Thank You
Thank you for your prayer, support, and encouragement towards the Dominican Republic Spring Break mission trip. I led a group of 10 students from LeTourneau University to Santiago, Dominican Republic. I thank you for your prayers in preparation and during the trip. The team was able to serve the people of Santiago through encouragement, Bible schools, and love. Without you, this trip would not have been possible!! I want to share a little about how God used my team to show His love to the Dominicans.
Day 1: March 10, 2007
Our first full day in Santiago was a great day. After a delicious Dominican meal, we took a tour of the locations we would be serving at the reminder of the week. La Yagüita, a barrio in the low-class part of town, was our first stop. The environment and scenery is an extreme change from the city. The roads are dirt with pot holes everywhere. It reminded me of scences from Africa mixed with Mexico. As I looked around the area, I saw Hatians, banana trees, and men relaxing in the shade playing dominoes. Once we arrived at the church, we met Ramon, the pastor, and his family. Daniel joined in on a basketball game with the locals while the rest of us got to know some of the other local kids. Our next stop was the church in the area known as La Villa Olímpica. Here, we met some of the church leaders. Later that night, we all loaded up and headed back to the church at La Villa Olímpica to attend the young people’s Bible study. There we sang several songs in Spanish and got to know the people of the church. Matt and Adrienne did a great job giving there testimonies and sharing about there life. After the Bible Study we talked with the people of the church and then headed back to the apartment. It was a great day of introduction to the Dominican Republic. I really enjoy the slow pace of life here. People make time to visit and deepen relationships.
Day 2: March 11
This morning we went to church at La Villa Olímpica. The music was great. The Dominicans really get into there music are very passionate about their worship. Mr. Faul preached the sermon in Spanish while a few from the team helped out in the nursery and Sunday School classes of the children. After the service was over, people hung out talking and getting to know each other. I pulled out the balloons and began to make them. The people of the church really seemed to enjoy them and enjoy each other’s company. After about an our of balloons and talking, the team loaded up and headed for lunch. We had another authentic Dominican mean of chicken, rice, and beans. It was very good!! This afternoon we were fortunate enough to get in a siesta. It is amazing how the hot weather combined with large lunches can make you so tiered. Later that afternoon, we headed back to the church to attend the Haitian Bible Study. It was very interesting to hear them sing and speak in their native language, Creel. I love to hear people worship God in other languages. After the Bible study, we talked with the Haitian and got to know them better. I really like the way the Dominican and Haitian people enjoy each other’s company so much and take time to talk with each other. Later that night, we headed over to Tito and Ester’s house to eat dinner. We had Dominican Spaghetti!! We played each other in several games of Uno. Tonight our team really began to bond with each other, along with the people of the Dominican church!!
Day 3: March 12
Today is the first day of VBS!! We began the day by heading out to Yagüita to begin the Bible School. Today’s lesson was ‘God Keeps His Promises.’ We had a rainbow theme and craft. There were about 50 kids that showed up. We began by playing several games with the kids and then went into the Bible story. From there we made a rainbow craft. It was somewhat of a chaotic morning!! As the kids made there crafts, they would bring them up to us to get our autograph, almost every kid did this!! It was really great to see how happy these kids were even though they were so poor. They were so cute and so excited to learn about Jesus!!From here, we headed back to Villa Olímpica to do another VBS for the kids there. Here we had about 10 kids, mainly from the church. We were able to reorganize so things and bond with each other as a team. The kids seemed to really enjoy everything we did.Tonight, Melissa and I are staying the night at Anabelle and Jonathan’s house. Anabelle is a child psychologist and Jonathan is an accountant. We went to their house after VBS and got cleaned up. For dinner, they served us salami, fried cheese, and mangu (a yucca plant type mush). It was different but very good. Later that night we went out on the town to the mall for some ice cream and then out to the monument. It was interesting to see how different yet how the same our cultures are. They asked us questions about our beliefs, school, and family. I enjoyed getting to know them and learn more about their life and life in the DR. This experience has challenged me to peruse the Spanish language. I knew enough to understand part of the conversations but I want to know more!!!
Thank you for your prayer, support, and encouragement towards the Dominican Republic Spring Break mission trip. I led a group of 10 students from LeTourneau University to Santiago, Dominican Republic. I thank you for your prayers in preparation and during the trip. The team was able to serve the people of Santiago through encouragement, Bible schools, and love. Without you, this trip would not have been possible!! I want to share a little about how God used my team to show His love to the Dominicans.
Day 1: March 10, 2007
Our first full day in Santiago was a great day. After a delicious Dominican meal, we took a tour of the locations we would be serving at the reminder of the week. La Yagüita, a barrio in the low-class part of town, was our first stop. The environment and scenery is an extreme change from the city. The roads are dirt with pot holes everywhere. It reminded me of scences from Africa mixed with Mexico. As I looked around the area, I saw Hatians, banana trees, and men relaxing in the shade playing dominoes. Once we arrived at the church, we met Ramon, the pastor, and his family. Daniel joined in on a basketball game with the locals while the rest of us got to know some of the other local kids. Our next stop was the church in the area known as La Villa Olímpica. Here, we met some of the church leaders. Later that night, we all loaded up and headed back to the church at La Villa Olímpica to attend the young people’s Bible study. There we sang several songs in Spanish and got to know the people of the church. Matt and Adrienne did a great job giving there testimonies and sharing about there life. After the Bible Study we talked with the people of the church and then headed back to the apartment. It was a great day of introduction to the Dominican Republic. I really enjoy the slow pace of life here. People make time to visit and deepen relationships.
Day 2: March 11
This morning we went to church at La Villa Olímpica. The music was great. The Dominicans really get into there music are very passionate about their worship. Mr. Faul preached the sermon in Spanish while a few from the team helped out in the nursery and Sunday School classes of the children. After the service was over, people hung out talking and getting to know each other. I pulled out the balloons and began to make them. The people of the church really seemed to enjoy them and enjoy each other’s company. After about an our of balloons and talking, the team loaded up and headed for lunch. We had another authentic Dominican mean of chicken, rice, and beans. It was very good!! This afternoon we were fortunate enough to get in a siesta. It is amazing how the hot weather combined with large lunches can make you so tiered. Later that afternoon, we headed back to the church to attend the Haitian Bible Study. It was very interesting to hear them sing and speak in their native language, Creel. I love to hear people worship God in other languages. After the Bible study, we talked with the Haitian and got to know them better. I really like the way the Dominican and Haitian people enjoy each other’s company so much and take time to talk with each other. Later that night, we headed over to Tito and Ester’s house to eat dinner. We had Dominican Spaghetti!! We played each other in several games of Uno. Tonight our team really began to bond with each other, along with the people of the Dominican church!!
Day 3: March 12
Today is the first day of VBS!! We began the day by heading out to Yagüita to begin the Bible School. Today’s lesson was ‘God Keeps His Promises.’ We had a rainbow theme and craft. There were about 50 kids that showed up. We began by playing several games with the kids and then went into the Bible story. From there we made a rainbow craft. It was somewhat of a chaotic morning!! As the kids made there crafts, they would bring them up to us to get our autograph, almost every kid did this!! It was really great to see how happy these kids were even though they were so poor. They were so cute and so excited to learn about Jesus!!From here, we headed back to Villa Olímpica to do another VBS for the kids there. Here we had about 10 kids, mainly from the church. We were able to reorganize so things and bond with each other as a team. The kids seemed to really enjoy everything we did.Tonight, Melissa and I are staying the night at Anabelle and Jonathan’s house. Anabelle is a child psychologist and Jonathan is an accountant. We went to their house after VBS and got cleaned up. For dinner, they served us salami, fried cheese, and mangu (a yucca plant type mush). It was different but very good. Later that night we went out on the town to the mall for some ice cream and then out to the monument. It was interesting to see how different yet how the same our cultures are. They asked us questions about our beliefs, school, and family. I enjoyed getting to know them and learn more about their life and life in the DR. This experience has challenged me to peruse the Spanish language. I knew enough to understand part of the conversations but I want to know more!!!
Day 4: March 13
This morning we woke up early and Anabelle drove us to Ester’s house for breakfast. There I had a challenging Spanish session talking with Ester. She asked me questions in Spanish and I was to answer them in only Spanish. It was fun to see how much I could understand and what words I could pick up. We went to Yagüita to start another day of VBS. Today the topic was Daniel and the Lion’s Den with the theme of “God hears us when we pray.” As we were preparing, we were told by Ramon that there had been a shooting the night before just a couple of streets from the church. A delinquent young boy had been killed for stealing $100. Ramon told us that there would probably not be many kids there because they were afraid of the revenge that could occur. Slowly kids began to come to the church. By the time we began, we had about 60 kids there. It was amazing to see how excited the kids were to hear more about Jesus. Daniel performed a one person skit with with Daniel and the Lion story. He did a great job and the kids loved it. The craft was telephones made of cup and string. The kids were talking with each other through them all over the place. We were able to get done a little early and head to Villa Olímpica and prepare for the next group. 15 kids came today and enjoyed the activities. We played “Pato, Pato, Ganso” (duck, duck, goose). They loved it and so did we. When the VBS was over we went to dinner and then headed to the Cell Groups. There I was able to share my testimony and tell how God has worked in my life the last year. As they started the bible study I became lost in their discussion. I could not understand anything and felt even more convicted to learn Spanish. It was fun to get talk with them though a interpreter but would mean so much more if I could speak to them myself. We went back to the apartment and only had 3 there. Matt, Melissa, and I prepared the VBS materials for the next day. I really felt the group beginning to bond today and begin to trust one another. I also am really like learning more about the life of a missionary. We are traveling with 2 missionaries that are Missionaries in Residence at LeTourneau. I have really enjoyed seeing the true life of a missionary and how God uses them in the lives of the Dominicans. Their addition to the trip has really made an impression on me as well as others on the team.
This morning we woke up early and Anabelle drove us to Ester’s house for breakfast. There I had a challenging Spanish session talking with Ester. She asked me questions in Spanish and I was to answer them in only Spanish. It was fun to see how much I could understand and what words I could pick up. We went to Yagüita to start another day of VBS. Today the topic was Daniel and the Lion’s Den with the theme of “God hears us when we pray.” As we were preparing, we were told by Ramon that there had been a shooting the night before just a couple of streets from the church. A delinquent young boy had been killed for stealing $100. Ramon told us that there would probably not be many kids there because they were afraid of the revenge that could occur. Slowly kids began to come to the church. By the time we began, we had about 60 kids there. It was amazing to see how excited the kids were to hear more about Jesus. Daniel performed a one person skit with with Daniel and the Lion story. He did a great job and the kids loved it. The craft was telephones made of cup and string. The kids were talking with each other through them all over the place. We were able to get done a little early and head to Villa Olímpica and prepare for the next group. 15 kids came today and enjoyed the activities. We played “Pato, Pato, Ganso” (duck, duck, goose). They loved it and so did we. When the VBS was over we went to dinner and then headed to the Cell Groups. There I was able to share my testimony and tell how God has worked in my life the last year. As they started the bible study I became lost in their discussion. I could not understand anything and felt even more convicted to learn Spanish. It was fun to get talk with them though a interpreter but would mean so much more if I could speak to them myself. We went back to the apartment and only had 3 there. Matt, Melissa, and I prepared the VBS materials for the next day. I really felt the group beginning to bond today and begin to trust one another. I also am really like learning more about the life of a missionary. We are traveling with 2 missionaries that are Missionaries in Residence at LeTourneau. I have really enjoyed seeing the true life of a missionary and how God uses them in the lives of the Dominicans. Their addition to the trip has really made an impression on me as well as others on the team.
Day 5: March 15
Today at VBS we took pictures of each kid so that we could print them out for tomorrow's craft. The story was about being a “Helping Hand.” For the craft we made had prints on paper. They liked getting there hands dirty and seeing the imprint they made on the paper. It is good to see that a consistant group of about 50 kids continue to come each day with several new faces too. Ramon told the team that kids are at the church at 8:00 am waiting for our arrival!! Later that night we prepared the next days activities and glued the pictures on the frames. We had a fun time getting to know each other and picking jokes on each other. Once again, I see how God puts teams together for a reason and each person has a special gift to attribute to the team
Day 6: March 15
We had the most kids today at VBS than we have had all week. It is good to see a consitant group that comes each day. Today’s VBS craft is the most fun. We took pictures of each kid the day before and printed them out. Last night we glued them on the frames so that the kids could decorate them. Not thinking, we stacked the pictures without having them fully dry. At Yagüita we began to take the pictures out and prepare them for the craft. They were all stuck together!! We quickly tried to reprint them, but there was no electricity. All we could do was pass the pictures we had out to the kids and have them decorate them. They enjoyed it, even though some had extra paper stuck to them. They decorated the frames with puzzle pieces and foam. Today we brought out the parachute for the game time. They really liked it!! At the end I did balloons for all the kids. Thankfully I had help from Allie and Michal making hearts and dogs. They were a big help!!! It was kind of sad because it is the last day of VBS. As we were getting ready to leave, Ramon, the pastor of the church, told our group how much he appreciated us. He said that we were the most effective group that has been to Yagüita. He said the kids really enjoyed everything we did and understood the lessons. They would tell him each day what they had learned and and asked him questions about it. Several kids talked to him about attending the church. He said the attitudes of the kids and parents were different because of the Bible stories and what God is doing in the village. It was good to hear that God used our group to impact the community and that God is at work in the lives of the Dominicans.
Day 7: March 16
Today is our last full day in the DR. Since we have finished up the VBS, we have decided to take the day and go to the beach in Sasua. Once we got there we decided to test out the waters by snorkeling. It was very clear!! We used bananas to attract the fish as we swam through the coral reefs. I would have gone scuba diving but it wasn’t a good idea for me to go alone. Sea urchins and Fire coral were everywhere. I spotted a few brain corals and some beautiful colored fish. After about 30 minutes of snorkeling we headed back to shore to play in the waves. We only had one injury on the trip and it happened here. Matt stepped on a sea urchin and got 34 spines embedded in his foot. He went to the hospital and after about and hour most of the spines had been dug out. We headed back through the mountain road. It was beautiful. At one point you could see Santiago city, the green covered mountains, and the coast line. It was a really fun day being on the beach.Later that night, we went to dinner and had another wonderful Dominican meal. We debriefed some and shared our thoughts and feelings of the trip. Overall, the team had an amazing time and we saw God at work in the Lives of the Dominicans!!! The loving spirits of the Dominican churches inspired us all. They opened their homes and beds to us al, providing anything we might need. They showed God’s love toward us!!
Final Thoughts....
God is at work in the lives of the Dominicans and the lives of the LeTourneau team. He has showed us so much this past week.The people that God chose to go on this Spring Break mission trip are truly a gifted bunch. They showed their love to the people and to each other. It amazes me each mission trip how we got expecting God to use us to reach the people of the country and instead they touch us just as much if not more!! The Dominican Republic is a country that needs God’s love and grace. Missionaries like Mr. and Mrs. Faul are spending their life serving the Dominicans and sharing God’s love with them. Traveling with real Missionaries made the experience even more amazing. I got to see how God can use regular people to further His kingdom. I give thanks to the Faul family, the Dominican people, and most of all God for making this trip an amazing experience!!!
Today at VBS we took pictures of each kid so that we could print them out for tomorrow's craft. The story was about being a “Helping Hand.” For the craft we made had prints on paper. They liked getting there hands dirty and seeing the imprint they made on the paper. It is good to see that a consistant group of about 50 kids continue to come each day with several new faces too. Ramon told the team that kids are at the church at 8:00 am waiting for our arrival!! Later that night we prepared the next days activities and glued the pictures on the frames. We had a fun time getting to know each other and picking jokes on each other. Once again, I see how God puts teams together for a reason and each person has a special gift to attribute to the team
Day 6: March 15
We had the most kids today at VBS than we have had all week. It is good to see a consitant group that comes each day. Today’s VBS craft is the most fun. We took pictures of each kid the day before and printed them out. Last night we glued them on the frames so that the kids could decorate them. Not thinking, we stacked the pictures without having them fully dry. At Yagüita we began to take the pictures out and prepare them for the craft. They were all stuck together!! We quickly tried to reprint them, but there was no electricity. All we could do was pass the pictures we had out to the kids and have them decorate them. They enjoyed it, even though some had extra paper stuck to them. They decorated the frames with puzzle pieces and foam. Today we brought out the parachute for the game time. They really liked it!! At the end I did balloons for all the kids. Thankfully I had help from Allie and Michal making hearts and dogs. They were a big help!!! It was kind of sad because it is the last day of VBS. As we were getting ready to leave, Ramon, the pastor of the church, told our group how much he appreciated us. He said that we were the most effective group that has been to Yagüita. He said the kids really enjoyed everything we did and understood the lessons. They would tell him each day what they had learned and and asked him questions about it. Several kids talked to him about attending the church. He said the attitudes of the kids and parents were different because of the Bible stories and what God is doing in the village. It was good to hear that God used our group to impact the community and that God is at work in the lives of the Dominicans.
Day 7: March 16
Today is our last full day in the DR. Since we have finished up the VBS, we have decided to take the day and go to the beach in Sasua. Once we got there we decided to test out the waters by snorkeling. It was very clear!! We used bananas to attract the fish as we swam through the coral reefs. I would have gone scuba diving but it wasn’t a good idea for me to go alone. Sea urchins and Fire coral were everywhere. I spotted a few brain corals and some beautiful colored fish. After about 30 minutes of snorkeling we headed back to shore to play in the waves. We only had one injury on the trip and it happened here. Matt stepped on a sea urchin and got 34 spines embedded in his foot. He went to the hospital and after about and hour most of the spines had been dug out. We headed back through the mountain road. It was beautiful. At one point you could see Santiago city, the green covered mountains, and the coast line. It was a really fun day being on the beach.Later that night, we went to dinner and had another wonderful Dominican meal. We debriefed some and shared our thoughts and feelings of the trip. Overall, the team had an amazing time and we saw God at work in the Lives of the Dominicans!!! The loving spirits of the Dominican churches inspired us all. They opened their homes and beds to us al, providing anything we might need. They showed God’s love toward us!!
Final Thoughts....
God is at work in the lives of the Dominicans and the lives of the LeTourneau team. He has showed us so much this past week.The people that God chose to go on this Spring Break mission trip are truly a gifted bunch. They showed their love to the people and to each other. It amazes me each mission trip how we got expecting God to use us to reach the people of the country and instead they touch us just as much if not more!! The Dominican Republic is a country that needs God’s love and grace. Missionaries like Mr. and Mrs. Faul are spending their life serving the Dominicans and sharing God’s love with them. Traveling with real Missionaries made the experience even more amazing. I got to see how God can use regular people to further His kingdom. I give thanks to the Faul family, the Dominican people, and most of all God for making this trip an amazing experience!!!
***See more pics on Picture page***
