Many of you know that Lisa returned to the States in late December
to await the arrival of our first grandchild. After three long months without
her, Jessica and I journeyed back in early April, to join her for a month-long
Spring Break! The time passed amazingly fast, and I can hardly believe we have
been back in the DR for almost three weeks. I'd like to share with you some of
the things I learned during our visit.
1. Being a grandpa is the best!
Certainly the most wonderful part of our visit was meeting and
spending time with our new granddaughter, Lily Marie! She was born in
mid-January, and is a beautiful & precious baby. Since she was already a
couple of months old when we arrived, she was out of the 'blob' stage, and was
ready to play, read books, and even start chatting toward the end of our visit.
(Okay, I fear some of you may be offended at my reference to the 'blob' stage.
Most assuredly, no offense is intended to Lily or her wonderful parents,
Stephen & Alyce, nor anyone else who ever was a baby or had a baby. Face
it, in the first couple of months, they mostly look cute, eat, make pretty
expressions on their face, poop, eat some more, sleep, eat, etc.). Lily's
personality is a great mix of both her parents. It will be so exciting to watch
her grow. We thank God for Lily and her parents!
2. The visa renewal process is relatively easy.
We had a very practical reason for visiting in April. Our visas
(which allow us to remain in the DR for a year) expired mid-month, and had to
be renewed in the States. Pretty well guarantees we'll be back at least every
April! I was concerned we would not have enough time to complete the process,
as I looked back at the initial process last year. But through prayer, a little
pre-work completed before our departure, and Lisa's efforts before we arrived,
our visas were approved and ready with time to spare!
3. As I age, I am apparently beginning to look like George
Clooney.
Well, at least through one person’s eyes. Let me explain. One
morning, as I waited for my turn in the U.S. Passports office (see #2 above),
an elderly lady paused and glanced at me as she was walking by. “George
Clooney!” she quietly exclaimed to herself. I smiled, we shared a brief
chuckle, and she moved on. This is either an indication that I am aging like a
fine wine, or Mr. Clooney is not aging so well. You decide.
4. It’s all about the brew.
I’m not talking about beer, as I know nothing about its brewing
process. Naturally, I’m talking about coffee. Dominican coffee seems to me to
have a bolder, deeper flavor profile than what I was used to in the States.
This is mostly a result of the brewing process. I use what is called a greca to
brew mine, which is the traditional process here, as I understand it. Much of the
coffee I drank while in the U.S. left me longing for my cup of dark, rich brew
back home.
5. It’s All About That Bass
We spent a lot of time in the car during our visit. So, we had
ample opportunity to get caught up on popular music, both secular and
Christian. Things on the secular music scene haven’t changed much. The “oldies”
stations (you know, the ones playing music from the 80s and 90s) are naturally
playing the same 30 songs. The pop music stations are living up to their genre
and only playing about ten of the most popular songs. Seriously – we heard them
all within our first day, and then heard the same songs multiple times each day
thereafter. And the Christian music station made us feel like we never left, as
they were playing mostly the same songs they’ve been playing for years.
6. Relaxation is good.
This isn’t a totally new lesson for me. But, those who know me well
know that I tend to always find things to ‘do’ to be productive. I’m much
better these days about allowing myself to take time to rest, though. And since
Jessica posted an instruction guide for missionaries on their furlough, as some
call it, I had to heed her advice. And believe me, I did.
7. Safe roads and traffic laws are a blessing.
Roads and traffic here in the DR are, at best, loosely organized
chaos. I do all the driving for our family, and have filled in several times
driving our ministry truck during our food distribution. My first few weeks of
driving here were some of the most stressful times of my life! It is easier now
that I understand a lot of the unwritten ‘rules of the road,’ but I’m sometimes
left scratching my head when I see some driving situations here. What a
difference in the U.S.! In general, roads are in good condition (don’t complain
to me about that pothole they haven’t fixed for weeks) and well-marked, and
people actually keep to a single lane. Next time you start to complain about
taxes (in general), just remember they are what help to pay for infrastructure
like safe roadways. And please do not construe this as a political statement.
We all use public roads and the goods that are transported on them, regardless
of our political positions and views.
8. Our families support us wonderfully.
This is another one that’s not a new lesson, but I would be remiss
in not mentioning it. Our families have been supportive of us in so many ways
as we began this journey. And during our visit, they continued to show their
love for us and the support for what we are doing. From providing a place for
us to live during our visit, to meals, to loaning a vehicle when needed, to
showing up at our one-year celebration, and so much more! We love and
appreciate each of you and thank God that you are a part of our lives.
9. Our friends support us wonderfully.
It was a blessing to visit with many of our friends while we were
in the States. Whether it was a brief conversation at church or our one-year
celebration, a visit over coffee, a lunch, or a dinner, I am so grateful that
you made time to catch up with me. Your friendship is a great encouragement to
me!
10. My mother-in-law can fly.
Whatever image your mind just concocted, it’s not what I mean. We
had the amazing privilege of bringing my in-laws back to the DR with us for a
visit. Plans for the visit had been made months ago, so we had been
anticipating it for a while. It was their first time to the DR. It was Linda’s
first time out of the country (Mike’s a seasoned short-term missions guy). In
fact, it was Linda’s first time flying! We thoroughly enjoyed being able to
share our life here with them, and all indications are that they had a great
time while they were here. It really means a lot to each of us that they chose
to spend their ‘vacation’ time here with us. We love you both, Mike &
Linda!
Back to Work
After a successful and enjoyable time away, we have hit the ground
running to get back into our routine here. In addition to a couple of teams
with The Least of These Ministries coming in June, we’ll be involved in several
other teams this summer. We have worked with other local ministries to have
some of their team members take part in our food distribution so they can
experience another aspect of ministry here. Also, Lisa will be getting busy as
the clinic continues to move closer to beginning operations.
In Other News…
It has become necessary for us to purchase a vehicle. The vehicle
we are currently using was loaned to us for use as we got ourselves established
here. It is now time to find a reliable vehicle to purchase for ourselves.
During our visit, several of you asked if we had any specific needs. Well, this
is the one for now. If you are able to help us with a vehicle purchase, you may
either donate via PayPal by clicking the link on our blog site or by mailing
your check to The Least of These Ministries, 170 Airport Drive, Westminster MD
21157. Please write “Hogan-vehicle” on the memo line of the check. We are so
grateful for the prayer, financial support, and encouragement that many of you
provide!
Prayer Needs
- Rain! The entire country is experiencing a severe drought. Water supplies and agriculture are being negatively impacted.
- Three local wells in our mountain community are out of service. Many who live here have to walk farther to get clean water for their homes. Pray for a speedy resolution to the problems.
- For the TLOTM teams during the last two weeks of June.
- For the other mission teams serving the area this summer.
- For Jessica, as she is working toward moving to Batey 7 in August.
- That our ministry would be an example of Christ’s love to those we serve.
- For our local church, Calvary Chapel of Barahona.
- That we will find an inexpensive, yet reliable, vehicle for purchase.
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