We arrived at the hotel safely.  All our luggage arrived with us.  We thank you for praying for us.  The food is good and the rooms are nice.  The weather is beautiful.  We are exhausted so we will post more tomorrow.

Lindsay  

Construction:   When we arrived at the construction site on Monday morning we started digging more trenches.  This lasted for two days trenches and footings, and then we started putting stones in the base of the footings about eight inches deep.  The footings are about five feet deep and five wide.  And then all the dirt that was removed had to be moved to the outside of the walled area.  Our team consisted of seven Americans and seven Creole church members.  Much fellowship and relationship built along with many cupfuls of sweat.  Thurs.  - Re-bar columns started to be erected.



Thursday:   Pastor Moise wanted to give us a tour of the island, and take us to the Haitian border.  We had a enjoyable day with adventure, sunshine, and a little bit of the beach.

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!