Great Hump Day

This morning was a meaningful experience for the whole team.  We arrived at the school being invited to speak to some of the students.  We were led up to a 2^nd floor classroom filled with 30 to 40 7^th and 8^th grade students and their teachers.  Greg introduced the group and spoke with the students to motivate them to develop a vision for their lives and future.  Then Julia spoke to the group about dealing with peer pressure and insecurities. Then Austin shared about having vision for more than grades in school, working to learn for their future and to do their best.  Holden closed out the trio with some heartfelt words about the struggle to be respectful and obedient to your parents and the importance of learning to live this way now.  Each of them held attention and shared personal examples that drew the kids in and also shared scripture verses that were meaningful to each of them.  Greg closed the speaking time with a challenge to find real fulfillment in Christ.  Then the students and teachers were invited to ask questions about Wyoming and our life there.  Julia, Austin and Holden did a great job answering questions and giving insight into a far away life.  Everyone there was impressed with the way our young people handled themselves and shared from the heart.

Our outstanding young people answering questions with Heidy our translator. 

This was followed by lunch and then some more sponsored kid visits.  Lisa and Julia were able to visit Ronnivel, their sponsored child, for the first time. It was a fun time for all.  Ronnivel was a little timid and shy but the excitement in her was palpable.  Julia and Lisa were very pleased with the opportunity.  Dan also visited some of his & Jacque’s sponsored kids.

Lisa, Ronivel and her mom and sister and Julia

The highlight of Dan’s home visits was the time spent at the home of Edwin and his mom Jahaira and brother Scarlin.  Jahaira, has been serving in the kitchen to take care of us since the first time we visited Sierra Prieta. Their sad story starts just before we arrived here for the first time.  The father and husband of this beloved family died in an electrical accident.  We did not learn of this sad news until our 2^nd trip here when Dan made his first visit to their home.  Jahiara’s joy in the Lord and constant smile had kept us from knowing her sure and deep grief on our first meeting.  Since that time she has been a special friend to all of us and the relationship between Dan and the boys and her as well has been a source of great mutual encouragement.  One fun time on this trip was when she came for the first time to help in the kitchen and did not know Dan had come with us this time.  The exclamation of joy on seeing him was fun for all to hear. 

Edwin, Jahaira, Scarlin and Dan

Also in the afternoon, we held a church leaders training. Greg used his notes from the last few months of sermons out of Philippians 2. Jeff, your sermons had great impact in the Dominican Republic. There were leaders from 4 different churches to a total of 15 or so different church leaders.  The interaction was productive and the questions were significant.  It was no surprise after all the interactions we’ve had here, that they face many of the same challenges in their churches as we do in the states. The time closed with some great questions and interaction.

Lisa has caught a cold, so we sent her to bed for the afternoon.  Fortunately she was able to sleep and regain some of her strength.  We’re praying that she sleeps well for the night and feels better in the morning.

VBS was a little delayed but ended up being a really great time.  Holden invited Jose, the special needs boy in the wheelchair, to join us at VBS.  He doesn’t get out the home or yard very often. So he was all eyes and smiles. After a recap of the weeks lesson, we shared the gospel. It was encouraging to quiz them on previous lessons and find that the information was still there.  The games were a true joy especially when Jose joined the game of tag with Nathan pushing him.  It truly warmed our hearts to find the kids continuing to play with him even after VBS.

Jose having fun at VBS

As I sit here writing, across the table from me is Rochell working on her homework.  Rochell grew up here and has been a very bright spot for the last few years  She works with Food for the Hungry, teaching in the Amo program for students in a number of communities, as well as helping with teams and sponsored kids.  She also attends University on the weekend, studying to be a teacher.  Rochell is here using the WIFI that FH has provided me to blog with.  She’s working had on her homework. An will probably be working into the night.  Pray for her as she serves, grows and studies.

Rochelle Studying hard.