Friday, December 19, 2014

Tessa Comes to Visit

Whew!  What a week we had.  One of our new counterparts within AIM came to visit the Dominican and it was a fun, crazy, exhausting week.  But I do believe she is now up to par with the Dominican and all the people in it!  :)  We had a wonderful week with Tessa and have decided we are going to adopt her into our family.  (I know there will be some competition as others will want her, but I am making it official on our blog that we want her!)  She arrived a week ago Tuesday and we hit the ground running with the Rivas family, Gary's practice and the softball game with Banco Santa Cruz.  We visited San Luis and Pastor Joaquin, visited many of the fields in Sosua, La Cienega, Sabaneta, and others.  Visited the school Salomon is volunteering and got to take part in another event planned by the Service Club at Freysy's school (more on that later).  Participated in a 1 day camp planned completely by Dominicans, interviewed lots of people and attended an end of year party with the Christian Sports Association and the majority of our coaches in the greater Sosua area.  It was one of those weeks that flies by.  We traveled back with Tessa and arrived in the States a few days ago.  As always, our girls traveled very well, praise God!  And we are here, unpacked, enjoying the cooler weather and time with family and friends in the States.  Praise God for these times of rest and rejuvenation.  And Praise God for this time of refilling in spirit.  One of the things we have seen (and something our enemy will use against us) is that it is unbelievably easy to pour out, pour out, pour out until there is nothing left but an empty shell.  Just sheer exhaustion and mental blockage.  As Christians, it is so important for us to be poured into so we can continue pouring out, and these times of rest, family and quiet are a blessing.  It is very hard for me to see the times I need to be refilled, and even harder for me to take the time to allow that to happen.  One of my prayers throughout these few weeks back in the States is for us to be renewed and rejuvenated and ready to hit the ground running. 

And now for a few pictures of the week:
A picture of Aubrey at the school in Villa Liberacion.  Merry Christmas!!  (Or Mele Kalikimaka from the DR)

During our time at the Pier Giorgio hotel.  The breeze and waves were crazy high but beautiful as always. 

For a few years now, Freysy's school has gathered food items to provide Christmas dinner to local families in need.  This year, the service club Freysy leads took charge of the event.  Last year they had 22 boxes of food (which often gives the family enough food for 1 month).  This year they provided 54 boxes!!  Praise God!  We were asked to attend the luncheon in honor of the event and as a representative of AIM in the community.  It was one of the most spirit filled Christmas parties we have ever attended.  And to top it off, one of the Assistants for the Superintendent attended the luncheon and is planning on incorporating this event into all the schools next year!  Can you imagine how many people will be reached?!!  God is good all the time!!

During the luncheon they invite the people who will be receiving the boxes.  (You can see a few of them at the table behind the boxes.)

Some of the service club gathered together before the luncheon.  (Aubrey with her friend again!)
 
After arriving in San Luis with Tessa, we met up with Pastor Joaquin and visited several leagues where we had camp this past Summer.  Here Pastor Joaquin is delivering a small message, singing and praying with the boys.

During the Christian Sports Association party in honor of all the work the coaches do within the greater Sosua area.   Here is Tessa, Pastor Rivas and Victor.

Many of our coaches gathered together.

Alfre and Ryann.

More coaches and more fun!

Freysy saying a few words... but little did we know J and I (and our girls) were about to be honored and recognized with a beautiful plaque.  These guys are mischievous!  :)

 After arriving in Guaragao for camp, Tessa is loving on some kids.








We got to spend a day playing with 200 kids, and 5 adults accepted Christ as their Savior!!  Praise God for His faithfulness!
 
 
We are humbled and grateful for the time we get to spend in the Dominican.  We are blessed for our brothers and sisters who are growing and learning how to disciple and use their God given talents to reach others.  Please continue praying for these men and women to share their hearts and love for Christ on and off the field!


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