Day 3

I have been having trouble getting online. Last night i tried to post pictures and only one uploaded in 30 minutes and then it was lights out.
Today we had an awesome chapel with Alberto from the education site in Mata Gorda where Mills is. Its amazing how worship transcends language. God's presence so evident. Some of your kids that never sing were actually singing in Spanish!

I visited a couple of sites today in Los Higos. Tiffany and Laurel in pre school, Katlin in Social Work and Dan and Katie in Medical. Katlins team had a morning retreat so I missed being with them but I did spend time with the others. It was a complete joy to watch Tiffany and Laurel work with these kids. Its just so beautiful. They work with 3, 4 and 5 year olds. Today they celebrated Vivianas 5th birthday. Laurel and Tiffany made her a card and gave her some candy. Watching Laurel work one on one with Iliana was so wonderful. Laurel not afraid to use her Spanish.The medical site was very reminiscent of our adult missions in the DR. Watching Dan and Katie take vitals and communicate with people and listen to Dr Fernando as he explains medical things was a treat. I hope I can post several photos.

The week flew by- we just realized its almost the 4th of July. One of our students who shall remain anonymous asked if there were going to be fireworks in town..love the innocense!

Tonight we are doing some outreach training for something we will be doing next week.
Tomorrow is our outing day...rafting, waterfalls and hiking...lunch in town and shopping....

Here's some random photos..

Day 2

The evenings have been really beautiful and cool. New team members ususally dont believe you will use blanket....but now they do!

We are studying Ephesians. Every morning one of the Dominican Staff members lead worship and Bible study and then we go alone for 40 minute alone devotional.

We have an awesome team...YOU have wonderful kids to be proud of. Pat Lynn cannot stop praising them to me.
Everyone loves the food too. And theres plenty of it.Today I spent the day with Mills in Mata Gorda at the pre-school. She loves it and the kids love her. Very obvious. Mills told me she would love to be an intern next summer. She led some lessons today and is doing great with Spanish.
Pat has been to the sports site with Kyle and I will post pictures tomorrow hopefully. Yesterday I mentioned Dan did not partake in Pap smear duty..HOWEVER, he did observe and gave us a report. He and Katie did some ultrasound today on pregnant women and were awed by it. Also very moved by a small boy with some special needs. They were in the hospital all day working.

Tonight we all separate and go to dinner at a local familys home...it is sure to be an amazing experience. Gotta run.

Day 1 Ministry

Heres our first team picture at the camp. Wore those shirts for a few days~!

Recap of last night:

Culture night- We had merengue lessons. Billy and Lindsay took it very seriously(So You Can Dance). It was fun. Josh still has his wig on. After tasting some local coconut candy and coconut milk-straight from the coconut, we had free time. Then family time- our male leader Pat fit right in our group, as has Katie and Katie! Pat led family time and it was pretty amazing. They love him already.

Today I visited the social work site where Lindsey and Karlie are. It was a great experience doing home visits. One was rather sad as it is a friend of mine (Lourdes) I have known for a few years. She was quite a spit fire and resistant to hearing the Gospel. Last year she was born again and has changed and transformed into a most amzing woman of God. Last week she found out she has stage 4 cervical cancer....we spent time with her, laid hands and prayed as a group..her faith a nd courage quite a testimony.

Dan and Katies group spent the day doing Paps smears! Well, Dan did blood preassure and pre test thing! More to come tomorrow....

Change of Plans

Well, not exactly the Dominican Republic! It is now 10:00pm. We are in the Ramada Plaza Hotel at Kennedy airport. Kids all asleep.
All went as planned. Got to JFK on time, check in and security were a breeze.
We took off about 20 minutes late...it was a wierd takeoff..not turbulant..just different. Even Billy noticed. Josh..fast asleep.
We were close to the altitude where you start to even out etc and the pilot makes an announcement that theres some mechnical issies with the left engine. We are turning around and going back to JFK.
There was no indication of a problem..but you still get those thoughts in your head. It was a relief to finally see land..something about flying over water.
We land, all clap, and then after a while we are told we have to switch planes..sigh of relief all around.
So, long story short-no flights conncting to the DR until Tuesday-SO GO HOME AND COME BACK!! I convinced the girl we werent going home and they got us hotel rroms, meal vouchers and re ticketed for a direct flight Tuesday morning at 8:00 am.
Apparantly the following people were randomly selected by the computer for FIRST CLASS seating:Billy, Karlie,Michael,Lindsey,Ethan,Katie,Mills and Dan!
So for whatever reason, we have been delayed. Your kids are so flexible and wonderful! They have a wonderful attitide and I continue to shower them with praise. Kudos to the college students for their help.
Its been a long 24 hours, BUT a wonderful time for fellowship and getting closer as a team.
We are and have been fine. Please dont worry! Now I need to sleep.
Pray for us!
Lourdes

Devotional 1

In three days we will be on our way to the Dominican Republic.

Leaving Home Scripture: I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore. (Psalm 121)

Reflection: After many months of preparation, the trip to the DR is aout to begin. You do not go alone. Not only are the others from the mission trip with you, but you are surrounded by the prayers of the Hopewell Reformed Church, other churches, your families and friends. Most of all, God is with you.

Prayer: Father, You call us to go. Give us faith to go out with courage, not knowing where we go,but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

HRC STINT Team '09

Hey everyone,
This is a welcome to our official blog site for the 2009 HRC youth mission trip to the Dominican Republic. I will try to work on this daily and hopefully upload photos this year! You can also become a "follower" and it will email you anytime there is a new post.
I would ask that as parents you start praying for your kids and team! This is one amazing team and I know and feel God has some special things ahead. Look at the beautiful photo of Jarabacoa!
Thanks for all your support. Please start thinking about transportation to the airport as we have no official vehicle and parents will need to carpool.

God bless!
Lourdes Kleid and Patrick Lynn
Team Leaders
HRC DR '09