Charlotte Sanderson: One question I have been continuously asked as this project has come to an end is “what has been your favorite part or memory?” However, when you spend two weeks in a place that is so drastically different from where you typically live, it is hard to pick only one.
Shannon Montgomery: This morning the media team and I wrapped up our work from the past two weeks. I went into this project never having been at this site and not knowing anyone who had done it in the past. So I didn’t know what to expect. But in hindsight it’s clear to me that this was exactly where God wanted me.
Caleb Foster: Hello! I just finished our last day at the healthcare site in Cienfuegos. I have really enjoyed my time here at the clinic.
Caroline Schantz: Today was my last day at the Education site. For the last two weeks I've been getting to know the kids of Santiago - learning their names, faces, and personalities. As always, we started out by singing their national anthem and praying. Afterwards, it was hot so we combined both the classes to do our Bible story and songs. Today was special because we got to do a puppet show for the kids and they LOVED it. We ended the day, as usual, by doing our craft and going outside to play on the swings. After the kids had lunch, we all hung out till their parents arrived to pick them up.
Elijah Taylor: These past two weeks I’ve been working at the Facilities and Maintenance Site along with Mike White, a youth pastor named Gavin Pantella from the Florida team, and Luke Yoder, who is a full time missionary here in the DR with his family of seven. Our job is to support all of the outreach sites by fixing, building, and running errands for things to make their lives easier.
Zach Schantz: Something I have learned from my time serving in the Dominican Republic and getting to know those who serve here full time is that long term ministry is hard. In their jobs there's no such thing as the instant gratification that is such a part of living in the states.
Mike & Lisa White: t’s a blessing for us to return to the DR to worship and serve with the SI staff! Mike & Elijah are serving with the facilities & maintenance ministry team. Charlotte, Laura and I (Lisa) are serving at the medical clinic in Quinigua staffed by two wonderful, holistic doctors.
Madeline James: It has been such a joy to be back at the preschool site for my second year. Being here again has reminded me how much I love the people and how much I missed my friends and all the kiddos. A typical day starts with about 30 minutes of playtime before we head outside to sing the national anthem.
Kate Wilson: Today was day three at the women's social work site. These past couple days have been so special. Going into this project I was pretty hesitant about this site, especially the part about having to have conversations with women and being around them all day. Little did I know I would have almost ten 8-14 year old girls as well as older women.
Zac Collins: As I was doing some morning reading this little guy scurried across the floor and I had to get in for a closer look. The two most popular lizards here in the Dominican Republic are the Anoles and the Gecko. This young Tropical House Gecko was a little over an inch long and can have a lifespan of about 15 years.
