#7 End or Beginning?

The last week of our time in Santiago was marked by a swim party and bittersweet goodbys to children, missionaries, and fellow participants.  We had spent two weeks serving, experiencing Dominican culture, and building relationships. Now what? In some ways, the work God is doing in our lives as a result of our mission trip has just begun.

Our last week at the pre-school was busy with projects to help beautify the school.  We all painted... Susie and Maddie (from Bakersfield) and Pat painted a mural on the play-yard wall, while Gretchen painted with the children in the other room (and kept them busy!)  

Reflections from Gretchen:

We got back from the DR and I've been home for about a week now. It still feels weird to have AC all the time and to be able to brush my teeth in the sink water- is it really safe?  I miss the kids and the SI staff, but I'm so grateful for the time I had with them. They all taught me so much and I hope I made an impact on them as much as they did on me. My site leaders, especially an amazing woman named Vilma, taught me to love unconditionally. Also the amount of faith that they have to have to be there and continue to serve God's Kingdom, even when they're tired, even when it's not comfortable, is so encouraging to me. I definitely want to go back. They also shared their testimonies with us on our last day, and that was amazing to hear their stories, the challenges they overcame through God's strength and grace.

The trip was so eye-opening for me. It made me realize how important God's commission to share the gospel is, and how much I need to be a part of it. It made me realize the extreme poverty, physical, emotional, spiritual, of the world, and how desperately they need a Savior. I thank God for the opportunity I had and the chance that I had to love others. Thank you everyone for your donations, support and prayers! 

Reflections from Susanna:

My time in the DR was amazing. It grew me so much in so many ways, and I’m grateful for the friends I made and the experiences I had. Working with the kids reminded me how much God values a childlike innocence and faith. Our site leaders were great examples to me in multiple ways. Seeing and meeting the people who work there encouraged me that even though the world can be crazy, God is still good and people are still fighting to spread his gospel all around the world. After this trip, God seems so much bigger to me. I want to thank everyone who supported me through their prayers while I was away; knowing that people were thinking about me while I was away was a great encouragement to me. 

The final big bang was a pool party!  All the kids had so much fun cooling off in the pool we set up in the play-yard.

 

So, is it the end or just another beginning?  I think the latter for each of us who went to the DR this summer. We leave this beautiful island with mixed emotions.  Glad to have been here and made so many wonderful friends.  Thankful to have see God at work in us and through us. Eager to see how God will use this experience to help us grow, serve him better at home, and encourage others to follow his call. Thank you to each of you who have read our blog, followed along with our journey, and prayed for us as we were here. Please let us know that you followed us!