The Batays!

Going to the Batays was an amazing journey. It deserves its own place in this blog. Many wonderful moments happened on this journey. They are worth sharing and savoring!

There are many Batays, in different spots where we were. The Batays are gov't subsidised houseing for the poor. These people are POOR! Most of the people that live here are Haitian immagrants who work as sugarcane workers. They are in fields all day, cutting sugarcane. The get the equivalent of 3 cents a ton. IMAGINE THAT! This is brutal work especially in the late summer when 90% the crops are ready for harvest! The Batays are painted pink with a baby blue strip in the center....they are small....VERY SMALL. Here, your emotions are raw....you are hit hard in the heart....This was hard...but worth every min. I want to do it more....again and again. This place got to me.

On the way, we piled in the bed of the truck. Not all of us went. The girls were getting their DR hairdos, and jes stayed back for support. (this took 4 or more hours to do.....whew).

Nardo, Salvador, Flor (pastor of the first church we helped build) Bob, Ed, Dave, Jen, Katie and I..gosh i hope i didn't forget anyone....went. We went past the new church site, past Flors church, and down a bumpy BUMPY dirt road. WE approached a creek with a trickle of water in it....Salvador had to gun the engine to get over all the rocks. Well, this was a surprise....Dave who sat on the corner of the side of the truck and gate started backwards....but like a pair of hands caught him and gave him a gentle push back....(thank you again for your prayers!!!!!!) Yes, he moved down to the bed of the truck...whew.... The landscape was beautiful. God created some of the most beautiful land here in the DR. You are surrounded by mountains...everywhere...

When we pulled up, Nardo, Salvador and Flor all went door to door to see how many of the rooms were occupied so we knew how much rice to hand out. 13 were occupied, so we divided up the rice to 5 bls per household....some homes behind the Batays recieved a bag, which was about 2 1/2 lbs. I was amazed at the living conditions some of these folks live in. The first person we gave rice to had a one room place...about 13'x13'. All that was in it was 2 bunk beds against 2 walls, one mattrass, 2 or 3 pots and pans, a few clothes tossed on a bunk and that was it. These people were so greatful for all that we handed them....5 lbs of rice. Ed heard one man in a very low, almost unaudible voice....Bendiga.... A moment not to be forgotten....

The kitchen was a community place. It was a large open area with several fire pits for cooking on. The water was a constant streem into a half metal barrel that must be coming from a spring... This is their life....its not just camping for a weekend.

One thing I noticed....happy...the adults, the kids, just smiled and seemed happy. With the lack of everything we know that would make a easier, better life....they smiled. They were very greatful for the rice we gave....we were more than humbled....to give it to them....

The end of this is going to be nothing more than pictures. I think they speak volumes all by themselves. I have seen God in more ways than one...I have touched Him...shook His hand, taken His picture....I have felt God touch my heart...He showed me life on other terms than what I know. He gave me compassion...a heart....a vision.... a mission.... I will be forever greatful for His guidance here....for I have lived and walked for him....used my hands as His...my arms to hug for Him....my heart to love with Him....I have truely been blessed....
Enjoy the pics....they may hurt...they're hard...they're real.....

Friday Morning

oooooooo I can't believe its Friday. This day will be very special because we will dig for a while, but its not as intense. Everyone is celebrating our work together....there is fun mixed in with the sweat......We knew we were only working half a day because this afternoon we are going to the Batays. This is a place where the poorest people live. They are sugarcane workers....they earn 3 cents per ton of sugarcane, they are also Haitian immigrants.....I am looking forward to going there. But first....the site....



We had our usual breakfast....knowing this was the last work day....I wanted to take in as much as I could today....I wanted to see Yuguata in "real" motion....I didn't seem to walk as much as before. My goal was to dig as much as I could...thou it may not have been a lot...it was as much as I could do.... I know I'm really going to miss this place....this place is special in my heart.

We went a little early because we knew it would be a short day....I liked it better...the sun wasn't hot and my energy was higher...i did more work in this morning than all week.....(well that might be an exaggeration but i did feel more energetic)...the kids saw squirt guns the day before but we had no water for them to use....i brought them back and had decided they could just have them and get water from home.....they could just play guns with them if they wanted...or whatever...they were excited....i also knew we would be giving the toys to them to keep....so i started handing out jump ropes...the girls loved that....But the kids didn't just play...they worked...worked harder today than any other day. They were so awesome!!!


They were working hand in hand with us. Ed had one heck of a time keeping up with Savadors son....that kid was amazing!!! I never saw him without a pik in his hand.... Things started getting a little lighter....

Bob actually burned out. I couldn't believe it! He never stopped...EVER....and he said to me..."I was going to go down one more time.....I just don't have it in me...." Honestly... my jaw dropped.... Even Katie took a well deserved break... I would say we were getting pretty worn out....digging is pretty grueling work...But, before I knew it...a baseball game broke out. Using a plastic child's bat and ball...but it was just as much fun because it made it harder for the adults to hit the ball.

Richard took Dave's video camera and started videoing Dave...and commentating....it was pretty funny. I haven't seen it yet....I can't wait....

The day is winding down....we are leaving at noon...thou, our ride was late so we all rode the motorbikes back. Looking back....12 holes.....30+ more to go. ..........








Our part ....was done!

Thursday Evening

After being refreshed we came home and joined the rest of our team. We showered (or hosed, depending on what shower we used....), ate dinner and piled into the van. We didn't know where we were going....we knew it wasn't the church (in the street). We had heard it was someones home....

As we turned into a neighborhood, not far from where we were staying, Jes and I began to recognize things from our last visit. We had gone to a home where they were doing an exersist to the home. Hmmmm whats up now?

We arrived, it was a beautiful evening....and there were people we really didn't know here. The house was full, and anyone that came now stood outside. We were at a Blessing of the house. There were songs and preaching...there were people looking in the windows, sitting near the door and milling about the yard. We stood against a wall outside the door but I was getting so tired, as were everyone on the team, and went to sit on the steps. Someone gave me their yard chair.....I told them it was ok, but they insisted. My son, Maximo showed up with his daughter, Marrisa. Wilber was also there, and so was his father. I finally got to meet Wilbers dad. He was a rather large man...tall, big boned, but seemed very friendly. Too bad I couldn't speak the language....(I think this is something that needs to change....). Those were the familiar faces we saw....the rest...I didn't recognize.

Bob and Jessi were the lucky ones. They could understand what was being said. Bob was always very good at translating for us. I think this night, everyone was so tired, they didn't care what was being said....all they could think about was ....SLEEP!

I enjoyed seeing Maximo and Wilber. I really enjoy being around them. Maximo speaks english, so I can talk to him. He is a teacher and wants to learn many languages. He is doing very well with his english. I miss him a lot. He is a very spritual person. He is a good man, a good father...and good husband. I wish I had the chance to see his wife again. Next time!

After the service, they served sandwhiches and a drink. I wasn't hungry, but i sure was thirsty! Maximo left because his daughter was very tired. They came on a motor scooter....so after a hug goodbye, off they rode.....

I can't believe the week is coming to an end. It makes me sad to think we have one more day. Sat. will be for travel only. This trip has been awesome.... Tomorrow will be a good day.

Home.....I need sleep.... we all do.......

Thursday late afternoon...the River

We gathered those who were going to the river and piled into the back of the pick up truck.
The participants of this trip were Salvador, Enrique, Richard, Carlos, Kokie, a kid, Jen, Bob Sarah and me. It has been a hot day and we are looking forward to the river. They said it was clean...we'll see. Off we go....we are all sitting on the edge of the truck bed....(can you imagine this here???? ) and onto "the road". The breeze felt good...and the fear wasn't there....(I felt your prayers) It just felt good to be here....knowing we were nearing the end of this journey. Experiencing everything I could experience just made this even more exciting.
We turned off "the road" and onto a small dirt road. We passed homes then businesses. One business stood out in our eyes. It was a business that had construction equipment....they had a BACKHOE....we ALL noticed......and looked with longing eyes......if only...............................

Back to reality....we rounded a small hill and there it was. It was amazing! Even thru the haze, it was heavenly. we were surrounded by mountains.... The water was really clear....and the bottom was all rock....river rocks..... As we piled out, we walked into the river....I can't even tell you just how refreshing this felt. After a long hot day, relaxing here was a blessing! Nothing could be better than being here right now.....Jen and I laid back in the water and let the current move us down the river...but not far....we figured at the rate the current was moving, we'd be down to the bridge in no time, so we were being careful. (yeah, i did put my camera down for this event.....) We did spend a good bit of time here....it was pretty obvious that we all enjoyed and needed this time. It was a time to be surrounded by Gods wonderful gifts. Not only were we with our Dominican family, we were surrounded by beautiful mountains dipping in wonderfully refreshing river water.... How could you ever want more in life?

It was time to roll, we had ....church tonight and we wanted to get washed up and dressed. So after Carlos washed Salvadors truck with river water and his hand, we climbed in.....I had one agenda for the way out.....I wanted a picture of that backhoe.... so the message was relayed to Salvador and when we approached, we stopped. Salvador wanted to ask first if it was ok if we took a picture.....well, this turned into an ordeal. They had to call the boss to make sure it was ok.....so we sat and waited and waited...finally, I decided....i can take a pic from the truck and I'll bet they will never know...so i took it. Then Bob climbed out and Jen climbed out and very inconspicuously, stood in front of it...and I snapped away....when I was done, we climbed back in and drove away....permission? nah, who needs permission.... it was innocent.......

We pulled back onto "the road" and Enrique started to sing. We joined him in the songs we knew....(thou in Spanish, not very well) He picked up a bucket and started drumming on it. Soooo, I found a little bucket and joined him. This was awesome. This ride back was extremely memorable....we laughed and drummed and sang....on "the road". What a ride...

The wind felt so good in my hair...my face... Richard was freezing. Obviously our body's are use to different temps...

This was an amazing time. Enjoy the water!!!

Thursday Morning/Afternoon

After Wednesdays rain, we pretty much knew what we were in for. HOT, HUMID and HEAVY clay...... After breakfast, we got ready right away for anther day of "digging". We waited and waited.....while waiting, I noticed the kids across the street....well, I can't just sit here.....OUT came the bubbles.....I think I had just as much fun playing with the bubbles with the kids as they did. All I heard were screams of delight. It was a great way to kill time. Entertain.....the kids are so much fun here. They are happy to play with the simplest of things. Their life is simple, and they are happy. I've had other dealings with the kids across the street. I took a family picture of them the last time we were here. I didn't even think about it....I should have brought it down framed as a gift. The baby is now 2. I was amazed. How quickly time flies....how fast the kids grow. We finally decided to walk. (ANOTHER walk...yes!!!) You can see so much more on your feet. Too bad my shoes are killing me.....but I walk...because its what i love to do here!

Along the way is where the old church once was....I finally am able to get a picture of the empty lot....full of weeds. Its sad...we worshiped here...we sang here...we found new friends and family here...and now its gone...all because of "the road". (Did I thank you for your prayers for keeping us safe on this road?)

We finally reach our destination....the site....and NO SURPRISES here. It is so muddy....the mud is so thick, you walk a few steps and your feet get really heavy....the mud doesn't fall off, you have to scrape it off. But no sooner you get the mud off you shoes and take a few steps, your repeating the task. Uggg its gonna be a long hard day.

So we walked up to where there are people. They are bailing water out of the holes....Well, we couldn't just stand there....we joined in the water bucket brigade. It was hot and humid...and the water filled holes didn't help matters. We had to shift several times, trying to figure out which way would work best...where to throw the water...and who was gonna get wet!!!!! Seemed Rachel found herself soaked most of the time..... I'll bet it was cool..... Dave, Ed and Bob switched out bailing... hole after hole....we got the ones that needed more digging uncovered.....then the "pros" stepped in and dug out the mud. Shoes NOT required.... I mean, what would be the purpose of wearing shoes....they get so caked with the mud and functioning would be difficult. We can pick and shovel without them....hey I was for it! My shoes were really hurting my feet....sounded like a good way to go to me......(oh...yeah, darn....can't do that) Well, a girl can dream can't she? I was thinking...a tropical mud bath to beautify the skin......(hey, I wasn't the only one thinking that!!) Even the kids were shoe-less.....and digging.... In fact, I noticed a lot of the kids were really up on helping! The boys were right there with us...It was pretty impressive. Of course they had to take "kid" breaks. (that's where I came in.......) but they stayed right with us...working side by side.

The mud was taking its toll on some of us....(well it took its toll on me all the time anyway....) The humidity, sun and weight of the mud was a lot. Digging is a lot harder than it looks..... When you hit rock here....you don't just dig it up....you dig and dig and dig...then you call for help....and it takes a few guys to get the rock out of the hole.... and it didn't just happen once.

On the second or third day we were here, they decided to build a temporary shed. They used cinder block....and skill....ok, well, it was a skill of putting something together without a plan and not having it fall down. It was an interesting little building....I wonder....would this pass in the US? I don't think so. It certainly won't keep anyone out...I guess its to protect the materials.... I'm not sure....but its there...

This day, everyone took a few more breaks than normal. I think we aren't just hot from the weather, but bodies are giving out. Even Bob, the work horse, had to stop from time to time and take a break. Soon it was time to leave...our rides had arrived. I think the breeze in my face would feel good....

After a long hot day at the site, we had a surprise. Our friends wanted to take us to the river. River? I don't remember seeing a river....but it was here and it wasn't too far. Not everyone wanted to go. So we rode home and those that were willing got ready.