Day 1 - It Can't Get Any Better Than This!
After a beautiful flight to the Dominican Republic, we arrived safe and as sound as this group can get. The ladies got busy organizing all the ministry items so we could see what we need to take each day. The church was so generous with gifts of toiletries, vitamins, and money. We appreciate all the help for those who are here in the DR by way of money.
Tuesday morning we got up early to enjoy God's morning display on the beach. It was a bit overcast, but the sun peeked over the palm trees, and we gathered for a time of prayer for our day. What a blessing to be able to be here--not only having fun, but having an opportunity to minister to other people.
We headed off to Santo Domingo. After making a stop at a local supermarket to purchase disposible diapers and milk (thanks to the Patch the Pirateers who supplied this need), we went to the handicapped orphanage. We were unable to take pictures, but we recorded these in our hearts. There's no way I can express what a blessing it was to provide sheets, crib sheets, adult sized diapers, and lotions for all. We only took one large bag full of toiletries for the workers; I wish we had taken more. They were blessed to have them. Erica (one of our guides for the week) said many of them are not saved, so we have prayed these tracts enclosed in the bags of toiletries will find hungry hearts. We each took a tiny bottle of lotion and lovingly rubbed it on the stick-thin arms and legs of the children while singing to them or praying for them.
We didn't want to leave, but we had other stops to make. After a lunch overlooking one of the most spectacular sights in Santo Domingo--the craggy beach where there is a lighthouse, we went to Jackie's House, another orphanage. Although there were some handicapped children there, most are children whose parents have given them away for one reason or another. We had a ball blowing soap bubbles, playing with beach balls and learning some of their games. While some of the group took pictures, others helped the children make popsicle stick frames that said "Jesus Loves Me" in Spanish. We had two portable printers, and we printed off the pictures and glued them into the frames. It was a hit! After everyone had at least one picture taken, we all joined in for some Dominican entertainment. You wouldn't believe some of your fellow church members, but Bill has video to prove what happened.
We hated to leave, but we needed to get back to the Training Center. Taylor, Taryn, and Trevor (who have been absolutely wonderful!--if I do say so) hit the pool while most of the others hit their beds for a nap. Since today is Larry's birthday, we will be going to a local restaurant for supper.
Tomorrow we dress in our work duds and join with another church for some construction. We will be making church benches, painting, and helping to put a small additon onto the home of a single father of two teenaged daughters. At the end of the day the people of the village will come together for a Wednesday night service, so we will take part in that. Hopefully I can send an update and some pictures, if I can figure out how.
Keep praying for us. We are having a great time, and it's hard to believe any day could be any more blessed than the one we had today.
Published on July 3, 2008 at 6:38 pm | Permalink | 0 Comments