Tag: villages

November ’20 in Pictures

On By MitchenersIn Angela, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

Our November in 30 photos!

  • Two cute lil MK’s
  • My Sunday morning flowers from Cal
  • The bus getting stuck in the mud brought out quite the crowd in one of our villages
  • Sweet cheeks
  • Hard to tell in the picture, but Katira’s eyelashes are crazy long and curly! Pretty little girl.
  • Fish for dinner!
  • Jade and Sierra hanging in La Balsa
  • Caleigh and Jhoan are buddies. Having a conversation between house visits.
  • If these 3 aren’t in the running for “Orneriest Boy in Cabeza de Toro,” I’m insane.
  • Can you tell they’re siblings?
  • Sweet Samy
  • Noah is all about cooking class!
  • New porches going on one side of the school.
  • The view from the third floor as another pour gets underway.
  • Smoothing everything out.
  • So good to have old friends back!
  • Mery sent me this fun selfie with Leyton
  • Dirty pig.
  • Thanksgiving potato peeling!
  • My babies colored me pictures for Thanksgiving!
  • Carla worked hard and memorized these 9 Bible passages in about a month and a half! Amazing!
  • Esterlina helping with the laundry.
  • Lima goobers.
  • Look at Caleigh’s cool turkey hat she made in preschool!
  • Welding is a common job around these parts.
  • Hugs!
  • Rainbow city.
  • Leyton didn’t have to work too hard to talk me into buying this awesome picture of him and his iguana friend on the beach.
  • Christmas tree is finally up!
  • Love our little photo ornaments from my sis-in-law!

Excited for December festivities and the ability to celebrate the promise of Hope that came to Bethlehem so long ago!

See ya at the end of 2020!

October ’20 in Pictures

On By MitchenersIn Angela, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

This year has simultaneously felt like the longest and the shortest year ever. With this “pause” to my “normal”, it’s as if I’ve been experiencing a strange alternate reality where everything is in slow-mo. On the other hand, November is upon us. What?!

While circumstances are offbeat, God continues to faithfully care for us and our students. Check out our October by looking back at these 31 pictures!

  • MK school continues. Susan sent me this sweet picture of Leyton classifying soils!
    MK school continues. Susan sent me this sweet picture of Leyton classifying soils!
  • Frandi is capable of evoking strong emotions in others. ;) Energy and independence are strong in this child.
    Frandi is capable of evoking strong emotions in others. 😉 Energy and independence are active in this child.
  • Scott and Weison
    Scott and Weison
  • Caleigh, Karington, and Marjorie
    Caleigh, Karington, and Marjorie
  • Two sweethearts who live in the back barracks in Piñones
    Two sweethearts who live in the back barracks in Piñones
  • We love that Nathan has joined the Freedom fam! Here he is with Jeyson.
    We love that Nathan has joined the Freedom fam! Here he is with Jeyson.
  • And Heather's holding Jeyson's twin, Jenifer!
    And Heather’s holding Jeyson’s twin, Jenifer!
  • Serious man in Lima
    Serious man in Lima
  • Telling secrets in La Cubana
    Telling secrets in La Cubana
  • Angel!
    Angel!
  • Scott listening to Fabiola recite Psalm 1 in its entirety!
    Scott listening to Fabiola recite Psalm 1 in its entirety!
  • Our construction crew is working hard to add classrooms to one side of the octagon.
    Our construction crew is working hard to add classrooms to one side of the octagon.
  • Veronica's baby bro.
    Veronica’s baby bro.
  • Doug with Rosa - this girl's English skills are through the roof!
    Doug with Rosa – this girl’s English skills are through the roof!
  • Megan, THANK YOU.
    Megan, THANK YOU.
  • Yaneta gifted us a rooster and a hen!
    Yaneta gifted us a rooster and a hen!
  • Yuleisy's family is taking care of our new avian friends.
    Yuleisy’s family is taking care of our new avian friends.
  • Susan and Ester working on a sponsor letter!
    Susan and Ester working on a sponsor letter!
  • Franklin pausing for a photo for me
    Franklin pausing for a photo for me
  • This dude is totally wearing one of my kids' old pajama tops!
    This dude is totally wearing one of my kids’ old pajama tops!
  • Washing clothes with Ana in Piñones
    Washing clothes with Ana in Piñones
  • Alber Manuel
    Alber Manuel
  • Bejucal cuties
    Bejucal cuties
  • A few of us were able to share at the latest board meeting about some cool, recent evidences of growth at Freedom.
    A few of us were able to share at the latest board meeting about some cool, recent evidences of growth at Freedom.
  • Osmani cooking a meal
    Osmani cooking a meal
  • We made the trek to Punta Cana to renew all 3 kids' passports
    We made the trek to Punta Cana to renew all 3 kids’ passports
  • They had a neat little coloring setup to help kids not get too squirrely.
    They had a neat little coloring setup to help kids not get too squirrely.
  • Dino-opoly is a crowd fave currently.
    Dino-opoly is a crowd fave currently.
  • Hannah made another trek to the DR this October. We're thankful for her family's investment in us/Freedom!
    Hannah made another trek to the DR this October. We’re thankful for her family’s investment in us/Freedom!
  • Ester and Franklin's mom with their nephew
    Ester and Franklin’s mom with their nephew
  • Sweet cheeks.
    Sweet cheeks.

I’ve been pondering much on the fact that we’ve only got so many days on this earth. Oh, how I want to “make the most of every opportunity.” I pray I can always maintain a sense of urgency when sharing the wonderful, sweet Good News with those around me!

September ’20 in Pictures

On By MitchenersIn Angela, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

Days quickly turn into weeks which quickly turn into months… How can September be over already?! Thirty photos from our home to yours!

  • A house in Lima
    A house in Lima
  • Ornery boys in Piñones
    Ornery boys in Piñones
  • A little onlooker in Lima
    A little onlooker in Lima
  • Caleigh loves the animals
    Caleigh loves the animals
  • Savannah learning how to work the tire/stick toy
    Savannah learning how to work the tire/stick toy
  • This little man in La Cubana wasn't too sure about Cal.
    This little man in La Cubana wasn’t too sure about Cal.
  • Meet our new friends - Squirtle and Shelly!
    Meet our new friends – Squirtle and Shelly!
  • Two gals and a donkey. :)
    Two gals and a donkey. 🙂
  • The grandmother of several of our students. A sweet lady!
    The grandmother of several of our students. A sweet lady!
  • Djoudelica and little sis! These two only speak Creole in the house.
    Djoudelica and little sis! These two only speak Creole in the house.
  • Talk about vintage! Caleigh wore one of Mommy's dresses to church one Sunday!
    Talk about vintage! Caleigh wore one of Mommy’s dresses to church one Sunday!
  • Cooling off
    Cooling off
  • Smiles in Molino.
    Smiles in Molino.
  • Savannah's parents were able to meet some of our families.
    Savannah’s parents were able to meet some of our families.
  • Listening intently to a story!
    Listening intently to a story!
  • Bread, anyone?
    Bread, anyone?
  • Poor Noah had a run-in with the wall, and the wall won! :(
    Poor Noah had a run-in with the wall, and the wall won! 😦
  • All fixed up after a trip to the dentist!
    All fixed up after a trip to the dentist!
  • This little guy wanted to show us his family's purchase from a local fisherman.
    This little guy wanted to show us his family’s purchase from a local fisherman.
  • Hanging with Yuleisy's neice and nephews
    Hanging with Yuleisy’s neice and nephews
  • Franklin is from Cabeza de Toro!
    Franklin is from Cabeza de Toro!
  • Lizzy and Ana have been able to join us occasionally on village days.
    Lizzy and Ana have been able to join us occasionally on village days.
  • Two silly dinner helpers
    Two silly dinner helpers
  • Fabiola is such a helper. We love this sweet Piñones gal.
    Fabiola is such a helper. We love this sweet Piñones gal.
  • Miss Mia reading to two cuties one morning.
    Miss Mia reading to two cuties one morning.
  • Margaret helping wash some clothes in Lima.
    Margaret helping wash some clothes in Lima.
  • We're pals sometimes.
    We’re pals sometimes.
  • Chema! This little guy comes out every day we visit his village. He always remembers a backpack, notebook, and marker, but he rarely wears his pants. :)
    Chema! This little guy comes out every day we visit his village. He always remembers a backpack, notebook, and marker, but he rarely wears his pants. 🙂
  • I spend a lot of my time sitting in this office chair. Each Monday, sweet Toni leaves a little treat and note/Bible verse to encourage us!
    I spend a lot of my time sitting in this office chair. Each Monday, sweet Toni leaves a little treat and note/Bible verse to encourage us!
  • Working on a sponsor letter.
    Working on a sponsor letter.

Truly thankful for each day the Lord allows us to share in His work in this broken and hurting world. Bring on October!

July ’20 in Pictures

On By MitchenersIn Angela, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

Another month of photos coming at ya! July was… hot. Our team spent a lot of time in the villages over the past 4ish weeks as “village school” and modified VBS programs continued. The new school year at Freedom should start come the end of August. Stay tuned for updates on that front!

While we plan on waiting to take our normal month-long furlough until 2021, we’ve made a quick, 2-week trip back to the States to see our families. It’s been good to soak up a little time with them. Thankful!

Enjoy these 31 pictures of our July!

  • Krista delivered sponsor letters in Cabeza de Toro
  • Tree-climbing cutie
  • VBS in small groups
  • Jump!
  • I knelt down to take a picture, and these guys came up. Quick switch to selfie mode!
  • Say cheese!
  • Jeyson
  • Abraam
  • Kite repair
  • Ball-catching fun
  • Leyton and Noah were helpers at a VBS station each week.
  • Lizards galore
  • Hugs from my buddies
  • Little cleaning helper
  • Games with friends. Can you spell any words with this crazy hand I was dealt?
  • Caterpillar Caleigh
  • Saying goodbye to our summer interns!
  • The masked bandits hit the skies
  • Caleigh got creative so she could still suck her fingers and comply with mask regulations
  • Treehouse sillies
  • Dentist trip
  • The kiddos enjoyed a supervised session of shooting with Grandpa
  • Homemade slip ‘n slide
  • Noah
  • Leyton
  • Bonfires are a fave
  • Sweet gifts for the kiddos!
  • The Man. The Griller. The Legend.
  • Love our Awesome Abby!
  • Happy Birthday, Memaw!
  • The Tree House Trio

We’re ready for August!

June ’20 in Pictures

On By MitchenersIn Angela, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

We’ve crossed the halfway point of 2020! This past month, our team was excited to get back out to the villages as restrictions have begun to lift oh.so.slowly. I personally spent most of my time behind my computer screen as lesson planning continues, but the boys have been in the bateys each morning helping with school – social distancing style, of course. Here’s our June in 30 photos!

  • My 3 masked bandits
  • We finished up MK school a few weeks ago
  • Sad to see Josiah and Sydney head home!
  • Noah and Leyton made maps of Germany in class
  • I’ve been on a cookie kick recently, but very little dough actually makes it into the oven… Oops!
  • Some of our Dominican teachers returned this month!
  • Leyton in Piñones with Jade and Isabel
  • Hermes with his small group in Lima
  • The Ramon Santana crew
  • Kris continues his carpentry project for the new apt. building
  • The Hilgemans’ 10-year-anniversary in the DR happened this month!
  • Becky planned a fantastic potluck for the team!
  • The soup/bread/pasta salad bar was delicious!
  • The littles performed a song they learned in school.
  • We love our Freedom fam!
  • Just one of the new cuties that will join the PK3 class for the new year!
  • This guy’s leaning truck could stand for a trip to the mechanic…
  • Caleigh with her buddy, Bacon
  • Scott had a birthday! Abby cooked her amazing rice and carne, and Rach hosted a fun, at-home escape room!
  • This little one is loving her “nature walks”
  • And this little one visited me one morning in my office!
  • Becky snagged this amazing shot of one of our 4’s, Marilianni
  • Happy Father’s Day!
  • More nature walk fun with Rach
  • Our watchman has some baby bunnies!
  • These kids would kill for an indoor pet.
  • Hoppity!
  • We’ve been putting together some resource packets for our Change a Life Champions!
  • Mixing cookie dough. Training up a child in the way she should go. 🙂
  • Cuddles from Dad while he practices for church.

Looking forward to July!

November and December 2016 in Pictures

On By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

Another end to another year! How I pray that the Lord was glorified. I hope that our family looks to Him for strength and joy as 2017 begins.

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Our students visited the zoo this year for their field trip!
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Checking out the flamingos
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Our team enjoyed another Thanksgiving together as a group
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Thanksgiving getaway! A great time of fellowship for the weekend.
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We’ve been trying to battle a serious mold problem! Gross!
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We finally took our new desks and cabinets apart and painted all the areas where the pressed wood was exposed. Yeah, it’s humid here.
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Miss Rachel and Miss Emma planned a 100th Day of School party for their kindergarten cuties
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Silly Jesús with his 100 Days crown
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We had fun putting our tree up a little earlier than usual this year!
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Caleigh tested out our new LED lights for us
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Scott confirmed that he was NOT pregnant. He battled some scary abdominal pain for a few days!
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We thought for a moment that we may have had a case of appendicitis! Caleigh helped take care of Dad while he was on the mend.
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God is so good. Katie brought us dinner one evening while Scott was sick!
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Parent-teacher conferences in the villages!
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One of our families in  Cabeza de Toro made a Christmas tree out of green pop bottles!
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Our two-night Christmas program was a success!
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Noah helped his teacher Miss Mery pass out papers to the parents one evening at the program
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Our Freedom team! So thankful for these people!
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Staff Christmas party fun!
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A church back home sweetly sent our family an entire suitcase of goodies for Christmas!
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So blessed!
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We loved spending some time with Memaw and Pepaw over Christmas!
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Piñones cuties!

May and June 2016 in Pictures

On By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

Wow! Life. So full! Two months of pictures. Praising the Lord for all He has done!

Mother's Day
Mother’s Day Celebration in May!

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Students and mothers worked on a craft together

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Caleigh completed month 8!

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Noah graduated from Kindergarten!

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Yeifrey and Caleigh at graduation

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Our last Parent-Teacher conference of the ’15-’16 school year.

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Abby and Yuleisy talking with families about student behavior and achievement

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Two of our students from Batey Campiña

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We moved! The MK’s did a ton of work helping us get out to Freedom’s campus.

Road Progress
The road to campus was upgraded! No more potholes or standing water!

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Furlough has changed to May! Headed back to the States!

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Scott shared at an interest meeting for a future DR trip

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The boys enjoyed the Columbus Zoo with Grammy and Grandpa

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Ripley’s Aquarium with Memaw

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Our amazing interns joined us soon after we returned to the DR!

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A shower house was built to the side of the apartment building

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Leyton and Noah on their first day of the ’16-’17 school year!

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We’ve enjoyed life with several short-term teams so far. Six weeks left in the summer!

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Caleigh passed the 9-month mark in June!

 

Around Freedom in 60 Seconds – November Video

On By MitchenersIn Dominican RepublicLeave a comment

While in the Dominican for three weeks in July, we met Wander and Francis, two young men from the sugarcane village of Lima.  Since returning to the States, we’ve learned that Francis has accepted Christ and has grown in his faith!  Now, Wander, Francis and Yuleisy are working hard teaching and building relationships with even more kids as our team is now involved in a third village called Cabeza de Toro.