Wills to days

Today has been so awesome! It was  cool that we got to go to the orphanage

and shared my testimony about how I'm adopted and loved by God and it felt amazing. And then we went to the church to do VBS.  Yesterday we went to the dump and it was good.  We did our skit 2 times in the past two days. It was good.

Third Day

Today we had the opportunity to go to the dump and fellowship and share with the people who work there. There job involves picking through the garbage to find recyclables. The team did their skit there and Will shared the gospel. After that we shared a meal there with the folks and had an opportunity to talk with them through an interpreter. It was very humbling being with these wonderful people (some who know Christ and some who were deeply moved by the skit) and seeing what a typical day is for them and the difficulties they endure for survival. 

Day 2

Yesterday day we went to the old age home and we prayed for the people there. Some old mad danced for an older woman and it was kinda cute. We went to VBS and had so much fun with the cute kids and its was really fun!!!! I did take a nap before lunch. And Justin hit me with his pillow. And it was a really good dinner we had chicken it was so good. And it was really fun  

Lauren

Lauren Trudeau here. Today's VBS was so much fun. Now that it was our third day, we are getting to know the kids more. There's only a couple kids that speak English, and it's so great getting to know them. There are some kids that we're connecting with who don't speak English at all. Yesterday we were playing with bubbles as our craft. This one boy named Gabriel kept coming up to my and putting the bubbles on me. Needless to say I got very soapy. But it's not even talking, more playing with that we connect with them. Sadly we only have 2 more VBS days but I'm so excited to see the kids again. Peace out. Lauren. 

Seniors Centre

Today, our team went to a Seniors home and we spent time with the seniors. The team was dispersed among the group; some sharing stories, some playing games, and some painted their nails. Personally, I spent a lot of time painting nails and with the last 45 minutes I played dominos with a few of our team members and one man from the home. I really enjoyed getting to spend time with them and just seeing how excited they all became when we came through the doors. Playing dominos was by far my favourite part of this morning because this guy was so funny and just a lot of fun to be around. Communication was little since we didn't know Spanish and he didn't know English, but it's incredible just how much you can communicate with facial expressions and laughter. Today has already been such a great day and next on our events for the day is VBS at the same church as yesterday. I really love the kids, their love and passion for absolutely everything. I met a few who spoke English and every chance they could get they would speak different words in English to me and they found it hilarious because I would be so shocked that when I handed them something they would turn and say "Thank-you". It still seems unreal that I am here, this year it just seems so much more natural and apart of the norm. After three months I was finally reunited with my brother and that has been wonderful because truly, I did miss him a lot. I can't wait for the rest of the week and can't wait to tell you guys all about it when I get home. Please continue to pray for the Romanos and for our team and that we continue to serve God in everything that we do. Hope you all have a great rest of the week. 

Lots of love,

Amanda

P.S I just want to say hi to my mother and all my family reading this. I love you all dearly and will see you soon. 

Seniors Home

This morning we visited a seniors home. I met a woman, named Ramona, who reminded me of my husband's grandmother. Though it was hard to understand each other, we connected with smiles and nods. When Lauren and I came over to greet her, she began praying for us. We sat down and prayed with her. Then she held my hand and told me stories about her life. When snacks were served she insisted on sharing hers with me. I sat with her for the whole morning, listening to her and reading the Bible with her. Towards the end of the time Tim joined us and she asked us to pray for her legs (she was in a wheelchair). It was a blessing to spend time with this beautiful woman, and even though I had little to offer because of my difficulties understanding her, it is a comfort to know that lives are touched not by might, nor by power, but by God's Spirit. 

Love Diana

Day 3

Monday, day 3 in the Dominican Republic. We woke up earlier than yesterday to a time of prayer with the team. We read the first chapter of Ephesians. After, we ate breakfast and we found ourselves off to another exciting day. I wasn't too sure what to expect but knew it was our first day of VBS. What's exciting about being in the missions field is that you never know exactly what to expect. We went on a 45 minute drive to the farm which is coming together on construction. Next, we went to a nearby community. It was our first time to pray and outreach to strangers of the rundown neighbourhood. I knew this wasn't my first time as a youth praying and laying a hand to others so it felt natural. One lady had arthritis. Another, her husband was losing faith in God and was not around.  The moment that stood out the most was when an old lady was shaking and I got to lay hands on her and pray for comfort. It was heartbreaking seeing these homes like this. Now it's time for VBS... - Josiah Chang, 17