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.
Day 4: Catalina Island
By Danny Nathan
More than once today I found myself commenting upon the pristine perfection of the beach. The sand is white, the water is bath-tub-warm and crystal clear, and the sun beats down relentlessly while the clouds roll in mercifully to shield its visitors. One could say it was the perfect day. At one point I stood in the sand and watched the tide roll over my newly bronzed toes only to feel a strong sense that I had seen this exact sight pictured on a post card I saw at the store. It was perfect: a dream come true.
Catalina Island is a place that will never cease to astound me. With its pristine ocean, snow white sand, and affluent visitors, it is conveniently located merely miles from poverty. Partaking in the lush luxury helps the economy which in turn helps everyone here, but regardless, one almost couldn’t help but feel guilty to enjoy such a time while others live in garbage dumps. God used the experience to open my eyes to the differences in our world. The knowledge of the vast economical inequality not only highlighted, but reaffirmed our mission to help those in need.
Pictures from today can be seen here.
More than once today I found myself commenting upon the pristine perfection of the beach. The sand is white, the water is bath-tub-warm and crystal clear, and the sun beats down relentlessly while the clouds roll in mercifully to shield its visitors. One could say it was the perfect day. At one point I stood in the sand and watched the tide roll over my newly bronzed toes only to feel a strong sense that I had seen this exact sight pictured on a post card I saw at the store. It was perfect: a dream come true.
Catalina Island is a place that will never cease to astound me. With its pristine ocean, snow white sand, and affluent visitors, it is conveniently located merely miles from poverty. Partaking in the lush luxury helps the economy which in turn helps everyone here, but regardless, one almost couldn’t help but feel guilty to enjoy such a time while others live in garbage dumps. God used the experience to open my eyes to the differences in our world. The knowledge of the vast economical inequality not only highlighted, but reaffirmed our mission to help those in need.
Pictures from today can be seen here.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Day 3: Village Visit
By Megan Nishizaki and Samantha Brooks
The second day in the Dominican Republic was filled with excitement and joy. Our group went to visit two villages where we handed out food and water filters. Everyone was extremely thankful for our generosity and our company. Our day at the villages consisted of playing with the children and performing the VBS program in the village churches.
It was quite humbling to see the poverty and the amount of need present in both places. Despite the lack of resources, we could see the evidence of God’s glory and the joy He continually supplies them with. Though there was the obvious language barrier, our group had no trouble with bonding and communicating with all of the children. God’s work through the churches, in each of the villages, was also evident as He used this experience to teach our group humility and peace about His will for each of our lives.
You can see pictures of day three here.
The second day in the Dominican Republic was filled with excitement and joy. Our group went to visit two villages where we handed out food and water filters. Everyone was extremely thankful for our generosity and our company. Our day at the villages consisted of playing with the children and performing the VBS program in the village churches.
It was quite humbling to see the poverty and the amount of need present in both places. Despite the lack of resources, we could see the evidence of God’s glory and the joy He continually supplies them with. Though there was the obvious language barrier, our group had no trouble with bonding and communicating with all of the children. God’s work through the churches, in each of the villages, was also evident as He used this experience to teach our group humility and peace about His will for each of our lives.
You can see pictures of day three here.
Day 3: Sabana Perdida Painting Project
By Josh Petrel
Today, my group helped paint a church about an hour outside of score. It was a really awesome church because it had like six levels to it however this also made it very hard to paint because there was so much to do. Our team started painting around 9:00 am and finished around 4:00. It was a long day but it was awesome getting to know the people who are involved in the church. We finished the whole church today and it was really exciting to serve the there church by doing something as small as painting.
Even though it was exhausting it was really worth it. We were able to hang out with little kids and play with them and be a blessing to the pastor of the church there. God is doing awesome things through us and I can’t wait to see what he still has in store for us over the next few days. Oh, and yes mother I am safe if you were wondering.
For today's pictures, click here.
Today, my group helped paint a church about an hour outside of score. It was a really awesome church because it had like six levels to it however this also made it very hard to paint because there was so much to do. Our team started painting around 9:00 am and finished around 4:00. It was a long day but it was awesome getting to know the people who are involved in the church. We finished the whole church today and it was really exciting to serve the there church by doing something as small as painting.
Even though it was exhausting it was really worth it. We were able to hang out with little kids and play with them and be a blessing to the pastor of the church there. God is doing awesome things through us and I can’t wait to see what he still has in store for us over the next few days. Oh, and yes mother I am safe if you were wondering.
For today's pictures, click here.
Day 3: Medical Team
By Megan Walls
Today our group went to a church about thirty minutes away. There was a pharmacy, triage, and an area set up to see the doctors. We had the opportunity to assess people and give them the appropriate medication. Not only did we have the opportunity to treat over 100 people, we were able to share our testimonies. People of all ages came to the church and we were especially able to get close with the children.
Although the language barrier was difficult it was evident that God was moving through the church today. As the day progressed we were better prepared to communicate and serve with the people around. This day made me appreciate the medical technology we have in the United States. I am so excited to see what God will do throughout the rest of this week!
For today's pictures, click here.
Today our group went to a church about thirty minutes away. There was a pharmacy, triage, and an area set up to see the doctors. We had the opportunity to assess people and give them the appropriate medication. Not only did we have the opportunity to treat over 100 people, we were able to share our testimonies. People of all ages came to the church and we were especially able to get close with the children.
Although the language barrier was difficult it was evident that God was moving through the church today. As the day progressed we were better prepared to communicate and serve with the people around. This day made me appreciate the medical technology we have in the United States. I am so excited to see what God will do throughout the rest of this week!
For today's pictures, click here.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Day 2: Sabana Perdida Painting Project
By Joe Combs
Hey mommy, sorry I haven’t called, I have no service. Ill try the pay phone once I can. After waking up at the crack if dawn, we went to Sabana Perdida, a church/school for preschoolers to 7th grade. My group had to paint three rooms and the wall surrounding the “play area” which wasn’t so bad, minus the fact we were on the roof. Not a whole lot to elaborate on, we painted with little to no contact with kids, literally watched paint dry, then put another coat on. After we finished painting we joined the school program with Matt. I agree with him, the most amazing parts were those not practiced or planned. But for me it was playing games with the kids. We had a football and Tyler and I decided to play keep away with the boys, but what is interesting are their personalities. They weren’t concerned about being the center of attention; rather they wanted to make us the center of attention – completely different from a typical American boy. This was made most apparent when a boy had a tennis ball, I don’t know much about their typical lives but I can make the safe assumption that ball meant a lot to him. Instead of keeping it he insisted we pitch the ball to him so he can hit it – reminder, were on a roof. This kid drilled that ball, completely knocking it off the roof and he wasn’t sad. He was just happy to have us involved.
Two other events touched me today. The first was when I saw a kid drop his bowl of corn flakes, again I don’t know valuable those were to him but for all I know it was his only meal for the day. Upset, he just stood there as the rest of the kids ran out of the room, obliviously stepping on his corn flakes. When I saw this I just thought “well, that’s a bummer” but as I kept playing that event over in my head I began to feel increasingly convicted for not trying to stop the kids, or help pick them up. Then later tonight we sang Hosanna and the line “break my heart for what breaks yours” stabbed me in the heart. The second event was the playing with the kids. While we were playing keep away a really small kid who, for obvious reasons, wasn’t getting the ball. Being the problem solver he is, he decided to climb the tallest thing in the room to gain an edge, which was me. Failing miserably (he kamakazided me from behind off a chair) I felt bad for him so I bent down and let him on my shoulders. We dominated. Then all the other kids found a senior and it basically turned into a giant chicken fight. Once we had to leave the kids kept shouting “mannana mannana!” (tomorrow tomorrow!) Needless to say, I’m thoroughly excited for tomorrow.
Today's pictures can be seen here.
Hey mommy, sorry I haven’t called, I have no service. Ill try the pay phone once I can. After waking up at the crack if dawn, we went to Sabana Perdida, a church/school for preschoolers to 7th grade. My group had to paint three rooms and the wall surrounding the “play area” which wasn’t so bad, minus the fact we were on the roof. Not a whole lot to elaborate on, we painted with little to no contact with kids, literally watched paint dry, then put another coat on. After we finished painting we joined the school program with Matt. I agree with him, the most amazing parts were those not practiced or planned. But for me it was playing games with the kids. We had a football and Tyler and I decided to play keep away with the boys, but what is interesting are their personalities. They weren’t concerned about being the center of attention; rather they wanted to make us the center of attention – completely different from a typical American boy. This was made most apparent when a boy had a tennis ball, I don’t know much about their typical lives but I can make the safe assumption that ball meant a lot to him. Instead of keeping it he insisted we pitch the ball to him so he can hit it – reminder, were on a roof. This kid drilled that ball, completely knocking it off the roof and he wasn’t sad. He was just happy to have us involved.
Two other events touched me today. The first was when I saw a kid drop his bowl of corn flakes, again I don’t know valuable those were to him but for all I know it was his only meal for the day. Upset, he just stood there as the rest of the kids ran out of the room, obliviously stepping on his corn flakes. When I saw this I just thought “well, that’s a bummer” but as I kept playing that event over in my head I began to feel increasingly convicted for not trying to stop the kids, or help pick them up. Then later tonight we sang Hosanna and the line “break my heart for what breaks yours” stabbed me in the heart. The second event was the playing with the kids. While we were playing keep away a really small kid who, for obvious reasons, wasn’t getting the ball. Being the problem solver he is, he decided to climb the tallest thing in the room to gain an edge, which was me. Failing miserably (he kamakazided me from behind off a chair) I felt bad for him so I bent down and let him on my shoulders. We dominated. Then all the other kids found a senior and it basically turned into a giant chicken fight. Once we had to leave the kids kept shouting “mannana mannana!” (tomorrow tomorrow!) Needless to say, I’m thoroughly excited for tomorrow.
Today's pictures can be seen here.
Day 2: Sabana Perdida Children's Program
By Matt Rickly
Hi mom. Today, my group visited a school in Sabana Perdida just over an hour away from SCORE. Once we got there, we separated the kids in half and did crafts and Vacation Bible School programs with the two groups. We did this for one group of kids in the morning and another in the afternoon. I was apart of the Vacation Bible School group which consisted of skits, kid-friendly songs, worship songs, and a testimony. Since there was a large chunk of time allotted to do VBS, we got to play games with the kids once the programs were over.
The most remarkable moment for me, where I really saw God at work, was when there was no scheduled program going on. Once we had finished the first VBS program of the day, we were struggling to interact with the kids and play with them due to the language barrier. We decided to play some English worship songs with hand motions and hopefully the kids would catch on. We started playing the songs “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” and “Every Move I Make” and to our amazement, the kids started singing the songs in Spanish! It was incredible to hear worship taking place simultaneously in two different languages. It was a stunning realization of God’s omnipresence and that the God we worship in Ohio is the same God worshipped in the Dominican Republic.
To see today's pictures, click here.
Hi mom. Today, my group visited a school in Sabana Perdida just over an hour away from SCORE. Once we got there, we separated the kids in half and did crafts and Vacation Bible School programs with the two groups. We did this for one group of kids in the morning and another in the afternoon. I was apart of the Vacation Bible School group which consisted of skits, kid-friendly songs, worship songs, and a testimony. Since there was a large chunk of time allotted to do VBS, we got to play games with the kids once the programs were over.
The most remarkable moment for me, where I really saw God at work, was when there was no scheduled program going on. Once we had finished the first VBS program of the day, we were struggling to interact with the kids and play with them due to the language barrier. We decided to play some English worship songs with hand motions and hopefully the kids would catch on. We started playing the songs “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” and “Every Move I Make” and to our amazement, the kids started singing the songs in Spanish! It was incredible to hear worship taking place simultaneously in two different languages. It was a stunning realization of God’s omnipresence and that the God we worship in Ohio is the same God worshipped in the Dominican Republic.
To see today's pictures, click here.
Day 2: Las Brisas Medical Clinic
By Ellie Billman
Although today was a steep learning curve for those at the Las Brisas medical team, we had a successful day. We set up a clinic in one small room of a school facility, there was enough room for three doctors and a pharmacy. Our jobs included taking basic information from patients, and translating for the doctors and nurse, and getting anything and everything that our lovely doctors needed. We worked hard to figure out a system that was most efficient and least stressful way to take care of patients, and by the afternoon we were able to figure it out.
Today was definitely a lesson in patience for all of us. It was frustrating at times because we could not always understand what the people were saying to us, there were a TON of people who showed up to get medical care, and the rooms were very small, crowded, and hot. Despite all of this, God was definitely working among us. I will forever remember the sound of one eight year old girl laughing the deepest belly laugh I have ever heard while hitting her sister with the toothbrush I had just given her, despite the fact that she suffered from scioliosis and brittle bones. I also got the chance to talk to an eleven year old named Amor (Love) about our favorite books, which include the Bible. I could probably talk for pages about our experience today, and it is only day 1! We are confident God has so much more in store for this week; please keep praying!
To see today's pictures, click here.
Although today was a steep learning curve for those at the Las Brisas medical team, we had a successful day. We set up a clinic in one small room of a school facility, there was enough room for three doctors and a pharmacy. Our jobs included taking basic information from patients, and translating for the doctors and nurse, and getting anything and everything that our lovely doctors needed. We worked hard to figure out a system that was most efficient and least stressful way to take care of patients, and by the afternoon we were able to figure it out.
Today was definitely a lesson in patience for all of us. It was frustrating at times because we could not always understand what the people were saying to us, there were a TON of people who showed up to get medical care, and the rooms were very small, crowded, and hot. Despite all of this, God was definitely working among us. I will forever remember the sound of one eight year old girl laughing the deepest belly laugh I have ever heard while hitting her sister with the toothbrush I had just given her, despite the fact that she suffered from scioliosis and brittle bones. I also got the chance to talk to an eleven year old named Amor (Love) about our favorite books, which include the Bible. I could probably talk for pages about our experience today, and it is only day 1! We are confident God has so much more in store for this week; please keep praying!
To see today's pictures, click here.
Day 2: Las Brisas Children's Program
By: Megan Buskirk
Today our group traveled to Las Brisas about an hour away from SCORE. We separated into three groups as we arrived. The first group sang songs and performed skits for the children. Next the children moved to the crafts group, the made puppets and we painted their faces. Lastly, there was a group that ran around on the playground with the kids. It was a very hot day today, but the kids were all smiles and they loved having their picture taken.
Our group definitely learned how to work togehter today. Each room in the school was crowded with children. It was a humbling expereince to see these vibrant children, even though they have nothing. God is really teaching our class how to love on his people. We're all very excited for tomorrow's journey and to see what God has in store for us and for the people we're serving. Thanks for all the prayers! It's been a wonderful experience already!
Today's pictures can be seen here.
Today our group traveled to Las Brisas about an hour away from SCORE. We separated into three groups as we arrived. The first group sang songs and performed skits for the children. Next the children moved to the crafts group, the made puppets and we painted their faces. Lastly, there was a group that ran around on the playground with the kids. It was a very hot day today, but the kids were all smiles and they loved having their picture taken.
Our group definitely learned how to work togehter today. Each room in the school was crowded with children. It was a humbling expereince to see these vibrant children, even though they have nothing. God is really teaching our class how to love on his people. We're all very excited for tomorrow's journey and to see what God has in store for us and for the people we're serving. Thanks for all the prayers! It's been a wonderful experience already!
Today's pictures can be seen here.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Safe and Sound
At 9:15 tonight, the last travel group arrived safely at the SCORE Ministry Training Center. After a four-hour delay in New York's fine JFK airport, they touched down in Santo Domingo around 8 PM, gathered their luggage and joined the group. All are present and accounted for.
As for the "tremors" (the term "earthquake" doesn't translate), they have gone completely unnoticed here. Absolutely nothing to worry about. Not one person that we've spoken to in the DR even noticed it.
Tomorrow is a full day, all 87 of us will travel as we work with Vision Trust in their community projects. Please pray that the love of our Savior would be on display through these kids.
Today's pictures can be seen here.
As for the "tremors" (the term "earthquake" doesn't translate), they have gone completely unnoticed here. Absolutely nothing to worry about. Not one person that we've spoken to in the DR even noticed it.
Tomorrow is a full day, all 87 of us will travel as we work with Vision Trust in their community projects. Please pray that the love of our Savior would be on display through these kids.
Today's pictures can be seen here.
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