One of my favorite things about our mission trips to LaRomana is the friendships that we have formed over the years with our Dominican family. So many people at the mission house great us with "welcome to your second home." Walking through the front door of the mission house yesterday did feel a little like coming home. Seeing the familiar faces of Estella, Willie, Moises, Marcus, Emilio, Tata, and so many more has been heartwarming over the last two days. This morning we had one of our favorite interpreters with us, Estella. Estella has worked with Trinity since our first trip to the DR, and today we got to meet her daughter for the first time. Esglennes, Estella's daughter, is four years old. The last time Trinity was able to work in the DR, Estella was pregnant with her. Seeing her made us realize just how long it has been since we have been able to visit our Dominican family.
We worshiped at Ebeneezer Church this morning. Trinity helped with the construction and dedication of the church over ten years ago. Seeing how much the Dominican community of Le Lechosa cherishes, takes care of, and continues to invest in their church was such a treat. The best part, though, was being able to worship alongside them. Lynn shared tonight in our devotional time that she recognized the song Power in the Blood (in Spanish), and we discussed how connected it made us feel - living so far away yet so connected with the same faith. After service, we blew bubbles with the children and laughed with them. Their smiles and laughter are so beautiful.
Following service, we walked over to the school that Trinity helped build for the children of Le Lechosa. The school is now complete with 3 levels and educates over 400 children through six grades. It was very exciting to see that they have added a preschool wing since Trinity's last visit in 2019. It is amazing that even through COVID, the mission work here has continued to help and serve the community. They have plans to add a playground to the school next.
After our tour of the school, we headed to the beach. We had fun spending time together as a team and enjoying the cool ocean water. It has definitely been hot and extremely humid, so this was a welcome break!
This evening half of the team worked at the mission house getting setup for VBS, Medical, and Water mission tomorrow in the batayes. We were sorting medicine, drilling holes in water buckets, and getting VBS supplies organized. The rest of the team went to church at Maranatha. Today is Mother's Day in the DR, so they enjoyed watching the children sing to and celebrate their mothers and listening to a Spanish sermon. Paul explained that the sermon was about Moses's mother. We are so thankful that Paul and Hannah speak Spanish!!
We are headed to bed for an early start in the batayes tomorrow. We are praying for God's love to touch everyone that we encounter tomorrow.
Beth Woodard
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