Mission Possible Teams: Monday

So today is Monday the start of another week of working and teaching. Today I was painting which turned into cleaning the floors with a scraper in one hand and a wet rag in the other. It seems that people don’t really know what drop cloths are. But oh well its not as bad as digging. So I have only done one half day of digging which is a big blessing from God! I have also taught English classes to young and old Dominican children and done VBS with the little ones! I had a hard time teaching English with out knowing how to translate from Spanish to English but God helped me. It is very different here then in the USA. When you wave and smile to someone down here they always wave back or smile and sometimes they even come up to you and hug you!!!! That is so different than the US. Also when you are in the shower you cant get water in your mouth or your stomach will be very mad at you! Also you always have to drink water or you will become dehydrated and I have already experienced that it’s not to fun. The people here are so amazing!

Yesterday we had two church services. The first in the morning then one at night. They really take the Sabbath day seriously down here its awesome! Before church yesterday we went to a baptism down at a river. Six people got baptized there it was so amazing to see. Then we went to the first service then came upstairs and ate lunch and did NOTHING until the last service. I took advantage of that nothing time and took a nap, which felt very good. The second service was the best; there was a bunch of singing and dancing. We got to sing three songs in front of the church and did one skit. I really wish church were like that in Findlay. After church we just danced and played with the little kids in the front of the church, which was a blast.

Today we were supposed to go to a waterfall but a lot of people got sick last night so we are waiting until tomorrow when hopefully everyone is better. Only two full days left in the Dominican Republic but hopefully they are as fun as the others have been. This has been an amazing first mission trip!

Lizzie Bookmyer

It’s safe to say I was not prepared for what this mission trip expected of me. We dig everyday for 3 hours, sweat, cover ourselves in a layer of dirt, nap from pure exhaustion, sweat some more, and then pray that we can get a full night of sleep without taking a trip to the dreaded bathrooms…with who knows what hiding in the toilet. I can honestly say I think I’ve sweat more here than I have lifeguarding at the pool on a hot day (note to self: NEVER take a vacation to the Dominican republic in the summer).

It’s also safe to say that I was not prepared to feel so amazing when I go to bed every night from the experiences here. For example, when you see these little Dominican children calling your name and wanting you to play with them, it’s all worth the pain, sweat, and exhaustion. I met a young girl named Nalia who wouldn’t let go of my neck as we were dancing at the church service last night. I almost choked to death from her massive grip (which was pretty impressive I might add), but I loved knowing that this made her so happy and I was honored to be on this mission trip for that reason. Another example was the church service we attended last night. I was pretty nervous yesterday morning that I was going to fall asleep during the 3 hour service, and I didn’t know if I was going to like being stuck in a room with a ton of people who do not speak even a little English. But, once again, I was surprised at the difference between American church services and Dominican church services. For one thing, they sing…A LOT. I didn’t know what the heck I was saying, but I sang right along the best I could. Another thing is their energy, who in the world can possibly have so much energy for 3 hours straight in a hot room full of stinky sweat? I’ll tell you who, these amazing people who love Jesus and love our heavenly Father that’s who! I enjoyed the dancing as well, I’m pretty sure I will never burn more calories at church than I did last night.

Well, I’m not sure I am totally ready to go home yet because I have had such a great time and getting closer to God, but I am ready for air conditioning and air fresheners in the bathroom. I have gotten close to the whole team and I love them all. Thanks Dave and the team for all your help and support and thank for being so freakin awesome! It’s been fantabulous J

Adrienne Hennessy

My day today consisted of digging, digging, and… well… more digging. This, however, was self-inflicted. Because of my lack of interest in painting I volunteered for a double shift of digging for the day and was not at all disappointed in my decision as the day progressed. The morning air was moist as we walked into the walled property where the Creole church will one day stand. The holes must be 5x5x5 feet and this is definitely a daunting size for even the most proficient of diggers. But today it seemed to begin to come together. Holes are beginning to be finished in numbers and this makes it easier to push on another day. It is a very accomplishing feeling to know that the hard work we are taking part in is the beginning of a new chapter for God’s kingdom. This trip has exceeded all expectations and is unique experience once again even from 2 years ago. This is truly a life changing experience and I think I am safe in saying this goes for all of us!

~Philip Jewett