http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org Oh the things I've seen... Sarah Dager - The World Race 2007 en-us Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:26:57 GMT 30 http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=coming-home http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=coming-home It's time to come back to the States and I am so excited! Tomorrow we fly into Fort Lauderdale, FL and most of us will spend the night at a nearby hotel before flying off into different directions. I will be going to Colorado and Nebraska with Mark and then we'll fly home on May 10th to MA. I can't wait to see everyone!!!!My teammate Katey made this slide-show and I thought you'd like to see it. Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=poop http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=poop Last night during announcements Katey informed us that we'd need to hang on to our communion cups as we'd need to reuse them to take stool samples to check for parasites. You should have seen the look on some of the squad's faces. It was priceless! In reality we were all given tiny cups with lids to collect a stool sample that we then took to the local clinic. It's much cheaper to get tested here and since so many of us have had intestinal problems this year we all went ahead with testing. Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=san http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=san Tomorrow we will take a boat ride back to Panajachal for our final debrief.  I cant believe its almost over!  We are all looking forward to our last week together and then of course flying home.  We fly out of Guatemala City on April 30th and arrive in the evening at Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Most of us will spend the night together on the 30th as our flights home our scheduled for May 1st.  Below I have posted more pictures so you can see what we see. Mark helping wa Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=got-church http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=got-church Lately God has been laying on my heart something that I'd like to share with you. The other day I was in a tiny house surrounded by people that had come to mourn the loss of a son. They stood as one in their grief, in solidarity. As I watched them I began to think of what it means to be a part of a body of believers. I've been so blessed this year to have my home church, Osterville Baptist (OBC) support me while I've been on the field. My old Bible study gang always writes Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=life-in-san-pablo http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=life-in-san-pablo Everyday is different for us here in San Pablo.  Yesterday we visited many families homes that attend Pastor Efriums church.  Each home we visited had a family member that was sick or needed prayer for something else.  In one there was a 15 year old pregnant girl, in another we prayed for a 13 year old boy that had terminal cancer and was getting ready to leave the hospital to come home and die.  Here is his sister next to a photo of him surrounded by flowers and religious Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=conc http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=conc This past month has been a bit of a whirlwind and we didnt really know what our last ministry of the year would look like. On top of that there was a bit of confusion yesterday morning as we were traveling to our next destination.  Turns out Concrete wasnt going to San Pedro, instead we are in San Pablo.  Upon arriving in San Pablo we were welcomed by local Pastor Efrium and his family.  Were living in their house and Betty (the Pastors wife) has been cooking for Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=goodbye-panajachal-hello-san-pedro http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=goodbye-panajachal-hello-san-pedro I thought Id post some pictures of our quick visit in Panajachal.  The flowers here are beautiful!                                           Many Guatemalans wear clothing that represents their particular tribe. There are tons of volocanoes in Guatemala and the ones in Panajachal surround a large lake. Guatemalans love color and have many shops displa Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=panajachal http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=panajachal Friday (April 11th) our squad left Antigua. I had such a good time there and was sad to say goodbye. The people we've met during our stay in Antigua were amazingly friendly and kind. The area was more touristy then we're used to with beautiful scenery (active volcanoes and colorful flowers) and delicious local food. A great place to visit! I'll miss the children at the hospital the most though.C Squad is now in Panajachal, which is a beautiful area surrounded by a large lake. After getting settl Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=childrens-ministry http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=childrens-ministry There is a hospital that cares for all the handicapped/mentally ill children and adults in Antigua.  It's considered unacceptable to have someone with a handicapped in one's home so many are left on the street to fend for themselves.  My friend Jessie spent a summer here a few years ago helping to play with and take care of the children.  Jessie encouraged us to get involved at the hospital this last month which is how we got involved in this particular ministry.&nbs Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=update-on-our-last-month http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=update-on-our-last-month Sorry that it's been awhile since you've heard from me.  Like my teammates have posted, I spent a short time in the hospital with a bacterial infection in my stomach.  I'm back to good health now so no worries!  On the other hand my teammate and friend, Lauren Morris went home last week with typhoid.  We miss her dearly. This is our last week in Antigua.  Soon (this coming Sunday and Monday) our squad will be here and we will be dispersing into our original teams for Tue, 1 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=christ-has-risen http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=christ-has-risen Holy Week (a Catholic holiday) has been an amazing experience. If you don't know what Holy Week is please read the previous blog. We woke up this morning (Good Friday) at 4 am to head into town for the early morning processional. We had no idea what we were in for. We followed the crowd, through the darkness into the large, soft yellow church adorned with beautiful white carvings. From every corner candles cast a glow over the proceedings. A band played somber music as men in dark purple rob Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=holy-week http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=holy-week Hey all!  A couple of my teammates this month have posted some great blogs with pictures on Holy Week, which is this week in Guatemala.  It's a really crazy week to be here.  Read below to see what is going on right now.....    Courtney's blog on Holy Week: This week as most everyone knows is Holy Week and known in Guatemala (and probably the rest of the spanish speaking world) as Semana Santa.  To say it is an event is an understatement!  Tho Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=team-concrete-video http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=team-concrete-video Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-starfish-and-the-beggar http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-starfish-and-the-beggar Ready for a challenge? God wants to use YOU. Do you ever feel like I do? You'll be walking along the street and you'll see someone on the sidewalk bent over, maybe crippled, usually dirty, and begging for money? They are everywhere in the world, people that need help. What do you do when you see them? Do you pass them by? Maybe feel a little guilty especially if you are holding a Starbucks coffee in your hand or wearing that new outfit? Do you think, beggars are everywhere and I can't help them Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=a-guatemalan-a-german-and-a-widow-in-the-park http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=a-guatemalan-a-german-and-a-widow-in-the-park Tuesday, March 11, 2008 I forgot to mention in my last blog that we've switched teams for the month depending on where we felt like God was calling us to go.  There are 5 teams spread out through Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala.  My team this month consists of Sean, Courtney, Allison, Jessie, Katey, Lauren and I. We are the team staying in Antigua for the month. It is beautiful here and God has already started leading us to pour out our hearts to those around us. We went to the hos Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=we-made-it-to-antigua http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=we-made-it-to-antigua Thursday morning we woke up early to catch a van ride that promised to be waiting for us at 3am outside our hotel.  The problem was that the van never showed.  We had reservations for a 5am bus ride to El Salvador and not much time to spare.  After many phone calls we were soon on our way speeding through Managua to the bus depot with only 45 minutes to spare.  We arrived at 5:02am and our bus was gone.  God did not want us on that bus!  So we groggily pulled out ou Sun, 9 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=nicaragua-culture http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=nicaragua-culture In China dog soup is considered a delicacy. I remember Casey coming into the room one day and telling us about this street he went down dedicated to the meat of dogs. I wouldn't let him tell me anymore so you'll have to ask him if you want more details. Here in Nicaragua turtle is the specialty. I've seen turtle heads for sale on the side of the road and huge turtles lying upside down waiting to become someone's meal. I feel bad for the poor things. Do you see the turtle head in the pictur Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=hospital-diary-day-56 http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=hospital-diary-day-56 Previous entries: Day1, Day2, Day3, Day4Day 5-6: Friday-SaturdayThe last two days at the hospital have been so good.  Isabel is doing much better.  The nurses have allowed us to visit her in the ICU and today she was even sitting up (which is a huge step in her recovery).  This past week as I prayed with each woman I've felt Jesus' presence in the room.  It's been such a comfort.  Elizabeth and I have been blessed to meet many believers in this hospital as well.   Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=hospital-diary-day7death-of-a-childi-overheard-courtney-saying-to-someone-that-elizabeth-and-sarah-watched-a-child-die-today-it-feels-like-she-is-talking-about-someone-else-but-i-was-there-i-watched-him-die http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=hospital-diary-day7death-of-a-childi-overheard-courtney-saying-to-someone-that-elizabeth-and-sarah-watched-a-child-die-today-it-feels-like-she-is-talking-about-someone-else-but-i-was-there-i-watched-him-die Previous entries: Day1, Day2, Day3, Day4, Day 5-6I overheard Courtney saying to someone that Elizabeth and Sarah watched a child die today. It feels like she is talking about someone else but I was there, I watched him die.A beautiful child with soft brown skin, he was ten years old although he looked no older then five or six. Many tubes were coming out of his small body, which had wasted away. I held his weeping mom in my arms while his breathing and heart rate slowed then stopped. I know t Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=hospital-diaryday-2 http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=hospital-diaryday-2 Previous entries-Day 1Day 2-TuesdayElizabeth and I went back to the hospital this morning to visit with the patients we'd seen the day before. The woman smiled as soon as she saw us enter the doorway. We sat down with her and learned that she had finally been able to go to the bathroom. God answered our prayers! You could tell that she was very relieved not to have another surgery. She will be in the hospital for 15 more days recovering. Elizabeth read to her from a Spanish Bible we found Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=hospital-diaryday-3 http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=hospital-diaryday-3 Previous entries: Day1, Day2Day 3-WednesdayIt's hard to ignore all the stray mongrel dogs walking around as you make your way to the person you are visiting.  Elizabeth and I entered our sick friends room today to find that both women we'd been ministering to looked a little bit more chipper today.  Elizabeth sat down and started talking to the women who had the tumors removed (I will call her Isabel).  I noticed that the women I had spent time holding hands with yesterday (when s Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=hospital-diaryday-4 http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=hospital-diaryday-4 Previous entries: Day1, Day2, Day3Day 4-ThursdaySo much has happened since our visit yesterday. Elizabeth and I walked into Elaine and Isabel's room yesterday and encountered a very different scene. Elaine was gone, the bed was stripped, and my heart nearly stopped when I realized what that could mean. Later I found out that she was discharged from the hospital even though she was very sick. Towards mid-day Elaine's son came in the room looking for her flip-flops that had been discarded unde Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=hospital-diaryday-1 http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=hospital-diaryday-1 Hospital Ministry Day 1-Monday   I went to the local hospital today with Allison, Courtney, Jessie, Ezekiel, and Elizabeth.  We squeezed into a cab, the taxi driver laughing at us as he isn't used to seeing so many people jam inside a car.  The hospital used to be a jail and so is set in blocks of small rooms, each leading to the outside.  We split off into small groups, Elizabeth and I went off together to look for patients to pray over.  We wandered just a little wa Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=life-in-nicaragua http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=life-in-nicaragua Surprise we have internet (sometimes)! This month started out very hard. We had a 22 hour bumpy bus ride to get to Puerto Cabezas in Nicaragua. From the moment we arrived I felt such a hopelessness fall on me. There is heaviness about this place that is hard to explain. As in most third world countries, this place is filled with the very poor. Ninety percent of the community is involved in prostitution in one way or another. Witchcraft is present here as well. Our squad has been through a lot Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=i-love-america http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=i-love-america Hi friends! We're in LA. What a blessing it is to be in America! We are having the best time. In a surprise twist, just a few days before we left the Philippines we found out that our layover was not 24 hours in LA but 48 hours. WOOHOO! Friends of AIM, Bonnie and Ken Brown have welcomed us in to their lovely home and we are so thankful to them. They have also recruited their friends to drive us around and house us. Morgan and Chad from January 07 WR also have taken us under their wing. Sat, 2 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=prison1 http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=prison1 I love the world race but one thing that is really hard is saying goodbye every month. This morning we had to tell our friends in prison goodbye. I spent 4 hours with them singing, dancing, reading the Bible, teaching them uno, crying, comforting, and exchanging addresses. I never thought I could love those women as much as I do. They are so precious to me. It grieves my heart to say goodbye. I don't want to leave them. Roxanne and Melanie have been memorizing scripture. Every time I vi Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=volcano-and-dragon-video http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=volcano-and-dragon-video Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=flight-info http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=flight-info Here are our details for leaving the Philippines and going to Nicaragua: February 1st we leave here at 3:00 am.  We have a 2 hour layover in Tokyo and arrive in LAX on the 2nd at 8:00 am.  24 hour layover in LA.  All 25 of us will stay in a friend of AIM's home.  It will be so nice to be back in the USA even if it's just for 24 hours! We will arrive in Nicaragua on February 3rd. Most of us will be together as a squad doing hurricane relief work for the next month.&nbsp Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=god-answers-prayer http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=god-answers-prayer This has been an amazing day! Every once in a while I log into my world race account to check on my support status. Today when I logged in it said that I'M 100% FULLY SUPPORTED! I'm pretty sure I sat there in shock for at least 5 minutes before I started jumping around and yelling I'm completely supported!!!! Thank you Jesus! Thank you to all the people who have supported me! I am so blessed.And it gets better; about a half hour later our squad got the news that an anonymous donor has agre Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=do-you-want-to-be-a-world-racer http://sarahdager.theworldrace.org/?filename=do-you-want-to-be-a-world-racer Ever thought about applying for the World Race? It will change your life! Check out this new video... Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT