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Shelley is going to be in the States
Shelley and the kids are visiting the states from November 11th to December 31st. As some of this time will be spent to visit with family and friends, she has dedicated alot of the time to give presentations and updates on how everything is progressing in the Dominican Republic with the church and school. Please see the list of dates and places where she will be speaking and feel free to join her at any of the Church services listed.
Also, please keep Shelley and the kids in your prayers as they will be traveling here SOON.
DATES & PLACES:
NOVEMBER 15TH, 2009 (come join us)
Bethel Christian Reformed Church
3500 Glenwood Lansing Rd
Lansing , IL 60438
Evening Service @ 5:00 pm
NOVEMBER 16TH, 2009
Illiana Christian High School
Chapel Service
For school students and faculty
NOVEMBER 18TH, 2009
Calvin Christian Elementary School
Chapel Service
For school students and faculty
NOVEMBER 29TH, 2009 (come join us)
Orland Park Christian Reformed Church
7500 Sycamore Dr
Orland Park , IL 60462
Morning Service @ 8:30am & 10:45am
DECEMBER 6TH, 2009 (come join us)
First Christian Reformed Church
1155 7th Ave NE
Sioux Center , IA 51250
Morning Service
DECEMBER 13TH, 2009 (come join us)
Peace Christian Reformed Church
833 E 168th St
South Holland , IL 60473
Morning Service @ 10:30am
Also, please keep Shelley and the kids in your prayers as they will be traveling here SOON.
DATES & PLACES:
NOVEMBER 15TH, 2009 (come join us)
Bethel Christian Reformed Church
3500 Glenwood Lansing Rd
Lansing , IL 60438
Evening Service @ 5:00 pm
NOVEMBER 16TH, 2009
Illiana Christian High School
Chapel Service
For school students and faculty
NOVEMBER 18TH, 2009
Calvin Christian Elementary School
Chapel Service
For school students and faculty
NOVEMBER 29TH, 2009 (come join us)
Orland Park Christian Reformed Church
7500 Sycamore Dr
Orland Park , IL 60462
Morning Service @ 8:30am & 10:45am
DECEMBER 6TH, 2009 (come join us)
First Christian Reformed Church
1155 7th Ave NE
Sioux Center , IA 51250
Morning Service
DECEMBER 13TH, 2009 (come join us)
Peace Christian Reformed Church
833 E 168th St
South Holland , IL 60473
Morning Service @ 10:30am
Our experiance and the plan for the future
History
She was just an average college student and all she was planning to do was to spend spring break on a mission trip…just like a myriad of college students have done…spend a week helping the less fortunate and learn about a different culture. She had no way of knowing that that trip would permanently alter the course of her life. She didn’t know that week would be a window to her future…an opportunity to see the shadows of her life’s work…her passion, her family and her home in culture dramatically different than her own. She didn’t know it then, but she now knows that God’s plan for that week was to plant a seed that would grow into much more than she could have possibly dreamed! Her name is Shelley DeYoung – Hernandez and we recently had the opportunity to participate in the results of those seeds that were planted back in 1994. 
Shelley and her husband Guille
Our experiance
For 10 days in August we had the opportunity to visit Shelley and her family…her husband, Guille, and children, Mark & Sarah…in Santiago, Dominican Republic. We had an opportunity to see and participate in what God is doing through the Hernandez’s work in both the Pathway to Jesus School and their church.
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Shelley and her family
Our work group went to assist in building the school, which started in 2004 as a preschool in the second story of the church. The public school system in Santiago might best be compared to some inner-city schools in the US…where students are simply “pushed through the system”, graduating without really having learned. Shelley’s initial vision has grown from one of a pre-school that would help children get a head start in a flawed system, to adding a grade to the school each year so that the children never have to enter the flawed system. The school and the church work together to not only provide a better education, but more importantly, to bring Christ’s love to those that have not experienced it.
The existing Church / School
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New plot of land where the new school building is being built
The school has outgrown the church building and our group went to assist in building the first phase of a multi-phased construction of a new school building. While we had a very productive trip we were only able to get the foundation and walls constructed to just above ground level. As the new building was needed to start this school year, Shelley has leased a home that is temporarily serving as the school building.
Where the construction sits as of today
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The partially constructed house where some of the classes are being held
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Classroom inside of the house
Future (Goals)
The hope is to still get the first phase of the school done soon so that the students can move into the new building yet this year. For that goal to be accomplished they will need to hire some local labor and quickly raise additional funds. The first goal of our team is to do everything we can to assist in getting the funds raised and the school built.
Our group went primarily to assist in constructing a building and while that goal was realized; everyone came back from the trip with much more than the satisfaction of building a building. We all came back with a renewed sense of how unbelievably blessed we are in North America! We came back with a renewed vision of how God uses and multiplies the smallest of gifts given to His Kingdom. We came back having established new friendships that will literally last for eternity. The second goal of our team is organize future trips to the DR.
Similar to Shelley’s experience of going to the DR for a short term mission/work trip and coming back with a call from God to move to the DR; Carrie Hoekstra came back from our trip with a similar call. Carrie is a teacher that would like to go and assist Shelley in the school. However, for that to happen Carrie needs to raise her own support to go there. The third goal of our team is to assist Carrie in finding that support.
Carrie with one of the children
The group from Peace Church
I wish that you could see first-hand how God is using a small ministry in a very BIG way in the DR. Unfortunately not everyone can so I hope that you will accept my assurance that if you give to this ministry, your gifts will be put to use…not in administration of an organization, but in the touching and changing of lives through their ministry.
The following image will give you a little more information on how you can participate in meeting the three goals outlined above. Just click on the image and either print it or save it to a file on your computer and print it from there. Thank you in advance for your partnership in this ministry.
Mail the form below along with your donation to:
Peace CRC
833 E. 168th Street
South Holland, IL 60473
Also, on Sunday, December 13 Shelley will be at Peace Church to give a ministry update and receive encouragement. She will give a ministry update during the 10:30am Service and receive encouragement in the Fellowship Hall following the service at 11:45. Please mark your calendar now and join us for either or both the Worship and Fellowship.
Homeward Bound . . .
Dear Friends,
We are leaving for the airport in about 10 minutes. We should arrive at the airport in 2 hours. Our flight leaves at about 4:20 PM for Miami. Then, it's a 3 hour layover until we take off again for O'Hare. (Maybe we'll get a little Dutch Blitz and Password in at Miami airport.) I believe we land at O'Hare at about 11:30 PM.
It's been a sweet trip in so many, many ways. The team unity was very special. Alison Veurink read this morning that we should "make every effort" to maintain the bond of peace (Eph. 4). I believe that happened. We all went out of our way to be gracious, kind, forgiving, loving, friendly, conversant, etc., with one another. It wasn't utopia but it was very special.
Much was accomplished through our work and we made good progress on the school. Relationships with the Dominicans in spite of the language barrier have been well established and we trust we will see them all again.
Last night was a memorable evening and today's carnival with the children was a blast (thanks to Carrie and Alison's hard work and preparation).
I'd better go. Don't want to miss the bus!!!
Blessings to you all,
Karen
We are leaving for the airport in about 10 minutes. We should arrive at the airport in 2 hours. Our flight leaves at about 4:20 PM for Miami. Then, it's a 3 hour layover until we take off again for O'Hare. (Maybe we'll get a little Dutch Blitz and Password in at Miami airport.) I believe we land at O'Hare at about 11:30 PM.
It's been a sweet trip in so many, many ways. The team unity was very special. Alison Veurink read this morning that we should "make every effort" to maintain the bond of peace (Eph. 4). I believe that happened. We all went out of our way to be gracious, kind, forgiving, loving, friendly, conversant, etc., with one another. It wasn't utopia but it was very special.
Much was accomplished through our work and we made good progress on the school. Relationships with the Dominicans in spite of the language barrier have been well established and we trust we will see them all again.
Last night was a memorable evening and today's carnival with the children was a blast (thanks to Carrie and Alison's hard work and preparation).
I'd better go. Don't want to miss the bus!!!
Blessings to you all,
Karen
Kids Camp
Here is a picture of a game we played at Kids Camp. The object of the game was to pop the balloon on Rachel's and Kerianne's laps.
This is a picture of some of the girls in the youngest group at Kids Camp.
This is a picture of the oldest group at Kids Camp. They are reviewing what they learned over the last few weeks with a competition to match fruits with the Fruits of the Spirit.
In this picture, the kids are watching a puppet show.
Now a note about a topic close to my heart: food. We are staying at a mission house run by a group called "Share The Vision". They not only provide us with shelter and beds but three meals a day. Every meal has been great. We have had a blend of American and Dominican dishes over the last week. In addition to fresh fruit and fruit-juice at every meal, we have enjoyed: enchiladas, grilled pork chops, shepherds pie, various rice dishes, stews, hot vegetables, fresh breads and rolls, fried hush-puppies, different salads, pineapple cobbler with ice cream, pancakes, sandwiches, yogurt cups, cold teas with ice, cereal with milk, chocolate muffins, plenty of fresh clean water, and coffee.
Rice with black beans, beef and carrot stew, fried plantains, cabbage salad, and fresh watermellon juice.
Chris enjoys an ice-cream cone bought from a cart vendor.
Rice with black beans, beef and carrot stew, fried plantains, cabbage salad, and fresh watermellon juice.
Chris enjoys an ice-cream cone bought from a cart vendor.
Recreation
Dear Family and Friends,
While I have a few minutes before lunch, I thought I'd talk a bit about our recreational life here in the DR. Most evenings, Alison Veurink and Karen Blaauw organize mixer games which have been a lot of fun. One evening, Hannah Lagerwey was in the midst of building her "name game" empire when Jeff, with only 5 on his team, recalled that Hannah's name was "Santa Claus" and he succeeded in a coup. Hannah's team were unable to recall that Jeff was "John Travolta".
Alison Veurink is the current Queen of Dutch Blitz with a high score of 27 in one round!!! Go Alison. Rachel Veurink is the current Password champ gaining victory with 2 different partners - Heino once, and her father, Dave, a second time. Clearly, the Veurinks dominate when it comes to games!
Heino is quickly becoming known as the quirky, loud, shall I say "obnoxious" game player. All you who have played games with Heino know what I am talking about. Enough said.
Everyone continues to get along great. It's refreshing to be away from the television and enjoy one another's company during the evenings.
Until next time,
Karen
While I have a few minutes before lunch, I thought I'd talk a bit about our recreational life here in the DR. Most evenings, Alison Veurink and Karen Blaauw organize mixer games which have been a lot of fun. One evening, Hannah Lagerwey was in the midst of building her "name game" empire when Jeff, with only 5 on his team, recalled that Hannah's name was "Santa Claus" and he succeeded in a coup. Hannah's team were unable to recall that Jeff was "John Travolta".
Alison Veurink is the current Queen of Dutch Blitz with a high score of 27 in one round!!! Go Alison. Rachel Veurink is the current Password champ gaining victory with 2 different partners - Heino once, and her father, Dave, a second time. Clearly, the Veurinks dominate when it comes to games!
Heino is quickly becoming known as the quirky, loud, shall I say "obnoxious" game player. All you who have played games with Heino know what I am talking about. Enough said.
Everyone continues to get along great. It's refreshing to be away from the television and enjoy one another's company during the evenings.
Until next time,
Karen
Work continues on the foundation of the school. As I understand it: powdered cement is mixed with sand and water to form mortar. To this same mixture is added stones which makes concrete. Different rations are used depending on the desired usage. All this is done by hand (shovels) on the ground in large piles and then transported to the correct trench with buckets.
Today we worked to add the 2nd (and in some places the 3rd) layer of brick to the 1st that we finished on Saturday.
This first picture shows the first layer of brick resting on the poured foundation. (The work we finished on Saturday.) The picture is looking down into a 5 foot trench. Mortar connects each brick in the line.
This second picture shows the bricks being filled in with concrete. This eliminates any gaps in the brick.
This third picture shows the 1st layer of brick with the holes now completely filled and dry. Notice that the rebar (steel skeletal rods) are through each brick giving it strength.
This fourth picture shows the 2nd layer of brick now being laid on top of the 1st. A steel rod goes through each brick, mortar is placed between each layer and between each brick, and concrete will fill the gaps within the brick.
Today we worked to add the 2nd (and in some places the 3rd) layer of brick to the 1st that we finished on Saturday.
This first picture shows the first layer of brick resting on the poured foundation. (The work we finished on Saturday.) The picture is looking down into a 5 foot trench. Mortar connects each brick in the line.
This second picture shows the bricks being filled in with concrete. This eliminates any gaps in the brick.
This third picture shows the 1st layer of brick with the holes now completely filled and dry. Notice that the rebar (steel skeletal rods) are through each brick giving it strength.
This fourth picture shows the 2nd layer of brick now being laid on top of the 1st. A steel rod goes through each brick, mortar is placed between each layer and between each brick, and concrete will fill the gaps within the brick.
We have water
Dear Friends and Family,
We have water. Thanks for your prayers! We began another work week this morning. Layed more brick on the foundation. A few glitches - the gas powered mortar mixer malfunctioned and we were short on cement and supplies. We are learning how to manage with the Dominican pace of life while dealing with our Dutch American work ethic. The team has excellent unity and that has been such a blessing. Everyone works and lives harmoniously together.
Later,
Karen
We have water. Thanks for your prayers! We began another work week this morning. Layed more brick on the foundation. A few glitches - the gas powered mortar mixer malfunctioned and we were short on cement and supplies. We are learning how to manage with the Dominican pace of life while dealing with our Dutch American work ethic. The team has excellent unity and that has been such a blessing. Everyone works and lives harmoniously together.
Later,
Karen
Our morning church service was wonderful. Two of our team gave personal testimonials, several of our young ladies sang a praise song, and Guille preached (in Spanish) from Romans 8 while his wife Shelley translated for the rest of us. Some of the young ladies of our team also served in the childrens' church time. We were warmly welcomed with smiles and hugs. This picture shows Guille and Shelley together.
No water
Dear Friends and Family,
We had a truly marvelous day on the beach at Puerto Plata yesterday. Most of the young ladies had their hair beaded, much bartering was done for necklaces, a delicious pineapple, purchased from a beach vendor, was consumed, and the water was very fun to play in. We enjoyed a relaxing meal at a beach restaurant in the evening. Too lovely to describe. I was very warmed to see the table of teenagers talking together long after the meal was consumed. They have really bonded and there is much unity in the group.
We awoke this morning to the news that we don't have any water. We have enough to give ourselves "cup" showers, brush our teeth, wash our faces, etc. But, there is no water for showers. That won't be much of an issue today while we worship and rest. However, it doesn't take long to work up a good sweat on the work site.
So, please pray for water on Monday!!!
Thanks!
Karen
We had a truly marvelous day on the beach at Puerto Plata yesterday. Most of the young ladies had their hair beaded, much bartering was done for necklaces, a delicious pineapple, purchased from a beach vendor, was consumed, and the water was very fun to play in. We enjoyed a relaxing meal at a beach restaurant in the evening. Too lovely to describe. I was very warmed to see the table of teenagers talking together long after the meal was consumed. They have really bonded and there is much unity in the group.
We awoke this morning to the news that we don't have any water. We have enough to give ourselves "cup" showers, brush our teeth, wash our faces, etc. But, there is no water for showers. That won't be much of an issue today while we worship and rest. However, it doesn't take long to work up a good sweat on the work site.
So, please pray for water on Monday!!!
Thanks!
Karen
A few inconveniences . . .
Dear Family and Friends,
I noticed that a few minor things were not reported . . . .
1. The shoes that were left outside of the guest house (where we are staying) were stolen on our first night. That means that just about everyone lost one of their pair of shoes. Someone must have climbed the 10 foot cement wall which surrounds the house. The dogs were tied up and didn't seem to mind the intruders. Anyway, it's a small inconvenience and we all seem to be getting along fine without them.
2. A large truck which is loading rocks and dirt from a construction site across the street broke the water main which feeds us our water. It has a steady leak and there is a stream of water running down the street. We have enough, though, to give ourselves "cup" showers upstairs. Two showers downstairs operate at full pressure. So . . . again . . . it is a small inconvenience which we can live with.
Blessings,
Karen
I noticed that a few minor things were not reported . . . .
1. The shoes that were left outside of the guest house (where we are staying) were stolen on our first night. That means that just about everyone lost one of their pair of shoes. Someone must have climbed the 10 foot cement wall which surrounds the house. The dogs were tied up and didn't seem to mind the intruders. Anyway, it's a small inconvenience and we all seem to be getting along fine without them.
2. A large truck which is loading rocks and dirt from a construction site across the street broke the water main which feeds us our water. It has a steady leak and there is a stream of water running down the street. We have enough, though, to give ourselves "cup" showers upstairs. Two showers downstairs operate at full pressure. So . . . again . . . it is a small inconvenience which we can live with.
Blessings,
Karen
Beach Day
Dear Family and Friends,
In about half an hour, we head out to the beach in Puerto Plata. We will meet up with Dave and Rachel Veurink at about 3:30 PM. This morning, we were able to finish laying the first layer of the foundation. Fourteen of us did a pre-breakfast "work-out" (mixing mortar, etc.) and we were able to complete our goal.
Thanks always for your prayers. It is much appreciated.
Blessings,
Karen
In about half an hour, we head out to the beach in Puerto Plata. We will meet up with Dave and Rachel Veurink at about 3:30 PM. This morning, we were able to finish laying the first layer of the foundation. Fourteen of us did a pre-breakfast "work-out" (mixing mortar, etc.) and we were able to complete our goal.
Thanks always for your prayers. It is much appreciated.
Blessings,
Karen
Dear Friends and Family,
Thanks for checking in on the blog. It's been a very interesting experience so far. Such a different culture. Kerianne and I have gone out for a run the past two mornings and our scenery includes roaming animals - cows, turkeys, chickens, lots of yappy dogs. We start out on a bumpy dirt road and it quickly changse to a paved busy street - noisy with vehicles. One can see wealth and poverty almost on the same street.
The women all helped with Shelley's camp this morning. Fun!!! Adorable children. Eddie, one of Cam's friends from when he was here 3 years ago, was teaching me several Spanish phrases this morning. It was fairly easy to catch on to because of the hours I spent marking Kerianne's Spanish homework when she homeschooled as a junior (grade 11).
It's time for lunch and I'm hungry. It doesn't take much to build up a healthy appetite and I am loving this food. So many fresh fruits and vegetables. Avacado has never tasted so good.
God is good.
Blessings to you and thanks for your prayers!!!!
Karen
Thanks for checking in on the blog. It's been a very interesting experience so far. Such a different culture. Kerianne and I have gone out for a run the past two mornings and our scenery includes roaming animals - cows, turkeys, chickens, lots of yappy dogs. We start out on a bumpy dirt road and it quickly changse to a paved busy street - noisy with vehicles. One can see wealth and poverty almost on the same street.
The women all helped with Shelley's camp this morning. Fun!!! Adorable children. Eddie, one of Cam's friends from when he was here 3 years ago, was teaching me several Spanish phrases this morning. It was fairly easy to catch on to because of the hours I spent marking Kerianne's Spanish homework when she homeschooled as a junior (grade 11).
It's time for lunch and I'm hungry. It doesn't take much to build up a healthy appetite and I am loving this food. So many fresh fruits and vegetables. Avacado has never tasted so good.
God is good.
Blessings to you and thanks for your prayers!!!!
Karen
The concrete has been poured into the trenches with the steel skeleton (rebar frame). Three cement trucks filled in the first foot or two deep. This will set for a few hours (lunch) and then we will put the first layer of cement block down. This is an important step because being level is very important. When this sits (from Sat to Sun) we will then continue the foundation. We estimate 6 layers of brick to raise it to the ground level. Walls go up from there.
Catching Up and first day of work
I will start with a better description of our travels yesterday. There´s not a whole lot to say about the flights, they both went very well. The interesting stuff started when we arrived in the Dominican. First we exit the plane and head to customs. The first thing you have to do is buy a $10 tourist ticket and get into another line where the guy shreds the ticket and tells you to proceed. Then you proceed to get your passport stamp and go wait for your luggage. There is more to this but a little to confusing for me to type out. Just ask anyone of us to explain in more detail the experiance at the airport and they will tell you. After getting through everything we proceeded to exit where Guille, Shelley and the kids were waiting for us. Now remember that my sister Kim was a surprise the whole time. I was about the 5th person out and I dont know if Shelley was thinking I was ignoring her but at that time I was scrambling for my camera. Kim stayed back in the pack and stayed hidden pretty good. Once I found my camera I said hi to Shelley and the family and proceeded to the back of the line where Kim was hiding behind 2 other guys. Once Shelley made it to them Kim jumped over behind me and waited for Shelley to finish welcoming everyone. Once that was done Kim jumped out and tapped Shelley on the shoulder and asked her if there was room for one more. It took Shelley a couple moments to figure out that it was Kim but the picture below explains the emotion that was experianced at this moment.
After all the emotion we had to get going so we loaded the majority of the 42 pieces of luggage and carry ons into Guilles truck as shown below. I like the way Pastor Heino jumped right "on" and helped out.
Its amazing the differences here to the USA. We can load a truck with all these suitcases and nobody blinks twice at it.
After finishing the loading we headed off to Santiago in a bus that a friend of Guille and Shelleys has. The driving down here was an eye opener to most. One comment that was made was that it was the first time that they ever rode in a vehicle that passed a car that was passing another car. No worries anyone we made it and we are safe.
After we arrived at the host house, we had dinner, which the food is excellent, was led through the do´s and don´ts of the DR. After that we all were pretty exhausted and headed to bed.
Day 2 The first day of work.
The day in all was a success in my eyes. The team worked extremely well and achieved alot. We had to finish off the remainder of the rebar for the foundation work that the team before us was unable to finish. We finished that, moved a TON of clay dirt that was piled inside where the classrooms are going to be. We cut more rebar to tie into place along with move all the block on site into position for when we pour the foundations tomorrow. All in all we did a great deal of work and our next step is falling into place with the foundation. Once we pour that tomorrow we will be able to let that cure and start building the walls on Monday. See pictures below.
After all this hard work we were able to shower have a nice light dinner and serve with Guille and Shelley in their Thursday service. The team sang 2 songs and had to testamonies about how God has affected thier lives. Along with this we were able to meet and greet with the church members as well. It was a very wonderful and enjoyable time experiancing the services of Guille and Shelley.
All in all it seems to me that everyone is having a good time so far. I know we are all excited about being here and helping out.
I will try and keep everyone updated as much as possible. I am getting pretty tire and plan on going to bed.
Chris
After all the emotion we had to get going so we loaded the majority of the 42 pieces of luggage and carry ons into Guilles truck as shown below. I like the way Pastor Heino jumped right "on" and helped out.
Its amazing the differences here to the USA. We can load a truck with all these suitcases and nobody blinks twice at it.
After finishing the loading we headed off to Santiago in a bus that a friend of Guille and Shelleys has. The driving down here was an eye opener to most. One comment that was made was that it was the first time that they ever rode in a vehicle that passed a car that was passing another car. No worries anyone we made it and we are safe.
After we arrived at the host house, we had dinner, which the food is excellent, was led through the do´s and don´ts of the DR. After that we all were pretty exhausted and headed to bed.
Day 2 The first day of work.
The day in all was a success in my eyes. The team worked extremely well and achieved alot. We had to finish off the remainder of the rebar for the foundation work that the team before us was unable to finish. We finished that, moved a TON of clay dirt that was piled inside where the classrooms are going to be. We cut more rebar to tie into place along with move all the block on site into position for when we pour the foundations tomorrow. All in all we did a great deal of work and our next step is falling into place with the foundation. Once we pour that tomorrow we will be able to let that cure and start building the walls on Monday. See pictures below.
After all this hard work we were able to shower have a nice light dinner and serve with Guille and Shelley in their Thursday service. The team sang 2 songs and had to testamonies about how God has affected thier lives. Along with this we were able to meet and greet with the church members as well. It was a very wonderful and enjoyable time experiancing the services of Guille and Shelley.
All in all it seems to me that everyone is having a good time so far. I know we are all excited about being here and helping out.
I will try and keep everyone updated as much as possible. I am getting pretty tire and plan on going to bed.
Chris
We have arrived
I would like to apologize for the delay in letting everyone know that we have arrived safetly and with no issues. We found out today that there is not a computer for use at the host house but they due have wifi access for our use. For the next couple of days we will be working on this so hopefully everyone can use the site to keep you updated. It has been a very long day and I am exhausted. I am going to go for now and update you all in more detail tomorrow night.
Also, please keep the remainding 2 team members, Dave and Rachel Veurinks in your prayers for they are coming down on Saturday.
Thank You,
Chris
Also, please keep the remainding 2 team members, Dave and Rachel Veurinks in your prayers for they are coming down on Saturday.
Thank You,
Chris
Luggage
Through a considerable amount of donations, we were able to gather enough school supplies (paper, pens, pencils, crayons, etc.) for the school to fill approximately 22 suitcases. If you break this down to lbs. we are allowed 50 lbs. per suitcase (which we tried to achieve) so we have approximately 1100 lbs of supplies for the school. The team members are allowed 2 suitcases and one carry on, so one suitcase is for their personnel belongings and the other is the suitcase full of supplies. This is such a wonderful way to get these supplies down to the DR considering shipping 1100 lbs worth of supplies would've cost a fortune.
Thanks to all for the donations, the school now has a good stock of supplies for the upcoming school year. Let's pray that no one dares to open some of these suitcases, it could be a disaster.
Thanks to all for the donations, the school now has a good stock of supplies for the upcoming school year. Let's pray that no one dares to open some of these suitcases, it could be a disaster.
We will spend ten days in and around the city of Santiago continuing the work begun by other teams. Our main work will consist of constructing walls made from cement block to the Christian school there. This will add much needed classrooms to the growing school and shorten the waiting list of hopeful students wishing for a Christian education. We will also aid in a summer vacation Bible school program that occupies the summer holiday. Please pray for blessings on our work.
Thank you to all my family and friends who are supporting me financially and through prayer. Our group will, Lord willing, leave together from the Peace C.R.C. parking lot at 4:30 AM on Wednesday morning, April 5, 2009 on our way (through Miami) to the Dominican Republic. Use Google Earth to find our host church in the Dominican at 19 25’ 45.5’’ N – 70 28’ 57.97’’ W.
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