Dominican Republic Day 8

Last evening was a little cooler, and this morning we had some cloud cover along with a few sprinkles, so it was a very comfortable day. We were able to do a little site seeing. We traveled to Guaymate (I think that was how it was spelled), and looked at a pastor's house that some from our team had worked on a few years ago. We were able to visit a while with his family and see how they have completed the house. We were able to see a little of the country side and noticed that some cities or towns were better taken care of, and more wealthy--still you see a tremendous amount of poverty. We were able to see sugar cane fields, and see teams of 6 oxens pulling carts loaded with sugar cane to a place where it is processed. It was very interesting to view different areas of the country. Overall I am so thankful that I was able to come on the serve project, and feel very fortunate to work along side so many people here, and hopefully they were blessed by us being here. Tonight I gave everyone else a chance to say a few words before we head home tomorrow morning--leaving here at 4 in the morning. --Deb Hulstein

I have been in this situation here before and in Mexico. It makes me feel very blessed. There are many needy people in the world, wish I could help them all. It was a great blessing for us all. --Larry Van Veldhuizen

I'm so much more aware of my blessings now than I was before. It's truly a blessing to serve the same God, no matter where and what color you are. Prayer is more personal now than before I came to the DR. --Kevin Hulstein

Thank you to First CRC for the opportunity to serve here in the DR. We have met some incredible fellow christians here who have shown us how to be ocntent in whatever their circumstances. The very little material wealth they have has not dampened their exuberance to serve the same God we all share. --Nelvin and Jan Brons

Our stay and work in the DR is almost over. I feel it was successful and glad that we went. I felt fine all the time while we were here, which I am thankful for. Rose, I am looking forward to seeing you Saturday about 10:00 pm and everyone else on Sunday. --Duane Koele

Thanks to all back home for your prayers and financial support. What a priviledge it is to come down here and work along side the Haitians to build their church. They worked as hard as we did and were very thankful for our support. --Joe Van Schouwen

Can't believe it's time to go home already tomorrow (although a HOT shower does sound good.) We have had a really great experience here in the DR. The work that we did and the relationships that were built while working side by side with the Haitian people was awesome! We were truly blessed by this experience. See you soon. --Phil and Bonnie De Stigter

Going to the DR was an eye opening experience. Working and playing with the local church members was truly a blessing. They have so little but yet so happy. I've learned so much about the DR people and their culture. --Jerry De Vries

"Delightful, Dedicated, Deb" asked us to make an entry on the blog. Guess she thought she had done her share :-) We have had an awesome 10 days richly blessed by God. We have worked hard, laughed often, and prayed much. Once again we are so very thankful to the congregation, family, and friends for your prayers and your financial support that allowed us to take on this endeavor. We will have many stories of how we were blessed when we return. --Lora De Vries

ADIOS!!!