Sunday, March 05, 2006
Journal entry 3: Curtis Dehmey
Journal entry 3: Curtis Dehmey
March 4th, 2006
Well there is a lot to tell! Today was a busy day! When we visited the
homes of the people in Sixaola in the morning it was exactly what you would
see in the world vision videos with people living in shacks and one room
homes. In the one home, a single woman, Paula, was taking care of 4
children probably all under 10 years old and was also pregnant while her
husband was no longer with her. They have one room and are in need of the
outer walls, which are presently rusted corrugated tin material. These need
to be replaced in order to provide protection from the elements. We hope to
help in these upcoming days. I was hit hardest with the poverty level when
a small group of us went to Panama. Four kids at once came up to Jared and I
asking us for money. I wanted so badly to help these children but I wasn't
sure if money was the right thing.
I was part of the VBS planning group with Gail, Kara and Adrian. My most
memorable moment of the day was when I watched Adrian interact with Gustavo.
They were trying to read in Spanish and in English together. They were
both trying to learn each others languages in order to interact. Something
I and the others in the group long for are to be able to interact with the
people and speak their language. I took Spanish for about 3 years but I
forgot most of it. I want to interact with the people here but it is hard
because I don't know the language. Now I see the importance of knowing
another language.
This evening all of us fellowshipped with the youth in learning each others
names and what each of us enjoys doing. Many of us butchered their names
and what they like to do, but it was all in good fun as they all laughed at
us and we laughed with them. At the end we got a little crazy when it
started to rain really hard and Adrian, David (one of the sons of the
Gonzalez family who is 17), Gail and Jess danced out in the rain singing
songs, wrestling and getting soaked. I joined them for a short while, but I
did not want to get as wet as them. The funny part was that none of the
youth joined us in the rain because they thought it was too cold when today
it was probably in the 80s and humid. I wish I could tell you so much more
about our day, but we will all have much more to share when we return home.
Jess says:
While Curtis‚ group was doing the VBS stuff, we were part of the donations
group. This afternoon Peder, Jon, Jared, and myself were preparing for
Monday‚s activities by sorting through the clothes and shoes that are going
to be given away. I was really impressed by the donations from World Vision
in that they were quality items. Instead of giving away shoes that don‚t
fit or clothes that nobody wants anymore, the donations are all nice things
(Fubu, American Girl, Birkenstocks, etc.). I was challenged to remember to
always give my best, not just what is easy or convenient.
March 4th, 2006
Well there is a lot to tell! Today was a busy day! When we visited the
homes of the people in Sixaola in the morning it was exactly what you would
see in the world vision videos with people living in shacks and one room
homes. In the one home, a single woman, Paula, was taking care of 4
children probably all under 10 years old and was also pregnant while her
husband was no longer with her. They have one room and are in need of the
outer walls, which are presently rusted corrugated tin material. These need
to be replaced in order to provide protection from the elements. We hope to
help in these upcoming days. I was hit hardest with the poverty level when
a small group of us went to Panama. Four kids at once came up to Jared and I
asking us for money. I wanted so badly to help these children but I wasn't
sure if money was the right thing.
I was part of the VBS planning group with Gail, Kara and Adrian. My most
memorable moment of the day was when I watched Adrian interact with Gustavo.
They were trying to read in Spanish and in English together. They were
both trying to learn each others languages in order to interact. Something
I and the others in the group long for are to be able to interact with the
people and speak their language. I took Spanish for about 3 years but I
forgot most of it. I want to interact with the people here but it is hard
because I don't know the language. Now I see the importance of knowing
another language.
This evening all of us fellowshipped with the youth in learning each others
names and what each of us enjoys doing. Many of us butchered their names
and what they like to do, but it was all in good fun as they all laughed at
us and we laughed with them. At the end we got a little crazy when it
started to rain really hard and Adrian, David (one of the sons of the
Gonzalez family who is 17), Gail and Jess danced out in the rain singing
songs, wrestling and getting soaked. I joined them for a short while, but I
did not want to get as wet as them. The funny part was that none of the
youth joined us in the rain because they thought it was too cold when today
it was probably in the 80s and humid. I wish I could tell you so much more
about our day, but we will all have much more to share when we return home.
Jess says:
While Curtis‚ group was doing the VBS stuff, we were part of the donations
group. This afternoon Peder, Jon, Jared, and myself were preparing for
Monday‚s activities by sorting through the clothes and shoes that are going
to be given away. I was really impressed by the donations from World Vision
in that they were quality items. Instead of giving away shoes that don‚t
fit or clothes that nobody wants anymore, the donations are all nice things
(Fubu, American Girl, Birkenstocks, etc.). I was challenged to remember to
always give my best, not just what is easy or convenient.
# posted by M.A.P. @ 8:23 AM 
