Beauty Marks - Happy USA Mother's Day!

Today is not mother's day here but I am thinking about my mama back in the USA...

I cannot remember my age at the time, but I know that I had heard one-too-many kids comment about the moles on my neck and my face. It was bad enough that I never felt like my clothes were in style and my hair was never that pretty. Clothes and hair can easily be changed and improved, but not the moles on my neck. So my mama took me to the doctor to see if something could be done. However, for some reason it was not advisable to have them removed. Whatever the case was, I can still remember the horrible feeling of disappointment. Beauty was unattainable for me. I would be forever condemned to thick glasses, unruly hair, and moles on my face. In that tear-drenched moment, my wise and loving mother spoke words to me that literally erased the ugliness and despair that had taken up residence in my heart.

She looked me in the eye and said, “Rennae, I want you to listen to me. God created you beautiful and unique. Now you can despair about what you call "ugly moles" or you can see yourself the way the Lord created you.” My mother always considered the moles on my face as "beauty marks", unique features that made me special. What I had labeled as ugly moles, were really beautiful and distinct qualities that no one else had.

Now I had never thought of it that way, and I know it shouldn't really be that simple. But I believe that God gave her those words that day because it was a heart transforming moment for me. From that time on, I never felt ashamed or worried about those moles in the same way.

I still heard the comments; frequently the girls at school would ask, with a tone that communicated their repulsion, "Ooo what's that on your face?" My answer to them was completely confident; there was no doubt in my mind. For goodness sake, my MOTHER had told me so. "Oh this?” Pointing to the object of their disgust, I would respond. “THIS is my beauty mark.”

Happy Mother's Day to my mama, Donna Sjostrom!

Taking Troy to College...

Troy was born around the same time we wrote our first missionary newsletter. It was Christmas time. Here's an excerpt:

Christmas 1991 takes on more meaning to me in light of the birth of my first child. Often I find myself just staring at this new little baby for what seems life forever. I love to look at his tiny feet and wonder... will they learn to kick soccer balls? When his small hands curl around my finger I look in amazement thinking how perfectly his long fingers could dance upon piano keys.

So we began this missionary journey with this little boy dreaming big dreams for him from the very beginning. He never did play much soccer as we thought he would. We ended up in the only Latin American country that could care less about soccer.

But his long fingers did develop a wonderful talent for worship playing both piano and guitar. And he God put his hand on Troy at an early age. From the time he was very young Troy always participated in minstry. Somtimes through puppetry, or magic tricks, and sometimes with his music. When Troy was 12 years old, at the ending prayer of an outreach, Troy felt God calling him to be a missionary to Spain.

I remember when he told me about it, I wondered if he would stick with that plan. Over the years he has never waivered from the calling and today he is preparing for a future ministry in Spain at Wheaton college in Chicago, Ill.

I have cried a river since we left him at College.I dreaded that day like someone dreads a root canal or surgery--necessary pain.

I am not worried about him at all. He is ready. I am so excited for him! The tears are grieving tears because I know that today was the last day of his childhood. He will be back of course but not as a child. This is a sadness that I have yet to conquer.

So I am counting the blessings, (there are so many) and I am grasping on to the joy that my beautiful son's life is being spent for the Glory of God. That was our goal. We accomplished it.

What I (Rennae) want for my 40th Birthday...

What I want for my 40th birthday…

1.A house for Bethesda Home. ( $300,000) Yep. That’s all. But if I got that for my birthday that would be my DREAM COME TRUE. If you wanted to buy me this I wouldn’t ask you for anything else my whole entire life. (at least I would try not to ask you for anything else)

1.UNA CASA PARA HOGAR BETHESDA SOLO CUESTA US$300,000 PERO SI QUIERES COMPRARME ESTO NO VOY A NECESITAR NADA MAS EL RESTO DE MI VIDA.

2.A whole apartment building for Master’s Commission. This might cost a $1,000,000 but the same rule applies here.

2.UN EDIFICIO PARA APARTAMENTOS PARA COMISION DE MAESTRO. LA REGLA DE #1 APLICA AQUI TAMBIEN

3.A ministry van. This is a LOT les expensive folks $50,000. I want a Toyota so that it will last until Jesus comes.

3. UNA GUA-GUA PARA EL MINISTERIO. MUCHO MENOS COSTOSO. VERDAD?

4.An all expense paid trip to New York City with my BFF, Rhonda Gray. We would go see girly musicals like Wicked or Beauty and the Beast. Eat really good food. And buy fake designer purses in the china town. I know that is totally selfish, consumerist and materialistic. Wow but hey a girl can dream. Oh I miss my BFF today!!!

4.QUIERO IR A LA CIUDAD DE NUEVA YORK CON MI MEJOR AMIGA EN EL MUNDO RHONDA GRAY

5.Ok it looks like now this list is getting long. Really I’m not that hard to please. All that I really want is another office chair in my house. You know that kind with wheels. Nelson tells me that we don’t NEED another one. OK so maybe it’s not a need. I just want one. I am tired of fighting over the one chair that all four of us share upstairs.

5.DE VERDAD SOLO QUIERO UNA SILLA DE OFICINA PARA MI CUARTO DE ARRIBA

I could make a long list but I'll just stop there because in reality I have everything I could ever dream of on this day that I am turning 40. I have JESUS. He is my everything and I could not ask for more than everything! As a bonus Jesus gave me an WONDERFUL husband who loves me and four AMAZING BOYS who make my world an exciting adventure. I am also blessed with all my friends and family.

I am so loved and that is a perfect 40th birthday gift. There are too many people in this world who don't have that assurance. They can't say they are loved with an everlasting, not-dependent-on your-mood, not-having-to-earn-it kind of love. For 40 years I have known this love and I will live the rest of my days on this earth making sure that others know this love too.
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Nicolas and the Tooth Rat

Nicolas is eight years old has been losing his teeth. Right after we first returned back from the states Nicolas lost a tooth and asked if the tooth fairy would be making any trips to the Dominican Republic. Troy and Alex, the big brothers who were experienced in these things quickly informed him that the tooth fairy did not work in the DR. Instead here in the DR they have a Rat named Perez.

The story goes that this rat lived in a dentist office and learned dentistry and would help his fellow rats with their tooth problems. When the older mice would lose their teeth Perez found that the best replacement was a child’s baby teeth. So he would go looking for these teeth under the children’s pillow at night and left a gift in exchange for the child’s tooth.

Nicolas listened to the story intently with great interest, so I thought for sure that he would leave his tooth in his bed. But I found that his tooth was nowhere near his bed. He left the tooth in my bathroom. The next day I asked Nicolas why he left his tooth in my bathroom. After all, the Ratoncito Perez would never think to look there.

To which Nicolas replied, “C”mon mom, would YOU want a rat climbing in your bed at night? I don’t think so.”

We laughed and he said “Don’t laugh, For real, mom. I don’t want any rats in my bed.”

He has every reason in the world to worry about rats in the bed. We’ve killed a few rats at our house. Holly, our miniature dachshund, even killed one. So its not like its all that far fetched. Yet, at the same time I marvel at the faith of childhood.

Children don’t question, they just believe. They believe that tooth rats could come in your bed, easter bunnies hide eggs, Santa brings presents with or without a chimney and Jesus really does hear our prayers and He really is coming soon. The difference is that tooth rats and Santa are fun but not real. Yet that kind of faith placed in the person of Jesus, God’s Son can really make a difference in this world!

I just keep thinking that we must tap into this kind of faith! I want Nicolas to pray and believe God to work supernaturally in our everyday lives. So I have been asking Nicolas to pray more often as we live in a country that needs to see a faith that really does move mountains.

As for the tooth, we’re keeping it to remind us that childlike faith is real and I should be ready for some mountain moving when my children pray.

Going in the Right Direction

I have been looking for those ruby red slippers. Somebody said that they sold them at Wal-mart and I actually looked for them on several occasions. I never could find them in my size. I wanted them because I found myself dreaming about just clicking those bright red shoes together as I recited “ There’s no place like home”. Moving is an enormous amount of work and the idea of tapping red shoes together seemed easier--easier yes, reality no.

Reality was that we would end up having just under three weeks to pack and prepare a shipment. Reality was that because there was not time to plan we didn’t have enough space in the shipment. Reality was that when all was said and done and we had our bags packed and tropical storm blew through Florida. Flights were delayed. The bags had to be semi unpacked and repacked. Lord, I am TIRED of packing!!!

In the midst of it all we were so blessed to have the family of God rally around us and help us get through it all. Just before we packed our container, our good friends and pastors Walt and Tina Nelson came by with a donation for our shipment. They saw all our stress and helped us pack a few things. As I chatted with Tina, I asked her the common small talk question. “ How are things going at your church? To which she replied. “ Going... long pause... smile... in the right direction.” That simple little response really hit me. In the middle of so much work, stress, and problem. It was this wonderful assurance that no matter what; we were going in the right direction. I was running toward my purpose.

The day finally came! On August 20, 2008 we boarded a plane headed in the right direction. Boarding that plane was not simple matter. We arrived at Tampa International airport with 17 suitcases, 1 guitar, 5 roller carry on luggage pieces and 1 saxophone, all required to weigh less than 50 lbs. My teenagers we mortified as we had to open suitcases and rearrange a few shoes, books or whatever to keep every suitcase at exactly 49.99 lbs. I don’t blame them, even I was concerned about flying underwear as everyone at the ticket counter watched us like we were free entertainment.

The plane left late from Tampa which put us in Miami a little late. So we booked down the concourse to make the next flight. WE WERE NOT GOING TO MISS OUR FLIGHT! One problem--we hadn’t really eaten anything but granola bars. It was around 2 p.m. and we were starved! So picture it in your mind--me, Nelson and our four boys--all of us with rolling luggage and one with a sax--running to our gate with little guys whining, “I can’t run mommy, I’m so hungry” So we stopped quickly to get some pizza and chinese food to go (all at the same place) and hurried on to our gate. When we got to our gate, everyone is sitting around with that, bored, irritated face that indicated to us immediately that the flight was delayed. So we sat down in a little corner and stuffed our faces until the announcement came over the intercom.

“American Airlines Flight 364 has been moved to gate F-82. Please gather your things and move to gate F-82 as we will be boarding shortly.” We were sitting in F-2.

I had just got settled eating my chicken and fried rice scooped out of the plastic bag that I held as I ran across the concourse! Oh how I wished for ruby red slippers in that moment. Not so much to transport me home but just to transport me, the boys, the five bags, one saxophone and my fried rice to F-82.

We moved. We waited--more delay, It turns out that Tropical Storm Fay was taking up residence in North Florida and consequently flights were delayed in Miami. We ate (not without one of the pizzas spilling along the way which resulted in a great big, noisy, and dramatic melt-down by my very tired 8 year old--more entertainment for American Airlines personnel and our traveling companions.) and finally the words I had been longing to hear rang out as if sung with choir music in the background, “American Airlines flight 842 is now boarding for Santo Domingo”

Finally! We were finally headed home! The flight went smoothly, as tired as we were nobody even slept. The boys next with the window seats kept their eyes gazing out the windows, waiting for the moment when our island came into view. We landed just as the sun was setting. We crowded up next to the window to watch the beauty of the Caribbean coast with palm trees, little shack houses, and motorcycles zipping along the highway from high in the sky. As the plane landed, I felt like an Olympic runner that was finally coming to the finish line. Victory was in view!

Then after so much difficulty and obstacles an amazing, unexpected thing happened. We gathered our 17 bags, 1 guitar, 5 roller bags and the saxophone quickly and easily. We got up to the customs guys, ready to beg for mercy and they just waved us on through. It turns out that they did this because we were missionaries. (makes me grateful when I think of all my colleague who enter sensitive countries secretly and dangerously) We walked down the hall filled with beautiful photos of Dominican children and beaches, and tears came to my eyes. We made it!

Then I heard music coming from outside the door. It was merengue music. We heard cheering and singing. I wondered if there was a Dominican celebrity on our flight. Then I saw their faces. It was our family. Our missionary colleagues. Our staff. Young people all wearing their Kings Castle shirts singing and cheering. Then twenty little girls came running to me with hugs and kisses. It was the girls and boys from Bethesda children’s home. They had a bouquet of flowers and a bright yellow beautiful sign, with words written in gold glitter, “Welcome home to our Missionaries, Nelson, Rennae and family”

I became a blubbering, crying, happy, hugging, kissing mess! As we made our our way outside,( it took awhile, we had to hug and kiss them all!!!) all of a sudden we heard barking and then my boys went crazy! Joel brought our little miniature dachshund, named Holly, running to us on a leash. The boys had missed that dog so much during our 14 months of itineration in the US. They talked about her all the time and couldn’t wait to see her. Having her to there to greet us at the airport was a special gift.

Ketty, my ministry partner and director of the girls home brought us an enormous basket of fruit with papaya, mango, bananas, passion fruit along with a pizza, chicken, soda pop, and a cake. Now the beautiful cake with “Bienvenido familia de Freitas” had unfortunately been dropped at the airport and was not so beautiful but we ate it nonetheless.

We arrived home and our staff helped us get settled in, served us the food, washed the dishes, took 17 suitcases up the stairs and enjoyed the "dropped-on-the airport-floor "cake with us. Our missionary colleagues the Anonbys and the Bellos had stocked the cupboards with food. Elena Anonby made us a batch of homemade cookies and my favorite bran muffins that she makes (mmmmm!!) Sugeily had and arrangement of bird of paradise flowers (commonly found here in the DR) on the table.

Our friends left and we layed our tired bodies down to rest. What a day! We made it! We arrived safe and sound and it turned out that I didn’t need those ruby red slippers after all. But I am still quoting Dorothy, “There’s no place like home.”

The Accident

It was a breezy Caribbean afternoon as we arrived in Santo Domingo and left the airport baggage claim with our four boys, 11 suitcases, 1 guitar, 1 saxophone, two laptop computers, 1 ipod, and 3 Nintendo Gameboys. (It takes a lot of gadgets for the modern family to travel successfully.) Little did we know that it would be a day of miracles; both the mundane and the extraordinary. After all our years of travel we give God the glory for safe and timely arrivals at the airport and we feel especially blessed when ALL of our luggage arrives with us.

Jose Climaco, our Master’s Commision director and beloved colleague was waiting to take us to our home sweet home in the Dominican Republic. The boys were really glad to be getting home, but I must admit that I was dreading all the work that was waiting for us. We would be getting ready for a big move in the next six months as we are preparing for our year of itineration beginning in July 2007. The transition was overwhelming to me. I secretly wished that it would be possible to skip the next six months.

Jose, Nelson and the big boys packed the van as I got the little boys settled in a seat. This is where we experienced what would be the first miracle. Marcus, our wiggly five year old decided out of the blue that he wanted to sit up front in between Daddy and Jose. It seemed strange to me that he would choose to be up front in a seatbelt rather than in the back seats free from restraint, so I asked him if he was sure that he wanted to do this. He said that he was sure and so we put him up front in the seatbelt. The rest of the boys joined me in the back. Jose hopped in the driver’s seat with Nelson up front and we were on our way home.

We were merrily rolling along when about 10 minutes into the trip we heard the squealing wheels behind us. It had just begun to sprinkle rain when this car traveling at a very high speed lost control and was spinning behind us. I saw Jose look in the rearview mirror with great concern and then immediately tried accelerate and move our van and avoid what would be an inevitable accident. The impact of the car sent us toward a cement barrier along the median of the road. Jose turned hard to miss a head on collision and then a tire blew and we lost control. Our van spun around a couple of times and then hit the barrier on the side which caused us to tip and then we slid down the road with the van on the right side for about 20 meters before finally coming to a complete stop.

As the van began to tip, almost in unison we all cried out “Jesus” and “Cristo”. I can still hear my boys little voices calling on our Savior. In that moment, Nicolas fell toward the window and I knew that I needed to prevent my boys from falling onto that window that was sliding on the highway. So as we tipped I put one hand on the window and another in the back of the front seat to brace my body and use as a shield to keep the boys heads or anything from hitting that window. As a result my hand was chopped up and friction burned by the broken window and asphalt sliding underneath my hand.

Finally the van came to a stop and the presence of God filled the vehicle as we discovered that EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US WAS ALIVE AND WELL. I looked back at Troy (15 years old) covered in the luggage but with bright wide eyes he yelled “I’m ok mommy are you ok?” There was an amazing sense that we were in the middle of a miracle.

Instantly our car was surrounded with people banging on the front windows. They were trying to break out the windows to get us out. It wasn’t necessary because the driver’s side door opened easily and we all were able to climb up through it and walk away from the vehicle. My hand was filling with blood, but I felt no pain, just immense gratefulness as I saw each of my dearest treasures on this earth get out of the van and walk to my side. But at the same time I was feeling relief, people were approaching Nelson and I about the danger of people looting our car. This was a blessing because it was hard for us to even give a thought to worry about passports, laptop computers or anything else with blood, tears, chaos, and anxiety all around us. Nelson and Jose were able to secure our stuff, since neither was hurt, and as a result we did not lose anything. It was just another one of the miracles.

At this point I began to feel like I was going to faint. I have no idea who was holding me on the side of the road at that moment, but God bless him for being there at that moment. He held me steady as my hand spewed blood and Nicolas cried in desperation at my side. Alexander also held me steady. Alex has always been a calm and loving force in our family. God used his beautiful, peaceful temperament to get us through until we could get to a clinic.

Ambulance service is not always easy to get here in the Dominican Republic. Even as we were crashing, I wondered what we would do to get to a clinic. I knew we may need an ambulance. It turned out that God has his own sort of Ambulance service, he sent us two angels named China and Cesar to take us to the clinic. They pulled up in their clean, modest car and told me that they would take me to a clinic. I remember getting into the backseat with my dripping, bloody, hand and seeing that the interior of their car was cream colored. I was humbled by this amazing gesture, yet not really surprised because I knew this was a part of the goodness in the Dominican culture.

Nicolas and Alexander came with me in the car, they also were bleeding and were scraped up, especially Nicolas. We were about fifteen minutes from the nearest clinic and as we drove Nicolas began to panic desperately. He kept screaming, “Mommy, I’m bleeding!!! I NEED TO WIPE IT OFF!!! I NEED A WIPE MOMMY!!!!” It seemed that in his little mind that just by cleaning off the blood everything would be ok. He was really upset, I couldn’t seem to get him to calm down. At the same time, my hand was swelling and I had a ring (a mother’s ring) on one of my fingers. China, my God-sent angel, advised me to get the ring off quickly. It was excruciating, but I managed to get it off. As I was dealing with all this Alexander was helping Nicolas to calm down. I remember his words, “Nicolas it’s ok, we’re all ok. Jesus was with us. Jesus loves us so much. See, he took care of us Nicky. Nicky sing, sing with me Nicky…

Jesus loves me this I KNOW

For the bible tells me so

Little ones to him belong

They are weak, but HE IS STONG

Yes Jesus loves me!

Yes Jesus loves me!

Yes Jesus loves me!

The bible tells me so.

Alexander has a beautiful voice and he sang with all his heart. Later China told me that it in the midst of this ugly tragedy, she experienced amazing beauty in these moments. This simple song, maybe the first song that I learned to sing, filled our hearts with peace and strength. Nicolas finally calmed down as he sang.

It seemed like it took forever to get there and the pain was horrific for me. I felt pain but mostly I felt gratitude. I just had to praise the Lord. I kept saying, “Thank you Jesus, Gracias Señor” But even these two languages were not enough. I began to speak in tongues. The Spirit language just seemed to roll out of my gut. I remember hearing Cesar say to China “They must be Pentecostals.” (this made me smile) Later as I reflected on these moments a couple of things came to mind.

First was a phrase from one of my favorite hymns, the phrase says; “What language shall I borrow to thank thee dearest friend?” Truly, even with the benefit of being bilingual, no regular earthly language was enough. Second, was a passage in Corinthians where Paul writes about speaking in tongues. In 1 Cor. 14:17 he says that when we speak in tongues we “give thanks well enough”. This just proves to be another great benefit of spirit filled living.

We arrived at the clinic and it seemed to be a busy day. I remember lots of people in the emergency room. But they took us in right away. I had a terrible pain in my shoulder and I was scared that it was dislocated or fractured. They took Nicolas and Alex to different beds and started to work on them. I laid in a bed across from Nicolas and I watched as China’s 8 year-old son Cesar Augusto stroked his arm and comforted him. By this time I was in so much pain that I couldn’t think straight. They began to work on my hand and they gave me some pain medication. Just when it all seemed like too much to bear alone, my precious husband walked in and he came to me and held me so that my shoulder was not hurt while they cut all the damaged skin off of my hand. Meanwhile, China and little Cesar stayed with Nicolas and Alex, while they took them to get x-rays. The clinic did not have all the medication we needed; so we soon realized that Nelson would have to get to a pharmacy to buy medication. (not uncommon here) Cesar once again kindly offered to take him in his car. Troy was able to stay near Nicolas and my little Marcus (five year’s old) came to my side and prayed for me. After he prayed he resumed to using his hands as imaginary airplanes and making airplane noises. Marcus was totally fine, not a scratch. I knew that I was watching a miracle make airplane noises.

They also did x-rays on my shoulder and we were elated to find out that NONE OF OUR BONES WERE FRACTURED. It was the same for Nicolas and Alexander--no broken bones! Another miracle!

While we were at the clinic the police came by and assured us that they had secured our stuff. A high ranking officer, the General in charge of the prisons here, happened to be passing by at the time of the accident and controlled the mob that had built up around our van. He came by the clinic and gave us his card and told us to call him if we needed anything. This was just another one of the miracles. Our mechanic, who is also in the reserve military police, came right away to be with José to take care of the van and get it towed off the highway.

By this time Jaimie and Berly Bello, our missionary colleagues came by to get us to take us home. We hadn’t eaten all day, so Jaimie took the boys to get something to eat. Nelson, Nicolas and I went with Berly. Since the clinic was a small clinic with limited resources, we decided to go to another clinic, (one that we have used in the past) with emergency room doctors to get a second opinion. It proved to be a good idea because they could see that my wounds were serious and they called a hand surgeon to examine my wounds. The doctor told me that I had third degree friction burns on my fingers and that I was lucky to even have fingers. He was concerned that one of my fingers would need plastic surgery, but he said that it was too early to tell. We also learned that Nicolas and I would have to the ER everyday to have our bandages changed because of the risk of infection.

When we arrived home we were greeted by Pastor Bello and Milagros, Jose Climaco and his family and the Anonbys, our other missionary colleagues. Elena Anonby had dinner ready for us. This was such a blessing. We hugged and gave thanks to the Lord together. It felt so good to get those hugs!

The next day was Sunday and we had visitors all day! It was so good to share the amazing testimony and embrace the people we love so much. We prayed and sang together and the theme song turned out to be “His eye is on the sparrow”

Feliz cantando algres-- I sing because I’m happy

Yo vivo siempre as--i I sing because I’m free

Si aún la aves cuidan--For his eye is on the sparrow

Cuidarán támbien de mí--And I know he watches me

Today my bandages are off and my fingers are covered with skin. I have yet to regain mobility in my fingers but they tell me that with therapy I will be able get back full movement in my fingers. Nicolas still has a couple of patches of skin that we have to bandage but everyday he looks better. So many people have been praying for us and praising with us as well. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful support of so many family and friends.

Experiences like this help us to remember that every moment is valuable, even times of transition. We have a renewed passion for reaching the lost. I often think how horrible it would be to have gone through this experience with out the assurance that God would hear us when we called. We were completely sure that he was with us because we knew Him, because we all were friends of God. I want every Dominican to have that assurance. I have been so grateful for these scars on my hand because the bandages have opened up doors to witness and share about God’s amazing grace.

Just before we left the US we spent sometime with Rhonda and Gary Gray, our close friends who pastor in Venice, Fl. Gary has a recording studio and just for the fun of making a memory together; we recorded our families singing the chorus “I am a friend of God”. Nicolas probably sang the loudest and with the most heart! He loves that song. The first day that we went back to the ER was pretty difficult. It was a very painful process. Nicolas was not too happy about it, so I suggested that we sing a song. He chose to sing, “I am a friend of God.” As we sang we came to the part about Jesus hearing us when we call. Nicolas commented, “You know mommy that is really true Jesus heard us when we called out to him in the van.” Of course I whole heartedly agreed. It really is true.

My Father's Miracle

Have you ever had a testimony that you just wanted to SHOUT FROM THE ROOFTOPS? That is how I (Rennae) feel today. I want the world to know about my miracle working God. We had a miracle in my family and I just want to give God glory because it is only by his grace that my father was saved from a fatal fall. (the photo to the left is Rennae's parents Larry & Donna Sjostrom.)

On Tuesday my daddy was at the Fire Station up 24 feet on a latter doing some electrical work. When he finished the work he began to come down and as he came down, the ladder gave way and my 59 year old father cam crashing down 18 feet. He was rushed to the emergency room. I could try to go into detail about x-rays, cat scans and orthopedic doctor’s assessments but in the end; MY FATHER DOES NOT HAVE A BROKEN BONE IN HIS BODY! It is a miracle. Daddy walked away from this fall with a severely sore arm.

God is so good. He protected my daddy and I am so grateful. I told daddy that God must have some big plans for his life. Daddy is pretty excited about those plans to say the least.

I am so grateful to the Lord for giving me wonderful Christian parents and an amazing Pentecostal heritage. They have always supported God's call on my life. God used them to form my destiny as they always directed me to follow Jesus. It sounds cliche but if it weren't for them... I sure wouldn't be here today. What a blessing to know (especially being so far away) that they are protected by the Lord's loving hand.

Rennae

Alexander's word from the Lord

This was written on November 12th.
Last night we said good-bye to the Ormond Beach team. Our wonderful youth pastor friends Al and Ginny Force brought a team of 43 adults to do construction on CIMA del Rey, medical ministry at the LACC school in Villa Altagracia, and evangelism in Bonao. Our farewell debrief was especially sweet. The boys and I were not able to be with the team throughout their week of victories so it was especially nice for us to listen to the testimonies and impact of their ministry with us this past week.
While we were listening to these testimonies Alexander went to Nelson telling him to that he wanted to stay something to the team. This is totally against Alexander’s character. He usually hates to speak in a microphone and he has even choked in the past when he was asked to speak. It is not easy for him to speak in front of a crowd. Nelson was concerned about the time so he put him off. Alexander was persistant he would not take no for an answer and finally he told me that he had a word from Jesus to share with the team.
It was late but we decided that we needed to let him share the word that the Lord had laid on his heart. He said that Jesus told him that he should get up and speak. Alex explained that he told the Lord that he was scared and he said he felt that Jesus was telling him that he should not be a coward. He referred to a time when he had a chance to speak and he chickened out because he was so scared of looking stupid. He said he did not what to do that again. The Lord assured him that he would give him the words to say. He told the team that the Lord wanted them to go back to the USA and share Christ where they live, just like they did here. He said that they did not have to be a missionary to share the love of Jesus and he said that a person does not have to be poor to need Jesus. Everyone everywhere needs Jesus. He asked the team to go back and continue to reach out to people.
We were amazed. It was certainly a God moment. We knew that he had a special impact on the team. I was so glad to see the Holy Spirit operating in Alexander.

Sometimes you pray for us, but today you should PRAISE with us!

I decided that today is a day for Praise Reports. This past month we felt like we have walked through a dark valley and even though I am not sure that the sun is shining and the sky is clear, there are some significant reasons to praise the Lord. All day long I have been reminded of God’s goodness in the midst of our difficult circumstances. And the Spirit of God has taken me back to his Word.

“Be joyful always, Pray continually, Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” I Thessalonians 5:16-18

I praise God today for;

1. My speedy recovery from this surgery. I feel great today! No longer am I fighting with abdominal cramps! My body is well once again. The doctors did a wonderful job. So many times I said that I would never have surgery in the D.R. if I had a choice. Well I certainly didn’t have a choice and in the end I see that the same God that guides the doctors in the USA is at work here as well. I thank God that he led us to some GREAT doctors. The doctor who found my problem was a Christian and he didn’t even charge us for the visit. The day of my surgery he called several times making sure that I was well taken care of by the clinics that did testing and the surgeons. These are details that I never really expressed and I feel like today is a good day to thank the Lord for Dr. Pimentel.
2. Marcus arm is perfectly normal. It has taken awhile but now he is fully extending his arm and except for two small scars on his arm, you cannot tell that he even had such severe accident. We had to put in his “back to normal” picture!
3. His protection. On Monday there was a strange odor that permeated the air in the west part of Santo Domingo. The boys went to school but after only a couple of hours they sent the kids home because of the odor. That odor ended up being a toxic gas that sent hundreds of people, mostly children to the hospital. It was a scary thing. Evidently the tropical storm winds blew the odor into the city while tanks were being cleaned. Normally the winds take the gas out to sea. My boys felt a little light headed but the Lord had his hand on them and they seem as wild and crazy as ever! Thank you Jesus for wild and crazy boys!
4. Speaking of the storm… with all the storms that have passed this season we have been blessed to not be in the middle of any of them. The alpha storm did leave 20,000 people homeless and we would certainly appreciate your prayers on their behalf. Yet with all the storms so far none of our family in central Florida or the Panhandle have been affected. PRAISE GOD!!!

The list could go on forever, but these are just a few that stand out to me today. For those of you who pray for us, well today I want to ask you to PRAISE with us!

¡Gracias Señor! ¡Eres siempre fiel! Thank you Lord! You are always faithful!

Marcus breaks his arm

Well we have been through a few really difficult days. Marcus fell from playing on the Monkey bars. It was a very safe playground but Marcus just fell wrong and ended up snapping apart his humerus (upper left arm bone). It was a MAJOR break and he ended up needing surgery. In the midst of it all he went into shock and we are were worried that he might of suffered a head injury. (No one really saw how he fell). He had CT scans and x-rays and has suffered excruciating pain. (That was really hard on mommy as well) The surgery went well and now he has two pins in his bone and a cast. We thank God that it wasn’t any worse than a broken arm.

With four boys in our house, we knew that a broken arm or leg was bound to happen. And Marcus is certainly our little monkey! I was telling this to the doctor yesterday as Marcus lay in the bed doped up and in A LOT of pain. Marcus overheard and spoke up ever so weakly, “NO mommy I not a little monkey, I a BIG monkey” I have to agree. He certainly had a Big Monkey bone fracture.

We are so grateful for your love and prayers.

Christmas photo taken at CIMA del Rey