October 2022
“The Blessing of Going Back”
By Meredith Hernandez
(2 Minute Read)
In April of 2009, I made a decision that made a lasting impact on my life. That was when I committed to joining the staff at Doulos Discovery School in Jarabacoa. What I thought was going to be a season of 2 years turned into 9 years. Those 9 years were full of sweet relationships that pushed me to Christ, rainy motorcycle rides to school, crazy afternoons of Revolutions, amazing coffee, huevos El Keith from the café, reading with students under the mango tree, trips to Spirit Mountain, preparations for Expedition Night, and honestly, the list could just keep going.
Me with my 2nd grade class back in 2012
My family and I travel back to Jarabacoa most summers, but this year I had the privilege of taking a trip in September. Finally, I was going to be able to see Doulos in action since we moved in 2018. What a sweet reunion it was. Abrazos and besos (hugs and kisses) from dear friends who are still serving on staff warmed my soul. Sweet sounds from past students squealing, “Ms. Meredy!” brought a smile to my face. Seeing a past student, who is now on staff at Doulos, help lead and translate staff devotions brought tears to my eyes.
The best part of my day was when I went to visit the Senior class who were in my 2nd-grade class 10 years ago. As I walked up the stairs near the library and into their Spanish class on the second floor, I realized that I was walking into the very room where I taught them in second grade. I stood next to the door and observed as so many memories flooded my mind. What a reward it was to connect with several of them and see what God is doing in and through them. It truly was life-giving.
Me with the same students (now seniors), in our old 2nd-grade classroom, 10 years later, in 2022
Maybe some of you who have served at or graduated from Doulos wonder what it would be like to go back. Maybe you've been waiting for the right time, but it just hasn't come yet. This June is the 20th anniversary of Doulos, and EVERYONE is invited back for a big reunion celebration. I know flights are expensive, and life is full, but I'd love to invite you to come back. Come back to the place that shaped you and where God used you to shape others. Come back and stand in the exact place with the exact people and let God bless you as He blessed me this fall.
Click Here for Reunion Details and RSVP
October's Highlights
The Highest of Highlights
Over the past month, a handful of middle school AND a handful of elementary students declared Jesus as their Lord and Savior! What a beautiful step of faith! We're excited to continue to walk with them on their discipleship journey.
It's So BIG!!
This month all of us marveled at the workers as they assembled the roof over the basketball/volleyball court. Having a LARGE covered area will provide a much-needed rain plan for “Morning Flag,” recess, sports, and other events.
Top Ten In The Nation
Noah Langenfeld (one of our missionary kids) made it in the top ten in the NATION for mathematics. Even more than this award, we are proud of how Noah regularly uses this gift to help and encourage his classmates in their math.
A Flood of Memories
As we've been getting the word out about the reunion this spring, we've had a wonderful time looking at old photos and sharing old stories.
Click Here to Enjoy Some Old Photos
¡Que Maravilloso!
For the first time (that we know of) in Doulos Sponsorship history, a Dominican tuition-paying family decided to step forward and sponsor a student. Our vision and prayer is for more and more Dominican families and Doulos alums to participate in this way.
The Gift of Health
A medical missions team of dentists and doctors from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Minnesota was here for a week. They provided much-needed medical and dental care for our students, their families, and the broader community.
PLUS: One of the team members encountered the Lord and asked to be baptized right here on campus!!
One Minute Introduction
Many of you may already know her, but we are excited to introduce you to Isabela Zamorano. Isabela started Doulos in Pre-K3 and graduated in 2018.
A couple of years ago, God gave Isabela a clear calling to go to Japan as a missionary to advance His kingdom there. Since then Isabela has been working on her Japanese (her 4th language), preparing for her transition, and serving at Doulos as an Elementary Assistant.
She hopes to launch into the mission field of Japan next year, si Dios quiere (if God wants), but today we are so grateful for the intentional ways she loves the students here on campus.
Isabela is profoundly gifted, and she has chosen to use those gifts as a servant (a Doulos) of Christ. Solo Dios Sabe (only God knows) where Isabela's path will lead her, but we are so grateful that we get to share this part of it with her.
Join us in praying for...
God's Work Here - We are always asking God to develop the skills and character of our students and staff so that, like Isabela, they will be ready to answer his call.
Families Walking Through Grief - This past month two fathers (from two different families) passed away suddenly. This loss has impacted students and staff from Kindergarten all the way through high school.
Recruitment - That God would clearly call the North American teachers and staff that he would like to come and serve here next year. If you’d like to pray over each open position, here’s a list.
Filled With His Joy When Our Tanks Get Low - November is a demanding month physically, emotionally, and spiritually in the life of a school. Please pray that our teachers and students would be filled with God's joy as they persevere together.
Relational Emphasis Week - Conflict is unfortunately part of life on earth today. During Relational Emphasis Week we will have special activities, chapels, and family education events to help all of us learn how to navigate conflict in a healthy way. Please be praying for the Spirit open people's eyes, equip them with new tools, and break unhealthy behavior patterns.