By Mr. Burns
The students are enjoying one last evening in the DR, and they aren't interested in providing you any further updates. They've been a pleasure to lead for the week, and we're all so grateful that you've trusted us with them. This trip is a benchmark moment for them. Their love and good deeds shine like starts in the universe. (Phil. 2:15)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 7: Capitol City
By Sam Isner
Today in the Dominican Republic, we went to the "Straw Market," which is in Santo Domingo, the nation's capital. Here, we had the opportunity to put our bargaining skills to the test to try to barter with souvenir vendors, who sold all kinds of touristy merchandise, from coffee and vanilla, to paintings and wooden sculptures. Then, we got to tour with friends, find something to eat for lunch, and visit landmarks in the nation's capital. After our sightseeing adventures, we got the opportunity to visit Score's large baseball facility and watch a Dominican VS. American highschool baseball game. This sports game concluded the day's activities outside of the Score complex, and we headed home. For devotions tonight, we had the opportunity to reflect on our week in the D.R. in a very open and honest manner. I think we all learned a lot about each other and came to the realization that, sadly, we may never see some of our class mates again after graduation. However, we also realized that each of us has been comissioned by God in different ways to spread His word. Tonight was a very touching experience, and I think I can speak for us all when I say that this night in the Dominican Republic will be especially memorable.
For today's pictures click here.
Today in the Dominican Republic, we went to the "Straw Market," which is in Santo Domingo, the nation's capital. Here, we had the opportunity to put our bargaining skills to the test to try to barter with souvenir vendors, who sold all kinds of touristy merchandise, from coffee and vanilla, to paintings and wooden sculptures. Then, we got to tour with friends, find something to eat for lunch, and visit landmarks in the nation's capital. After our sightseeing adventures, we got the opportunity to visit Score's large baseball facility and watch a Dominican VS. American highschool baseball game. This sports game concluded the day's activities outside of the Score complex, and we headed home. For devotions tonight, we had the opportunity to reflect on our week in the D.R. in a very open and honest manner. I think we all learned a lot about each other and came to the realization that, sadly, we may never see some of our class mates again after graduation. However, we also realized that each of us has been comissioned by God in different ways to spread His word. Tonight was a very touching experience, and I think I can speak for us all when I say that this night in the Dominican Republic will be especially memorable.
For today's pictures click here.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 6: Medical Ministry
By Tom Dreyer
Today I went to a local church and helped with the medical clinic. We set up the clinic in the church and had patients coming in all day, by the end of the day we saw over 120 people. We were able to provide some medications and vitamins to the people that came to help them with any problem they might have. I teamed up with Ellie Billman, who is awesome at Spanish, and made it much easier to communicate, and did the initial questioning as people came in. The thing I noticed most as I was working was how happy and thankful everyone was. They were kind and understanding as we struggled to communicate and were happy that we were at least trying to help them. The highlight of my day was being able to interact with people that who were truly grateful for what they were receiving no matter the circumstances.
P.S. - Mom, I didn’t get sunburned… thank the Lord.
Today's pictures can be seen here.
Today I went to a local church and helped with the medical clinic. We set up the clinic in the church and had patients coming in all day, by the end of the day we saw over 120 people. We were able to provide some medications and vitamins to the people that came to help them with any problem they might have. I teamed up with Ellie Billman, who is awesome at Spanish, and made it much easier to communicate, and did the initial questioning as people came in. The thing I noticed most as I was working was how happy and thankful everyone was. They were kind and understanding as we struggled to communicate and were happy that we were at least trying to help them. The highlight of my day was being able to interact with people that who were truly grateful for what they were receiving no matter the circumstances.
P.S. - Mom, I didn’t get sunburned… thank the Lord.
Today's pictures can be seen here.
Day 6: Village Ministry
By Josie Miller
Today I spent time in a sugarcane village. In the morning we went to Jumbo, a grocery store, to buy food for about seventy families. After that we went into their village and gave out the food to each individual family and then each student prayed with them once they received their food. We left for lunch, then came back in the afternoon to do crafts, the VBS program, and play with the kids. The thing that amazes me most about our time here is how universal God is. And in the same way I am impressed by the kids; this was my second time in a village and these kids are no different than the children in the United States. The highlight of my day was them and how much they blessed me by example. They show me that despite all the evil in the world, there is always an opportunity for joy and love.
Today's pictures can be seen here.
Today I spent time in a sugarcane village. In the morning we went to Jumbo, a grocery store, to buy food for about seventy families. After that we went into their village and gave out the food to each individual family and then each student prayed with them once they received their food. We left for lunch, then came back in the afternoon to do crafts, the VBS program, and play with the kids. The thing that amazes me most about our time here is how universal God is. And in the same way I am impressed by the kids; this was my second time in a village and these kids are no different than the children in the United States. The highlight of my day was them and how much they blessed me by example. They show me that despite all the evil in the world, there is always an opportunity for joy and love.
Today's pictures can be seen here.
Day 6: Village Ministry
By Austin Morgan
Today my group and I had the opportunity to both feed and interact with an impoverished sugar cane village. In the morning we went to JUMBO, a Dominican Wal-Mart equivalent, and spent enough pesos that they had to shut the register down and start it up again. In the end we brought and enough beans, rice, pasta, tuna, and other things to feed 66 families. Along with passing out the food, we were able to share testimonies and pray over the families receiving the food. After that, we did our program and simply spent time playing and conversing with the children. I got to know Luiz, a sixteen year old boy from the village, a little bit and I was a little surprised about what he had to say to me. He did not tell me about his ever present hunger or lack of commodities that I take for granted, but about how he longed for the salvation of the people in his village. The Spirit of God was clearly seen today through the joy expressed in the children of Olivares sugarcane village.
P.S. Happy Birthday Dad and Tyler.
Today's pictures can be seen here.
Today my group and I had the opportunity to both feed and interact with an impoverished sugar cane village. In the morning we went to JUMBO, a Dominican Wal-Mart equivalent, and spent enough pesos that they had to shut the register down and start it up again. In the end we brought and enough beans, rice, pasta, tuna, and other things to feed 66 families. Along with passing out the food, we were able to share testimonies and pray over the families receiving the food. After that, we did our program and simply spent time playing and conversing with the children. I got to know Luiz, a sixteen year old boy from the village, a little bit and I was a little surprised about what he had to say to me. He did not tell me about his ever present hunger or lack of commodities that I take for granted, but about how he longed for the salvation of the people in his village. The Spirit of God was clearly seen today through the joy expressed in the children of Olivares sugarcane village.
P.S. Happy Birthday Dad and Tyler.
Today's pictures can be seen here.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Day 5: Sabbath Rest
By Mr. Burns
Not a lot to report today in the way of action. We visited International Baptist Church in Santo Domingo. This church has an amazing story of growing from a strictly international community of believers to embracing the Dominican people around them. They've seen growth of influence as they've passionately and faithfully served. The students worshipped in Spanish and listened as their pastor prayed and preached the Scriptures.
Following church, many students ran to the beach, went horseback riding or hung out around the pool. There also may have been the small matter of a basketball game to watch.
Dr. Bob Lamonte blessed the group with devotions tonight, sharing his testimony and Scriptures from a parent's perspective. It was an excellent cap to a day spent resting from the labor of the trip.
Tomorrow is a big day. It's our last journey out into the villages among the hurting. Students are excited to provide food and the gospel to those in the DR that so desperately need both. Please pray for the kids to represent the Savior and to love those that he died to save.
As today was a very light day, very few pictures were taken. Look for a group shot of the entire pack tomorrow.
Not a lot to report today in the way of action. We visited International Baptist Church in Santo Domingo. This church has an amazing story of growing from a strictly international community of believers to embracing the Dominican people around them. They've seen growth of influence as they've passionately and faithfully served. The students worshipped in Spanish and listened as their pastor prayed and preached the Scriptures.
Following church, many students ran to the beach, went horseback riding or hung out around the pool. There also may have been the small matter of a basketball game to watch.
Dr. Bob Lamonte blessed the group with devotions tonight, sharing his testimony and Scriptures from a parent's perspective. It was an excellent cap to a day spent resting from the labor of the trip.
Tomorrow is a big day. It's our last journey out into the villages among the hurting. Students are excited to provide food and the gospel to those in the DR that so desperately need both. Please pray for the kids to represent the Savior and to love those that he died to save.
As today was a very light day, very few pictures were taken. Look for a group shot of the entire pack tomorrow.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Day 4: Catalina Island
By Nena Lamonte
Today was a blast! We all got to be together and just hang out. When we got on the boat all of the kids that had gotten to go to Honduras all felt we were back there because of the diving boats. We got to jump off the top of the boat to get into the water. Some of the braver kids (actually even including my dad….) dove off the top of the boat. I’ve never seen water so blue and clear enough to see the floor so clearly while snorkeling. Today was so great to see everyone getting along as such a big class and having everyone just go crazy running into the water as one huge group.
It is so dumbfounding to me that a place of such luxury like Catalina Island can be part of the impoverished Dominican Republic. No matter where I go, and see a place that has two opposite sides to it, I will always wonder how that is even possible. There are so many things wrong, for me, with this being possible. This makes me want to do more for those living impoverished and let them see maybe a small glimpse of what all of us got to see today.
Pictures from today can be seen here.
Today was a blast! We all got to be together and just hang out. When we got on the boat all of the kids that had gotten to go to Honduras all felt we were back there because of the diving boats. We got to jump off the top of the boat to get into the water. Some of the braver kids (actually even including my dad….) dove off the top of the boat. I’ve never seen water so blue and clear enough to see the floor so clearly while snorkeling. Today was so great to see everyone getting along as such a big class and having everyone just go crazy running into the water as one huge group.
It is so dumbfounding to me that a place of such luxury like Catalina Island can be part of the impoverished Dominican Republic. No matter where I go, and see a place that has two opposite sides to it, I will always wonder how that is even possible. There are so many things wrong, for me, with this being possible. This makes me want to do more for those living impoverished and let them see maybe a small glimpse of what all of us got to see today.
Pictures from today can be seen here.
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