guatchupita

hello outside world,

   well, here i sit again listening to some dominicans busted and funky speakers shaking the ground where i sit trying to type. The situation this past week has
been a very interesting one, we have finished our introduction and have doven into full time ministry. That includes ministry within the team and the overall
goal which is to build up a generation of Dominicans that will in turn go out to create disciples.

   Miquel and Christen (our leaders) are very involved in the area of Guatchupita, which is the poorest area of San Juan. We in turn will be very involved with
the slums of Guatchupita. Our first trip there was really quite an experience. After walking a mile about a mile to the area we crossed over a broken cement
bridge to a cramped crowded area of tin roof houses shoved together creating a squatters village. To a very white foreigner (aka me) this looked like a rabies,
typhoid and malaria shot put to good use. The area was hard and dirty with naked kids running everywhere and into everything. But as we entered the houses of
many of these individuals our group was shocked but the hospitality and overwhelming pride bursting from all 14 tenents in what should be a 2 person appartment.

   While trying to avoid the stereotype of “Americans who are here to fix everything and give away money” i am trying to decide how we are going to most help
and support the people all around me. It is truley an amazing culture with people of every understanding and hope coming together to create what they want to
be a better Dominican. Yesterday there was even a strike against the government for the lack of jobs, money, food and electricity. (and i whine that i dont have
running water!) I am reminded everyday how rediculous i am. Its really great…. no it is!

  Right now i am currently praying about which internship to join. There are three choices; teaching english to adults, working at a nursing home and tutoring
children. Pray for me that something i am really passionate about would arise or that one of these would truley stimulate me!

thankyou, emily