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
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| After practicing for our song we will sing Sunday morning, some of the team decided to try and rap |
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| Campers showing off their masterpieces |
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| Our room full of their beautiful creations |








