This past week we had our regular meetings and gatherings with a few special events. One of the amazing things God has been doing through our guys is incorporating AIM into schools here (kind of like FCA in the schools). Both Freysy and Salomon have been working extra hard in this, and on Friday we were invited to the school Salomon has been volunteering for a "special presentation". From what we gathered, they had cause to celebrate and wanted to meet us in regard to the great relationship they have built with Salomon.
All the kids are gathered here and the "directora" (principal) talking to them.
Speaking to the kids and saying our appreciation.
The students currently participating in the solidarity club (a community service club) in Salomon's school.
As a special gift for us, this girl prepared a song and I must say this girl can sing. She is 11 years old and has a voice that will bring tears to your eyes (it did mine at least).
A picture with her.
After the presentation we were asked to stay and watch a gymnastics performance they are working on. It was more of a rhythm gymnastics but was awesome to see. Again, how do children interpret love? By playing with them. And how can we show them Christ's love? By spending time with them and playing with them. So, who wants to come love on these kids and teach them gymnastics??
Who wouldn't want to play on this court?? The Dominican is a BEAUTIFUL country.
It was such a great afternoon and as always Aubrey and Ryann were well loved on. :) (Sometimes a little too much for Aubrey's own comfort.)
I told J we need to have more "gringo" kids for all the Dominicans. :) Hahaha
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Also on Friday, Juan Salazar, a Dominican born and New York raised man who lives in Santo Domingo with his family and works in the community presenting the Gospel and discipling athletes through basketball (sound familiar?), came into town. He was asked by a basketball team in Puerto Plata to come hold a 1 day camp for them. We met up with him and a few local pastors on Friday. As we are always trying to outreach with other people and organizations with the same heart and goals, J and a few of our guys participated in the camp on Saturday. Juan Salazar did a devotional with the athletes (boys between 12-16 years old) and did a basketball clinic. Everyone involved was very motivated by the experience and on fire to continue spreading God's love through sport!
After the meeting on Friday with Juan Salazar, J, Rafael and several pastors in Puerto Plata.
Juan Salazar doing the devotional on Saturday.
The group of boys.
Some of the drills.
Recognize him?? :) Jhose was able to join us for this camp.
Another drill.
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On Sunday, we were invited to the Rivas's house for a special lunch. They were celebrating 27 years being here in Sosua. Pastor spoke about him coming here 27 years ago with nothing and thanks to God has been blessed abundantly.
Ruth (Pastor's oldest daughter) with Ryann.
Praying over the Rivas family. (And something extra special is they specifically took Aubrey and Ryann into this prayer. We are beyond blessed for this family who truly loves us like their own.)
With Christine.
Ryann with Niriel (Jose and Flor's daughter.) Ryann looks like a beast here. :)
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Please be praying for the work this week as we currently await the arrival of Tessa (for those who don't know, Tessa is working with AIM and is an expert at all things computer-ical) :) If you haven't visited the AIM website in awhile, you should see it. She has done a phenomenal job with it (http://aimissions.net/). We are very excited to spend the week with her working and showing her to the Dominican family and life.
Much love to all of you!!
I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.
My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you -
I, whom you have redeemed.
Psalm 71:22-23
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