Better Later Than Never

After a bit of an adventure we arrived in Sierra Prieta Sunday evening.  It was delayed 8 hours as we had to wait for our baggage to arrive from Miami. It was just getting dark as we arrived, but it was a blessing to finally arrive.  During our delay we attended church on Sunday morning and then enjoyed some excellent Dominican food at a local restaurant. 

Once we settled into our accommodations for the week, at the community center, we were treated to be able to catch a quarter and a half of the Super Bowl.  Go Eagles! 

We were all blessed to see old friends and remember past times and introduce the rest of the team.  The folks were disappointed that we hadn’t arrived sooner but were very glad we made it.  The welcome ceremony had to be cancelled but we plan to meet with the community leaders Monday afternoon to hear more of what God has been doing here in our absence.

Monday morning brought a few adjustments. The planned building project hit a snag.  We were anticipating building a house for Wilmon and his family.  We met Wilmon 2 years ago, he has special needs and is one of the children Bethany with Food for the Hungry is working with to develop a physical therapy plan that his mom can continue when outside resources are not available.  The land that were to build on is in question.  FH has been working to clarify ownership of the ground before we invest in building house that may not end up going to the intended family.  They had hoped to have everything worked out before we arrived.

Instead of home building we are helping to take the water project we worked on last year even further.  At this time a number of homes have water spigots at their property lines to help alleviate the need to carry water for washing and cleaning. Monday morning we “helped” a large group of local men trench out a 3rd of a mile or so.  Though the week we will help extend the trenches and install pipe.

After a lunch break we helped with some more digging and saw the delivery of more pipe.  It's amazing the amount of ground covered in a single day by the men here (we were glad to be a small part).  We estimated that they picked and shoveled through we'll over 1/4 mile of rocky ground.

Late in the afternoon we enjoyed the rescheduled welcome ceremony. This year it was filled with many well wishes, songs from the kids of the preschool/ early childhood class that use the community center, speeches from various community members and prayers too.  They continue to say how encouraged they are by our presence. They are thankful for the commitment of our church to keep sending us.

We will work to get updates posted more timely as time and internet allow.

Everyone sends greetings to their family.