What up Ohio? Having a good time. The kids are super friendly and very
interested in “Americanos.” The culture is a lot different. From the roof of
our place, you can see many one room shacks as houses, and everyone is always
out and about on the streets, basically spending the whole day outside. The
view from the roof is spectacular, seeing the crystal clear water with the
mountains in the background is just breathtaking. I’m pleasantly surprised that
I am able to communicate with the kids fairly easily, and when I don’t know a
word I can just point and they pick up on it. The church service was very
vibrant and full of energy, and it was a great experience. Probably the thing I
miss most about the USA is running water/plumbing, but it isn’t too bad.
Sharing the gospel while serving is a humbling and amazing experience, and I’m
glad to be here.
~Carter
Brand
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| Carter helping at art camp |
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| The incredible revival we got to be a part of |
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| Carter accompanying our team as we sang at the revival |
Hola everyone! Mackenzie here. I hope you all are well and
don’t have as many bug bites as I do;) Today was eventful for me. We played
some pretty fun basketball, volleyball, and soccer games. To motivate the girls
that were playing, I told each one (individually) that they were the best ones
on the team- believe it or not, it worked and I have no moral issue with that!!
Also, after translating a bible story about Daniel and the lions’ den, I called
on someone to pray out loud. Unfortunately, the person I called upon was mute.
M U T E. For those of you that know me well, this unfortunate luck is not
unfamiliar to me. Anyways, I have to hand it to her. She prayed her little
heart out. And danced for us as well. I couldn’t decide whether to cry because
it was so adorable and innocent, or feel bad because I called on her to talk
out loud in front of a group of people. Everyone was wonderful and fun today,
and we were all pretty tired at the end of the day. I am so glad that I get to
stay longer and have full English classes with these wonderful people. My heart
is happy and full.
Love to all,
Mackenzie
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| Mackenzie and her team of "all stars" |
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| Mackenzie showing them how to play defense |
Hola Americanos!! This is Katie!! All is well so far minus
the numerous mosquito bites on my legs (I’ve counted 22+ so far)!!!!! I am so
happy to be here. The Dominicans have been so kind despite the fact that every
time I try to talk to them I completely butcher their language… (I guess 3
years of Spanish hasn't been enough). I
worked with soccer skills on Saturday and I think I’ve broken the limit of
number of times anyone should say “Muy bien” in 3 hours. The breeze has been a
blessing today; Sunday was quite the scorcher. All I’ve done today is repaint
the walls in the church for 6+ hours, which was one heck of a good time [cue
sarcasm]. I’ve been in the mood for my grandmother’s peach jelly since
Wednesday now and I might be pretty upset if everyone at home has eaten it by
the time I’m back… (I’m talking to you, Dad). Anyways, miss you all bunches and
I’m bringing a machete home so please save me some peach jelly!
Love,
Katie
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| Katie and JD working hard painting the inside of the church |
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| Katie showing her soccer skills |
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| Keaton and his basketball studs! |
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| Sweet girls with Tracy at Art Camp |
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| Sharing Jesus with the group at the end of camp |
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| Everyone loved volleyball today |
