September 2022
“It feels like Doulos again”
(2 Minute Read)
If you were to come on campus today and ask just about anyone, “How’s it going with the start of school?” most likely their eyes would widen and a deeply grateful smile would appear on their face as they would reply, “It feels like Doulos again.”
Like in many places across the world, the last two years have been an epic battle. Down here at Doulos, for both our staff and our students, it’s been a battle against isolation, uncertainty, and physical and spiritual exhaustion. After a full year of distance learning online, we arrived on campus last year and we could see the profound toll it had taken on our students. We dove in, guided by the Holy Spirit and data gathered by our accodemic and social/emotional assessments. Week after week, month after month, we prayed, adapted, loved, adapted some more, and did everything we could. God moved powerfully, and by the end of last school year the masks were literally and figuratively coming off as we were all starting to feel human again.
This summer, as the staff finished up our training, everyone felt excited and ready for the new year. As the first day of school arrived with energetic music and big hugs, we all let out a deep sigh of relief and gratitude. With smiles on our faces (some with tears in their eyes), we soaked in the beautiful gift that God had given us. We made it. God did it! Doulos feels like Doulos again, and what a profound privilege it is to be part of what God is doing here.
September's Highlights
National Award for Academic Achievement
Isabel Matias was awarded the @CollegeBoard’s National Recognition Programs Award for her hard work in class and her high score on the SAT. We are so proud of Isabel for not only her academic success, but also her strong desire to use her gifts to serve others. What a great example of what Doulos is all about!
Raise the Roof!
The campus has been noisier than normal as a crew of workers are building a 25-foot tall roof over our basketball court. Having a LARGE covered area will provide a much-needed rain plan for “Morning Flag,” recess, sports, and other events. We will also be able to invite athletic teams from Santigo and Santo Domingo up the mountain to play here.
20th Anniversary Reunion!
Imagine what it would feel like to be back in Jarabacoa with your favorite Doulos people! June 5th-10th we are getting EVERYONE together to reconnect and celebrate all that God's done through Doulos. Please help us spread the word. More Info Here
The Board Was In Town
Once a year, our board of directors comes to Jarabacoa to meet in person. This is an opportunity for them to connect with the staff, pray, practice their bachata dance, and discern where God is guiding Doulos.
One Minute Introduction
Hi, I’m Andy and I have the privilege of being the Communications Director at Doulos. Since I’m the person putting these eNewsletters together, I thought it would be a good idea to take one minute to introduce myself.
My family and I have been serving here for a little over three years. This summer I transitioned into the role of full-time Communications Director. I love getting to be on campus here at Doulos. Every day I walk around and I see our God alive and at work. I see him moving in the lives and hearts of our staff, the students, and their families. My hope is that through my work, you can feel the same connection and inspiration that I feel every day.
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 they are ready to serve Him and lead others.
Recruitment - In October a team of staff members will be doing a little tour of universities to recruit staff for next year. Please pray for connections, safe travel, and that God clearly calls whoever He’d like down here next year. If you’d like to pray over each open position, here’s a list.
Outdoor Ed Month - Next Month is Outdoor Education Month so we will be sending students on overnight backpacking trips to connect with God and learn about his creation. Weather, logistics, bee stings, all of it needs prayer.
Parents academy - Each month we host Parent’s Academy to equip our Doulos parents for their important role at home. For the next couple of months, we will be talking about “How to Parent in a Changing World” Please pray for God to equip our parents with the tools and love they’ll need to navigate the world today.