Gracias a Dios.

This past weekend I had the privilege of going to stay with the wonderful missionaries in San Pedro (where I took the group of girls this summer!).  For me this was a huge blessing because this was my first Thanksgiving away from my family and I was able to spend it with people that I know doing something that I love.  I left for Santo Domingo (the capital) on a bus Wednesday morning. I have never ridden the bus here so I was a little nervous. It turned out to be really simple, a nice ride and fairly quick. Josh and Toni (one of the missionary couples) greeted me at the bus station to drive me to San Pedro (the place we went this summer).  It was so nice to see people who I knew before arriving in the Dominican in October.  We spent the next couple of days visiting with each other and going to the sugar cane villages.  

The first day we went to the village, I was so surprised that many of the kids remembered me! It blessed my heart! I was so happy to just love on the kids and play with them once again.  This time in the batay, I was about to try the sugar cane (that is grown and processed to make Domino Sugar in the States!). It was delicious- if you have someone cut the bark off the outside first! I was also able to visit the village that we purchased shoes for back in July. I was overwhelmed when I saw a group of them with their shoes on their feet-much more worn than when we left. They all greeted me with hugs and were quick to find my hand to hold. 

I spent Thanksgiving day cooking with Pam, smelling the sweet aroma of apple cider and playing cards with friends. We all gathered around one table and enjoyed a wonderful meal together! Also while I was in San Pedro, Jason and Pam took me “black friday” shopping (ok, so nothing like shopping in the States...). We went to one strip of vendors to buy a cheap canvas painting that is very popular in the Dominican.  

As I was riding the bus back from the Capital, I realized how the Lord continues to remind me of His goodness and faithfulness in my life. The Lord has blessed me beyond what I could have asked or imagined. He continues to give me opportunities to share His love with those around me. I stopped to think “how is it that I see this so much more here than when I am in the states?” How do I miss his blessings when I am surrounded by anything anyone can ask for in the connivence of the United States. I am convinced that the Lord is still present just as He is here in my life, but when you CHOOSE to see His hand you will. When you let the materialism and things fade away, you realize that Jesus is right there blessing after blessing. When He is all you have, you start to see that He is all you need. I pray that we would be able to see the little blessings that He sends us in every moment of our lives. Thank you for reading! Hope to write more soon! 

-Madison 

Dominican Address: 

Santiago Christian School 

Madison Wheeler 

8400 N.W. 25th ST Suite 110

BM # 2-30555 

Doral, FL 33122

No Agua.

You would think after four weeks of living in the Dominican Republic and all the crazy things that have happened, I would be not be surprised by anything. On Friday, we were told that there was going to be a “huelga”- a national strike- due to some people’s issues with the government. This means that on Monday they would burn tires, vandalize and such unless the government appease their complaints. [While this is an issue getting to school, I live in a VERY safe neighborhood. We are just advised to stay in our apartment.] So Sunday rolled around and we received the final word that we would not have school Monday due to the huelga. Hooray, right? Until Sunday night when we realized that the water in our apartment building was out. We spent all day Monday at home- with no water. It is funny how I would forget and go to wash my hands or wash something off and realize that we did not have water. Over and over, I would try to use water or do something that I needed water. Getting frustrated, I sat down on the couch and a still small voice whispered to me, “Madison, this is how much of the world lives, and never expects to have water.” In that moment, a feeling of guilt washed over me knowing that I take advantage of the daily things that the Lord has given me. 

The theme of the last four weeks of my life has been “the little things.” In such a short amount of time, I have had to adjust, deal with, figure out and readjust so many things in my life. From the sink that broke and flooded the apartment below us to the water going out randomly, the Lord has allowed little things (that may be normal in the DR) to teach me how blessed I am; to teach me that I still have so much to be thankful for. These little things could have built up and turned into a big thing, but through the grace of the Lord I have been able to look at the situation through the eyes of Jesus. Its amazing how “first-world problems” often create in us a frustration or anxiousness. Many times, the Lord wants us to step back and realize that the little things remind us who all of trust should be in. Just like I have said so many times before and I will say it once again: Jesus is enough. always. 

Thank you for reading! I pray that the Lord would bless you today! Continue to pray for me as I learn the language and adjust to the culture. Thank you to those who have sent me encouraging emails and letters. I love getting things from “home.”

-Madison  

mwheeler@scs.edu.do 

Mailing Address: 

Santiago Christian School 

Madison Wheeler 

8400 N.W. 25th ST Suite 110 

BM #2-30555

Doral, FL 33122

Refocus of Purpose

Today I have been in living in the Dominican Republic for four weeks. In some ways it feels like I have lived here for months and in some ways it feels like I just got here yesterday. In just four short weeks, the Lord has allowed me to experience a myriad of emotions and situations that have tested my faith in Him. There were days when I was overwhelmed with the task that I have been give, lonely because i am in a land where everything and everyone is new, and I even questioned why I was here. 

“But it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him’. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”

 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 

(Aren’t we so thankful for those two little words...) Just when I am longing for some encouragement, for some direction, for some confirmation, the Lord so graciously reminds me that He doesn’t need me; however, he chooses to use an empty, broken vessel like me to share His love with the world. (Here is where my story enters the picture)... 

[Background: There is such a need for special services in the DR. I currently have 20+ students that qualify for special services, 10 of which I see every day one on one. I received 8 referrals last week of students who could qualify. I was a little overwhelmed; however, I LOVE my job.] One of my new students that is beginning to receive services met with me today. It just so happens that he comes from a Buddhist background. We were working on World History and the Reformation of the church with Martin Luther. During my instruction, he asks me “Miss (this is what all the students refer to their teachers as), what is salvation?” I was overcome with joy as I was able to explain the gospel starting from John 3:16 through the Romans Road. It was such a refreshing feeling to carefully explain to him about the Jesus that has rocked my boat (to say the least). He ask several more questions before we moved on. 

After he was dismissed, I couldn’t help but think about this young man who is lost. He needs Jesus. The Lord was so gracious to remind me that I need to be ready. I need to be soaking in His Word, so that at all times it is pouring out from my life. I need to “be ready to give an answer for the hope that I have, with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) I ask that you would pray with me for this young man. Pray that conversations are sparked, doors are opened and that the Holy Spirit speaks through me. Pray for his salvation. Thank you for all your support and love! I love hearing from each of you in emails, letters and skype! It definitely makes my day! 

-Madison 

Teaching in the Dominican Republic

Today I realized that while I have given a few updates since arriving in the Dominican Republic, I have yet to update you on my job! Many of you know that I am a middle school and high school special services teacher. I coordinate all of the special education students for the secondary school.  When I arrived I was informed that I would have around 20 students that i would either teach directly (I teach two guided studies for Pre-Calculus and Algebra I.), Push into the classroom with or I monitor their grades/dictate their test. I am basically the advocate for many of these students between their parents, teachers and sometimes for themselves. 

When I first arrived I was able to meet most of my students right away. They were very welcoming and kind. They immediately noticed my accent (what accent?!) and my age. Most of my students were failing or severely struggling before the SST program, but now they are becoming successful students! I have an amazing assistant/co-teacher, Alba, who actually graduated from SCS. She is so intelligent and helpful.  She has even helped me to learn more Spanish! 

I am very blessed come to a place where there is such a need for special education teachers.  I have been a little overwhelmed at the great need because there is only one of me. The students, staff and parents are so grateful for the program and have been really supportive of the work that I am doing. Please continue to pray for me as I invest in these students, not only in academics, but in their spiritual lives as well. I want to see my students succeed, but even more I want to see them come to know and love Jesus. Also, please pray for the Special Education program at the school because there is a growing number of students that I am receiving referrals for assistance. This is a wonderful problem, however there are only two of us. Thank you for reading and praying! Dios le bendiga! [I have included several pictures of my classroom! I finally got a bookcase for my students things and I made a banner for the wall!] 

-Madison 

Longing for a heavenly home...

These last three weeks have been very challenging and trying to many different ways. When I lived in the Philippines (for 17 weeks), I did not get homesick very much.; however, this time around has certainly proved to be different. I could not settle the feeling because I know that I am right where the Lord has called me to be. Whether it is because I spent the last five months at home with my family and friends, serving at my amazing church or because I am longing for a different home this time around; the Lord has been faithful to remind me of my ultimate “home.” 

I was reading a passage from a wonderful author that was talking about being homesick. She quoted Ecclesiastes 3:11b that says, “He has planted eternity in the human heart.” She continued ask what are we to do when we feel homesick for a place where we feel safe, wanted and cared for. What should we do wen our hearts are restless when we are far from home. 

I am reminded that in the arms of Christ is my ultimate home. That no matter where I go I can take my “eternal” home with me.  She explained that “When the Israelites were waiting for God to lead them to their new home in the Promised Land, He had them build a tabernacle for Hs presence to dwell right there where they were, wherever that was on their journey.” It is so comforting to think that the Lord will bring His presence right to where we are, settle down in our hearts and abide in us. 

In all this, I have been reminded that I need to have a hungriness for a heavenly place, but while I am on this earth the Lord promises to make his “home” in me. 

I Corinthians 3:16, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” 

-Madison