HIGHLIGHTS:
- COWS --- As we were walking back to the school with Laura's host brother from 6 years ago, we came across 2 cows walking in the opposite direction. They both had leashes, but were without a care giver. I couldn't believe my eyes - 2 random cows just walking down the street. We asked Arian what the deal was, and he responded, "they do that from time to time." That's awesome! And yes, this is my number 1 high from the trip. Well, it's at least in the top 5.
- MUTE --- After eating lunch at a restaurant, we stopped at a store to buy some hair extensions for some of the female interns. I decided to wait outside, because hair extensions are not really my thing. I had a box of left-over food in my hand, and a boy approached me with his hand extended as a request for some food. I first said no because of the twins we were going to give the food to back at the school. After God tugged on my heart a little, I decided to give him the food. I tried to start a conversation with him in Spanish, but to no avail. After seeing him a second time the day before leaving, a boy named Wilton informed us that he was mute. It breaks my heart. I complain sometimes about stuttering, but at least I can talk. This kid is a creation of God, and God knew what He was doing when he made him w/out the ability to talk. Although it remains a mystery to me, I know that God has good plans for this kid.
- KIDS WORSHIPING --- Laura and I helped the orphans move into their new home. 6 kids in total are now in the orphanage. After a long day of painting the doorway to the new house, and moving their stuff, we had a dinner celebration for the family. After dinner, with the electricity out, the kids were singing praise songs around the kitchen. They ran around the house and outside singing together from their hearts in sincere joy. I can only imagine how big of a smile God had when receiving praise from these kids. It made everything worthwhile.
- WATERFALLS --- On the first Saturday, a few of us went to some waterfalls about an hour away from Monte Plata. I didn't know what to expect, but perhaps a small little waterfall that's maybe worth a camera shot. However, we walk down this path to the water, and 3 giant waterfalls are thundering down. It took my breath away. The water was refreshing, so we swam up to the waterfalls and tried our best to remain underneath them. There was an area to the side of the falls for some mud therapy. The natives would cover themselves with mud and bask in the sun. God was creative in how he made the earth, straight up.
- LEADERTREKS --- 2 groups from Leadertreks came to the DR. They were both a group of high school students there for short term mission trips. It was nice to have some English speaking people there with us. They worked extremely hard during the day, and had fun together and with the kids in the evening. Their drive to serve God was inspiring.
- ARISLEIDI --- I met an orphan named Arisleidi who was living in the new orphanage home. Her story left my heart breaking for similar stories that I'm sure are a part of many lives in the DR. She grew up with an alcoholic father, and a mother who had left town. She lived in a small hut with a single bed for 6 people to share. When her father left during the day, she was forced to act as the caregiver for all her younger siblings. When the school and orphanage took her in, she did not behave well for the first year. She wasn't used to any authority in the house. However, after some getting used to, she started to obey her orphan parents and behave better in school. She has since decided to follow Jesus, and her father has too. She is fortunate to see her father once a week at church.
