Teaching English – by Elizabeth
Kresse
Over the past few days we’ve experienced so far in the DR,
it’s been amazing seeing the different cultures compared to America and how the
people are so inviting. They are willing to stop what they are doing just to
have a conversation with us. In the States, everyone is cautious and
questioning to talk with people they haven’t met. Here in the DR, they are
excited and filled with joy when we talk with them. They are so open and down
to earth. If only the people back home had qualities like that!
Tuesday I experienced something great. A few others and
myself visited San Juan’s university to teach English to the students. It was
cool how happy they were to have us there. Something someone said to me was,
“You are the perfect teacher for me! You taught me how to speak and pronounce
words I couldn’t before… thank you!”.
By the end of class we had pictures taken with them and had
exchanged names, Facebook info, email, etc. It really opens your heart to the
people there. You can see the way God works through the Dominican people. They
have so little, but they still have enough love and passion in God to express
who they are. I’ve grown to respect Dominicans and appreciate them. I’m so
excited for the rest of the week!
Republica Dominicana-
by Erin Cronin, CA team
Fue una experiencia inolvidable! Visitando la gente en los
pueblos, asistiendo y ayudando en lose cultos, conociendo a los Dominicanos.
Nuestro Senor esta moviendo en todos partes del mundo!
Forever Changed- by
Sydni Toilolo, CA team
During this missions trip, I sure did feel a major change in
my heart. To see how appreciative the kids were and the families really changed
my heart. It helped me realize how in need these people are of God’s love and
God’s word. I’m really glad I got the chance to go on this missions trip. I met
new people and I made new friends-and really heard God speak to me. This
missions trip to the DR really was a life changing experience. I thank God for
this opportunity and pray He continues to bless this country. I love you, Lord!
A Great Trip to the
DR- by Anthony Harrison, CA team
This week has been amazing and I don’t want to leave so
soon. When we first heard about this trip, I was excited and couldn’t wait.
When we first got to San Juan, I didn’t know what to think…but God led me on
the right path and I thank Him. I learned a lot of God and the few people that
I met. I know God loves us and wants to be a part of our lives. I thank Pastor
Paul and Mrs. Naomi for making me/allowing me to go on this trip and I am
grateful for them. I would love to come back and God is calling me to do that.
This was a great experience and I challenge everyone to do this.
The Eyes of a Child –
by Jordan Holloway, CA team
My trip to the DR was by far the most eye-opening, inspiring
experience of my life. The Dominica people are the warmest, friendliest people
I have ever met. The children especially affected me with their smiles and
happiness. I have never felt so at home. To minister and put smiles on their
faces as a representative of Jesus Christ is something I will never forget.
Guatchu Pita- by
Katie Kramer, FL team
Since the beginning of the summer I had been praying that
God would break for heart for what breaks His and to help me break out of my
comfort zone to walk in obedience with Him. Today my heart was completely
broken for the children in the slums of Guatchu Pita.
The moment we arrived, the children there happily greet us
with hugs, smiles, and grabbing onto us. Soon, as we began walking through the
area, towards a trench meant to stop the area from flooding, I noticed garbage
everywhere-from broken toys, rotting food, and waste to broken glass. Worse, I
noticed that those trash heaps were not only where these children lived, but
were their playgrounds.
My heart was completely broken for these children. At home I
always have at least two pairs of shoes that I can wear. But these children
didn’t have a single pair of shoes to wear as they climbed atop of glass and
trash next to a terribly polluted river. I wanted to just sit there and cry for
these children and what seems to be a gross injustice… that I can be so blessed
while it seems like these children have nothing. It made me what to do
something about it, but at the same time, I questioned how God could allow such
and unfair injustice to exist.
Even though I don’t have the answer to this question, I’ve
learned from this experience that God wants to use this heartbreak to change
me. And while I don’t know exactly how He wants me to bring healing or bring
change to a world full of children who are living in such unimaginable poverty.
I know that experience is something that will affect my future ministry,
because God used it to change my outlook on the world.
