Our two weeks in the Caribbean was a mixture of challenging and exciting times.
Straight off the plane we were greeted with palm trees, coconuts and warm weather. The Dominican Republic is definitely the tropical getaway as far as missions goes.
The Joshua class partnered up with students international, an established missionary organization in the Dominican, and work alongside these other missionaries around the DR.
The SI(Student International, not Sports Illustrated) headquarters were amazing and provided a comfortable and relaxing place to stay when we were not at our missions sites.
All 56 Joshua Students and some staff were divided up into groups to go out every day on trucks to work at different mission sites. There were medical, dental, education, construction and sports sites to name a few. I was on the construction team building a new school for a poor community called El Callejon.
We only finished the foundation for the property, but that is the nature of SI's two week student mission groups. It was hard labor out in the sun going back tot he basics of building. Everything we did was hand crafted from the re-bar pillars to mixing concrete. Initially it was difficult doing this ministry with the right attitude and not getting upset when things didn't work out, but God worked on our hearts, and we came to do everything with great attitudes for His glory. At that point it was easy to see God in everything. The Kids would "help" us and we could see the joy they had because we were there serving and loving them, and everyone in the Dominican were incredibly hospitable, and the work soon became easy.
It was a really great trip and I can see how God has worked through us to impact the families in the DR (Dominican Republic) and also how he has worked in us to help us grow into who he wants us to be.
Much of the trip was work, but missionaries need breaks too. We did a few hikes around the DR and saw some of the most spectacular sights I have ever seen.
We had a night where we went into town and had a cultural dinner with a host family. Other fun stuff included exploring the city of Jarabacoa and the shops, going to a Dominican Church( I was very thankful I could understand a little of their Spanish), And not to mention an awesome dodge ball tournament! Who ever said Christians cant have fun?
Oh yeah! I don't want to forget the one time a cow ran through the base and sent everyone screaming in every direction. I calmly walked over, grabbed a rope, and roped the heifer just to make Grandpa proud. Then it decided it didn't like that very much, picked me up and gave me a fun little 8 second ride. All while in flip-flops and my Sunday best! I am very thankful we use horses in the US.
Well, Back in the states is different, but I am enjoying water pressure and flushing my toilet paper. I have definitely learned to be content and bring glory to God wherever I am, and to enjoy the little things.
