DR Update #1

After our early morning trip out of Charleston we were greeted in Santa Domingo by a wonderful entourage. Ellen Snow, who coordinates US mission teams, Molly Walker a CofC student who is a missionary this summer, Fr. Marshall who arrived earlier in the week and Rev. Margarita. The kids were excited to see our bus and trailer pull up, complete with air conditioning and curtains in the window, which was cause for great amusement. After only a short drive, we arrived at a dirt road that took us to Eco Village. Our driver performed an amazing feat backing the bus, trailer and all through a very narrow gate. When the manuevering was complete, their was a round of applause. Then the kids were able to see this beautiful oasis where we were to spend the night. Banana trees, coconut palms and tropical flowers were everywhere, amdist brightly colored buildings. After taking our luggage to the rooms, and enjoying cold drinks and cookies, Fr. Marshall, Jonathan and the kids headed to the beach, while Ellison and I spent the afternoon in the pool making friends with the 11 year old daughter of one of the cooks. At suppertime, we were joined by some youths from the local Parish for some cross-cultural fellowship. Supper was amazing. Shishkabob chicken, salad, bread, spaghetti (the owners are Italian!) roasted potatoes and cake for dessert.After supper we gathered with the guitars and enjoyed some time in praising God through song. We discovered some songs we knew in common, and joined in song together. It was decided that we should sing them at church in the morning, together. Finally, at 9:00, it was time to start wrapping things up, our guests had a not very safe walk home, the Team was exhausted, and church was at 8:00.

 

This morning we woke up to walk to church. Down the dirt road to the busy road and then a sprint across the street. Down a little ways and there it was. We came in and got prepared for worship. Church was exciting and festive and we were able to follow the service fairly well. We sang "Joyful Joyful" and "All in All" together in Spanish and English. It was wonderful and the kids really liked the service. We saw some interesting sights on the way there and back, a dead taratula in the road, chickens with chicks crossing the road, ducks and lots of mopeds.

 

After church there was breakfast, a huge feast of cereal, fresh REAL eggs cooked in butter, toast, ham, fresh papaya and pineapple and even pound cake! Coffee and juice were both especially wonderful. After breakfat, down time in the pool and coconuts split open with machetes (NOT by Sally, or any of our Team) for sipping and eating. Then lunch which is ready now and smells delicious.  Our bus comes to take us to the Camp at 2:00 and then our work begins.

 

Already we know that God is with us and has blessed our Team and our Trip. Keep the prayers up.

 

Yours in faith, Dorothy