December 15, 2013

As I write this we are chatting with young adults from the church here. We practice our Spanish as they practice English. These times are what I love about these trips, 2 cultures interacting and learning from each other. We have spent most of the day worshipping Jesus and enjoying the beautiful weather. Another favorite of the Dominican Republic is worship at Ebenezer church. Today was a celebration of the 12th anniversary of Ebenezer church. We were honored to be a part of both morning and evening service. I love hearing and experiencing worship in another language. Tomorrow we head home, back to cold Ohio. We are thankful for the time God has given us here and look forward to seeing our families. And excited about the opportunities God has ahead of us.

December 14, 2013

Hello all, It's been pretty rough here in Barahona, Dominican Republic. Last night was spent up on the roof of our building watching the shooting stars and enduring the breeze as we talked and watched over the surrounding town. This morning we woke up to bitter 75 degree weather and spent the morning into late afternoon painting murals. (We almost ran out of blue paint, it was a near disaster.) Following our paintings, we went to a concert with lots of different styles of music and people. There was dancing and singing and praising and making new friends along the way. I hope everyone in Ohio is thoroughly enjoying the wonderful snow ;) In all seriousness, I've been having a great time in getting to know the people in the community as well as the people that joined me on this amazing adventure. Every day brings something new and exciting as well as something to think about and change the way I see things all together. I miss everyone back home, but I know I'll miss the DR just as much. See you Monday, Caitlen.

Day 3 - Teaching/Painting

We started the day off playing with the kids while we waited to start teaching. At first, it seemed like some of them were a little weary about approaching us, but it did not take long before all four of us were bombarded. I was a little worried because I don’t speak any Spanish, so I thought that the language barrier would be a problem when I was interacting with them. Thankfully, this was not the case. The younger girls were very content with simply smiling at me and playing with my hair. We played a strange version of rock, paper, scissors that involved the loser having their cheeks pinched and slapped and they had a habit of tickling you so hard that it began to hurt. A little later we had to start our lesson on personal hygiene and healthy eating. Tracy and Shelby focused on the hygiene part and Caitlen and I focused on the healthy eating. The kids were surprisingly very interactive and seemed to enjoy the lesson overall. After that, we painted murals in the cafeteria that consisted of the solar system and fruit (I painted some good-looking grapes if I do say so myself) and then a vendor came to sell us jewelry. For dinner, Ruth made us chicken, rice and beans, a fruit salad, and passion fruit juice. It was very delicious. The day was very good overall and I personally can’t wait for what this weekend has in store. Allyson

Day 2: Picture Day/ Painting

Hola friends and family! Today was an exciting day as we began our work within the school. Today we were able to take the individual pictures of the students along with the class photos. I personally got to take them, which is a job I always enjoy doing. I love that you get to see every student and interact with them. It's excited to return and see faces that are familiar from previous trips, and that they recognize me too! I was able to see and talk with my sponsor child which is such a blessing. I am thankful I am able to have a relationship with him through these trips. After we were done taking pictures, we went with Ruth to the grocery store to get food for the week. We returned to rest a bit before tackling the painting job Moise had for us. The dinning hall here in the school where the students each lunch everyday is being brightened up with beautiful murals from our artist Caitlen, with some help here and there from the rest of us. I am excited to see what God has in store for us tomorrow as we teach in the classes! P.S. At one point today we ended up at the Police department.... but don't worry it was a friendly trip :) Shelby

December Photo Team in the Dominican Republic

Just wanted to let everyone know that we made it to Barahona safe and sound. We were greeted with a delicious meal by Ruth and we are settled in and ready to go with a busy day tomorrow. Please keep this team in your prayers. Pray that we can be a light to these children and that God will reveal himself to us along the way. We will update tomorrow with pictures (if possible).

Seminars Complete, Now Benches

The seminars all went well. Pastor Herve is very pleased and said that he believes the impact will be great. The seminar team is on their way home, but a few others are staying to continue work on school benches for our school in St Marc. Here is the progress so far.

Pray as the remaining team members continue their ministry.

More Coming...

Pastor Herve emailed and said that the Pastors Seminar is going well. He says that more are coming each day. Continue to pray.