Home Safe & Sound

Hey guys,

I'm home! I had to change my flight to get out of there before the hurricane, but I'm back safely. I already want to go back, but I'm glad to see my family and friends :)

These last two weeks I worked in the health education department. After the patients see the doctors at the clinics, they come to "health ed" while the pharmacy is preparing their prescriptions. There we give talks about health issues and present the Gospel. My friend Lindsey and I prepared and delivered talks on nutrition, clean water, exercise, avoiding high blood pressure, etc. To clear up what my mom said in an earlier email, the goal in health ed is to find ways to live healthy lifestyles within the resources in the community. This public health and spiritual ministry is what I consider the most important part of the clinic. This was definitely my favorite two weeks because I got to know a lot of the Dominican workers and volunteers better. I worked with some amazing people in health ed, who presented solid preaching and Bible teaching to the patients. It really inspired me to be more confident and bold in my faith. I also enjoyed hanging out with them in the evenings. Also, the other Americano participants on the trip were all students, except for two doctors and a nurse. They were a fun group, and we had a lot of laughs. This whole summer was life-changing and full of miracles for me. I realized not only that there are people with great physical and spiritual needs in the world, but also (and more significantly) that I can do something to help.

It was really emotionally difficult for me to come home, but I know that I need to finish my studies so I can have the skills to be more useful in medical missions in the future. I left a large part of my heart in the Dominican Republic, and I have a family there that, God willing, will remain close. I would love to share more of my experiences and pictures with anyone who is interested, and I want to hear about your summers! (So if you email me now, I'll get back to you :) )

When I was talking to my Mom today about all the things that hit me about this summer, one of my favorite quotes came to mind: "The rich are not those who have the most, but who need the least." I encourage each one of you to experience the freedom and wealth of contentment. I understand joy and love differently now, both having to do with thinking of others before yourself. God wants us to depend on Him and each other, so don't be afraid to have deep, meaningful relationships that allow you to ask for help and give some in return. Take risks for what you believe in so you have no regrets. I pray that each of you continues to have experiences that stretch your faith and world view, that help us grow closer to each other as we grow closer to Christ.

Dios les bendiga mucho.

With love,
Robyn

August 3 - A Brief Break From Medical Mission Helps Build New Relationships

Hi friends!

This week has been completely different. There's no MMI medical team here this week so I've been in Bavaro with my sister. Our task this week was to get things set up with people here for when our church comes back this winter. We've also had lots of time to relax at the beach :)

God has done some pretty amazing things this week. First on Sunday our taxi driver didn't know where the church that we've been to before was located. So he brought us to another church that ended up being amazing!! They had a great worship band that did songs we knew and the preaching was very lively. They also have a dance ministry at this church! A girl danced for two of the songs and that was a huge blessing for me. Shannon and I were so energetic after the service that we walked on the beach for almost 2 hours afterwards to calm down before going to bed.

Beat that Pastor Dave - just kidding!

We went back to this church last night and they have some great ideas for our church group when they come down. They work with Haitian schools nearby and would love our help. We also went out with our friend Wilson one day to talk about other projects that people from our home church are working on- such as collecting school uniforms and school supplies. Things are really shaping up and I'm excited for the group that will be going down this winter. We also got to visit with our friend Elisabeth who lives nearby. On Saturday my sister goes home (sad sad I love hanging out with her) and I go to Yamasa to start another MMI project. I feel very well rested and spoiled this week- this has been a good reminder that God does want us to spend time being still and appreciating His beauty. I miss you all and appreciate your prayers. I am amazed daily by how great God is and what He is teaching me. I know this is where I'm supposed to be.

Love and blessings.

Robyn

PS There are some pictures on my church website if you're interested - www.secondbaptistsuffield.org

July 29 - A Harder Week Emotionally But Good Ministry

Hello friends!

I want to thank you for your continued prayers- I really feel that God is watching out for me here!

Last week was a little emotionally rougher at the clinic. Many of the patients shared more than just their health problems with me, and it was very humbling that I could not do anything for a woman that wanted, for example, a pair of shoes or a new watch. But it was good for me to get a fuller appreciation for what a lot of people have to live with, so I praise God for that. I was translating again for a pediatrician at the clinic, which was also harder for me because I get flustered sometimes when there are screaming kids. In all though, it was another good week, and I always have more good experiences than bad.

After clinic, I enjoyed haning out in the local town. I made friends with a local family that lives near the camp, and they showed me a lot of neat spots in their town- a cool waterfall, a garden, the local basketball court.

And last week I also got to know a woman, Fiore, who works for MMI. We had a lot or really good conversations last week - I miss her! I'm going to try to help her find sponsors so she can keep up with her school and missions work, so I may be asking some of you to pray about helping me with that when I get back.

On Friday I went up to visit Billy, Megan, and the other Messiah kids in the D.R. this summer. It was fun to see them. We went white water rafting, which was awesome. Right now I'm here at a hotel with my sister, and I am excited for what God has in store for us this week. Tonight we are going to a local church where we've been with our youth group, and this week was have some supplies to deliver and people to visit. My sister also told me I"m supposed to relax. That's the hard thing for me lol (means laugh out loud).

A cool story of how I got here- I had no idea how I was going to get from Santo Domingo to Bavaro, but when I got off the bus from Jarabacoa I met some missionaries who were going to the same place as me, so I went with them. God is so faithful, be encouraged by that.

I love you and miss you all!

See you soon!
-Robyn

July 20: Robin Ministers Through Multiple Language Barriers and Finds Restpit

Robyn called home tonight to report in. She has been in Sabana Grande this week and will be there again next week. It is cooler there and rains more often. She is back doing clinic work. Because many of the people that are coming to the clinic this week speak Creole there is often a 3 way translation process. The patient speaks creole to someone who speaks Creole and Spanish and that person speaks Spanish to Robyn and she translates to English for the doctor. Some of the doctors are feeling out of their comfort zone with the language barrier and working outside their specialities (pediatricians treating adults), but they are helping people feel better and more hopeful. Sometimes knowing that someone cares is just as important as the treatment that they are getting.

They are closer to a town this week so they can easily walk into town. She says that this is her favorite location, yet. Yesterday when they were at the internet cafe/store and were waiting because the computers were slow, they met the woman who runs the store. She showed them where there was a nice waterfall and swimming area. They actually had chocolate cake last night at a baby shower. One of the driver's wife is having a baby soon. She is very happy - loving what she is doing, especially working with the patients and seeing how appreciative they are of the care they are receiving. She truly feels blessed by the opportunity. Tomorrow is a day off and they are going to the beach.

We (her family) are off on vacation next week, so there won't be any updates from us for a week.

Cindy Smith

July 15: Cindy Smith's Prayer Upon Her Return

O God, help us to appreciate the abundance that we have and feel compassion for those that have very little. Help us to appreciate all of those who call themselves believers and to value this diversity in our family of believers. Help us to know how we can serve you and make this world a better place. Let others know that we are Christians by our actions, our smiles and our kind words. Help us to be better disciples. Amen.

Finding the Hope Christ Among the Most Poor

Hello All.

Today we went to the poorest area we have seen yet. The area we are going to this week has a very high Haitian population. but the countryside is really beautiful, with lots of farms on hillsides. Today i translated again for a general doctor, and we saw a lot of kids.

The people here are top notch as usual. It is fun to see a lot of the same Dominican staff consistently, and they are good at helping me practice my Spanish. This week we also have a woman named Maria who is cooking for us, and she makes great vegetable dishes (and pancakes!) Thanks so much for all your prayers. I have such a sense that God is so good each day as we good to work in the clinics. It is such a privilege for me to be here, and today I got to pray with some patients, which was a great experience. Some people come to us because, and what they need most is someone to talk to.

Now I think I'm at my halfway point for the summer, and I could not ask for a better experience. Praise Jesus, and I look forward to the great things God has in store for tomorrow!

Love, Robyn

Robyn In Surgery! And she finally gets to a computer!

hola amigos!

(A friend of Robyn has DR photos for 7 days - just click here to view them.)

i am finally at a computer! this is the first time i've been on a computer in a month, and i can't figure out how to capitalize letters with this spanish keyboard, so i apologize.

mom and i are in an internet cafe here in santo domingo. we just had some pizza hut and ice cream, so we are currently feeling satisfied by our western indulgences. this week has been fun, mom is pretty well healed from her accident, but in case you don't recognize her at the airport, she's the one with a small mustache looking bruise above her lip. that's a little exaggeration. tonight we are going to an authentic dominican restaurant and we're going shopping in the market. tomorrrow we'll do something fun in santo domingo tbd. [to be determined]

anyway, i am having the time of my life! my first two weeks i worked with a travelling medical clinic. we went to a different pueblo everyday and set up a spot for doctors visists, a pharmacy, and health education. we usually saw between 50 and 100 patients a day. i helped a lot with the dentists, and i also translated a few days for an ear nose throat doctor, but it looks like my dad already told you that! lol

This week i worked in the hospital with the surgical team. there was an gynecologist here from york, pa (which is an amazing connection b/c she invited me to shadow her when i go back to school). i helped with translating for her, so i got to see the whole picture of how things worked in a hospital, talking to the patients during consults, then doing pre op, anesthesia (i think i said you're going to sleep now! about 50 times lol), the operation, and then post op. she let me scrub in on a few surgeries, too, which was amazing... it was pretty sweet... im practically an expert lol

in all, the people here have been great. this is such an amazing experience. the dominican people are so welcoming and appreciative of all the medical help they've been getting. this is really affirming that i want to do something like this when i grow up. it is really cool to serve others intentionally in the name of christ, and the the americans and dominicans that we're working with are great people to have fun with, but they also encourage me spiritually and vocationally. god is so good, and his love is very real to me this summer. it's cool how he has us all take care of each other.

Anyway, i miss you all a ton and i can't wait to hear about your summers when i get back. hopefully my dad can hook you up with more updates or pictures eventually, so if you get really bored you can look at those :)

oh mom says hello.

Serving in Christ's Name,
Robyñ

The Bumps and Bruises of Mission Work

Hello folks,

I spoke to Cindy and Robyn and they said that they are doing OK, except for one mishap. Cindy was heading into the town this afternoon to use the phone and got knock off her feet by someone on a moped. She's got a few bruises and a busted lip, but nothing serious. Good thing there are many doctors around. Also, there is reported to be a day long strike in the DR tomorrow and they said for us not to worry. They will be staying in camp until it gets resolved. Here's another photo of Robyn and her team.

Steve and Shannon

Cindy Smith Reaches Out to Churches in Medical Ministry

We are safe and happy. I am working at different "clinics" everyday,
in the pharmacy doling out meds with other women. The conditions are stark and far
from sanitary, but the work seems to be appreciated. The past two days we
have been working in churches with no electricity and no plumbing. We hand out
parasite meds to everyone and everything from antibiotics to pains
relievers - whatever we have. Each patient in weighed and a BP is taken, is then seen
by a doctor and the goes to health education to learn how to better care for
themselves and to learn how to take their meds. They are also told about
the Lord.

Robyn is working on the OR team as an interpreter for an OB/GYN from York,
PA about 1/2 hour from Messiah. Today she is scheduled to observe a
hysterectomy. Yesterday her team did some consults and set up the operating
room. They are working out of a hospital that usually just does minor procedures.
They use agenerator for electricity. There are 2 other American college
students who will stay on with Robyn for the next trip.

We are staying at a "camp" that overlooks the ocean, which is about 3 miles
away. 24 women sleep in one room on 12 bunk beds with ceiling fans, 2
working toilets and 4 showers, 2 of which have more than a dribble. There is a
great breeze on the 2nd floor balcony.

I love you and miss you very much. We may get to town tomorrow. if so I'll
call or e-mail again tomorrow.

Love,

Cindy

June 30 - Robyn Writes Home - Working in Clinics

Dear Friends,

We have one photo of Robyn from a Facebook page. Her Mom, Cindy Smith, arrived safely. Here is a report relayed by mail:

Since Robyn does not have access to the internet and phone calls are
expensive, I am forwarding along some more information we received from her
by snail mail. The place she is staying at for the first 2 weeks is in
Moca, Dominican Republic. It is a retreat center called Monte de Oracion
(Mountain of Prayer). She says it is a lot like Camp Wighman, except they
get fresh tropical fruit every morning for Breakfast. There are 3 teams on
this first mission, totaling about 100 people. One group is a general
medical team that goes out everyday and sets up clinics in different
neighborhoods. Robyn worked as a translator of the general team for a
dentist most of the time. They bring a generator to have power to able to
drill and fill cavities and pull teeth. The second team sets up
mini-clinics each day at an orphanage or a nursing home. The third team is
a surgical team. They set up a temporay OR room at a local hospital. Robyn
reports that the Lord is good and she feels blessed to be in the DR serving
others. She says she is having the time of her life and appreciates
everyones prayers. Cindy Smith left this morning at 7 AM to redeavous with
Robyn. More later on her adventures as well.

Cindy Smith (Mom)

June 25 - Robyn Works With Dentist and ENT Specialist

Hello,

We heard from Robyn today. She is doing well in the DR and learning a lot about pulling teeth. Yes, she is working with a dentist and also an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. An old woman had a polyp removed from her nose and Robyn got to watch. Isn't that exciting. Weather is hot and no rain in sight.

Mr. Smith (her father) :>>)

Robyn Smith Heads to Dominican Republic Medical Mission

I pray that this letter finds you healthy and happy! I am writing to share with you my plans for this summer because I hope that I can count on you as a prayer supporter. I appreciate our friendship and your support in my past endeavors, and I thank you for your continued encouragement. From June 16 to August 18 I will be serving in the Dominican Republic with Medical Ministry International. MMI sends teams of North American medical professionals to help in local medical clinics. Each team stays for two weeks, and I will be working as a translator with four teams in different locations: Moca/Tamboril, Barahona, Sabana Grande de Boya, and Yamasa. My mom will be helping with the team in Barahona, so I praise God that she is able to go on her first missions trip.

As you probably remember, I traveled to the Dominican Republic with my youth group two years ago, and during my “week off” this summer, my sister, Shannon, and I will spend time in the area we have been with our church. We hope to strengthen relationships we have with the people there and help plan a project for our church’s youth team that will travel there next January.

God powerfully reminded me of his faithfulness while making plans for this summer. I thank God for the generosity of my home church’s missions committee and grants from Messiah College that cover the trip’s expenses. I am also grateful for the support of friends and family that affirm my call for this summer. This is also a perfect opportunity for me to see ways that my two fields of study at school, biology and Christian ministries, can work together to help others. At this point I ask for your prayers- for safety, for loving interactions between Americans and local people, and specifically for my language skills. I pray for God’s guidance in meeting many physical and spiritual needs in the Dominican Republic this summer. Lastly, I pray that my teammates and I remember why we are serving: we love Jesus, and when we take risks, He provides abundantly for every need.

Many blessings,

Robyn Smith