Day Twenty-Nine in the Dominican Republic

Well, today begins a series of "lasts" for us in the Dominican Republic. Today, we began our last week in the Dominican Republic. We've repeatedly mentioned how crazy it is for us to make that statement. Time really has flown by. It seems like yesterday that we stepped out of the airport into the smothering, humid heat of the Dominican Republic (yes, that's how it felt that day). It seems like yesterday that we settled into our little apartment at the ministry center in Santo Domingo. Now, we're on our last week. God has been good to us!

Today also marked our last official ministry activity in the Dominican Republic (our final week has been scheduled as a "debriefing week"). I really enjoyed our gathering tonight. There were many aspects of tonight's gathering that were very Dominican. First off, we showed up over a half-hour late because Steve got a flat tire on the way to pick us up. However, when we arrived at the house, nobody was home and nothing was started yet. After hanging out in front of the house for fifteen to twenty minutes, a van pulled up with Juan and Arelise (the homeowners--Arelise is the silhouette in the top picture) and a bunch of teenagers. Then, more teenagers started showing up. Then more teenagers. It was fun to watch. They just kept coming. We started off by setting up chairs in their garage area, but that wasn't enough. Eventually, the group overflowed into the porch area of their home. It was packed. Rachel and I guessed there was just under thirty teenagers there tonight. We spent the beginning time singing songs. Then, Steve shared his testimony with the group, helping them to see what it means to have faith in Jesus. After his testimony, we worked through a beginner's Bible Study on the first five chapters of John. Then, the meeting wrapped up with Arelise and Juan serving the entire group Dominican Spaghetti.

Each of these aspects have a Dominican feel to them. Yes, starting a meeting over and hour late is very Dominican. However, so is their ability to gather groups of people somewhat easily. Rachel and I have been amazed at watching how many people gather when they hold these types of activities. I think it's because they have such a community focus. Everyone is connected to everyone AND everyone is doing things outside. So, when something like this happens, people see it happening and swing by to see what's going on.

I have also appreciated the amazing hospitality of the people in the Dominican Republic. Juan and Arelise don't have much. They have a small home, but they've devoted it to the work of the Lord. Remember, they are planning on building a second story to their house so they can start a church in the bottom floor. However, in the mean time, they are doing as much ministry with their house as possible. Also, they aren't just hosting meetings like this, but they are FEEDING the people who gather for these meetings. At the VBS on Thursday, the provided popcorn and suckers to over one hundred and fifty children. Tonight, they provided popcorn, spaghetti, Italian bread, and pop to everyone in the group.

So, another good day, looking forward to a good, final week here in the DR. Again, we continue to thank all of you for your prayers. We know that the success of this trip is a result of God's grace and the significant prayer effort of our friends and family. It means so much to us. Keep it up.

Buenos Noches!