Lift Team Nov 5-14

Mike, Karen, Jen, Brian, Zack, Katheren

Brian helping Joselyn walk

My name is Brian Hebert; I am from Danvers, MA. I am currently working at Genesis as part of my two week trip to the Dominican Republic. Genesis has definitely been a life changer for me. It’s been a huge blessing to work with the students and teachers here. I’m pretty sure that the students here are teaching me more than I could ever teach them. They are so happy and loving, regardless of their situations. God definitely has His hand on this place.

 I’ve been having a great time with these awesome kids. Last week, we went on a field trip to the Jarabacoa Fire Dept. The students had tremendous time and it was great to see them cheer and smile all at once when they heard the siren and saw then flashing lights on the fire truck. Whether I’m on the playground with them, trying to teach them the Spanish alphabet, or just sitting with them before the school day starts, these children have blessed me through and through.

Jennifer helping wrap the Christmas presents for the children

My name is Jennifer and I ‘m from Michigan.  Working at Genesis has been a huge blessing!!! I was able to help teach the kids math and the Spanish alphabet. After 2 of the teachers took the time to teach me the Spanish alphabet. =) The kids are always cheerful! It’s been a blast playing with them during recess.  Mike and Karen have also been great to work with! I can see that they really love these kids by the way they joyfully serve.  I came here to serve but I also been served by the kids, teachers and Mike and Karen. God is truly good!!!

Zack helping Alfry paint a block on the wall

My name is Zach Hammond and I am from Saratoga Springs New York. Working at Genesis these past two weeks has given me an all new perspective of what happiness is. The Joy that is so evident in the children here. The life of these children is not easy by any means but they do a better job at being content and showing a Godly example of finding their joy in Christ then anyone I know.

Mike and Karen show Christ to these children daily in everything they are doing. It doesn’t matter if they are correcting one of them or if they are just hanging out with them, in every area they show Christ and what it means to be truly following him and giving up everything for him. 

Catherine, just being a friend to Henny

My name is Catherine Craven and I am from Dallas, Texas. When I arrived at Genesis, I was excited to work with these children and teach them whatever I could. However, two weeks later, I realize that they have taught me so much more. They have taught me how to love unconditionally. Their hearts are so big and nothing means more to them than the attention of another. They have also taught me the true meaning of joy. By American standards, these children and families have nothing but they are content. Not only that, but they are happy. They come to school everyday with a smile on their face and ready to learn. It is so amazing to see.

Mike and Karen have been such an encouragement since day one. They serve God and others without hesitation and they have shown me what it really means to be a light in a dark world. My time here at Genesis has been incredible and I could not be more thankful for the opportunity.

 
          What a great team. We are trying to talk to them as coming back as interns in the future. Thanks so much for the help and encouragement you have been to Karen and myself. All four of you were very mature and have a lot of potential to do Gods work in your life. Thanks again.

The day we each painted a block on the wall. Notice the kids from the public school looking over at what we are doing. They often watch us during our worship and bible story time. It is kind of distracting but then on the other hand, what a witness it is.

Nina the firefighter

Nelito trying his best (with a little help from the captain) to get the photographer (me) wet. Oh, he did succeed.

Zack "Moses" Hammond during one of the bible story times.

Meet Yunior

         Before I begin introducing Yunior, if you remember a few weeks ago I talked about a little girl named "Genesis". She was moving to Santiago the first of October with her mother and her mother was concerned that she couldn't find a place like Centro Especial Genesis for her daughter. Well last week when my folks came for a visit from Indiana, I was taking them to one of the waterfalls here in town and we were about to go by the house where Genesis used to live. I was telling my folks about her and looked at the porch as we were driving by and there was Genesis on the front porch!! I pulled over (kinda, actually I just stopped in the road cause that's how you do here :) ) and went to give her and hug and ask her mom what was up. She proceeded to tell me that they were back and did not know for how long but that Genesis would be back in school that next Monday. We were so excited to have her back. I guess God answered that prayer of finding a school like Genesis for her after all.

AND NOW MEET YUNIOR 

          Yunior is 7 years old and lives with his Grandmother. He was very young when he moved to Jarabacoa from Santa Domingo. His Grandmother is to be thanked for her efforts in meeting his needs and for his perseverance. She was the one to take him to the rehab center and the one to work with him at home a lot. He has now been at Genesis for two years. He is a child that knows no limit when it comes to overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. No matter whether that means to run faster or dance harder or just to stand longer. He is the first to take the encouragement and run with it.

Junior during our cooking day: Helping to make a great tasting coconut drink.

A normal shot of Yunior in the front row during worship time in the afternoon. HE LOVES TO SING. 

Yunior is a real encouragement to all of us on staff and the volunteers that come down. He knows no boundaries and will not let anyone or anything keep him from advancing. When our physical therapist comes in the mornings to work with the kids, Yunior is one of the few that can smile all  during the treatments. Many of them cry or yell from the pain as they get their muscles stretched. Thanks Yunior for the example that you set for the rest of us.