Today was VBS at the project. Letty did an amazing job organizing the event. There were about 117 children who showed up to make picture frames, have a fluoride treatment, sing songs, read stories, play games, and paint a mural that will be hung up on the wall of the newly built classrooms.

The team did a wonderful job and the children had fun and were exhausted by the end of the event.

Part of the team continued working on building the walls of the classroom. There has been a lot of progress made and the classroom is looking great.

A couple of the team members went to see their sponsor child’s homes. Meeting the sponsored children has been amazing and at times very emotional. The lives of the families and the hardships they face have been difficult to see at times. The sponsors have also seen first-hand the difference child-sponsorship makes in the life of a child. Not only have we experienced the hope within the child, but also the impact it makes in the lives of the family as well as the community.

 

The time is going fast and tomorrow is the last day to work on the classroom. The children are planning a farewell party for us. It’s going to be another great day!

Pics from yesterday

More pictures!

Sponsor Visits!

We started the morning off with the usual breakfast of wonderful fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and cereal. 

Off to the project where we worked on completing the walls of the school.

Today was an exciting day, as some sponsors were able to meet their children. Sponsors brought gifts, smiles, and hugs to give to their children.

Shortly after the children left, a rain storm rolled in. The timing was perfect, as we were preparing to head to The Field of Dreams. We waited as the heavy rain fell and then ran to our buses.

We were greeted at The Field of Dreams by a few other sponsored children. One of our sponsors, Jim Collins, had met his child before. They played a game of catch together in the field, as a group of other children and travelers started a game of baseball on the field. The field was muddy and wet from all of the heavy rain. It was fun to watch the teams playing together, as well as an occasional fall from running on the slippery mud.

As those teams played ball, another group of people went to visit the homes of the sponsored children. The first home was made out of white bricks. It was larger than the other homes that have been visited, yet still consisted of just a few simple items. There was a bed, a couple of plastic chairs, and a small and empty kitchen. The second home was built behind a local store. It too, was very simple but made of wood.

It was a fun day with both work and play. The team has been doing an amazing job on building the school.

Tomorrow is filled with more sponsor visits and work!

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy

The Lord's Day in the DR!!

After another delicious breakfast we loaded the buses and headed to the project to worship.  The Pastor, his wife and the worship team did an amazing job of helping us experience  worship........ project style!! Special music was provided by some of the children of the project!!!  Wonderful!!! 
Following the service we were treated to a guided tour of the homes surrounding the project.......we were welcomed by those living in the area and escorted by many children!
We had the opportunity to share the JESUS film to the children in Spanish and  a yummy popcorn treat!!
Day 3 complete.......Another wonderful experience in the DR!!!

Hard day of work!

We  started the morning with the wonderful fresh fruit, bagels, and hard-boiled eggs.. Then off to start working on the classrooms for the children.

We had a warm welcome from the project directors and staff.

Our day was spent digging, mixing cement, carrying huge cement blocks to build the classroom walls. The team worked very hard, in spite of the heat and humidity. A lot was accomplished and we had some very curious and excited children who were watching the progress!

Some of the women were able to spend time with children coloring and just spending time together.

Day One Coming to an End...

We made it to La Casa Grande, where we will be staying for the week. The grounds are surrounded by lush, beautiful flowers and trees. Each of us are sharing a room that sleeps about eight, bunkbed style.Our wonderful hosts, Tim and Trina made a delicious meal for dinner. It consisted of rice, beans, taco meat, and the most amazing papaya and mango.

La Casa Grande has volleyball courts and a small, inviting pool outside. The team is looking forward to a good night's rest so we can be ready for construction work tomorrow. We are looking forward to seeing all the beautiful smiles on the children! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Airport

The team has arrived safely at the Denver airport. It is almost midnight and many of the travelers have fallen asleep while we wait for our 12:48 AM flight. New friendships have already been formed as well as old friends reuniting with one another. There is a combination of people who have traveled abroad, and those who are excited about this being their first trip. Yet, regardless if this is a first trip or one of many, the anticipation is growing as we get closer to being in the Dominican Republic.

The excitement grows as we prepare to board our flight... Looking forward to what God has in store for us all tomorrow!

Mission D.R. Team 2013

Here is our team this afternoon about to leave on the bus for Denver.  There are a few people that weren't able to make the picture.

Thursday June 6th headed to Denver!

40 all total will meet up in Denver to begin our adventure to the Dominican Republic. Exciting 10 days ahead. It remains to be seen what God will accomplish in us and through us.

Pray for Safe Travel

Please pray for our Missions team who are on their journey to the Dominican Republic Thursday, June 6th!  Pray for flight connections to be of no trouble and for a smooth safe trip over the bus and car travel to Denver!  Pray for God's favor over our team! 

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