Everyone thought (and I'm sure still does) that this trip was for the
teens. Teens are at that turning point, right? They're at a point where you expect them to drastically change their lives, at that turning point where they figure out a new course in life- maybe to do amazing things for Jesus. Well, if I can speak for the other adults, I will say that God has changed my life just as much as the teens.
A large part of that was that I never felt like a chaperone. The teens were busy serving the Lord, growing and learning, so I was free to do the same. In fact, serving with the teens made such an impression on me. How could I show you what these teens are like? What better way than letting you "eavesdrop" on some of our conversations?
To that end, I've chosen just 2 of the teens- one Dominican and one from Southwest to illustrate these teens' special hearts. Meet Jeffrey and Ethan.
Jeffrey
Profound conversations on the back of the Daihatsu:
On the way to the hospital (it’s a good couple hours to Puerto
Plata), Jeffrey, Leandro and I had a great conversation
in the back of the Daihatsu. Jarisa scolded them a bit for not practicing their English, but it was
truly a very educational conversation! We talked about Castellano (what we call
“Spanish”) and the other main languages that are spoken in Spain (Gallego,
Vasco and Catalán), as well as its origins- all the way back to
Indo-European! We discussed issues of language and the role it plays in our
identity - particularly about slang and teens. Jeffrey explained to be quite a bit about why Dominican teens talk
like they do – slang, no “s” at the end of words, even though in school they’re
taught otherwise. He said that if you pronounce your words more like “mainstream” Spanish
(with “s”s ), then they tease you for being "gay." He wants to speak “properly” but he would
get made fun of. This is a conversation I’m going to be sharing with my IB
students in our unit on language and identity! Pretty deep conversation for riding on the back of a truck with a couple of 15 year olds!
Dreams of the US
Late another night talking with the teens, Jeffrey told us
there were three reasons he wanted to go to the U.S. 1) to see snow, 2) to hear
music like we sing it, a cappella and in harmony and 3) to do volunteer work
because "here people only work for money." I think his impression of the U.S. is
beautiful but a bit idealized. Well, in a certain sense it’s similar to our
impression of Dominicans – that they are always happy, respectful and love us
gringos.
Being a leader
During
dinner another night, Jarisa, Jeffrey and I talked about what it means to be a leader. He is
so wise and has so much to say about being a leader, about how there are so
many ways to be one- not only by speaking but also by your actions. I praised
him for the way he led the kids at VBS in Río San Juan. He was so amazing with
the kids - grabbing their attention and maintaining it - leading them in song and a prayer where he had them repeat. It was
very effective and special. The prayer is unfortunately not on video, but watch him in action on the following video!
Jeffrey is soon headed to school to be a minister - yes, already! He is such a natural, very charismatic, and his heart belongs to the Lord. I'm so excited to see what the future holds for him.
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And Jeffrey is just one of the amazing Dominican teens we met who are giving back from what they've received. My favorite part was watching the older boys and girls dancing and singing along with the little kids songs at VBS - watch the back in the video below. God bless these sweet kids!
VIDEO: VBS Singing: Bobita
VIDEO: VBS Singing: Bobita
Ethan
First impressions
Something that surprised me was the ally I found in
Ethan. Before the trip, I didn’t really know him at all- I had only seen him a
few times and then there was song rehearsal. I couldn’t get him to sing his
words loud enough and was all over him to the point he was about to kill me
lol. I concluded maybe he was just too shy for the job and I’m sure he had his
own conclusions about me.
Second impressions
However, at some point, everything changed, although I’m not sure when that was. Watch any
of the song videos and Ethan is the most animated, enthusiastic of all the
kids. He came alive when working with
the Dominican kids. Look for the tall guy smiling, bouncing, clapping, grabbing
any kid nearby to encourage them to do the same.
The encourager
I also was touched at the heart-felt comments he made
at devo, singling me out, admiring my faith and enthusiasm. One time in
particular he told me I would make a great missionary. He
cannot know how much that meant to me. It makes me think of Dr. Moeller, my methods professor
in college. She was very tough to please and an amazing teacher, but she
singled me out and told me I was a natural teacher. I had so many doubts, but
her belief in me made me want to live up to that. When I became a teacher, for
me it was like becoming another person, truly. I feel like I’m at another
turning point in my life and his words of affirmation really touched me. Who’s
the kid and who’s the adult here??
The mission continues
Finally, when we were en route
home (Miami to Texas), Ethan told me of the conversations he had with the two
people he sat between on the plane. One was a woman whose husband had recently
been baptized and was completely new to the church. She was looking for a
church and he suggested a church of Christ. Another was a man who was Catholic
but noted that he didn’t really practice his faith. Ethan challenged him,
saying that even demons believe in God, but that we must put our faith into
practice, seeking a relationship with Him. I was so impressed with his boldness.
Even the nature of their conversations in the first place shows where his mind is. I can see God was really working on his heart and the changes are real.
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VIDEO: VBS Singing: Rio San Juan
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