We're here!

We are here! We had a bumpy drive from Grand Rapids to Chicago, and had a few hours of a very empty airport before checking in and boarding our first flight to Miami. A few hour layover in Miami (where a few very tired folks took naps right on the floor!), and then we flew to the DR. We were greeted warmly by Mario and a few others and took the scenic route (alongside the Ocean) to get to the Ministry Center. We settled in and were treated to an amazing meal of rice, beans, vegetables, salad, and even french fries! Oh, and for the non-vegetarians they had chicken fingers, too.

This evening, Mario shared a video showing all the amazing sights and experiences of the DR - the white sandy beaches, the golf courses, hotels, water activities, etc. Then it showed the other side of the DR - the poverty, lack of education and medical care, violence and brokenness. He introduced us to Veronica, who began and runs a holistic ministry for children and adolescents, where she and her family try to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the children they minister to. She shared about her goal of feeding 300 kids, but they cannot handle that many due to a lack of resources and help. She shared how she sits down for lunch at her table and cries, knowing that those children are not being fed. She had a passion for doing the Lord's work, which was evident, despite her words being translated for us to understand them. God is at work here, and we are anxious to see more of the ways in which that is happening.

Praises: Our flights went well. ALL of our luggage made it. We're all healthy.

Prayers: We're pretty much all exhausted after an hour here and there of sleep last night. It's only 8:30pm as I type this, and I think half our team is already in bed. Prayers for a good nights rest and energy for the rest of the week. Prayers for our health. Prayers for us to have eyes open to see God's beauty amidst the poverty and brokenness we will see this week.