Construction:   When we arrived at the construction site on Monday morning we started digging more trenches.  This lasted for two days trenches and footings, and then we started putting stones in the base of the footings about eight inches deep.  The footings are about five feet deep and five wide.  And then all the dirt that was removed had to be moved to the outside of the walled area.  Our team consisted of seven Americans and seven Creole church members.  Much fellowship and relationship built along with many cupfuls of sweat.  Thurs.  - Re-bar columns started to be erected.



Thursday:   Pastor Moise wanted to give us a tour of the island, and take us to the Haitian border.  We had a enjoyable day with adventure, sunshine, and a little bit of the beach.

Day 4 - Abstinence/ Construction

Hello friends and family!

Yesterday was our 4th day here in the Dominican Republic. After breakfast, our taxi driver, Flaco, took all of us to the school. We watched as the children all lined up for their daily morning routine. After, all the men, except for Darren, went off to work at the construction site. Once the students were in their classrooms Tracy and us went in to speak to the girls about abstinence. Darren was in a different room to speak to the boys. None of us really knew what to expect or how they would react. However, it went so well! They girls were very responsive and even asked really great questions. We both got to share a few things from our own perspective. We explained the importance of finding a guy with a strong relationship with God and why it is important to wait until marriage for sex. At the end, we asked the girls to make a commitment to abstain from sex until marriage, and those who commit, to stand up. We were so happy to see every girl in the room stand and commit to waiting.

We all met together at the hotel for lunch. After lunch, the men, plus the group that was at the school, changed into work clothes and headed off to the construction site. It was great to see everyone working so hard to get this church built! We helped by taking rocks from around the site and filling the bottom layer of the holes that were dug. Then, once those were filled, we started relocating dirt that was dug out of the trenches and holes. We went home absolutely filthy, but happy with the work we were able to get done. After dinner, a few of us gathered around the tables for a couple rounds of euchre. Which, we both found to be a tad challenging...but we'll be great by the end of the week!

Love you all and we can't wait to tell everyone about all of our amazing experiences this week!

Mackenzie and Shelby

Day 3 - Taking Pictures/Construction

This morning we went to the school with the purpose of taking sponsor photos of the children.  After watching the children line up, sing the national anthem, and take care of other morning business, they were dismissed to their various classes.  We started with the preschool and kindergarten children.  Some were timid or a little afraid, but most gave us beautiful smiles with a little encouragement.  They were all beautiful.  We then went across the street and were able to get through all the other grades.  Some children would try to pose or do their very best NOT to smile and would make themselves laugh in the process.  Several of us, including myself, were able to meet our sponsor children which was a great experience.  After having just a picture hanging on the refrigerator it was very meaningful to be able to speak to and hug that child and see them learning and doing well.

Tricia


Also this morning we had several of the men travel to the construction site to continue work on the Creole church. Our goal for the week is to finish digging the trenches for the foundation and start pouring concrete. Today we came along side some of the Dominican church volunteers to help them make this happen. Digging and picking up rocks in the hot sun was physically draining, but at the same time so rewarding. After a great work day (with no injuries) we were able to see the blue prints for the church. Its an awesome feeling knowing souls will be coming to know Christ and praising Him in the building we are helping construct. Continue to pray for strength, safety, and good attitudes as we work hard at the construction site. Pictures coming soon!

Darren

Day 2: DR Team Attending Church

Sunday is my favorite day here in the DR.  I love worshipping with the people of Ebenezer Church.  The morning worship was full of dance, and praise, and worship through the word.  Bud shared the message and talked to us all about "A Time to Build".  At the end of the service we sang more worship and it got lively.  Tears come to my eyes each time I am here.  I love that we can all worship to the same God even when we speak different languages.  After the morning services, we had lunch and some rest and then dinner.  After dinner we headed back to the church for the evening services, which is even more lively.  My favorite part of the evening service was when Pastor Moise asked as to pray for someone beside us.  He was praying in the front and we were praying for the person next to us as they prayed for us.  So many voice praying at the same time.  I could not hear what Shelby was saying and she couldn't hear me, but all of our voices where lifted up to God, the one the prayers where directed towards.  Many voices, some in English, some in Creole, and some in Spanish all praying to our God.  The one who was and is and is to come.

Tracy 

Day 1: DR Team Arrival

We have arrived!  Thank you all for your prayers.  We are thankful for the smooth flights and ride to Barahona, DR.  The trip was long, but we are happy to be here :)

Day 3&4

Hello :) 

Everyone has been working so hard here ! Today we have completed all the trusses, they are all welded and sitting on top of the building waiting for tomorrow to have the purlins welded to them! It is nothing but an act of God & all that we have been able to accomplish!  Yesterday & today we finished putting all the benches together, and they are all varnished & ready to be used by the students!  Every night they have cooked us a Haitian style meal, and it all has been amazing, we are so very blessed!  The only thing we could ask for would be a cool breeze, it seems that the trees don't even move at all, but when they do we all stop to enjoy it !! Since all the "lighter" work has been finished the ladies & Russ headed back to the compound to do inventory on some items here!  

Milo's sessions have been very successful with a good turn out of people! So grateful for what he is educating the people !! Some of us have been able to go & enjoy the schools with Milo also, whichs gives them a good break from heavy work load! 

We are all doing great, and so appreciate all the people who have been lifting us up!! 

See you in just a few short days! 

In Him! 

Day 2 & 3

Sorry for no post last night as Wifi at the compound is come and go.  We are all still doing great! Yesterday (Saturday) was our first day of work & we realized just how much we needed to get done! Almost all the benches are built, but the welding for the roof is a different story!  Needless to say, everyone worked really hard !! A big thanks to Deric for welding & getting hot for the sake of the kids here in Haiti!

Today we woke up early & went to church @ 7am ! Early Early service here! Everything about church was powerful, David even preached!  Some church members came up and prayed over the entire group too! We got sometime today to observe the Sabbath & jump into the ocean, & bond as a team!  This trip has been a blessing already! Only 3 days here left.  Thank you for all the prayers they are continually appreciated !!!!

Much love families !!

In Him!

We have arrived

To our families,


We arrived safely today to Port-Au-Prince right on time.  No problems with airport security & no lost luggage or delays, Praise the Lord! We all are so grateful to be staying at such a nice compound, the ocean bumps right up to us, I can hear the waves crash as I type.  Deric & David went to the steel yard today to get all the supplies needed to construct the roof.  Tomorrow we begin early, 7AM is breakfast and than hoping to get as much work in as the Lord allows! Please be praying for everyones safety as we begin working with power tools & other construction materials tomorrow!

We appreciate all your prayers already.  Our eyes have already seen more than words can describe.

Our focus is to impact the people here, and the people back home, and to also realize how much God has greatly blessed us.

Wednesday and Thursday

The last couple of days have gone well! We have been super busy down here in Haiti. The seminar has had it's challenges, but there has been a lot of mutual learning. We are starting to realize that we have more to learn about the Haitian school system and culture. Lunch was amazing... just like the previous two days. On Wednesday after the seminar, several of us were able to meet our sponsor children. Bubbles, marbles, stickers, and coloring were a few of the activities that we were able to enjoy with our kids. Wednesday night was an adventure... ask us later... Thursday was another great day at the seminar, but also a very sad one. We have been so blessed this week by the teachers and students even though we came with the hearts to bless them. I think we all really have the desire to come back and hope that more teachers will join the team in the future. God has really blessed this trip, but we look forward to seeing our loved ones soon. See all y'all later! :)

Today was our second day of teaching.  We felt energized even though we've had less sleep than we are used to and the temperatures are hot and humid.  The seminars went really well.  Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us. 

Before our meetings today, one of the student leaders gave a sermon on peace.  The translation went something like this..."Jesus said that he gives us peace and he is not a liar.  If you do not have peace then the devil is lying to you.  Peace does not come from the president, peace does not come from your mother or father, peace does not mean that we will not be hungry,  but we have this promise from God that we can have peace in Jesus Christ because he was crucified for us.  We may face adversity, but in our hearts we are free."  What a message, especially when you think of the one who gave it and with such power!

Shout out from Ethan to my parents if they have gotten the email(I know it takes yall a few days to check your email). I'm enjoying the trip, it's a hot like no other hot I have experienced it, but I dare say I'm getting used to it. Miss yall bunches, talk soon.

Today was our first day for the teaching training.  We began with worship and praise with the teachers as well as the chosen 12 leaders from the seven schools.  One of the students gave a message that God is faithful and He will provide.  He said that even if you do not have shoes, you do not have to worry but just trust for what the Lord has in store for you.  Other students did a drama about worldly temptations and that the word of God gives strength to rise above negative influences.  Next, we were all dismissed to teach our sessions.  The Haitian teachers were free to choose sessions that would be helpful to them as the 84 student leaders were taught not only leadership skils but also learned the relationship between the stories of the Bible and the geography.  We had a wonderful Haitian lunch of rice, bean sauce, spicy vegetables, fresh pineapple, watermelon, mango and bananas.  That gave us enough energy for one more teaching session before heading back to the mission center for a refreshing swim.   It was the first time that Anita, our Canadian friend, has been to the ocean.  And in her words it was amazing, eh? 

South Carolina team made it safe and sound to Haiti. Learning the ins and outs of life on Haiti, but we're stoked to be here!

Hi!  This is Anita.  Today we got to visit the church in St. Marc and enjoy worshipping with the people of Haiti.  We had fun getting to know our team members, and shared a lot of laughs this afternoon.
I also wanted to say hello to my family.  Mike, I saw lightning over the ocean last night.  Kids, I have pictures of different kinds of fruit growing on trees as well as gecko and lizard pictures.  Miss you!

Definitely the highlight of today was the worship service where we were able to hear the word of the Lord with power delivered in French by one of the MP Bible students.  He was encouraging us to wait upon the Lord and the Lord could do great things through us.  His translator did a great job, but when a few times the words came so fast that the translator was caught up in the Spirit and just lifted his hands in praise; true worship is a universal language.

Overall it was a great day relaxing and getting ready for our busy week. It should be an exciting week! Keep the prayers coming.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Today our teams met up just fine at the airport in Miami.  Our flight to Port au Prince went well and going through immigration went perfectly.  We were lucky to have an airconditioned bus to travel to the Mission Center.  Pastor Herve said that since we came and it rained, that the Haitian people would consider that a blessing.  Tomorrow we are looking forward to worshipping at the church in St. Mark, making final preparations for our training sessions, and meeting up with the SC Team.

Thursday, June 28

Work begin at the work site a little late yesterday because of the rain.  Olivia got her arm caught between two rocks.  It didn't look broken but to be on the safe side she went to the emergency room with Moise and Julie.  The orthopedic surgeon diagnosed a hairline fracture and put a cast on it. She sat and talked in Spanish while we waited for the sling.
We have cleaned up holes, straightened up rows, moved rocks and carried barrel loads of dirt at the sight where the Creole church will be built.  It is hard work and very hot but we are blessed to be doing the work of the Lord in assisting them to build the church.  Some of the team returned to site yesterday afternoon to begin digging another big hole.  Others contented to paint and scrape walls for future painting.

Today is then last day at the work site.  We're going out to eat tonight instead of cooking our own food.  Kids are looking forward to it.  We finish painting in the morning and then to the waterfall in the afternoon.

Wednesday June 27

Today we woke up to lots of rain in the middle of the night. Luckily it slowed down and we were able to enjoy an awesome breakfast and continue at the work site. We all worked really hard and got a lot done. Only one slight downfall though. Olivia had a little accident and a rock fell on her arm. She went to the local clinic and has a hair line fracture, but she is doing much better now! She is just a little annoyed with the cast getting in her way. We enjoyed another awesome dominican meal cooked by Manny and his mom. Soon we are either going to back to dig more or finishing some painting. Bye for now!

Hi Parents,
Yes, as LeeAnn wrote, Olivia had an accident and Olivia and I enjoyed a morning with Dominican medicine and it is much more efficient than American medicine. She is doing well, especially after she got to talk to Angela  Casey is annoyed that she didn't get to break her arm since it's on her bucket list.  These kids have learned so much, about the culture and about doing things they never thought possible.    Living in a close community has been interesting for them.  These young adults continue to work hard at the church site and at the school.  God has blessed them with a spirit of service that is delightful.  Sam, Melissa and I continue to rejoice in their service to the Lord and in the way they are opening up to Him and to each other. Julie

Tuesday June 26, 2012

We have not posted to the blog until today because we have been very busy. So far we have done a lot! Our first night here we had dinner and settled in to our temporary home. The conditions are not as bad as what people believed they were going to be. It's almost like going to summer camp! We have a nice little kitchen and we have had a couple Dominican meals made by Manny and his mother. Also, Emillie's friend Carlota prepared a wonderful pasta dinner for us. The sleeping arrangements are very comfortable. We are all on bunk beds and there is a fantastic cross breeze. The weather has been great so far, and the "cold" showers are actually very refreshing and enjoyable.

arriving in the DR

girl's room before we unpacked

Our schedule for the week:
SUNDAY: AM- church
                   PM- lunch, beach, church, dinner

MONDAY- THURSDAY: AM- work at worksite for new Creole church
                                            12-2 lunch break and rest time

                                            PM- paint at the school 

**WEDNESDAY: we are going out to a restaurant for dinner!

FRIDAY: AM-work at the school (painting and fixing it up)

                 PM- beach and waterfall!!

SATUARDAY: we leave


Sunday, we woke up and went to a lively Creole church service. We weren't aware until the night before that we were giving a "presentation". We decided to sing 'Every Move I Make'. They loved it! Olivia also sang 'Here I am Lord'. It was really neat because the congregation knew the words in Spanish and began to sing along. They even made us sing again when we went back for the service that night. After church and lunch we got to spend the afternoon at the beach. It was gorgeous and the clouds kept us from getting too much sun. When we returned back to the school we got dressed for church and attended a very joyous service. They were celebrating their third anniversary and had many special performances. Manny had preached in the morning, but since it was in Spanish we did not understand it. At the second service our group all got headphones to wear and Emilie translated the sermon for us into a mic. Manny spoke really well, and everybody agreed they loved his message! We took a ton of pictures with the children of the congregation and they loved to play with the cameras. At about 9 o'clock we went up to our quarters and ate dinner, had devotion, and got a good night's rest for our first day of work.

our group at the beach

Monday we all woke up and ate breakfast. At around 9 o'clock we left for the worksite. When we arrived there we found out what we were to be doing for the week. We are going to be digging holes for the church's foundation. It's a hard job, but we all got right to work and everyone worked beyond their potential. It was evident that we were all pushing ourselves and God was working through us. The time flew by and it was 12 before we knew it. When we returned to the school we got cleaned up for lunch. Manny had made a wonderful Dominican meal. We got to rest till about 3 o'clock and then we all got dressed to go back out and go across the street to a smaller building that belongs to the school. When we got there we began to paint one wall and sand another, so that we could eventually paint that one also. The adorable local children were intrigued. We got the play with them and they even helped us paint! Jake and David played a game with the children in the street. We had our first, and hopefully only, injury of the trip when Jake hit McKenna in the head with a softball. McKenna had many worried children surround her, so she had to let them all know she was fine. At about 6 o'clock we cleaned up and went back up for our nightly routine of showers, dinner, devotion, relaxing, and bed.

When we woke up today we were all feeling rather sore. We had a good breakfast, but we were all very tired. When we arrived at the worksite we began to pick up where we left off yesterday. Everybody was dragging, but we all worked to the best of our ability. It was awesome to see such great teamwork. The time, once again, flew on by and it began to rain right before 12 o'clock so we came back a little early and had a great lunch that Manny and his mother prepared. We are getting ready to go back out and work across the street. We are all excited to get to interact with the kids again!!

The time is flying by, but we will make sure we post everyday from now on. It's hard to believe we are half way done with the work on the new church. Stay tuned to hear more from the Sea Island group in the DR!

Parents,
You can be very proud of your young adults.  They survived twelve hours in a van crowded together with each other and luggage and there was not one complaint.  They were awesome at both church services, singing and participating in hugs afterwards.  And, at work, as Megan just said, they have proved themselves to be a mission from the Lord.  They have worked hard and worked together with no complaints or whines.  They have also tried new foods, although some of them are not too fond of Dominican beef and hotdogs.  The chicken and rice deals have been big hits.  We'll post more tomorrow but now its off to paint the preschool building.  And yes, it's hot but they're drinking a lot water.

Julie

Thursday, June 21

 We have had such an amazing time this week. The Lord has reminded us that we are both at different times the student and the teacher during this trip. We are also a powerful witness to all those around us, just  as they have been to us. All the team members have gotten to see such a great spiritual transformation all around us. We are very humble to be able to have this experience through our Lord Jesus Christ to be present in every moment of every day. We hope and pray that our healing ministry continues to expand and grow through our private walk and also within our fellowship at Community Christian Center so that within this change many people will be able to be healed.

            Many of the people we´ve encountered here have the same problems and dificulties just like others do around the world.  We see many changes occuring spiritually in the Lord´s vast and diverse vineyard.  One of the ways that the Lord spoke to us was through 2 Peter 1, verses 1 through 10 which says that we must make our election sure in everything.  That means we should not only believe in everything God shows us, but that we must have absolute certainty in everything that the Lord tells us will happen.

            The two of us met a young boy at the school that we had chosen to sponsor through Mission Possible.  He just finished 1st grade and his name is Carlos Gonzales.  His favorite class is math and he is the oldest in his family.  He has a younger brother and sister who are five and two years old. While talking to him, he told us that God lives in the mountains, but we will hope and pray that one day the Lord lives in his heart

like he should. We also pray that throughout the coming years, we will be able to afford to continue sponsoring him as well.

            We both have had so many great experiences within the 30 years that we have been married.  Life is so great and so rich when we have the Creator God, His son Jesus and the Holy Spirit in our lives as well as our three childrens’ lives.  We ask that everyone reading this will pray for peace around the world by the example that Jesus Christ set before us.

Love to all,

Vicki and Tom Hill

Devotions leader



Devotion time!




Enjoying enening devotions





Squeaky!!!




Psalma 100: 1




One student at Ebenezer drew some of the pictures we used for murals.




Another of the student's drawings




Keyboard mural in the music room




Our hotel where we stayed.



Vicki touching up our last mural.



I am the vine, you are the branches




Flaco was our taxi driver while we were here.





We enjoyed food at a local pizzeria on our last day here.



Wednesday, June 20

We had a late start this morning with an 8:30  breakfast. We left the hotel at 9:30 for the school to paint. Two group members continued to paint the murals while everyone else went across the street to the new pre-school, that is still under construction, where we painted the second floor landing. Vicki is drawing a mural on the second floor hallway. We will post pictures of it tomorrow, but it says ¨I am the vine, you are the branches¨ and has a large grape vine and leaves.  Others were repairing murals on the first floor. At 12:30 we returned to the hotel to a lunch that consisted of chicken noodle soup, ham and cheese sandwiches, and Cesar Salad. After lunch we drove through several country bateys, past several sugar cane fields, and drove through Barahona´s open market. We are just finishing up at the school and will be returning to the hotel for supper and a shower. I am extremely happy and proud how everyone has gotten along and how great the young people have been throughout this mission trip. God is good.

                                                                                                           

Don Spiegel

McKenna, Kelcey, and Sydney with Engember

Don patching the wall that we sanded.

Brittany sharing a friendship bracelet with Colson

Sugar cane fields

Poor Sydney was so tired, she could not stay awake for evening devotions.

Tom and Vicki with Carlos

Teresa and her helper

Touching up preschool murals

Vicki sketching vine mural

Carolyn touching up words

Tuesday, June 19

We had a

 

Yipee!!! We got to sleep in this morning! After breakfast we went to the school and  some of the women continued to paint the murals on the wall, while the others sanded the outside wall of the preschool across the street to clean off the concrete and morter splatter. After lunch we went to a different school which was  started several years ago, by Alicia, with 9 students and now she has over 100 students between pre-school and 4th grade. We conducted a mini-VBS with the children, which was an awsome experience for them and us. The children appeared to be very happy with the attention that they received. I was blessed by just watching and interacting with the children.

After leaving the school we stopped at the coffee warehouse and were able to purchase coffee to bring home. The women went back to the church to practice their dance routine that they are going to perform in front of the church body when we get  back home.  While the women practiced their dancing, the men – we few -decided to return to the hotel. Tom decided to catch up on his reading while Don and I took a short walk around town. Don and I rewarded ourselves with some much needed ice cream. After completing supper the group took a short walk around town. We stopped at a local grocery store where some of us bought vanilla and some bought fruit preserves. We stopped for ice cream before returning to the hotel for devotions.  This trip has been an inspiration for me to continue to be aware of God´s blessings on a deeper level. The difficult part is going to be continuing this experience once I get home and back in my comfort zone.

Randy Platt

We had a beautiful sunny day.  Thankfully it did not rain and we were able to work outside at Ebenezer.  We also were able to see the preschool building that has a second and third floor under construction. The classrooms on the first floor are wonderfully painted with murals of  God’s beautiful earth. We will be touching up the paintings on the outside walls tomorrow. This evening all the female members practiced a dance that Daniela, the dance leader at her church, has taught her dance team. She had the guts to actually have the young girls in the front row sit down and make the more mature members of our group do the dance by ourselves while they  watched. Thankfully they were very encouraging and even gave us little hints .  After supper we took a stroll down the street to a market to buy special things to bring home! Vanilla! Don even took us to the ice cream shop. What a treat!  This has been a humbling and encouraging experience.  So many people. So many needs.  But God’s love and strength are at work here.  Vaya con Dios.  Karen Burks



Sanding the wall



The 11x20 foot section of wall we sanded.




Don working????






Psalms 100: 2





Another form of local transportation.



Alicia's school

Map of the DR

Marisa and Daniel







Abi and  Daniel



 

The kids love hand clap games!



 

Students made crosses to remind them of God's love.



 

Patti teaching students



 

We made friendship bracelets for the students.



 

Patti with the school principal Alicia









Our dance team with Daniela

Pausing for a group picture in the sanctuary at the school



Monday June 18th

Today was a little different than what we had planned. A tropical storm has hit our area and it has been raining for the last few days. Instead of digging this morning, we ended up spending the entire day at the school. While I do not miss the hard work that comes with digging, I am a bit disappointed since we were making such great progress in the short time we have been here; plus I know how much this church means to the congregation. At the school we worked on our murals and the men painted the lunch area for the kitchen. I got to sit in on an English class that Mackenzie and Marisa were teaching. This was so much fun!! The students were eager to learn English and it was very entertaining to have some of our group learning Spanish; especially when they started talking about slang. A few members of our group were able to donate some books to the library and Abi and I were introduced to one of the children we will be sponsoring. His name is Wilkins. He is 13, loves karate, and his favorite subject is Math. He was very shy when we met, but I could tell he was happy to meet us. Patti translated for us and we were able to spend some time getting to know each other. The other student we are sponsoring is Sherlyn. She is 6 and we were unable to meet her since she is in Santo Domingo visiting family. Abi and I are looking forward to writing both of our students and getting to know them better. Carolyn spent  the day working with some of the male students. They helped her finish a banner to hang in their church here. As you can see from the picture, they all did a wonderful job! We had another dance rehearsal with Daniela and finished learning the rest of the routine. While we may think we are not all very gifted to dance, we really are doing very well with remembering the movements and working hard to do the best we can.Tomorrow we are going to Ebenezer school in the morning, then to a private school in the afternoon to have a Bible school, and spend time hanging out with the kids! It is going to be a fun day! God continues to show us new things every day and to protect us; especially when we take a wrong turn and end up walking down the road behind ¨ I doctor¨  to get back to where we needed to be. As  a side note, it has actually been cooler here the past few days than it has in the US.

Teresa Roth

Carolyn and her helpers!

English class

Some from our group were learning Spanish.

Abi and Wilkins

Abi, Wilkins, and Teresa

The finished banner

Karen, Patti and Carolyn with Carlota, the school librarian.  We brought some new school books.