Peace, Love, and Courage, Written by Paul Buchmann

Today was VBS day, and it was so much fun! We packed just over 30 kids and a few adults into the community center with us for a morning of fun and praising God! The sound of children laughing, having fun, and praising God is like no other!  

We started with a welcome and prayer before getting down to work… I mean play! We played a few games and sang songs before getting into the lesson of Jesus walking on water and Peter losing his faith and sinking (Matthew 14: 22-33). The kids helped make storm noises and faces to show when they were scared and brave. Natan (one of our helpers and interpreters) did a great job interpreting the message that we shared. We followed the message with coloring pages of the story and finished with another song, a game, and prayer. The kids had a snack before leaving with huge smiles on their faces. 

After another great lunch at the community center, we played some games to pass the time and then walked down to the baseball field. More fun was had interacting and playing with all of the kids on the baseball field. Nothing like playing with teenagers and younger to make me feel my age!  It is so powerful to be on the field when coach Melbin gives the daily devotional to all the kids and then praying with them.  

Kristin arranged for some fresh coconuts to be brought to the field for us to try at the end of practice. We all got to drink the coconut water and eat some of the fresh coconut.  It was very different for those that have never tried it before. Needless to say, most prefer the sweeter, shredded, processed kind from the store.

Tonight we have to pack up because we say our goodbyes to Fondo Negro and all of the great people here tomorrow. We will head to Santo Domingo after a fun morning with the team and coaches. Hard to believe the week is already coming to an end.  As we prepare to continue our adventure here in the Dominican Republic, and in our normal lives back in Spokane, today’s lesson gives us perfect guidance. 

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”  Matthew 14:27. 

Peace, Love, and Courage to you all!

-Paul