Living Water!

Can we say "RAIN" boys and girls? Fortunately for us, water fits our chosen theme of "The Woman at the Well", as we are in the middle of a tropical wave that dumped rain down on us the past two days with more thunderstorms forecast for tomorrow! If we didn't know better, we'd think the theme was to be "Noah and The Ark" as our security guy joked this morning that one of the cars we were riding in was a "fish car" because of all the water it had to get through! So, Thank God for the "Living Water!"
Our day started with a fabulous breakfast prepared by the wonderful ladies at our hotel. It took a while to get to the school, but we finally had a chance to meet the students and staff we have heard so much about. Rev. Barrerra presented our lesson and had the story of "Jesucristo's" encounter with "la mujer samaritana" read aloud to the youth in English and Spanish.
I was amazed at the challenges associated with getting 38 children, ages 3 to 6, to complete a nametag project in under 2 hours! (Praise God I did not decide to be an elementary school teacher!) I think some others in the group might echo that statement! LOL It was a blast, to say the least. The older kids (7 and up) were a bit more efficient at the crafting process...we think we'll defer the "serious" crafting to them! All of the kids decorated quilt squares which we are having a local woman assemble into a quilt-tapestry that will be presented as a gift to the school on Friday. We can't wait to see how beautiful it is when she is finished and we are excited to know that someone from the community is receiving an opportunity to work in such dire economic conditions.
We had the opportunity to share in a wonderful meal with the students and staff...all of which was prepared in the open-air kitchen behind the school. Let me tell you...those ladies know how to make magic happen! The work that they do each day is just this side of the "loaves and fishes" story.
Our afternoon included some outdoor activities under the tents that served as protection from the rain. Much laughter and great pics to follow! The maintenance team had a plumber in to do some serious toilet repair work while they prepped for the week's projects and developed their game plan. Paint was purchased and will be applied to walls tomorrow...even if we move the students out under the tents a room at the time.
A tired bunch of adults made it back to the hotel, went for dinner and are likely snoring by now! Tomorrow is another big day with the kids...about 80 in total, plus the unofficial kids that have "aged out" but still hang around for the experience. We know that there is much more work to be done, learning to be achieved, and fun to be had tomorrow. I sure hope we are ready! Pics of last night and today's events can be found here. More to come as we go along!


On a more personal note...I once again have confirmation that we (read I) are spoiled, whiny, ungrateful, wasteful people in the US. The differences in wants and needs are very apparent when viewed from this angle. There is so much that we take for granted that simply is not accessible in other places in the world.
Last night, we found out that the very limited money that the school has received from a private organization is no longer available because that organization is no longer in existence. There is no money in the budget for July...which is 7 days away. Did you know that $22,500 will make school possible for these kids next year. If you do the math, that's 125 students at $180 for the year! That really sounds like one of those "save the children" commercials, but I assure you it's not hype! I was sitting next to the head man last night when he talked about the situation and the tear that I watched run down the edge of eye was real.
Seems like a good time to adjust priorities a bit...redirect some of what I waste to better causes...at home and abroad. (Yeah, there will probably even fewer Christmas presents this year than last...we have more important work to do!)
Check back in to see what God's got planned...bigger and better things to come, for sure!

Bienvenidos a Miami

The Durham half of the group has landed in Miami. We've set about behaving like quite the group of tourists. Say "Queso!" (You know - "Cheese!")

Packing and Packing and Packing Some More!

Good evening friends and family! In just a few short hours, it's off to the airport and on to an amazing journey of discovering God's blessings in a strange new land.

Packing is almost complete...at least as far as necessary supplies are concerned. I weighed my "supply" bag and discovered it is 94.9 pounds! We've been joking about skimping out on the amount of clothing we are packing and this seems like a compelling reason to do so.

Allow me to send a big shout out to the generous folks at American Airlines who are making this "strong man & woman" competition possible! The plane may never be the same!

Check back in for pictures and stories of our adventures. Thanks again to all of our Sending Partners who have given so freely to make this possible. May you be richly blessed and living in the overflow of all that God has for you!

Suitcase Packing Frenzy !!

Remember the paradox of the unstoppable force and the immovable object? Fortunately, our mission team's commitment and God, or strength, both belong to the former of these two entities. WHY? Because the suitcase we packed yesterday between church services clearly seemed to belong to the latter. I finally managed to get it up on a scale, but it weighed a mere 59.5 pounds. So now hearing from fellow travellers who have up to 90 pounds, I think I may have to scrounge around and fill some of those air pockets! What wonderful friends and supporters we have to enable us to take these scholastic treasure chests along on this journey. And, we're also thankful for the professional travel support we receive from Executive Travel in Washington DC, and to the generous support of American Airlines. Together, these two work to grant to each one of us a weigh limit exemption on one outgoing piece of luggage. It helps make these trips the best they could possibly be!

It's finally time.....

I agree with Jules....I seems like just a few days ago we were talking about a mission trip...and now ...here we are. This time tomorrow we will be on a plane headed to meet the rest of the team in Miami. Then.... DR bound.

God has really worked this all out....lol...and we worry in doubt....silly us. I can't wait to be blessed by the smiling faces of the children when we arrive in El Tamarindo. I'm ready to get hard at work beautifying their school.....in more ways that one :)

Thanks for all your support! I hope you enjoy traveling along with us on the amazing journey God has for us.

For my Pittsburgh family.....I feel like it's Kennywood day tomorrow...I got new my outfit all picked out :)

Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future:

-Alana

MCC-DC's Blessing and Send-Off for its 2010 DR Missionaries

Two terrific send-offs from MCC-Washington today! One at each of the Sunday morning services, which were both well attended for Father's Day. Our 4 missionaries participated in both ceremonies. We were joined by other church members who are departing this week for MCC's annual conference in Acapulco. From right to left, wearing our official 2010 DR Mission t-shirts in the attached group picture are Karen Hertel, Colleen Kersey, Michelle Martin, and Michael Herman.

We each shared our inspirations and our expectations for this great adventure. This is the first trip for Karen and Michelle. Colleen's plans took an unexpected but happy detour. And for myself, this is mission trip #3.



The prayers were earnest; the blessings were many, and afterwards we got many personal expressions of support and love from our fellow worshippers. T-2!!!!! Can't believe it's finally going to happen!

Ready, Set...Can We Go Yet?

The countdown is on...it's hard to believe that we are almost ready to travel to the Dominican Republic! It seems like just a few days ago that I had a conversation about travelling somewhere so we could speak spanish...half expecting to get laughed at! Well here we are - packing suitcases for a Tuesday departure! Truly, God does work in amazing ways and once again, the joke is on me!

This is my first "real" mission trip and I am like a little kid...giddy with excitement...can't hardly wait to see how God pours out some of that irresistible grace and love on us and those waiting to see us in the DR. I am honored to be a part of this team. I am blown away by the incredible generosity of all those who have given of their time and resources to help make this happen! Thank you all so much.

You are invited to check back here often as we share the blessings that we experience each day. I'm convinced that there will be much to celebrate as God shows up and shows out. Please don't miss it!

Jules