We Have Arrived!

Hola Amigos!!

We have arrived safely in the D.R. and it is our second official, full day here. Hace calor!!! (which means it is very hot!) We spent our first night, after getting in to the Dominican around 4 on Sunday, in Santo Domingo which is the capital and we stayed in the city over night and for the next day to tour and learn about the historical nature of the country and its culture. Then heading to Consuelo, where we will be staying for the remainder of our time.We have all settled in with our homestays and are struggling to communicate with them but are doing anything and everything we can(truly haha, looking like fools) to understand each other. It is amazing how such a short period of time can begin to develop such love and honor for each other. We feel as though our home stays are like family to us and look forward to that relationship growing further as the time progresses.

We traveled so much in our first two days of being here also going to San Pedro the closest city to Consuelo for supper and to eat empagadas by the beach. The stars were beautiful and after so much traveling and exhaustion it was a wonderful reminder of Gods power, might and control. Today we worked at El Eden, an after school program supported by Compassion International, and really got to see the face of God through the children. The joy that they have and their ability to make you feel so welcomed(Bienvenito) and loved is so extraordinary.

We have two unexpected people in some ways apart of our team and they are here for 3 months. We have great opportunities to get to know them, both in laughter and in more serious talks about faith and life. Please pray for them as they adjust to life in the Dominican and that we are able to continue to build relationships with them.

The experience has only just begun but truly we have begun to see the hand of God at work in our own lives. We were reminded today, by Shannon, of what it means to remain in Christ and truly serve him. As we open our hearts and minds to the guiding and direction of the Holy Spirit we have begun to see more and more of the face of Christ in those around us - in the Dominican men and women, every child we play with and even in our own team.

We covet your continued prayer and support, looking forward to the good things that God will do in the Domincano!

Dios Bendigo (God Bless you)
Nina and Ashley