November 25, 2009
I am almost speechless at how radically different it is in this country versus the states. Prior to moving here we did our research, we crunched the numbers, we talked to various people, but even then we were not even on the tip of the iceberg of knowing how the DR truly operates. It’s amazing to me how over 2 million people visit here a year, convinced it is heaven on earth… it is gorgeous but tourists only see the shell of this country. They are clueless about the corruption, the deception, the fabrication, and the crookedness that encompasses every dimension of this island. There is virtually no way possible for a foreigner (unless they have all the time in the world, or are mega-millionaires) to come here and establish a business in a legal manner. It would undoubtedly require bribes and under the table cash flow; both of which we were not prepared for.
Through meeting with an Editor in Chief of a newspaper yesterday we both were granted clarity on our personal reality of living here and operating a foreign-run tourism business. This man is a Dominican who was willing to take of the mask and unveil to us the ugly “truths” that run this island. He confirmed what we had heard about the few mega wealthy families that have an iron grip on the DR. They are the ones who control every aspect of this country, from hotels to excursion to shops and restaurant; all must be Okayed through them. Once they give the okay they are then given a huge percent of the profits. And so he said if we began operating without their consent, they would quickly make sure that they would receive 50-60 percent of our money, or else make sure we were drove out of the country. For example, our 60-dollar flight we would have to give them 30-35 dollars, then 5 dollars for gas, 10 dollars for rent, and another 5 for the tour rep, leaving us 5-10 dollars. We aren’t trying to get rich, but we would have to bust our butts flying to try and even make rent. It just isn’t conceivable. We didn’t come here to get rich, but we do have bills and college loans to take care. Not to mention we dreamed of helping out our families as well.
He also mentioned that unless we have an “in” with tourism and the aeronautical offices, we would not receive the permits. Of course they will not blatantly tell us that, but they keep us quiet by saying, “One week, One week, or keep waiting, it takes a long time here”. But, in reality we will be waiting forever because they do not want us to work here. It’s all about power and money. For whatever reason they feel threatened when foreigners try to start businesses here… they are worried about us taking their money and becoming powerful. So by whatever means necessary, they drive you out. One would think they would be grateful for people moving here and trying to generate businesses and help their third world country, but that is far from the case.
This man did tell us that if we would get ourselves out into the community more, that we would be able to make those connections with the power people who can get things done. He told us about two big parties that were happening this weekend; he insisted that we attend. We “have to be seen and introduced to the people here… create a status for ourselves.” These parties are at a club/discoteca and a bar. You see we have no issue getting out into the community and meeting people, but we refuse to open that door. If starting a business here requires us partying every weekend just to get an in, then we refuse to do it. We are not going to redirect our moral compass and exchange our values just for a means of operating a business. So, it was at that moment we realized we are putting on the breaks and calling it quits. The instant you alter your values is the same instant your vision becomes skewed… we will not let that happen.
So for that reason, and for some other safety reasons regarding drugs and trafficking, we with complete confidence have decided that the DR is no longer the place in which we should reside.
As of now, we are trying to sell the few things we have here. We don’t know what the future looks like regarding employment or what not… but we have an undeniable peace that we are doing the next right thing.
Thank y’all for being apart of this journey with us. For your prayers and encouraging words.
We love you and will see you soon!
D&T
November 25, 2009
November 24, 2009
November 22, 2009
The Crossraods
November 22, 2009
The crossroads.
Now that is something we haven’t come up upon since our whole vision of the DR was derived. To be a bit more specific we have never developed an exit strategy for this adventure. In the very beginning (April) I had mentioned a “plan B” to Trav but he said it wasn’t necessary. You see on paper everything works. We did every possible research that would be necessary to not only live here and make it, but also create a successful business. The DR is in the top 5 visited Caribbean destinations, specifically Punta Cana sees about 2 million people a year. The demand for this tourism attraction is HUGE! However, we were not aware at the hurdles and obstacles we would get tossed into in order to get our business in operating condition.
We are utterly powerless. We (with the Lords sovereignty) put all the pieces of the puzzle together regarding what is necessary to be entirely legal here; we have attempted achieving each specific task. Unfortunately, now our livelihood relies on the whim of a random Dominican worker. It’s not a question of whether or not these people will write us the permit; it’s a matter of when. As mentioned numerous times, everything runs very slow here. People don’t follow through and they don’t do things when they say they will. It’s as if people don’t care if they excel in their work and produce a fine job! They would rather be slow and if they get motivated, well then they will do what they are supposed to.
We budgeted for how long we thought it would take to get these documents; except we didn’t budget for all this nonsense and wasted time. Our attorney just informed us that it could take months before the boat registration inspector comes (when we were told they would be here a week ago). Unfortunately, we cannot fly until our boat is registered. Thus, we are stuck. So, I guess the main reason we are now thinking about what happens at our crossroads is because we don’t have all the time in the world. Rightfully so… we cannot just live here for another six months and wait. Not to mention I think we would go insane spending that much more time not working and being poor here, trying to motivate the people to write the permits.
So we’ve laid out three different options, in which one will presumably be chosen by December 21st. We will A) Wait on the Lord if he tells us to wait B) Count our losses, pack up and go… either working in NY or TX C) Leave in December, spend the holidays with family, work a few turn-arounds in the Oil Refinerys while the permits continue being processed, and come back when we have accumulated more money.
With all that being said, that is why I’m “trying to muster up more faith”. This is such an emotional roller coaster and right now we are clouded with confusion. Sometimes it’s hard to discern whether this is Satan trying to lure us away from something that could be successful and create huge ministry opportunities, or if it’s the Lord pulling us out of this plan because it’s no longer His perfect plan for us. It’s hard not knowing which idea to entertain. However, I believe that as we continue seeking Him, He will reveal to us the way in which we should go. The Bible says our God is not a God of confusion, so I believe He will provide us clarity in this situation.
Check out these Scripture I came across yesterday:
Isaiah 30:21 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Jeremiah 6:16 “This is what the Lord says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls”
Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”
You see, despite all the confusion and chaos, I believe that the Lord will not abandon us. I am confident that He will reveal to us what we are supposed to do, and then supply us with the courage to do so. I believe in the God who can make “a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland”, but I also believe that if He leads us away from here that it is for His higher purpose. I will be glad for the time we had to chase this dream, embrace the lessons we’ve learned, and march towards whatever He calls us to.
Please pray for us. Pray for wisdom, strength, and discernment. We truly don’t want to do anything out of selfish ambition; we just want to do what we are called to do.
And if you have any bouts of wisdom for us, we would greatly appreciate it! ☺
Love you & miss you!
D&T
The crossroads.
Now that is something we haven’t come up upon since our whole vision of the DR was derived. To be a bit more specific we have never developed an exit strategy for this adventure. In the very beginning (April) I had mentioned a “plan B” to Trav but he said it wasn’t necessary. You see on paper everything works. We did every possible research that would be necessary to not only live here and make it, but also create a successful business. The DR is in the top 5 visited Caribbean destinations, specifically Punta Cana sees about 2 million people a year. The demand for this tourism attraction is HUGE! However, we were not aware at the hurdles and obstacles we would get tossed into in order to get our business in operating condition.
We are utterly powerless. We (with the Lords sovereignty) put all the pieces of the puzzle together regarding what is necessary to be entirely legal here; we have attempted achieving each specific task. Unfortunately, now our livelihood relies on the whim of a random Dominican worker. It’s not a question of whether or not these people will write us the permit; it’s a matter of when. As mentioned numerous times, everything runs very slow here. People don’t follow through and they don’t do things when they say they will. It’s as if people don’t care if they excel in their work and produce a fine job! They would rather be slow and if they get motivated, well then they will do what they are supposed to.
We budgeted for how long we thought it would take to get these documents; except we didn’t budget for all this nonsense and wasted time. Our attorney just informed us that it could take months before the boat registration inspector comes (when we were told they would be here a week ago). Unfortunately, we cannot fly until our boat is registered. Thus, we are stuck. So, I guess the main reason we are now thinking about what happens at our crossroads is because we don’t have all the time in the world. Rightfully so… we cannot just live here for another six months and wait. Not to mention I think we would go insane spending that much more time not working and being poor here, trying to motivate the people to write the permits.
So we’ve laid out three different options, in which one will presumably be chosen by December 21st. We will A) Wait on the Lord if he tells us to wait B) Count our losses, pack up and go… either working in NY or TX C) Leave in December, spend the holidays with family, work a few turn-arounds in the Oil Refinerys while the permits continue being processed, and come back when we have accumulated more money.
With all that being said, that is why I’m “trying to muster up more faith”. This is such an emotional roller coaster and right now we are clouded with confusion. Sometimes it’s hard to discern whether this is Satan trying to lure us away from something that could be successful and create huge ministry opportunities, or if it’s the Lord pulling us out of this plan because it’s no longer His perfect plan for us. It’s hard not knowing which idea to entertain. However, I believe that as we continue seeking Him, He will reveal to us the way in which we should go. The Bible says our God is not a God of confusion, so I believe He will provide us clarity in this situation.
Check out these Scripture I came across yesterday:
Isaiah 30:21 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Jeremiah 6:16 “This is what the Lord says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls”
Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”
You see, despite all the confusion and chaos, I believe that the Lord will not abandon us. I am confident that He will reveal to us what we are supposed to do, and then supply us with the courage to do so. I believe in the God who can make “a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland”, but I also believe that if He leads us away from here that it is for His higher purpose. I will be glad for the time we had to chase this dream, embrace the lessons we’ve learned, and march towards whatever He calls us to.
Please pray for us. Pray for wisdom, strength, and discernment. We truly don’t want to do anything out of selfish ambition; we just want to do what we are called to do.
And if you have any bouts of wisdom for us, we would greatly appreciate it! ☺
Love you & miss you!
D&T
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