The Mission Squad DR 2023

 The food we were served at the Students International base was satisfying and delicious.  Mostly we had typical Dominican food -- sancocho, casabe, tostones, la bandera, avena dominicana, arroz (amarillo, moro, blanco), habichuelas, arepitas, piña, café.  It seemed a banquet every night! But three meals stood out to us, not only becasue they were typical Dominican meals, but because of the friends with whom we shared them.   At the preschool each day, the smallest children that we had in the mornings went home and we ate lunch together berfore the older children came to school.  On one of those days, Vilma and Yocasta shared with us a Dominican treat called patacón.  Vilma showed Greta and Susie how to make this, so we can replicate it at home.  It's basically a "sandwich" with meat, cheese, avocado, lettuce, onion, pico de gallo, and mayonnaise.  But instead of bread, the ingredients are layered between fried plantains.  The girls had fun making this, and hearing the st

Besides Bible stories and songs, we spent a lot of time playing with the children one on one, developing fine and gross motor skills. Last week was face-paint day.  We painted the kids' faces and they painted ours! A bit messy, but fun and to their delight!       Working with 3-5 year olds all day can be pretty tiring!  

This weekend we had the opportunity to go to the beach on Saturday.  The water north of Santiago is so perfect!  Not too warm, and definitely not as cold as Central California Coast!  It was like relaxing in a spa. We enjoyed watching the kite-surfers race and do tricks in front of us!  Nice to have a cool respite for a few hours from the heat and humidity of the inland communities where we serve during the week.         Sunday we worshiped with the Iglesia Commuidad Multicultural (Multicultural commnity church) where we heard a challenging and biblically sound sermon from Pastor Stanley Philippe.  It was so much fun for me to again see friends whom I've grown to love over the past 4 years that I've been coming to Santiago.     After church we visited the Moument to the Heroes of the Restoration.  This was a monument that the former dictator, Rafael Trujillo, originally built in 1944 as a monument to himself, with the heavy taxes he collected from the citizens of Santiago.  Tru

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matt. 19:14) Some of you are wondering if we've posted since "On Our Way"-- the answer is no!  We have been here just over 48 hours and we've been quite busy every moment.  That's a good thing -- that's what we came for!  So here's an update of our first two days in our ministry sites... We arrived in Santiago on July 17 and met up with our fellow workers from Bakersfield, California. We've been happy to make new friends and to work together serving here in education, health care, sports, and social work in three small communities outside of Santiago, Quiigua, Cienfuegos and La Breña. Some reflections: SUSANNA - This year in January I wanted to make a New Year's resoution that I thought I could actually keep.  I sensed God was calling me to face my fears - of being away from home, especially at night; of claustrop

Just a couple more days and we'll be in the Dominican Republic.  The girls are getting excited to go on this new adventure for them.  I'm excited to see old friends and share once again in what the Lord is doing in the communities surrounding Santiago.   Susanna, Pat, Gretchen We have a few days here in Houston to connect with family and continue our preparation.  We've done devotions together for the past several months, focusing on God's heart for the poor and our calling to serve, as well as learning some things about Dominican culture before we arrive. Susanna:  For me, it's been fun to finally come to Texas and visit my cousin Greta's house.  I've also been able to acclimate a bit to the humidity before I go the the Dominican Republic with no air conditioning.  I'm excited for the chance to lead worship for the whole group, and excited to meet new people.  I've learned I'm not in this alone, God is always with me and there are he's surro

Susanna and I left home at 3:30 AM to catch our flight to Houston where we'll meet up with the third member of the Mission Squad, Gretchen!  We've been preparing for this trip for months, and it's finally here!  (If we look tired and spaced out, it's because we are!  We left home at 3:30 a.m.  😯😯 ) More about our trip when we are in Houston.