High School polytechnical programs, our nursing team presented two lessons on Home Health Assessments on day 1 and two additional lessons on Vital Signs on day 2. Also in the marketing and business portion of the polytechnical programs in the High School, Ydekel’s class had Alan as a guest speaker teaching Double-Entry Accounting. A visit to the Soto Tutoring Program included brunch

Day 5 of the tennis and baseball camp kicked off with setting up the baseball field. Thanks to all hands on deck from our volunteers, we successfully set the bases, split the teams, distributed jerseys, coordinated batting and fielding lineups, and stood at home plate for the Dominican Republic national anthem. The 6-to-9-year-olds were incredibly excited to finally play a real game and put their new skills to the test. A second game for the 10-to-16-year-old boys followed la

One of the anticipated challenges of serving at a sports camp for children in the Dominican Republic, is the language barrier. My Spanish is very limited, and there are moments when I wish I could communicate more clearly, tell a joke, explain a lesson, or encourage a child with exactly the right words. Yet this experience is teaching that building relationships is not dependent on perfect communication. In many ways, what we do speaks louder than what we say. When words don

On Day 3 of Sports Camp, coaches recognized the program has become much more than a place to learn skills and play games. In an impoverished nation such as the D.R., where opportunities and resources are limited, it can become a source of hope, encouragement, and inspiration for young people. Although the majority of our coaches do not speak Spanish, we have remembered that a smile is recognized internationally. Coaches often arrive focused on teaching fundamentals, teamwork,

When we woke up this morning, the weather was warm and the people were lovely as always. The kids came into camp ready and excited for day 2. There was actual cheering as they got off the bus! It was a wonderful day seeing both the tennis and baseball groups find success and develop their skills. Both groups enjoyed their delicious sandwiches which gave them energy for their activities. It is refreshing to see the way they support, teach and encourage each other in their succ

Day1 : What a great day! We started the day by splitting into two groups: baseball and tennis. Some were excited to get back to a sport they know and love, while others embraced the opportunity to try something new on the tennis court! Throughout the day, everyone had the chance to develop new skills, encourage one another, and enjoy plenty of fun and friendly competition. We saw new friendships form, old friendships grow stronger, and lots of smiles along the way. After a fu

I have been wondering what draws me to be part of a D.R. partner trip. Is it the depth of what is experienced in this place, the warmth of the people, or the evidence of God at work? Maybe it is all of these. Over the past 9 days we have immersed ourselves in the lives of the community and learned so much, especially from the leaders and the staff in all of the ministries. Their love, their actions, and their words inspire us. It is hard to express in words what I have experi

When it rains in the barrio of Maria Auxiliadora it pours! Water pools EVERYWHERE! Low spots are flooded! None of this water is suitable to drink. Before 2007, it was evident that the children in the schools would learn more effectively without waterborne illnesses (i.e. parasites). T.E.A.R.S. ministry responded to this need by establishing a water treatment plant. Today it has grown into a thriving ministry that has improved the health of the entire community. Our Partners

Today, chapel was held in all three of the T.E.A.R.S. schools. We were privileged to join the children and youth as they celebrated their faith. From the exuberant dancing and singing of the youngest children to the meaningful message delivered to the high school youth we witnessed the transformative power of God's love and the joy it brings. Joanne and Judy

What a joy to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the TEARS school programs last evening. Graduates from the high school shared about the deep impact that the teachers and leaders have had in their education, their faith, and their whole lives. All of the attendees stood up to thank Chelo and Judith for their visionary leadership in establishing faith-based schools that have transformed the lives of youth and the community over the past 25 years. There are currently ~800 youths

As we visited this morning with Pastors Hector and Diana in the Soto barrio of La Vega, we heard accounts of the hardships and challenges faced by the Haitian community. I was particularly struck by the incredible pressures and stresses experienced by parents trying to shelter and nourish their children in difficult times. Hector and Diana are clearly called into a ministry by God who is described in Deut. 10:18 as the one who "defends the cause of the fatherless and the wido

Obed Penuela, a long standing member of the TEARS ministry seems planted on a soccer field. Obed coaches teams in the Dominican but also has been blessed with an international role coaching national women's amputee soccer teams. The players he coaches, and preaches to are the national teams from Haiti, Columbia and Ecuador. He is sharing the good news where he goes. We sensed his passion to help people know Jesus and we felt the same heart for the gospel in the ministry of

Today we visited the TEARS Early Learning Center. We were welcomed into an environment rich with curiosity and discovery! Seeing the children’s eyes light up as we engaged in song, storytelling and crafts reinforced how positive adult interaction can build a child’s confidence and bring joy. We offered encouragement and celebrated small victories to increase their participation in the activities. In return the children taught us how to embrace spontaneity, find delight in eve

A highlight of today was attending the Soto Church and being greeted by their joyful songs of praise to God. It struck us that in the midst of the troubles facing the Haitian community they continue to trust God, both for their daily needs and for protection for their futures. It was a blessing to worship alongside them. Fonda and Margot

Bucket List I never had an official “bucket list” written down, but if I did, going to the Dominican Republic to see what has been accomplished over the past 20+ years would definitely be on it! As I toured the ground this afternoon on the TEARS campus, I was impressed with the nature of the true partnership between this community and the far away communities that support their projects. Everyone has been warm and welcoming. There has been lots of hugs! The food is amazing. T

Today, we visited the early learning centre one last time in the morning, saying our goodbyes to the kids. We continue to see love...