Our morning lasted from arrival at the batey until 1:00 p.m. when we broke for lunch. The construction crew for the morning finished pouring the foundation and began building the foundation walls. Over half of the foundation walls were built and tomorrow we should be able to complete that work. We know that another team is coming in two weeks to continue work on this home for the families who will receive it. Steve and I (Brian) have both been asked for our work shoes by 2 of the construction workers. Tomorrow we will take our sandals to change into after working so that we can honor those requests.
The group that worked with children again were able to see many smiles. Coloring, nail painting, and bubbles brought many smiles, much laughter, and one fight (amongst the locals not our group). The group was able to hand out juice and crackers provided by our hosts.
After work we toured the El Buen Samiritano Hospital. The hospital is technically our host and was planted by the Maranatha Haitian Mission Church. The facility is impressive and we were able to let our hosts be proud of what they have built (as they should be).
We knew that our dinner was not going to be here at Casa Pastoral. I learned that we would have dinner at Casa de Campo. One of our previous groups was blessed with the ability to be in the resort before so I knew what to expect. We walked into a spectacular house with amazing furnishings and a pristine backyard featuring a beautiful pool and palm trees. In addition to the pizza we had brought along, the hosts had made lasagna, salad, chips and salsa, and guacamole spread on bread. There were many jaws hanging wide as the group explored our surroundings. It was an amazing respite in the midst of a week of hard work. The laughter and smiles were priceless as we spend a couple of hours in Dominican luxury.
God sightings today include:
EVERYONE saw God in the oasis that the trip to Casa de Campo was.
Meara saw God as we explored the hospital and learned the story behind it and get to be part of the ongoing work that is happening.
Sami and Hayden saw God at work as they were able to teach the older girls in the batey how to make bracelets quickly even with a language barrier.
Gretchen saw God at work during a time of teaching and coloring with a young boy.
Jenn’s eyes were open to the primal instinct of the locals as a fight broke out over something as simple as bubbles.
Sami saw God as we can finally see progress on the house as it comes up from the foundation.
Steve and I are experiencing a humbled feeling in knowing that we will be leaving our worn shoes with the workers who need something to be able to continue the work.
There are many other specific God sightings that were mentioned tonight but I didn’t have a pen with me when they were mentioned. Since my brain is slightly fatigued, I will stop there.
Pray for us as we rest tonight and prepare for one last day of work. Friendships with children and coworkers will take on a new stage tomorrow as we say goodbye to those in the batey. It will be a day full of emotions. Thank you for those who have offered prayers and continue to support us. It means more than you can know. Tomorrow night I will post a week wrap-up. Until then, adios.
Mother Teresa once said, "Do something beautiful for God". You have been doing that all week, to care for those in the area where you are. What a great experience you have had! We are praying for you as you say goodbye and return home. Thank you for your dedication to the tasks of this week.
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