Luis & I had the opportunity to translate for a couple of short-term mission teams that came down this summer. Luis worked with a group from Anaheim, CA, while Mia & I were in the states in July. The week after I got back, we had a group in from Utica, NY. They started their time here with a 3-day camp for youth in the barrio. This was the first ever youth camp, and it was a blast. Exhausting, of course, yet fun!
I’d like to interject here that Luis is an AMAZING translator. I’ve worked with many translators in my years here in the DR, and he is definitely at the top of the list. I’m not saying this because he is my husband…it is simply the truth. It takes something special to be a translator because it’s not just translating word for word what the speaker is saying. It is understanding the nuances of what the speaker is saying, feeling what the speaker is saying and being able to communicate all of that to your listeners. In essence, the translator becomes the speaker. And I’m gonna tell you…my hubby is awesome at this!!
The camp included activities such as basketball, soccer, and dance. The youth also participated in photography, computer, and cooking workshops. The church will be offering some “life skills” classes in these areas, and the camp gave the youth a chance to “taste” the different areas and see which ones they may be interested in learning more about. Each evening ended with a message from Josh (the youth pastor in NY) and a challenge to the youth to make a personal commitment to live for Christ.
If you ever have the opportunity to be part of a short-term mission team, DO IT! Not only do you have a chance to be a blessing to others and join God in what He is doing around the world, but I can guarantee you that YOU will be changed in the process!
For more information on being part of a short-term mission team visiting TEARS here in the Dominican Republic, contact Bau Valerio at bautista@tears.org .
Translating for Bau
Taking a break and enjoying a limoncillo
Reviewing the camp schedule with the NY Team
Praying together at the end of the first day
Game time out on the basketball court
Playing with some of the little kids during break time
Jennifer Rodriguez
TEARS Ministries
La Vega, Dominican Republic
809-449-3079
This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 2:19 pm and is filed under Missionary's View, Rodriguez Family Blog (Smiles For Jesus), General, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:12 am
Our self-esteem just hit rock bottom!! ):
He’s actually excellent! that i can say..
as far as the mission trip from the utica team, it was one of the greatest exeperience for most of the people who had their chance to be there. therefore i urge anybody to try and see how it can change your lives.
Fabs
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:22 pm
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Yeah true! we all have our valleys and hills! Better or worse
I think that is his forte
October 27th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Look out for up-&-coming translator with mad skills… Best translator of Canadian to Spanish…reasonably priced.
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:20 pm
OK DARIN!!! YOU CAN DO IT BOY!!!
November 5th, 2009 at 9:22 am
I miss limoncillo. and you, Jennifer!!
November 8th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Luis does have an awesome gift and ability to translate. I totally agree : ) It was such a privilege to travel to the Dominican Republic and partner with the TEARS team in serving the youth. The TEARS team is awesome and I am so grateful for their dedicated service and passion for reaching the barrio with the Gospel. You all rock and your hearts greatly impacted me. Thank you!