The next step...

HOla all
well I have begun taking spanish classes again finally and it seems that the opportunity to teach my seventh graders about Christ is going well.Today we learned about Jewish customs and that the first 5 books of the OT were known as the Torah. They were amazed that people lived to read scriptures and that kids their age actually memorized 39 books of the OT.....so I am hoping to have a chance to testify more as they begin to be more aware and as the book carries on with the power of Jesus. Maybe (and I hope) I will have the chance to lead them in prayer even! i started tutoring a boy in my class with homework and stuff cause since his dad died2 years ago he is sorta sad and unmotivated. I am hoping to have an open door to witness to him as well.

Personally, I am hangin in learning about the power of my words and the power of knowing the scriptures so when "things happen" I can be encouraged and strengthened by the word of faith!
I have started running again last week so I hope to get into shape and maybe climb Pico Duarte which is the highest mountain (11,600) in the carribean. Basically, that is it.

OK ABOUT WHAT IS NEXT:
I have decidedto apply to a training program with a US based organization called Youth With A Mission (YWAM). They are in 190 countries around the world working with kids and families in need by bringing the gospel and relevant activities and needs to them. Here in DR there is a training site in a mountain city called Jarabacoa. They have a 5month program where you get trained on organizational things for missions work as well as bible training and training for rural, urban and other settings.
Since coming here I have realized to be effective as a missionary you MUST be affiliated with a group for help, accountability and knowledge. So, whatever happens after this, community center, other nations etc. this training will be very valuable.
The program consists of 3 months of classroom style learning, and working in the immediate communitie, as well as campo style living on the YWAM grounds. Then for 2-3 weeks we will go to another nation either Haiti, Peru, China (not sure yet). The purpose will be to see the needs there and visit organizations and help as they address the needs of the people there. The final 1 1/2 months will be spent back in the DR working with an organization as a leader or program director gaining experience and cultural understaning. It will be from AUG-JAN 2009. So, the current challenge after I apply is going to be funding because like a school, you pay to attend and live there etc. The cost will be about $3500-3700 for the whole thing (this includes the trip). I am coming home to work in the summer but I know it will be tough to earn this much money.

Below you will see my mom's address. If you would like to help me financially please send a check to me Jaime Simeonidis. In the margin you can write YWAM. I am not sure about how to get a receipt yet for tax purposes as a donation, but I will look into it. If you can not help financially, please pray that I am hearing God's voice for the next step, and that I will be fully funded in the manner He provides. Thanks for all your love and support. p.s. if you want to go onto the website go to YWAM Jarabacoa and click DTS training.

Jaime Simeonidis
7 Racquet Rd.
Wall NJ 07719