October 2024

All moved in. 
Peace and blessings! I hope this blog finds you all doing well, enjoying the fall! Since there is no Halloween or Thanksgiving celebrations here in the DR, Christmas decorations and trees are out already in stores and some homes! 😂🙌
 
Downsizing. 
So as many of you know, the house we called home for nearly 5 years was no longer available for us to rent. The owner, living outside the country (Germany) visited in July. She took note of many things she wanted to change (water filtration repairs) and decided that while she was going to have to spend money on the property, she would like to get a full renovation done all at once.  We began our house search in August and after looking at a dozen or more houses, we walked away with sticker shock. Homes that previously were at budget are now $150-200 over budget per month.  Yikes! 

In the end we settled on a house knowing that while it isn't going to work long term, it is a safe place for us to be for the time being.  It is on a quiet street with good neighbors.  Unfortunately, the first month has been fraught with problems. Move in day came, we realized that the hot water heater did not work. The tank on the roof was billowing water when the pump was on. There was water seeping in almost every wall of the house onto the newly painted walls.  We called the leasing agent and they began to correct the problems immediately. The reason the downstairs wall was wet was because the new toilet was not actually sealed to the black water pipes. They cut a hole into an existing pipe and affixed the toilet on top of the hole like an outhouse. So, it was wet downstairs from the raw sewage we had been flushing for a week. They tore up the new tile and discovered the problem. It took a week to rectify it. Finally, we have a correctly installed toilet now. The men that came to check out the water infiltration on the roof said it wasn’t sealed. The last person who sealed it, painted over everything from electrical lines to garbage that was in top of the house. They spent two days clearing it. They will complete the new sealant job Monday. 
 
While we’re grateful that we have a roof over our heads and the kids have friends on the street; it’s caused a lot of stress. Please join us in prayer that we can learn to love this new house and find all of the positives in this big change.  And that God willing we will find somewhere to call our long-term home. 

Catechism Classes in Full Swing 
Jessica and Olivia have 6 weeks of catechism under their belts and it has been a huge success!  They have about 20 students in each of their classes (Jess is with ages 3-7 and Olivia is with ages 8-15).  The turn out has been really impressive - the kids are enjoying it and learning a lot!  The goal is to prepare those students interested for baptism by the end of the semester.  One week Ben went up with them and helped with classes - as a surprise they brought home a pine tree!  We are hoping it takes root and grows well here in the valley with hotter temps. 

Ben got a small pine from friends

The latrine style toilet connection

A preschooler learning a new Catechesis of the Good Shepherd activity.

Some of the students practicing activities.

Water Project 
The water project continues to move forward.  At the end of this month we will receive a group from the funding organization who will come see the progress and help consult on aspects of the project.  We are looking forward to hosting them for 3 days.  

  Cost Increases Across the Country
While the cost of living rises around the globe, we are caught in its crossfire.  Recently the Dominican government has been discussing tax reform that will dramatically change the cost of food here in the DR.  One of the most debated proposals includes tax increases up to 28% for most foods. This new tax reform is being looked at due to the excessive tax evasion from the upper end of society in part; but also the government's inability to pursue these tax evaders. 
  
 All of this discussion about tax increases has everyone here up in arms.  Everywhere we go there is anxious chatter about how people are going to make ends meet should some of these new changes come into effect.  It's a daunting thing to contemplate.  This will affect the poor the most, causing families already experiencing instability to go without more often.  As a missionary family we are also concerned about what the future might look like.  If you are able to partner financially with us, online donations can be made via PayPal or mail can be sent to 54 Coyote Court, Pinckney MI 48169.

We cannot understate our appreciation for you all.  It is thanks to your generosity that we are here continuing to serve full time.  Many of you have been with us since the beginning and we cannot do this calling without you!! Having monthly supporters means we can budget our needs. Whether that’s $10 or $100 a month it all comes together to feed and shelter our family as we lead BBOH and serve here in the DR. We love you all!! 

Prayer requests: 
-Peace in our family's hearts about the housing change (lots of tears shed and even our dog ran away and was later found back at the old house!) and that we would find a good long term solution. 
-For the current Dominican administration, that they will make informed decisions in favor of those most in need. 
-For continued health, safety and protection of all BBOH and FUMSIL staff and volunteers.