Helping Evelin

This is Evelin Ortiz.  She is 8 years old and has been going to Jarabacoa Christian School since Kindergarten.  Evelin has an amazing personality, very vibrant and loves to go to school.  Evelin's mother, Claritza, is one of the cleaning ladies at JCS, who is also an incredible woman.  About three years ago, Claritza's husband died in a motorcycle accident - leaving Clartiza with five daughters to raise all by herself, Evelin being the youngest.  

Because of this huge financial burden, good affordable education was difficult to find. Jarabacoa Christian School gave Evelin the opportunity to receive this great education, with the help of a sponsor from the States.  However, JCS is now going through financial strain and most of the students on scholarships had to be dropped, Evelin being one of them.  

Ever since I met Evelin, we clicked.  She is shy at first, but once she warms up to you she will never leave your side.  When we first met she was going into first grade.  I was looking forward to having Evelin in my third grade class this year, but when I asked her mother if she was coming back to JCS, she burst into tears and said they couldn't find anyone to sponsor her this year.  

As I previously wrote in my last blog entry, I am raising support this year for my personal financial stability.  After hearing today about Evelin not being able to attend JCS because they can't find a sponsor, it is on my heart to help Claritza and Evelin - but what I have raised so far is not enough for the whole year. 

To sponsor Evelin monthly it would only cost $65/month (she gets a discount because her mother is an employee of the school), plus a one time inscription fee of around $250 for books and uniforms. 

How can you help?
First, pray.  Pray that God would financially stabilize this family and open doors for Evelin, her mother, and older sisters.  

If you feel led to help Evelin with her education at JCS, please send me an email at jessicaensing@gmail.com,

or send a check to:
Jessica Ensing
731 Amana St. #301
Honolulu, HI 96814
Memo: For Evelin

(If there is a better way send money I will update this blog)

Thank you so much for reading this. If you want to know more about this family and maybe feel led to help, please let me know! 

How GREAT is our GOD!

Back in the Dominican. 

Ready for this? 

Yes. 

I got here about two weeks ago, flying mostly first class back to Santiago (which is AMAZING, btw.  Who would have thought first class would be the cheapest flight? God definitely knew I needed that I think.) 

Here's a nutshell of my feelings during my flight.... 

worry.

anxious.

nervous.

negativity.

[insert any other emotion similar to the above]

...all about coming back to teach at JCS.

Plane lands, Brian's waiting outside.  70lb suitcases don't arrive. "We don't know when your bags will get here." GREAT. After 20 hours of traveling, we make it up the mountain to Jarabacoa, walk into my house with two new roommates.  

First day of new staff training.  I walk into my classroom to find

NO FURNITURE. NONE OF MY BOXES. 

everything is in the hall or other classrooms. 

i scramble to get the desks/furniture/boxes I need to put my school life back in order again.  

Power keeps going out.

Some boxes are missing. 

Internet doesn't work. School or at home. 

aaaahhhhhh when is this going to end?!

Everyone told me I was crazy going back to teach at JCS for another year.  All of my previous coworkers constantly asking, "are you SURE?!" and "you know what you're doing, right?" 

...Last school year was a [good word choice] challenging year for all of us.  This is basically why only four teachers are returning this year, only me going into her third year (which is the longest any American teacher has been at the school since I've been here).  

And let me say this - getting on those planes to come back here was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  This was the first time I got on a plane and actually didn't want to go to where I was landing.  

I loved working at the preschool this summer.  

I loved seeing old friends.  

I loved making new friends.  

I loved the 'security' of...America. 

God called me back to the Dominican Republic. I'm sure of it. He has reassured me of this since I've been here as well.  My new coworkers are amazing.  I love seeing how God has worked in their lives for them to come here, to serve at JCS, and I cant wait to get to know them better. So many verses in the Bible have been popping up about pursuing calm Luke 12:25-26, full submission to God John 15:18-25, having the right attitude Mark 12:41-44, having complete joy John 15:11, and remaining in love through it all John 14:15. 

I have also received some financial support and donations from people I never dreamed would think/want to help me.  I can't even describe how humbling this has been.  With tears in my eyes right now, I am beyond touched.  

How GREAT is our GOD!

This is a HUGE year for me. I have a higher role at JCS and I'm getting married. WOW. It's a year of closing chapters and opening new ones.  

Now I'm sitting here on this Thursday morning, no school today because of the presidential inauguration, my classroom is finished and decorated, school starts next Thursday, and life is good.  GOD IS GOOD. DIOS ES BUENO.

Here's to another year!

Am I ready for this? 

YES! Prayers appreciated :)

**updates and pictures about school soon to follow!