Semana Santa

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the week the DR shuts down. It is one of the most celebrated times of year. This year we took our kids in "The Ark" and our kids from Constanza, and set off in 3 different groups for a 3 day adventure. Caitlin went with the littlest group of kids. An entire school bus full of kids under 8 years old. Have you ever been camping with a school bus full of 4 and 5 year olds? They went to the coast of Samana. They also hiked into the water fall "El Limon" Have you ever hiked with a school bus full of 4 and 5 year olds? They went on boat ride too, which was fun until one flipped over with everyone in it. She said it was quite the adventure. Another group went southwest towards Bavaro. I was with the oldest group and we went southeast. We didn't have too much of a plan and just sort of set out with our group of 37. We visited the Haitian boarder and crossed into Haiti. We then headed further south all the way to the tip and camped on the beach. It was beautiful, except we were attacked by some kind of fierce insect that were small enough to get through the mesh screen of the tents. Over half of us look like we contracted the chicken pocks. 3 weeks later and we all still itch very much! We also were able to walk through a salt marsh. Because of the high density of salt and sulfer, my feet have never been cleaner! The beaches were absolutely beautiful, with water "the color of gatorade" as described by one of the kids!

Resurrection feast

We had a wonderful time with our Kids Alive family celebrating the resurrection. Lots of food, and wonderful fellowship.

Look What We Are Doing

The biggest project that I have undertaken here in Jarabacoa, has been the maintenance program at ‘The Ark’. With more than 10 buildings and around a hundred people; being organized and having a well thought out program is essential. Wilkins, Fernando, and Marino, all house dads, have been working with me for the past couple of months. Organization, structure, quality, and problem solving are all fairly new practices. I have been talking with them about the importance of each issue, and how it relates to every aspect of their lives. More importantly, practicing these things provides key principals we want to instill in the lives of each child in our care. Ultimately we are honoring God and glorifying Him by being good stewards, and responsible servants. It’s a bit of a process going against the grain of a culture, but it has already proven to be rewarding. We are seeing each one start to take ownership over their home, the day to day projects, and life in the Ark in general. It is rewarding to hear the returning work teams say they notice the difference as well. The goal is to have the three guys work as team and be self sufficient in the daily projects and maintenance needs for the entire orphanage.

Eventful weekend

Jesse is married! On Valentines Day our friend and Caraballo co-worker was married on a beautiful private piece of land overlooking the ocean. Ariel is a really great guy, a good, friend, leader in the church, and perfect for Jesse. Our camera was out of battery, so no pics of the wedding. But it was beautiful!
In the same weekend the Parks, long time friends and supporters were in town. The Parks are special people in our lives, and in the lives of so many kids in our program. They have been coming to the North Coast of the Dominican Republic for several years, and were influential in the connection with the Caraballo project and Kids Alive. The Parks have the best house on the beach in Caberete. Caberete is called the kite surfing capital of the world. It is about 30 minutes from our old stomping grounds of Caraballo. It was a place we frequented regularly for some down time, or even to take a team at the end of their stay. We had the privilege of spending a few days catching up with them. One of the main reasons of their visit was to head up a fundraiser called Kite Surfing for Kids. It was an event that took advantage of the Kite surfing community, tourism, and local shops and restaurants to raise money for 3 charities that work with underprivileged children. Kids Alive, Crossroads, and The Dream Project will benefit from and split the $11,000!!! Thank you to the entire Park Family, Kee, Susan, Sophie, and Camile for your tireless efforts in reaching children at risk.
This was also the same weekend our dear friend Candace Greene returned home to Canada after a year and half with us in Caraballo. She has become one of our best friends and we are going to miss her very much.

Our Sweet Pad

The last 6 months at The Ark has been a one of a kind experience. The mountain scenery is refreshing and the air cool and crisp. It rains A LOT! When we arrived in August, it seemed like it rained every afternoon for the next 3 months. Recently it has been raining all day long, going on the 8th day in a row. It is quite frustrating when your transportation is a motorcycle and you live 10 minutes from civilization. Not having a dryer makes things interesting too. There’s something about putting on smelly mildewy clothes that makes you really want the sun to come out.

Caitlin and I also celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary on Dec. 23. Here are a few pics of us.
Also i've posted pictures of Kings Day at The Ark.

I'M PREGNANT!!

A lot has happened since our last update. The most important of course being we bought a new camera for Christmas. Well, that’s not entirely true, although we did buy one. Neither is the statement of the heading “I’m pregnant” exactly correct. However, it would be correct to say that Caitlin is pregnant!! Much has happened in the last few months. We have settled into our home at the orphanage, made friends, started accomplishing things with work, we’ve been home for Christmas, and yes, bought a new camera. But the most exciting news is that we will be expecting a child sometime in the middle of July.
About 3 months ago is when we discovered the wonderful news. We are extremely grateful that God has blessed us with this privilege. While in the states over Christmas, Caitlin and I went to see the doctor and heard the heartbeat of our little child not yet 3 months in the womb. Seemingly so far from being born, but already bearing our traits. Our child grows and awaits the glorious day, much like the two proud parents. It was a blessed time to spend with our family and offer this news as a very unique Christmas present. We will be bringing in a series of firsts with our first child. Both sides will produce first time grandparents. We also have first time great grandparents. And believe it or not we even have first time great-great grandparents! Needless to say, there’s nothing but smiles all across the board!
This of course means many things and many decisions to be made. In May Caitlin will fly back to the states in order to have the baby, who is due around July 18th. Our original two year commitment with Kids Alive will complete in May. We had both made the decision to stay in the DR for an extra few summer months. Summer is the busiest time for us, as is when most of our work teams come for service projects. I will be going back to Caraballo and leading 3 teams in June and early July, among whom our home church “Cape Bible Chapel” will join me to start off our short summer of teams on the north coast. Immediately following, I will fly back to Missouri to be with my wife and to share in the birth of our first child. As of now, our plans are to stay in Missouri for at least a couple of months with the new baby, and our immediate family. Beyond that, we are unsure at this time where God will bring us. We are excited and also a bit nervous as God continues to develop our lives through these changes; and we are confident it is for the furthering of His kingdom. But, we are not finished in the DR just yet; and we know God has many more challenges and blessings in-store.
The month of December in the DR was a short one for us. We flew back to Missouri on the 12th of December. Awaiting us were our families, friends, and numerous supporters; many of whom hadn’t seen us since the last Christmas. We had 25 days to catch up with old friends, spend time with family, fellowship with our home church, and eat. This year I took home the title of “most weight gained in the States”; with 15 pounds being added to my overall weight. Surprisingly enough, Caitlin was not a sore loser, although I might add also that I gained more weight than my pregnant wife.
We returned to the DR just in time for the Kings Day celebration at “The Ark”. Kings Day is January 6th, and it is when the big gift giving festivities take place. Every year “The Ark” has a grand celebration with a pancake and fried salami breakfast, and a gift giving time. Every kid gets 3 or 4 gifts, and all the missionaries get to watch as eyes light up, and faces fill with joy when presents begin to be passed out. It is very much an emotional event as these former “dead”, unwanted and abandoned kids partake, some for the very first time, in receiving these few gifts. Material as they may be, it is love they are truly receiving. Although, these gifts of plastic toys will pass away, this ceremony of receiving these free gifts allows a model for the ultimate free gift to be received. The rules are the same no strings attached, no obligations, no requirements, no prior gift receiving experience needed; nothing except pure innocent child-like faith and excitement. We look forward in this year in placing Christ as the center; to bring every child under our care into their full potential in Him. Thank you for your continued prayer and support. We are indebted to each and everyone one of you who are sacrificing your time or finances to help us show the love of Christ to the beautiful people of this country. Please continue to pray for our ministry as well as the changes that will occur in our lives in the near future.
In Christ,
Layne and Caitlin Beller