For those of you who read my blog, but may not know the story behind it, I thought it would be a good idea to give a brief summary of who I am and what we do. So, here it is:
My name is Carrie Hoekstra, I grew up in Lansing, IL and graduated from Illiana Christian High School. I am now serving as one of a four-person missionary team in Santiago, Dominican Republic. I, along with my fiancé Eddy, am serving at a church and school, started by missionaries Guille and Shelley Hernandez. They started a church in a local neighborhood about eleven years ago, and eight years ago, they started the church’s largest ministry, a school.
The school’s name is Colegio Caminito de Jesus. In English, Pathway to Jesus School. It started as a small preschool. The first year, there were only 18 students. Several of these children are still in our school and are now finishing fourth grade. Since the beginning God has blessed the school and its growth. The school is growing quickly. We have added a grade and several students each year. This year we had about 230 students from preschool to fifth grade. The addition of so many children has forced the expansion of our school building as well. Two years ago, they students could no longer fit in the church classrooms, so we started giving class an abandoned partially-built house. During that time, construction started on our new school building. I was actually a member of one of the first work teams almost two years ago. We built the foundation for the first three classrooms. The school has come a long way since then. At the beginning of this school year we had three classrooms. Unfortunately we had six grades that needed to use those classrooms, so for the first three months we had two grades per classroom. In January, a work team came and built us three new classrooms upstairs. All of the classrooms are unfinished. There are no doors or windows and upstairs there is exposed rebar everywhere, but we are thankful for the blessing of six new classrooms. The last two work teams started the work on bathrooms and an office. We have been operating in the new school building for a full school year without electricity or running water. Over the next year we hope to finish building the bathrooms and office as well as finish the existing classrooms complete with doors, windows, and electricity.
The addition of so many students each year has also created a need for more people to get involved and to help. While I was in the DR on my construction mission trip in August of 2009, I saw how fast this school was growing and the great need there was for help. Shelley came to me about half-way through my trip and we talked about the possibility of me moving down to help as an English teacher. I put it in God’s hands, because it seemed impossible. I needed to be accepted to the mission organization and raise all of my own support. By that January, I was back and had dedicated myself to 18 months. Over the last year and a half, I have been the English teacher, I have taken on administrative responsibilities and I have had the opportunity to help at the church with the praise team and with a community Bible study.
Eddy, my fiancé, has actually been involved in the ministry longer than I have. He has been serving with Guille and Shelley in various ministries for several years. He is the leader of the praise team, he works full time as head of maintenance and assisting Shelley at the school, he is the treasurer at the church, and he leads a community Bible study. A few months ago, through prayer and seeking God’s will, Eddy and I decided to get married, and we decided to stay in the Dominican Republic permanently working as a team with Guille and Shelley to help achieve what God has planned for this school and church. The school has grown so big that it is too much for two people to manage alone. We strongly believe that God is calling us to this work and we can see how He was preparing us for this calling over the last several years. We believe whole-heartedly that God has huge plans for the school and the church and we are excited to see what the future holds for us in this ministry.
Just as God touched mine and Eddy’s hearts and led us to get involved in helping this ministry, God has touched the hearts of several other people to help as well. There are several people, here in the United States, who have become involved. They pray for us, encourage us, help us raise support, organized work teams, and help get the word out about what God is doing in the Dominican Republic. We are so excited about all the new partnerships that we are forming with people, churches, and schools in the United States. There are many ways for people to get involved in the work that God is doing in our ministry as well from coming down on a work team to sponsoring a child, to supporting us personally, to helping spread the word about the needs. We are even hoping to bring down one or two more American teachers in the years to come. God has definitely done great things in our ministry here and we are excited to see what He has planned for the future.
Now that you are all caught up, please send me an email at carrie.bea1982@yahoo.com if you would like to be added to our ministry's email mailing list. We will be sending monthly updates on what's happening at the school and the church with pictures, stories, and prayer requests. Blessings!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Ten Years
A couple months ago, Eddy and I were in the apartment that we will live in and we were painting and cleaning and getting it ready to move in. As I sat and looked out the window, I asked Eddy how long ago it was that his sister and brother-in-law had built the building. (Our apartment is the second floor of a building that had been sitting un-finished and empty). He told me that they built it about ten years ago. I started thinking about where we all were ten years ago. Ten years ago Guille and Shelley had been married for a few years, Sarah was a baby and Mark was on his way and they had just started a church, the school didn’t even exist yet. Ten years ago Eddy had was not yet a Christian, and I was just a year out of high school. At that time, I was on the wrong path, I was very angry and I had built very high walls around myself. Ten years ago, the last thing that I was thinking about was what God had planned for my life. But ten years ago, God built me a house.
I thought about everything I had been through over the last ten years. I thought about all the plans I had made for my life, the mistakes that I had made and frustration I had felt when things didn’t seem to go my way. Relationships had failed, plans to move away fell through, and jobs didn’t last. What I did not know through all my frustration and disappointments, was that God had already chosen a career, a husband, and place for me to live, and that every step of the way He was preparing me for a life that I knew nothing about. Looking back, I can clearly see how the jobs that I had and the people who came in and out of my life were preparing me for my work in the mission field and for my future marriage.
Ten years ago, God built me a house, even though I was probably the last person who deserved it. He loved me anyway and He worked in my life and He brought me to the Dominican Republic. As those workers were laying those bricks and as that apartment sat empty for so many years, God was preparing both me and Eddy. He knew that, years later, we would finish the house that He built for us. And we will now live in that house as we start our new life together working for His purposes in the mission field. That is what He did for us, even though we did not deserve it. And that day a few months ago, He opened my eyes to see that truth.
When all of that hit me as I looked out my windows at the mountains and the beautiful view, I had never felt so special and so loved. And I think that for the first time, I started to understand the unconditional love that our Father has for His children. The unconditional love that He has for me. I don’t deserve it, I can’t earn it, but He gives it to me anyway. I also feel so safe and secure in His hands. I have no idea what the future holds for me and Eddy, I don’t know if we will stay in the DR for the rest of our lives or if we will end up here in the states or if we will go to a new mission field. What I do know is that whatever the future holds and wherever we end up, God is already preparing the way for us and preparing us for the journey.
I thought about everything I had been through over the last ten years. I thought about all the plans I had made for my life, the mistakes that I had made and frustration I had felt when things didn’t seem to go my way. Relationships had failed, plans to move away fell through, and jobs didn’t last. What I did not know through all my frustration and disappointments, was that God had already chosen a career, a husband, and place for me to live, and that every step of the way He was preparing me for a life that I knew nothing about. Looking back, I can clearly see how the jobs that I had and the people who came in and out of my life were preparing me for my work in the mission field and for my future marriage.
Ten years ago, God built me a house, even though I was probably the last person who deserved it. He loved me anyway and He worked in my life and He brought me to the Dominican Republic. As those workers were laying those bricks and as that apartment sat empty for so many years, God was preparing both me and Eddy. He knew that, years later, we would finish the house that He built for us. And we will now live in that house as we start our new life together working for His purposes in the mission field. That is what He did for us, even though we did not deserve it. And that day a few months ago, He opened my eyes to see that truth.
When all of that hit me as I looked out my windows at the mountains and the beautiful view, I had never felt so special and so loved. And I think that for the first time, I started to understand the unconditional love that our Father has for His children. The unconditional love that He has for me. I don’t deserve it, I can’t earn it, but He gives it to me anyway. I also feel so safe and secure in His hands. I have no idea what the future holds for me and Eddy, I don’t know if we will stay in the DR for the rest of our lives or if we will end up here in the states or if we will go to a new mission field. What I do know is that whatever the future holds and wherever we end up, God is already preparing the way for us and preparing us for the journey.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Café con leche
Eddy and I were lucky enough to take our engagement pictures on a beautiful Dominican beach. I love those pictures. Something that I noticed right away was that almost every Dominican we showed those pictures said, "Oh que lindo, café y leche." Translated: "Oh, how beautiful, coffee and milk." They were, of course, referring to our skin colors and how beautiful our skin is next to each other. Something similar happened at the grocery store. We were buying groceries and when the check-out girl gave me my change, she had two pesos, one that was older and dark and one that was new and lighter. And she said to me, "look, it's just like you and him, one dark and one light but together forever." (She saw my ring).
People in the Dominican Republic are much more comfortable talking about skin color. It is not a taboo subject. It is not something that is offensive to meantion, it is just a fact. I am white and Eddy is black. It is just a description of how we look, the same as saying that I am blonde or have blue eyes. What I appreciate is that they not only can recognize it but they appreciate the beauty in it.
Our differences don't stop with skin color, however. Eddy and I are different in a lot of ways. We come from two very different backgrounds and cultures. He is Dominican and I am American. His first language is Spanish and my first language is English. I grew up in a Christian home, and Eddy became a Christian as a teenager. I grew up on pot roast and mashed potatoes, he grew up on rice and beans. And the list could go on.
However, something that is much more important than how we are different is how we are the same. We are both children of God. We were both saved by Christ's death on the cross. We are both Christians who are seeking God's will for our lives. We both have a desire to live a life pleasing to God. We were both led here by God and we both feel called to continue serving Him in this ministry. We both are sure that God brought us together for His purposes and we both desire to put God at the center of our relationship and, one day, our family.
When you are able to see that truth, that where it matters we are the same, then how you view the differences changes as well. Our differences no longer look like problems or reasons for doubt. Those differences, just like our skin colors, are now beautiful. Those differences now speak about God's love and the beauty in His plan for our lives. The fact that He brought us together from such different places and that He gave us the faith to follow Him and that He worked in our hearts and our lives to join us together so that we could serve His kingdom together here in the Dominican Republic, is beautiful. I am amazed by it and so thankful for it and I thank God that He has opened my eyes so that I can now see it.
I invite you to see the beauty in the plan that God has for your life.
People in the Dominican Republic are much more comfortable talking about skin color. It is not a taboo subject. It is not something that is offensive to meantion, it is just a fact. I am white and Eddy is black. It is just a description of how we look, the same as saying that I am blonde or have blue eyes. What I appreciate is that they not only can recognize it but they appreciate the beauty in it.
Our differences don't stop with skin color, however. Eddy and I are different in a lot of ways. We come from two very different backgrounds and cultures. He is Dominican and I am American. His first language is Spanish and my first language is English. I grew up in a Christian home, and Eddy became a Christian as a teenager. I grew up on pot roast and mashed potatoes, he grew up on rice and beans. And the list could go on.
However, something that is much more important than how we are different is how we are the same. We are both children of God. We were both saved by Christ's death on the cross. We are both Christians who are seeking God's will for our lives. We both have a desire to live a life pleasing to God. We were both led here by God and we both feel called to continue serving Him in this ministry. We both are sure that God brought us together for His purposes and we both desire to put God at the center of our relationship and, one day, our family.
When you are able to see that truth, that where it matters we are the same, then how you view the differences changes as well. Our differences no longer look like problems or reasons for doubt. Those differences, just like our skin colors, are now beautiful. Those differences now speak about God's love and the beauty in His plan for our lives. The fact that He brought us together from such different places and that He gave us the faith to follow Him and that He worked in our hearts and our lives to join us together so that we could serve His kingdom together here in the Dominican Republic, is beautiful. I am amazed by it and so thankful for it and I thank God that He has opened my eyes so that I can now see it.
I invite you to see the beauty in the plan that God has for your life.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Things I've learned about myself since moving to the DR part 4
16. I know nothing about Dominican interior decorating.
17. I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.
18. An unreliable internet connection makes wedding planning very difficult.
19. Dominican children can always make my day.
20. Every thing that has happened in my life up to this point, was preparing me for this point.
17. I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.
18. An unreliable internet connection makes wedding planning very difficult.
19. Dominican children can always make my day.
20. Every thing that has happened in my life up to this point, was preparing me for this point.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
a time of change
A few months ago I wrote about some big decisions that Eddy and I would be making and I asked for your prayers. Today I want to update you on what has happened since then. In February, my parents came down to visit. They stayed with me for a couple days and got to know Eddy's family, they worshipped with us on Sunday, and they brought a group down who showered blessings on our ministry here. My parents were also able to come with me into the classrooms and see me interact with the kids and see what our school is all about. By the end of their time here, I think that they understood why I would choose a life here with Eddy working for God's kingdom at this school and church. By the end of their time here we also received their blessing to get married. Eddy and my dad had "the talk" and Eddy proposed to me on Valentine's Day.
Eddy and I both feel strongly that God is calling us to continue working in the ministry here in Santiago. The school, that started with 18 children a few years ago, is growing so fast and continues to grow every year. This year we have around 250 students. We now have work teams and other groups coming regularly to help the school, more and more people are getting involved in the states, and there is a huge need for people here to help build the school up, get it organized and running smoothly and help make it be what God wants it to be.
Eddy and I have been meeting with Guille and Shelley and also talked to my mission organization about the two of us forming a team with them and working together to help this ministry and the people here grow closer to God. I am in the process of changing my status from temporary to permanent, and Eddy is in the process of being accepted as a permanent missionary with Global as well. We are so excited about what God has planned for us, for Guille and Shelley, and for the church and school here.
We will be getting married on August 13. So we are also busy planning a wedding, fixing up an apartment to live in, preparing for marriage, figuring out residency and visa options, and preparing for our new roles in this ministry. We are both taking on more administrative roles at the school and Eddy is taking on more responsibilities at the church.
Eddy and I both feel strongly that God is calling us to continue working in the ministry here in Santiago. The school, that started with 18 children a few years ago, is growing so fast and continues to grow every year. This year we have around 250 students. We now have work teams and other groups coming regularly to help the school, more and more people are getting involved in the states, and there is a huge need for people here to help build the school up, get it organized and running smoothly and help make it be what God wants it to be.
Eddy and I have been meeting with Guille and Shelley and also talked to my mission organization about the two of us forming a team with them and working together to help this ministry and the people here grow closer to God. I am in the process of changing my status from temporary to permanent, and Eddy is in the process of being accepted as a permanent missionary with Global as well. We are so excited about what God has planned for us, for Guille and Shelley, and for the church and school here.
We will be getting married on August 13. So we are also busy planning a wedding, fixing up an apartment to live in, preparing for marriage, figuring out residency and visa options, and preparing for our new roles in this ministry. We are both taking on more administrative roles at the school and Eddy is taking on more responsibilities at the church.
Please continue to pray for us during this time of change. It can sometimes be overwhelming, but God is our strength and we know that He will be with us every step of the way.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Pictures
This is where our school building was when the group left. The only changes since then have been adding to the staircase and putting up some wood upstairs to make it safer for the students.
We took this picture right after we picked Katie up from the airport.
Me with Alejandro. I love him.
Part of the Canadian group working on one of the first walls that went up.
Eddy with his parents and also one of my favorite pictures.
The New Year
So many things have been going on that don't really know where to start. I was blessed to be able to go home for two weeks to spend Christmas and the New Year with my family. The time flew by and before I knew it, I was back in the DR. A few days after I got back, Katie Copeland, arrived for a visit. You might remember that Katie was here last spring for about five weeks. She stayed with me in my first apartment and she helped me figure out the new country I was living in and learn spanish. She also played a big part in me and Eddy becoming close friends. This was the first time that we had seen her since then. Needless to say, things had changed a lot since the last time she was here. She stayed with me this time as well, but this time the accomodations were a little bit different. Last time I was living in a very nice apartment, comparable to where I would live in the states. This time she got the real dominican experience, complete with cockroaches, ice-cold showers, and mosquito nets. But also filled with lots of talking, singing, dancing, eating, and visiting relatives. She even had all the aunts try to set her up with Eddy's cousin Eddy, which was very fun for me and Eddy but maybe a little embarrassing for her.
A few days after Katie arrived, a work team from Canada arrived as well, led by my pastor and his wife from my home church in South Holland. They were great. I had a such a great time getting to know them and working with them. They were here for nine days and got so much accomplished. It was so exciting and encouraging to see how God brought everything together to accomplish His will through this group. They successfully built three new classrooms on top of the first three classrooms that we have been using since September. The kids will be starting class in the new classrooms tomorrow. By the time they left, they had become such a part of the family here that it was very difficult to say goodbye.
But it doesn't end there. I have a lot of things to look forward to over the next few months as well. Next Thursday, my parents will arrive and my two worlds will finally collide. Two days after that, the rest of their team will get here to visit the school, see what's happening in our mission, and shower us with gifts and blessings. Before that group even heads back to the states, another work team of 25 people from Crown Point will arrive to do a week of construction. We are very busy getting everything ready for these two groups, as well as keeping the school running. When the Crown Point group leaves, we will need to start getting ready for the Illiana group. This is the second year that they will be coming down over their spring break.
So many exciting things are happening. And even though most days we find ourselves very stressed and we all have more things to do than time to do them, we are also feeling very blessed and are so excited to see what God has in store for us next.
A few days after Katie arrived, a work team from Canada arrived as well, led by my pastor and his wife from my home church in South Holland. They were great. I had a such a great time getting to know them and working with them. They were here for nine days and got so much accomplished. It was so exciting and encouraging to see how God brought everything together to accomplish His will through this group. They successfully built three new classrooms on top of the first three classrooms that we have been using since September. The kids will be starting class in the new classrooms tomorrow. By the time they left, they had become such a part of the family here that it was very difficult to say goodbye.
But it doesn't end there. I have a lot of things to look forward to over the next few months as well. Next Thursday, my parents will arrive and my two worlds will finally collide. Two days after that, the rest of their team will get here to visit the school, see what's happening in our mission, and shower us with gifts and blessings. Before that group even heads back to the states, another work team of 25 people from Crown Point will arrive to do a week of construction. We are very busy getting everything ready for these two groups, as well as keeping the school running. When the Crown Point group leaves, we will need to start getting ready for the Illiana group. This is the second year that they will be coming down over their spring break.
So many exciting things are happening. And even though most days we find ourselves very stressed and we all have more things to do than time to do them, we are also feeling very blessed and are so excited to see what God has in store for us next.
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