Day 4 - Abstinence/ Construction

Hello friends and family!

Yesterday was our 4th day here in the Dominican Republic. After breakfast, our taxi driver, Flaco, took all of us to the school. We watched as the children all lined up for their daily morning routine. After, all the men, except for Darren, went off to work at the construction site. Once the students were in their classrooms Tracy and us went in to speak to the girls about abstinence. Darren was in a different room to speak to the boys. None of us really knew what to expect or how they would react. However, it went so well! They girls were very responsive and even asked really great questions. We both got to share a few things from our own perspective. We explained the importance of finding a guy with a strong relationship with God and why it is important to wait until marriage for sex. At the end, we asked the girls to make a commitment to abstain from sex until marriage, and those who commit, to stand up. We were so happy to see every girl in the room stand and commit to waiting.

We all met together at the hotel for lunch. After lunch, the men, plus the group that was at the school, changed into work clothes and headed off to the construction site. It was great to see everyone working so hard to get this church built! We helped by taking rocks from around the site and filling the bottom layer of the holes that were dug. Then, once those were filled, we started relocating dirt that was dug out of the trenches and holes. We went home absolutely filthy, but happy with the work we were able to get done. After dinner, a few of us gathered around the tables for a couple rounds of euchre. Which, we both found to be a tad challenging...but we'll be great by the end of the week!

Love you all and we can't wait to tell everyone about all of our amazing experiences this week!

Mackenzie and Shelby

Day 3 - Taking Pictures/Construction

This morning we went to the school with the purpose of taking sponsor photos of the children.  After watching the children line up, sing the national anthem, and take care of other morning business, they were dismissed to their various classes.  We started with the preschool and kindergarten children.  Some were timid or a little afraid, but most gave us beautiful smiles with a little encouragement.  They were all beautiful.  We then went across the street and were able to get through all the other grades.  Some children would try to pose or do their very best NOT to smile and would make themselves laugh in the process.  Several of us, including myself, were able to meet our sponsor children which was a great experience.  After having just a picture hanging on the refrigerator it was very meaningful to be able to speak to and hug that child and see them learning and doing well.

Tricia


Also this morning we had several of the men travel to the construction site to continue work on the Creole church. Our goal for the week is to finish digging the trenches for the foundation and start pouring concrete. Today we came along side some of the Dominican church volunteers to help them make this happen. Digging and picking up rocks in the hot sun was physically draining, but at the same time so rewarding. After a great work day (with no injuries) we were able to see the blue prints for the church. Its an awesome feeling knowing souls will be coming to know Christ and praising Him in the building we are helping construct. Continue to pray for strength, safety, and good attitudes as we work hard at the construction site. Pictures coming soon!

Darren

Day 2: DR Team Attending Church

Sunday is my favorite day here in the DR.  I love worshipping with the people of Ebenezer Church.  The morning worship was full of dance, and praise, and worship through the word.  Bud shared the message and talked to us all about "A Time to Build".  At the end of the service we sang more worship and it got lively.  Tears come to my eyes each time I am here.  I love that we can all worship to the same God even when we speak different languages.  After the morning services, we had lunch and some rest and then dinner.  After dinner we headed back to the church for the evening services, which is even more lively.  My favorite part of the evening service was when Pastor Moise asked as to pray for someone beside us.  He was praying in the front and we were praying for the person next to us as they prayed for us.  So many voice praying at the same time.  I could not hear what Shelby was saying and she couldn't hear me, but all of our voices where lifted up to God, the one the prayers where directed towards.  Many voices, some in English, some in Creole, and some in Spanish all praying to our God.  The one who was and is and is to come.

Tracy 

Day 1: DR Team Arrival

We have arrived!  Thank you all for your prayers.  We are thankful for the smooth flights and ride to Barahona, DR.  The trip was long, but we are happy to be here :)

Day 3&4

Hello :) 

Everyone has been working so hard here ! Today we have completed all the trusses, they are all welded and sitting on top of the building waiting for tomorrow to have the purlins welded to them! It is nothing but an act of God & all that we have been able to accomplish!  Yesterday & today we finished putting all the benches together, and they are all varnished & ready to be used by the students!  Every night they have cooked us a Haitian style meal, and it all has been amazing, we are so very blessed!  The only thing we could ask for would be a cool breeze, it seems that the trees don't even move at all, but when they do we all stop to enjoy it !! Since all the "lighter" work has been finished the ladies & Russ headed back to the compound to do inventory on some items here!  

Milo's sessions have been very successful with a good turn out of people! So grateful for what he is educating the people !! Some of us have been able to go & enjoy the schools with Milo also, whichs gives them a good break from heavy work load! 

We are all doing great, and so appreciate all the people who have been lifting us up!! 

See you in just a few short days! 

In Him! 

Day 2 & 3

Sorry for no post last night as Wifi at the compound is come and go.  We are all still doing great! Yesterday (Saturday) was our first day of work & we realized just how much we needed to get done! Almost all the benches are built, but the welding for the roof is a different story!  Needless to say, everyone worked really hard !! A big thanks to Deric for welding & getting hot for the sake of the kids here in Haiti!

Today we woke up early & went to church @ 7am ! Early Early service here! Everything about church was powerful, David even preached!  Some church members came up and prayed over the entire group too! We got sometime today to observe the Sabbath & jump into the ocean, & bond as a team!  This trip has been a blessing already! Only 3 days here left.  Thank you for all the prayers they are continually appreciated !!!!

Much love families !!

In Him!

We have arrived

To our families,


We arrived safely today to Port-Au-Prince right on time.  No problems with airport security & no lost luggage or delays, Praise the Lord! We all are so grateful to be staying at such a nice compound, the ocean bumps right up to us, I can hear the waves crash as I type.  Deric & David went to the steel yard today to get all the supplies needed to construct the roof.  Tomorrow we begin early, 7AM is breakfast and than hoping to get as much work in as the Lord allows! Please be praying for everyones safety as we begin working with power tools & other construction materials tomorrow!

We appreciate all your prayers already.  Our eyes have already seen more than words can describe.

Our focus is to impact the people here, and the people back home, and to also realize how much God has greatly blessed us.