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What an amazing week it has been! We have been able to see God in beautiful ways. One of the standout times for me was one day at Cuesta Arena when I was sitting with a little girl named Daniela and we were sitting under the roof, with our backs against a pole, sitting closely together. I was looking around, seeing everyone playing soccer and baseball and coloring and so much activity and noise going on and the sky and sun looking so incredibly beautiful… And there I was with Daniela. So much stuff going on around us. But I felt like it was just me and her. And God.

It’s already been five days but I feel as if I’ve only just arrived. When I first flew into Santiago I thought, “How will I reach these kids from different communities in only five days?” But after today I’ve come to realize that our mission group made a difference the very first day. This morning after eating another delicious breakfast at Pastora’s house, our group went to her church for Sunday School and the adult service. When we reached the church, Erin and I immediately spotted Juancito and his face lights up at the sight of us!

So today was the last day at Los Cocos, I was really looking forward to seeing Andreas and Jr. Not a minute after I stepped out of the van Andreas came up to me and gave me a huge hug! We held hands and walked across the street where we were met by Jr. He climbed up the side of me, gave me a hug and just held on to me. I could tell it was going to be another good day! We told the story of the Noah, the ark and the flood, we also made rainbow bead wristbands. Andreas was my helper, he passed out beads and yarn to all the other kids first, then got his.

Today we went to Los Cocos in the morning and told the Paul and Lydia story to all the kids. Luis and Sarah acted out the skit and we passed out ribbons and sang songs in Spanish. While there I had a conversation with a few kids and actually understood all of it! We talked about colors and sports and taught each other words in our own language.

Hey there from the Dominican Republic! So far, only one person lost their luggage – but it’s already been found, so that’s a little better than the last time a group came from our church (everyone’s luggage was lost for multiple days). We got in a little late on Tuesday after 2 delayed flights (and lots of fun in airports) and it was amazing to see Santiago by daylight Wednesday morning. It’s a very pretty country and we’re able to see a lot of parts of it – from the city to the country.

Yesterday Ali and I left very early in the morning. We arrived into Santiago at 130 and were greeted by Sairy, Momi, and Frank at the airport. When we got home we ate until satisfied. Sairy and I spent the afternoon talking about the groups and what they would be doing. We then went and checked into La Islita. Sairy had a meeting so Ali and I spent the evening playing Monopoly and the famous Swap with Felix and Luis. Dinner was my always favorite Queso Frito y Yucca!!! We then went to La Sierna to buy supplies for VBS.

For the past few days I have been talking with Sairy and Bill Dorsey about the Water System in Cuesta Arena. As most of you know we have been working with company in the DR as well as with the Mentor Ohio Rotary for a grant. Sairy recently sent us the quote and recommendations from the company so we can apply for the 3 to 1 grant matching program through the Rotary. We currently have $5,000 which with the grant will be made into $15,000. Bill will be presenting the beginning of April and we will wait from there to find out if it is approved and what we will be granted.

This October marks the three year mark that we have been working to get our small community clean water. It has been an uphill battle I personally have struggled with physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I know through simple education that clean water to this community would have lasting affects on the quality of life 250 families would receive. Clean water would foster health, education, and longevity of life. Last October we opened the system, educated the people, and began distribution of the water.