We had camp in San Luis July 7-14 and it was phenomenal. About 5000 kids for 4 days of camp hearing the Gospel, playing sports, eating hotdogs and feeling loved. Pastor Joaquin (our brother in San Luis) did a wonderful job planning and organizing the events on his end. But I have to say one of the most heartwarming moments was actually a visit to a local school where a team of about 100 Dominicans had volunteered to prepare the 5000 hotdogs needed everyday of camp (mind you that is a total of 20,000 hotdogs with bread, ketchup and cheese and then bagged). We were given just a small vision of heaven as the multitudes gathered to serve Christ and glorify God. These volunteers are not the moms or school volunteers you might imagine from the States, but ranged from teens on up. Men and women and youth sharing together and working to reach their local brothers and sisters. It was an amazing sight and I will just say many tears of joy and love were shed.
First day at our site... it's a must to start with a push up contest.
One of our American missionaries luggage was left at the airport. So when we went to get it we decided to take a few minutes as a family and buy an extremely overpriced donut. Totally worth it.
Adrian helped J throughout camp at our site. He had a great connection with the kids.
Last day of camp was primarily games. Another must- include the spinning bat game to get some great laughs.
Tessa at our site one day. (she is normally the mastermind behind the camera)
Picture of the girls at the hotel on Ryann's 1st birthday!
The last evening at camp, we had 3 Americans get baptized in the ocean.
I don't know the numbers of those who accepted Christ, but I do know seeds were planted, relationships were formed and smiles and laughter were everywhere. Camp is always one of those humbling, fast, crazy times but so joyful as we get to show Christ's love!
Following camp, we headed back home for a few days before heading to the States for a few weeks. A regular trip of visits, friends, fundraising, work with AIM... Always a crazy few weeks but so great to be with family and friends (and eat us a few hamburgers along the way).
We headed back to the DR the middle of August and have been cruising along. Our staff have grown so much over the past several months. J and I have been so proud and humbled as we continue watching God unfold our brother's lives to glorify Him. Their outreach to the community, their discipling of their fellow coaches and brothers/sisters, their love for each other and the work. We continue to be blessed beyond measure!
Parade to start a project by Victor promoting unity among all the volleyball teams in the Sosua area.
2 of the teams in Victor's project. The man in the middle is running for office and donated a few balls and nets for the event.
Aubrey and Ryann enjoying some volleyball.
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Aubrey started school at Pastor Rivas's school in Charamicos immediately after we got back and is loving it. She goes half a day and is learning vowels, Spanish (which she is a champ at), having fun, cutting, gluing, coloring, and even has daily homework. She has a huge smile every time I pick her up (one of my favorite parts of the day) and always talks about her friends and the toys. She even has a little uniform. (Yes, she is only 3 but here in the DR they start school at this age. Ultimately, it's like a pre-pre K.) Ryann is good and growing. Her personality comes out more and more everyday (much more animated and dramatic than Aubrey ever was). Getting more teeth and still loving all our friends that come over after school. She is much pickier than Aubrey ever was with food so we are figuring that out for her. Apparently she is too good for leftovers (which we eat every other day here). High maintenance much? J and I are great. Growing and having fun. Continuing to learn to trust God for His provisions (and not worry- something I am extra skilled at).
First day of school pictures.
I think this picture is hilarious. I have no idea what she was doing, but it's funny.
Resting on a Sunday (and swimming in our kiddie pool).
Visiting La Cienaga one day.
Tyler, Marcos and J talking about Tyler's project in La Cienaga.
We want you to join us on our 2016 trips.
At a Father's Day dinner at church last month. (Father's Day in the Dominican is the last Sunday of July.)
Genesis (our neighbor) has been taking music classes on the recorder in Cabarete for a time now. We went to see her concert.
Bottom row, far right- Alfre's son and Loralee (neighbor) performing at the same concert.
Thank you for your continuous prayers and love!
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." Psalm 91:2
