June Gateway 2nd Youth Team 2014

Below are a few photos of our construction crew from week 2 finishing the ceiling of the 2 rooms we built.  We actually took one large room and made it into 2 rooms.  Both weeks crews worked very hard to get this all done. (I think Supervisor Jaxon  - see first photo - made sure of it)

And our beautiful sunrise that will be missed by all...

Dear Blog,

            Today is our final day on this trip. Tomorrow we will all wake up and leave at 6:00 in the morning and everything we have done here will be left behind. No longer will it be something that we are doing but rather something that we did and this amazing trip will be just a memory for us all. For some it went by fast, for me it did, and I’m surprised that it’s all already over. The days were long and full, and we were all tired most of the time, some of us were even sick, but I’m sad to see it end.

            As it is our final day, we had to end with a party, which seemed fitting enough. All the kids from the camp, including others, returned to school for their end of the year bash. They ate food and received their final report cards, (which were all adorably filled in by hand) and we said our last goodbyes. We also headed over to the preschool and got to meet a few of the youngins, and some of us even got to see a few familiar faces from past years. It was extraordinarily awesome.

            After, we were on our way to the beach and we took a stop at the Creole church. It was mind boggling to see the work that had been done at the church in just the past year. I can only imagine what it felt like for those who hadn’t seen the site since it was just a few holes in the ground. Then, at the beach, we admired the view as we looked around at the reef. It was beautiful and relaxing. It was a nice change of tempo from what we had been dealing with all week. The water was perfectly clear and warm. So warm. We all had a blast searching for crabs and burying Sam in the rocks on the beach.

            We ended the day by buying some souvenirs and machetes, and then cleaning up our rooms. They were pretty disgustingly dirty. . . so, I suppose everyone should get excited now, because we’ll see you all soon.

                                                                                    ~Sarah Frendo

Hola to all my Americano Amigos,

            I’m honored to be the last person to write on this blog and to wrap up our entire week. In retrospect, it feels like our very first day was just yesterday. All of the past 9 days blur together with our sports camp fun and VBS lessons and amazing church services. I feel so lucky to have had this time to get to know the people around me, whether they be American or Dominican. It’s exciting to know I’ve made some friends this past week and made some memories I know I will never forget. Even though this trip was extremely awesome, I think I speak for all of us when I say that it’ll be sad to have these moments turn into memories but it will be wonderful to come back home.

See everyone again soon.

With Love,

Caitlen

June Gateway 2nd Youth Team 2014

Both weeks have been awesome!  Tomorrow we get to go to the beach again!  Volleyball, soccer, and basketball camp was great!  The Sunday night church service was really cool.  We clapped and Daniel and I danced by kicking our legs out.  It was so much fun!  I wish every church service was like that.  I was so happy!  We went to the sports complex again today.  The Dominicans were a little better at soccer.  They didn’t use their hands as much and I scored a goal.  We also had track races which was fun.  I got 2^nd place.  Tonight at dinner, we celebrated Sam and Jeremy’s birthdays, so we got cake.  I love it here and I feel amazing!!!!

~Ian Rath

 

         The first thing that I noticed as soon as we arrived in the Dominican was that the airport had become much more organized in the last two years. The second thing that I noticed was that the bus ride from Santo Domingo to Barahona was longer than I remembered.  The week as a whole has not been nearly as hot as I remember it being here four years ago, but we were also digging holes for five hours a day in the sun. The first day that we had sports camp I was teaching in the bible study.  I was impressed with how my Spanish speaking has progressed over the last two years. That day was the only day that we had an American versus Dominican basketball game, which is disappointing because we lost. Saturday was more of the same minus the basketball game of course. Sunday was pretty amazing actually. It is really amazing how the Dominican people go all out in their worship and are not afraid to look stupid or pull out all of the stops. The second service in particular was more like a party than a church service, if you were out of context you would have thought you were at a party.

            Monday we had more sports camps, and for the first time we had a soccer station so Griffin and I lead that. Tuesday Griffin was sick so I was on my own at the soccer station, but other than that it was pretty much the same. Tuesday going into Wednesday was when I was not feeling so well, so on Wednesday during the competitions I sat out most of the day.  Today I feel better and it was the day I had been looking forward to all trip playing a legitimate soccer game against the Dominicans. It was nothing like playing a high school soccer game in the U.S.  For one, they have like twenty people playing on their team and we only had eleven. We ended up tying  2-2 so nobody was too upset. Overall, the experience has been different in some ways and better in some ways.

~Jake Bixler

 

Hello to all back home!

The past 7 days have been absolutely amazing.  June 12, the first day we arrived, was a very long but exciting day full of travel. All the flights went very smoothly. It was not until 7:45 pm that we finally arrived to the school. It was great to be greeted by those who were staying for another week, and old friends that I made last summer. After the first day, the rest have flown by. We have been quite busy having the sports camp for the younger kids until 12, and then lunch and one hour to spare before we start camp with the older kids. It was awesome to see so many old friends at camp the first day, and pick up with conversations as if a year had not even gone by! Sunday of course has been one of my favorite days of the trip, because of the amazing church services we attended. They are definitely full of lots and lots of singing and dancing. From outside the church, it might sound similar to a party. One song at the end of the service lasted for 17 minutes! In the US, that would never happen. We don't have “enough time for that”. Our nightly devotionals that have been held with only our group, have truly pressured us to think and pray for what God wants us to do when we return back to the states. I know that all of you will help and encourage each and everyone of us, which will help tremendously.

Today was our last day with the campers, and it was a great time. We took them to the Olympic Villia, and played soccer with them. To get to the Villia we had a 20 minute walk. It was great to see more of Barahona, and see some of the houses of the campers. Of course the game of soccer we played was Americanos vs Dominicans. They played with many different rules than what we do, played with 19 people on the field, had four goalies, and called everything a handball. We were losing 2-1, with only a few minutes to go when we scored to tie up the game. It was great to be able to play a game of soccer while I was here, even if it was similar to running in sand with a few patches of grass. To conclude the day we had a homemade meal that Ruth and Carlota cooked for us, with birthday cake to celebrate Sam and Jeremy’s birthdays. Tonight we will also have to say goodbye to all of our older friends!

-Kayla Trevino

June Gateway 2nd Youth Team 2014

This week in the Dominican Republic I have helped kids with sports. Some of the kids are not very good at basketball, but some are very good.  There is this kid named Frailin who has a great time playing the games and sports, but is not very good.   It’s fun to watch him have a great time no matter what.  This trip has made me realize how fortunate I am, but I think if I was born here I wouldn’t know the difference.  These kids enjoy the little things and use what they have, like playing baseball on the street with a stick and rubber ball.

                                             ~Logan

 

This trip to the Dominican Republic has been an eye-opening experience. Seeing the kids have a great time playing soccer with an empty Gatorade bottle is really interesting to watch. It seems like they could have fun with no matter what materials they have, even if it’s nothing. I feel like if the people here saw the kind of homes that we live in in America, they would find them completely unnecessary. A lot of these people live in tiny one to two room shacks with tin roofs. It really is amazing to see.

                                               ~Trevor

   

June Gateway 2nd Youth Team 2014

This trip has been surreal for me. This was my first mission trip ever, and I was kinda nervous about coming, but I am so glad I did. The entire experience opened my eyes to how the rest of the world lives. I knew I was blessed living in Findlay, but I had no idea how sheltered I was until I came to here. The DR is such a beautiful country, even though the people here have absolutely nothing. The kids we work with every day are incredible, and I’ve been having so much fun using my Spanish when talking to them.  Mrs. Murray (my Spanish teacher) would be proud. I have made so many friends here, American and Dominican. The sports camp is an awesome way to help us relate and have fun with the kids. So far I’ve only been a group leader, where you lead a group of kids around to the different stations in the camp. It’s hard to keep up with all the kid’s energy, but I can’t stop laughing when I’m with them. The girls here have a fascination with my hair; they could probably play with it all day. At one point I had five Dominican girls tugging my hair all over the place. Sunday has been my favorite day so far. Watching how the people worship here is unlike anything I’ve seen before. Literally every single person gets up and claps, dances, and sings their hearts out. The service is so loud the entire time. I honestly think I lost some of my hearing because it was so loud. Even so, the joy everyone felt in the tiny church was indescribable. All in all, in some ways I miss home, but I know I’ll be coming back here next year for sure because this trip has been unforgettable. Our God is the same here as He is in America, and He is so good.

~ McKenna DiRe

This trip for me has been really eye opening in many different ways. As like many other people this was my first mission trip ever and to be honest I never thought I would be on one. I am so glad I am here, at this amazing place with these wonderful kids. Helping out at camp, playing with the kids and teaching them different sports and about God has been one of my favorite parts. They come into camp with big smiles on their faces and leave with even bigger smiles. Seeing the people here and knowing they have absolutely nothing but can be so happy has really been something I will never be able to forget. My favorite day would have to be Sunday; I have never seen anything like it before. They make church and worshiping something you could never forget. Seeing how everyone is standing up, clapping, and dancing brings a huge smile to your face. It really didn't matter how old they were they would be standing up dancing along. I love how everyone here is so kind and warm welcoming to us Americans. I have made so many little friends who I will never forget. The little girls here are absolutely adorable! All they want to do is play with my hair. The boys are all pretty crazy, but all very loving. Being here in the Dominican has really shown me that being happy doesn't mean everything has to be perfect in my life.

                       ~Laura

                     

June Gateway 2nd Youth Team 2014

The DR has been life changing. These kids are so happy all the time even though they don't have very much; it makes me realize how lucky I am to live the life that I do. I’ve met this kid named Cristly.  He is so goofy. This trip has made me feel so much closer to the church and the people in it after everything we have done together.  I also feel closer to God after working through and for him. I’m having such an amazing time.

~Hunter

Today was another great day in the DR. The culture is very different from ours and it is very interesting to watch and learn about. The kids here are amazing.  They always want to play and find almost anything to play with. This trip has really opened my eyes on how other people live and how happy they are with very little that they have.  I have really enjoyed teaching and playing with the kids and they will be the most I miss when it’s time to go home.

                                     ~Jeremy
 

June Gateway 2nd Youth Team 2014

               Today was a great day.  It was a Sunday and the Dominicans treat their Sundays with an incredible amount of respect.  Today was a day of rest after three long, long days of travel and hard work.  We got to sleep in a little later than usual and then had a beautiful church service in the morning.  The way the Dominicans worship is like nothing you see in America. They dance, sing at the top of their lungs and wave their arms high in the air with every song.  As great as the morning service was, the real treat came at the end of the day.  After a long rest during the day and a filling lunch, we again gathered in the church for a second service.  The mood of this service was completely different. It was a party from the very start. David Rath spoke a wonderful sermon that was translated into Spanish so the entire church could enjoy.  Then, at the end of the service, the music picked up.  The entire church roared and jumped around the room. There was so much energy and excitement.  In the corner, two young men were coming up with their own dances to all of the music and enjoying every minute of it.  Graham and I spotted them from across the room and ran over to join them.  It was great to see the four of us, though we could not communicate very well, dance together and shout.  The entire church at this point was jumping up and down and screaming.  I am sure the entire neighborhood could hear us shouting and yelling these praise songs.  The songs blended together and we had no idea what the lyrics were or when it would end, but we were having a great time.  After about fifteen minutes of this, the song ended and the entire room took a deep breath. The four of us turned to each other and embraced.  We had not spoken a single word, but we had such a great time together.  Immediately after the service, they asked for a picture with us.  It was great to see our community mixing with theirs and praising God at the same time.  One of the coolest experiences I have ever had.

~Sam McGhee

 

              It is currently Day 4 of our Missions Trip and a great deal has occurred. I have made many relationships so far with some great people, regardless of the language barrier. At this point in time, I really wish that I had taken Spanish because I know I would be able to better reach the kids, but I am managing. One of my favorite kids is Cesar, he is somewhat of a “punk” when I am not looking and he is rather sneaky, but I love interacting and playing rough with him; I even taught him arm wrestling. Some of my favorite parts of the trip thus far include a pick-up basketball game with the Dominicans, Euchre with my fellow missionaries, and Sam and I’s dancing during the church sermon with Yoel and Marcenson. Tonight’s church service is definitely my favorite service of all time. I loved Dave’s message and I thoroughly enjoyed the energy that was radiating from all of the Dominicans as well as us missionaries; it is amazing how into the sermon everyone can get when it is in a different language. Another highlight of the church service was the reactions of people when the fan turned on, as well as off, it was rather comical. The trip so far has been amazing, it was rough adjusting to the long days as well as the heat, but I am adjusting and am starting to be able to take everything in.  I love the people and I love what we are doing. I can only hope that the trip continues on the same successful course.

~Graham Copus

June Gateway 2nd Youth team 2014

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Dear Americanos,

Only two days in, and it’s been a great run so far!

I watched the sunrise today. It happens at 6:18 am. Today was a cloudy one though, so the sunrise wasn’t as evident as usual, but the clouds were a blessing later as it was not over 100 degrees! There are some great sights when we stand on the roof: A girl I recognized from two years ago, named Monica, had a baby in her arms. When she saw us and waved, she brought out a pair of strap-on angel wings. Monica put the angel wings on the baby and flew him around. I’ve never laughed so hard in my life.

We all have daily chores, yesterday I cut carrots for dinner and today I swept up everyone’s tortilla chip crumbs.

The sports camp is going great for me. I have Kayla Trevino at my side…she is the basketball guru and I am merely a translator. My favorite part of teaching them sports is when my Spanish doesn’t just sound like blabber to them and they are able to follow through with the moves we’re teaching.

I’m seeing some familiar faces from two years ago, but also making other friends. Some people have remembered my name as well. Mostly, though, the children come up and ask me if I’m Derek’s sister because he was here last week! After camp I helped teach English to an older group, ages about 16-21. They wanted to know slang terms, so we exchanged “what’s up” and “just kidding” and “Mitch is a turd”.

Love, Monica

 

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Today is day three and I already feel at home again. Being here two years ago has only had me more excited to be back again for this week. When arriving I was welcomed by the overwhelming feeling of pure joy and peace from the warm sun, smiling faces, halls filled with laughter, and the occasional cool breeze. This trip has brought so many new opportunities that are always exciting to try. Today I was one of the people in charge of the bible study portion of the sports camp. Knowing little English, Mackenzie helped translate after I spoke to the group in English. Our topic was the faith that Joseph had in his life. Together we realized that having faith does not equal an easy life, but we can use our faith in times of troubles or temptations. For an activity we made shields of faith. This reminds the campers to use their shield of faith everyday against evil. On the back of the shields was the verse Hebrews 11:1 and the front of the shields were designed with finger painting. The campers had a lot of fun being creative with that part. Even the older kids got into it and worked on making the painting appealing. Not only do I get the chance to teach the kids here about the Lord through the sports camp, but they also teach me things everyday. They teach me about the Lord as we discuss things in the bible study station, they teach me how to praise the Lord with all that I am, and they teach me how to appreciate all that I have. I begin to appreciate more and more after each day that I spend here. I appreciate the lifestyle I live back home with all the things I will ever need, supportive family and friends, new opportunities each day, and most importantly a God that always watches over me. Building and strengthening relationships here is always important and fulfilling whether it is with the Dominicans, within the group of us that has traveled here together, or with God. I miss my family and friends from home very much, but I couldn’t be more excited to be here for the rest of the week and to take in all the things I can learn from this place.

Love, Michaela Long

June Gateway 2nd Youth team 2014

Hello fellow Americans,

            This is Mitch, finally writing on the blog. Sorry Mom!

So I have been here at the Ebenezer school since June 4^th, and I have experienced so much in that time. The first group was mostly made up of newbies to this kind of trip, so it was so great to see how being here impacted them. Running this camp is a lot of work. Every one of them did a good job, and I know that this trip will impact their lives forever. I know for me, every day I see more and more accounts of God’s love.

            Today we started our first day of basketball at the camp. Last week I was pretty sure the kids were going to enjoy basketball when they found a way to shoot baskets when I was teaching them how to set a volleyball, or head a soccer ball. Anyways, the new team did really well with the kids today. We had a station for Bible study, passing, shooting, defense/rebounding, and I worked with the kids on dribbling. The hardest part for me isn’t the language barrier- it’s just the fact that I’m working with hyper kids and basketballs... it would be just as difficult at home. I just have to remember that the real reason I’m here is to be God’s light. With this, I just make sure not to get frustrated, but to let them all have a good time. The other day, the girls in one group weren’t getting anything accomplished with their lack of interest in passing volleyballs, so instead we did handstands and yoga! I think they liked that a lot better.

            Well I will see you all soon! Hasta pasta.

-Mitch

 

Hola Americanos,

We have been here for 9 days now, and so much has been accomplished. Even though teaching the kids how to play different sports has been fun, it’s been even greater to see the lifelong impact the relationships we are making will have. Our main jobs have consisted of translating, teaching sports, and teaching a bible lesson. –The Bible lesson today was one of my (Shelby’s) personal favorites. Most of the kids were open to talk about problems in their lives and how to persevere through them. We also played a fun game of them having to blow Styrofoam eggs into a circle, which they seemed to really enjoy. I love their energy and competitiveness!

-To those of you who know me (Mackenzie), sports are definitely my forte. So, being able to coach everyone how to do things in soccer, volleyball, and basketball has been interesting;) But seriously, I love being able to speak the language and (sorry Mom and Dad) I could live here forever.

This trip has been so impactful thus far and we can’t wait to tell you all about it in person!

See you soon,
Mackenzie and Shelby

June Gateway 2nd Youth Team 2014

Team arrived safe and sound.  Getting ready for basketball camp tomorrow along with Bible Time.  Prayers appreciated.

June Gateway Youth Team 2014

I have liked it here and it is fun.  My favorite thing is being a group leader and helping with the sports camp.  I don’t love Dominican lunches, but I like the food we cook.  I really liked going to the ocean and playing with my own playdoh.  Hi grandpa and grandma.

~Jaxon Rath

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I have been in the Dominican Republic for 1 week and I think it’s fun.  We have had volleyball and soccer camp and I want basketball camp to start.  I really liked going to the track field and soccer field and the ocean.  At the ocean we found a log and I rode it.  I have tried the Dominican lunches and they aren’t too bad.  My favorite was the chicken and rice. 

~ Ian Rath

 
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This is my 2^nd time to Barahona.  It is still hot here and cold showers at night still feel good.  During the day my favorite parts of camp are being a group leader and a doing VBS because it went very fast and it was fun.  I really enjoyed the beach. I had a lot of fun with the kids and Daniel.

                                  ~Keaton Rath

 
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It’s been awesome. No other words to describe it.

The kids are awesome (I say kids, but I really mean just all the campers). Having the opportunity to teach them about sports, while also giving them an outlet for Jesus is amazing. You see the kids playing and they’re just so happy to have an inflated ball to kick, or a goal to score in.  Yesterday, before the older group started, there was a group of guys who were playing soccer with an empty Gatorade bottle, and they were getting into it!  They made-do with what they had, and had a lot of fun.  In America, when we want to play a game, we take like twenty minutes to break into teams, set up goals, and go over the rules.  Down here, they just got a bottle, of all things, and started playing.

The camp is awesome. The kids love sports and they enjoy getting better at them and learning.  Just the other day, we played soccer at an old Pan-American Games stadium. The game got pretty intense, but it was awesome to see the players playing the game, despite the language barrier between us. 

            The first missions team was awesome too, so the second group has a lot to live up to.

            And the food, well… its ok…

~ Owen Rath

 
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Hola, me llamo Griffin.  This trip has been unlike any of the other three I’ve been on. I had to actually be reliable with my Spanish ability.  I mean yes, I’ve had conversations with people the last couple, but this time was different since I was actually considered “a translator”.   When I first came here it was the summer before my 8^th grade year and I didn't have an ounce of Spanish in me.  Now, 4 years later, I am responsible with instructing the campers in what drills they should be doing and how to do them correctly.  I was able to sit in on youth services and the Sunday church services and actually understand the message.  Given, I definitely did not understand every word or even half of them, but I did understand the points pastor Moise was trying to get across without any help.  That change is crazy to me… It’s the most exciting form of crazy possible but crazy nonetheless.  Well that’s about all I have to report on my end. See you in 9 more days America!

~Griffin Rath