John 15:5

 The interns at the resort in Santo Domingo

Wow, God did some amazing things this summer! It is a challenge to summarize in words all that I learned and all that happened. Saying goodbye to my wonderful DR family was a challenge as well. We had a special dinner with everyone Monday night before we left. Then, the other interns, missionaries and I left the TIME center on Tuesday morning to go to a resort for our summer debriefing. We spent time discussing how to transition back to the life in the states. Also, we had time to relax and reflect back on all the things that God did this summer. One of my favorite moments at the resort was when we gathered as a team and prayed for each other. Below I included a picture of a lady named Carmín and her six children. She worked in the kitchen this summer at the TIME center and her kids helped out a ton. She was a role model to me this summer because she exemplifies Christ’s love all the time. I hope to go back and visit her and all the other lovely people that I worked with this summer.

Carmin and her six kids with Elizabeth and I. 

Honestly, the last week of groups I was feeling discouraged. A group from a church in Wisconsin came, and it was there first time in the DR. I prayed that God would renew my sense of joy so that I could serve with the WI team wholeheartedly. Then, on Thursday night we went to a church service at San Felipe and God answered my prayer. The whole service was a time of thanksgiving to God. The pastor Domingo talked about the verse John 15:5 “ I am the vine, you are the branches, if a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing.” This verse brought tears to my eyes and reminded me to be thankful for all the things that God had done this summer. He is the true vine and only in him can we bear any fruit at all.  The next day we built a chapel with the Wisconsin team. It was the last chapel of the summer! God gave me strength that day and a sense of peace that I was serving Him and through Him bearing fruit.

Angela, Mary, me, Laura, and Jennifer at San Felipe

One of my favorite moments from the last week was getting to do a roof project with our team. We went to a Haitian church in Santo Domingo that had already been built out of cement blocks, but it needed a roof. This church was probably the size of 2 chapels we normally build put together. So, it was a huge project. A group from a church in Pennsylvania had come up to work build it. Even though they were discouraged at first, God brought men from the church congregation to help them. On Sunday I also got to help them finish the project. We put all the roof panels up and nailed them together. Nailing on the roof was definitely one of my favorite jobs this summer even though it was a challenge for me. By God’s provision the roof was completed!

Standing on top of the completed roof.

I want to say thank you so much to everyone that supported me! Without you all I would not have gone to the DR. Knowing that people were praying for me was so encouraging. Because of your support, 9 new chapels were built, over 60 benches were made, and many people were blessed, including myself. Thank you again!

That is all for now, although as I always like to say, “to be continued.” 

La ultima semana

Some praises from the past two weeks:

1. We helped my friend Rafelina at her Bible club and had a great time with the kids there!

2. During our days off our team had time to relax and catch up on the work that needed to be done.

3. We had a great week with the groups from Florida and Iowa.

4. God kept us all healthy and gave us strength to complete the chapel and an additional roof project. 

5. God blessed our ministry throughout the week. We did ministry in various places like San Felipe, Hatillo, and a church in Boca Chica.

At Rafelina's Bible club with my friend Yarisa.

One of my favorite memories last week was going to a chapel in Boca Chica with the group from Lake Baldwin church in Florida. Some members of that group had built the chapel a few years ago. It was dedicated to a friend of theirs who had cancer. They found out the night before they built the chapel that he passed away. He was just 13. What was so incredible was to see how many young boys were there worshipping in that chapel. It was a sweet moment for the group to remember their friend that had died and to joyfully sings songs to God.

Outside the chapel at Boca Chica. Playing with a parachute.

Prayer requests:

1. This is our last week of groups. We have one from Wisconsin and one from Pennsylvania. Pray that God would work in their hearts and that He would be glorified this week.

2. Pray for the tropical storm that is supposed to hit here soon. That God would protect those that do not have sufficient shelter here in the DR.

3. Pray for this last week as we say goodbye to the lovely people here. That God would give us all perseverance to the end. That we would trust in Him for the future.

With old interns and new interns. Having a coke break between work.

Hatillo

Praises and Prayers:

1.       Our team was safe during the political strike. The only evidence of a strike I saw was a burning tire in the road one afternoon. Please pray for peace in the DR in the future. For wisdom for the government.

2.       God blessed the logistics last week with the 80 people and with all the translations for the VBS. In the end 2 new chapels were built and 40 new benches. Pray that God would bless the churches that have been built so far this summer. (7 chapels in different locations)

3.       Please pray that the last 3 weeks I am here God would bless our ministry. That he would be glorified in all that we do.

4.       Please pray for the next two groups. One is from Iowa and one is from Florida.

5.       Pray that God would provide opportunities to share with others what He is doing. Pray that I would not grow tired and weary. 



My sweet friend Crisbel. 

I hope that you are all doing well and enjoying the summer months! Last week, a group of 80 people was here from Hopkington, MA. God blessed last week in so many ways.  I worked with the group that built a chapel in Hatillo. Hatillo is a neighborhood in a nearby city called San Cristobal. Last summer Hatillo was the first place where the interns went and took down a 15-year-old chapel. Now there is a playground in its place and God is doing many neat things.  Rosalena is a wonderful lady that runs the school there. Noe, the TIME site director, and his brother-in-law Anibal are the pastors for a service on Sunday nights for the youth. Many children and youth are learning more about Jesus’ love through these ministries. Before the youth had to meet outside, but now they have a new chapel for them.



The kids at Hatillo playing hot potato with a beach ball



One of my favorite memories from last week was helping build the foundation for the chapel. The night before the foundation I felt worried that I didn’t have enough strength to do the work. God reminded me that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.-Just as the son of man, Jesus, did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus performed the ultimate sacrifice for us and that is why it is a joy to serve him. I was able to build great friendships that day with some of the team from Boston. We had to carry 250 blocks of cement and many buckets of cement and mortar down a hill.  It was challenging, but SO fun!



The view from above of the completed foundation



During the week we also had a VBS in the afternoons at Hatillo. I had originally thought that I would have to translate the Bible story, but the Boston team ended up having an excellent translator. One day as the translator Evan was praying, the kids started repeating the words after him. J After VBS one day the kids started playing on the playground. They were going down the slide so fast! It was fun to see them play with such joy and happiness.



Kids at the playground



No Place I Would Rather Be

There is a song that I love that says "There is no place I would rather be than here in Your love, here in your love. Set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain, that I can't control." This song has been my prayer and encouragement lately. Unfortunately, last week I got sick after eating sushi. My stomach was tossing and turning for a couple days. Even when I was discouraged during this time, God provided me with hope and peace. Now, I am feeling much better. God answered so many prayers this week. He healed me when I was sick and allowed time to rest and recover. He healed a girl named Michelle from Tennessee who got very sick this week when she came. He gave me wisdom on how to care for her. He allowed me to develop good relationships with the group from Boston. They were fun to work with! Also, God allowed us to go to Circadillo twice to do ministry.

I went to Circadillo many times last summer. This week was my first time to go back this summer, and it was so beautiful to see what God is doing there. One of my good friends from last summer named Elida was there. I also got to see many of the same kids. The first picture is of some of the ladies of the village singing. They sang a song for us called Vivir por Ti, I live for you, God.

The second day we went back to Circadillo we had to walk about a mile to get to the church. It had been raining so much earlier in the week that the roads were too muddy for the bus. We had fun playing with the kids. This picture shows some of the girls making gimp bracelets.

 

This week we built the chapel on rock. The site was in a neighborhood near the beach Boca Chica. The group that built the foundation in the beginning of the week had to return twice to finish everything. It was amazing to see it go up. God is definitely going to use this chapel for his glory. As you can see from the picture below, many people from the community came.

 

Prayer Requests:
1. This week we have a group of 80 people coming from Boston. Pray that God would be glorified in everything and that the logistics would flow smoothly.
2. On Monday there is supposed to be a political strike in the DR. Please pray for peace and safety for our team and for the people here.
3.  Pray that God would enable me to speak Spanish and translate for the group as they plan to do a VBS.
4. Pray that God would bless the missionaries here, Noe and Anyoly and Kris and Cindy. That they would have strength and wisdom this week.

God Bless you all!

Dios, eres todo poderoso

Praises from this week:
1. God provided patience with construction, the team I worked with was excellent.
2. Good connections were made with the Pennsylvania team, everyday we shared things God was doing.
3. We built a chapel in Cabrera, it was beautiful to see it go up!
4. God gave me energy and strength.

Some of the group from Pennsylvania and a window panel we made.

One of my favorite moments this past week was when I helped work on the roof of the chapel. We had to secure the tin with many nails. At first, I was afraid of this task because I thought I was going to slip off, but God gave me the strength to continue. Also, it was beautiful to look out into the Dominican countryside and see God's beautiful creation. Before, their church had been meeting in the street. Praise the Lord that they now have a roof over their heads! After we finished building the chapel, we had a dedication ceremony to give the keys of the chapel to the pastor. The pastor sang a song for us called "Eres Todo Poderoso," this means God, you are all-powerful. How true these words are!  I was especially thinking about God's power today because we had a huge thunderstorm here for a couple hours. Hearing the crashing thunder reminded me of God's mighty power. His faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Sitting on the roof.

Our next group doesn't come until friday, so the next couple days we will spend preparing and resting a bit. Tomorrow our team is taking a trip to the river. I am thankful that I get to work with such a great team of people!

Prayer Requests:
1. Pray that I would love the Lord more and spend more time in His word.
2. Pray that our team would glorify God and encourage each other.
3. Pray for peace even when things do not go the way I plan. 

Children of God

View of the sunset from my window.

God did some amazing things this past week! I worked with a Colorado youth group, and it was so much fun! We did ministry with kids and we constructed benches for churches. One of my favorite days was when we had a carnival and cookout at a local church nearby in San Felipe. First, we walked through the streets inviting children and their families to come. Then, we set up the different stations for the carnival event. I was assigned to do face-painting. The kids were so thrilled with all the activities! Even though I was dripping with sweat, I enjoyed every moment of the carnival. I love working with children and showing them Christ's love. After the carnival, the Colorado team provided dinner for everyone. Over 150 people came and ate. Then they showed the Jesus Film in Spanish. It was beautiful to see this event come together and to serve alongside the high school students from Colorado. Even in a short time (only 8 days) I formed great friendships with these students. Also, when some of the girls from San Felipe found out that I am staying the whole summer they applauded. It was encouraging to talk to them and get to know them better. Tomorrow, two church groups arrive from Pennsylvania. This next week we will hopefully construct two chapels with them.  


Praises:
1. Our Colorado group constructed many benches and the other group from Florida built a chapel. 
2. God enabled me to help translate in numerous circumstances. 
3. I got an eye infection this week, but God provided a solution, and I am doing great! 
4. God helped our team be unified and make good connections with the group. 


Prayer Requests:
1. Patience and wisdom when doing construction.
2. That the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart would be pleasing to God. 
3. Ephesians 6:19-20 that I would fearlessly make known the Gospel. 
4. That God would continue to bless the communication between the Time staff and any church groups that come. 

The Colorado kids serving at the cookout 

Girls at San Felipe 

It's only just begun

The girls at Ina's house. 

"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you." Psalm 63:3-5

On Monday night all the girl interns and I went over to Ina York's house. Ina is a missionary here and works in a village nearby called Circadillo. We watched a video of the Christian speaker Beth Moore. It was convicting! Beth Moore talked about how every day a girl can try to fill her cup with alms or adoration from others. Instead, our cups need to be filled with Christ. Our worth needs to come from Him, because only He can truly satisfy us always. His love and mercy can fill our cup to overflowing.  

I arrived Friday night to Santo Domingo. Seeing the people that I met last summer has been so wonderful! God is helping me as I speak Spanish. It has been a blessing that I can speak and understand more than last summer. Also, I have been getting to know the other new three interns. They are so sweet and I am excited to get to know them more. These past couple days we have had orientation. We learned about various topics from Dominican culture, to communication, to goals for the summer. One of my favorite parts was a game we played where we practiced being guests and hosts from other cultures. I learned a lot and it was very fun! The first church groups are coming Friday. One is from Florida, the other from Colorado. With one group we will build a chapel and with the other we will construct benches for the church. I can't wait to see what God has in store! 

If you have time, please pray:

1. Pray that our team can love on the groups and encourage them to follow Christ more.

2. Pray that our team would communicate well together. 

3. Pray that I would be satisfied in Christ more and more, and let him fill my cup. 

Dios te Bendiga. God Bless You!

Noe, el jefe (the boss) with his Texas shirt.

The view from the fort in the colonial city of downtown Santo Domingo.

Right to left: Olivia, Lindsey, Rafelina, and me on the porch at the TIME center.