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Saturday, June 18, 2016

Gateway Youth Team in the DR - Sports and Art Camp

Today, I was a group leader. Since we had five group leaders and only 4 groups in the first half of the day, I got to sand the church wall with a rock because we are repainting it. I’m more than positive that the rock didn’t do anything, but they told me to keep going. I can’t tell you how fun that was :)))))) (that was sarcasm).  Actually, it was a lot of fun…I just decided to peel the old paint off instead; it was more satisfying haha. The second half of the day, I got to lead a group of older girls. They were so fun to talk to and get to know! I had to play every sport with them just so they would play. I think I ran out of air in my lungs on the second station (I had three more stations to go). Let me tell ya, those girls were in shape and might I add feisty. The second group I got to lead was my all time favorite. Three years ago when I came here for the first time, there was a girl in my group named Rosa. She was eight while I was 14 years old. We were best friends from the first day of that week. The year after when I came back to the D.R., I asked the girls where Rosa was. They told me that she went to a different school. I got so sad because I thought I would never see her again. Yesterday, I saw a girl that looked just like her! I asked the girl if she remembered me…her face lite up, and she replied saying, “Gabby.” I gave her the biggest hug possible! This trip, so far, has been amazing! But I cannot wait to go home to share the love of Christ just like the people have shared with me here.

                                                ~Gabby Lyon



I miss you guys at home. The first few days here were great. By the way Mom and Dad, yesterday, I did get my stitches out. It was after the blog went out though, so I couldn’t tell you until now.  All the people near me kept distracting me while David was taking my stitches out. Honestly, I didn’t look the whole time. Like normal, Carter was taking pictures the whole time. When camp starts everyday, the kids are so excited to see us. They are all smiles; it makes my day every time. Most of the kids seem to understand me. Luckily, when they don’t there is usually a kid near by who does, and they explain what I can’t. Although it is hot, it isn’t  hard to stay hydrated here; I always have my water bottle near me. I am having a lot of fun here.
–Kaylee Puthoff

Wassup fam?? I’m doing well and the trip is going great. I wasn't very confident in my Spanish prior to the trip. But, with experience I have become very confident in my Spanish.  Having to speak only Spanish in my AP Spanish class was awful at the time, but it made me very prepared for translating. I have made really good friends with some people my age.  It’s been really cool.  I also sat in on the Dominican church worship team’s practice. It was unreal. Just during practice I felt God’s presence and  it was awesome.  And, my birthday was great! Tonight after dinner they brought out a cake for me with a flare on top of it that said “Felicidades”. Didn't get the experience that most people get when they turn 18, but I think mine was much better. This trip has done nothing but help the fact that I want to live on this island one day. Love you guys.
                                                ~Drake Heidepriem


After practicing for our song we will sing Sunday morning, some of the team decided to try and rap

Campers showing off their masterpieces

Our room full of their beautiful creations