Day Two Recap

Today was another terrific day to be in the Dominican Republic serving the Lord with some amazing young people and their parents. The intensity of the trip was turned up exponentially today as we were inundated with hundreds and hundreds of children and parents all in desperate need of what we had to offer. We worked overtime to try and meet all the needs and the kids once again loved with tears in their eyes as they saw such great need and often felt helpless to do anything about it. The stories are numerous and heartbreaking and I'll leave it for them to tell. We just got back from our nightly debriefing session where I asked them to summarize today in one word they used words like, overwhelming, life-changing, emotional, sad, draining, awesome, and intense. Here are some highlights from today you'll see in the pictures above...

We started the day by returning to the small Christian school we visited yesterday. They brought the entire school of 60 students, meeting in a dilapidated building about the size of my classroom if not smaller, outside to meet and greet us. We presented them with backpacks and school supplies along with a large tarp that they were going to use to shelter their 3rd grade class (about the size of a large closet). We sang for them and they sang for us and it was beautiful!

We headed back to the Foundation for lunchtime where there were probably 3-4 times as many kids as yesterday... word is traveling quickly that we're here and the needs today were even more severe. The lines for food were endless and upon running out of food one time, the kids started going into their backpacks and giving protein bars and whatever snacks they had to try and feed so many. All were eventually fed and then they played massive games of soccer, showed pictures from scrapbooks of life in the U.S. and were just kids together having fun.

We also served a lunch to about 30 senior women who came and had a great spread and were presented gift bags that the students put together. It was about time to pack up and head back to the hotel but there was a massive crowd of probably 200+ kids still waiting at the gate and needing clothes, so the students asked if they could stay late and serve these kids. They painted faces and fingernails, made craft bracelets and allowed the kids to take an FCS uniform home in a bag with some candy. By the end, we were about totally wiped out of supplies and collectively we were all emotionally and physically wiped out. I cannot adequately describe how intense these few hours were with kids yelling through the fence for things with desperation in the voices and our kids simply not being able to sufficiently meet every individual need. I guess that's why we'll be back again later this week? It was a day I know none of us will ever forget!

Tomorrow we're off to visit an orphanage on the other side of the island. I'll post more pics when the Internet goes a little faster.

Parents...your children are amazing and are all in good health and good spirits. I'm sure they miss you!

One last thing. During the bus ride this morning a couple of our girls took my computer and put down some thoughts on the trip thus far. Here is what they shared below...

"Hey guys! O my goodness! Can’t believe I’m typing from the Dominican! It’s so much different than I imagined it to be. We are definitely blessed. We’re on our way to the foundation. I’m so excited to see the kids again. Wish you guys were her e. Mucho amor. Adios!!!!!!" - Natalie Rehfeld

"Wazzup from the Dominican Republic! The island is absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking. It’s like paradise. But, seeing the kids and where they live is heartbreaking. I made a bunch of Dominican friends who don’t have anything. It was really sad to see little boys and girls who don’t have any shoes. The week is going by fast and I miss you guys. Lauren, Gabby, Sam, Laura and Jessica... miss you guys!!! Wish you were here. Lauren... I was hoping you were in my luggage.... LOL you guys are amazing... TTYL. <3 - Nataline Halladjian☺