Youth Mission - Day 2 (7/28)

We started our day with church in Fondo Negro at the same church we visited 2 years ago. Many mentioned that it’s one of their favorite church experiences they’ve had, and really appreciated the message that the pastor had for us. He preached that one thing that we all have in common, no matter where we come from is that our security and our hope are found in Jesus. The church service was loud and vibrant, and the people were incredibly hospitable and welcoming.

After church we made a stop for lunch at a pizza place and ate some delicious pepperoni, cheese, Hawaiian, and veggie pizza. Then we made a quick stop at the hotel before heading to the beach.

Swimming in the ocean in Barahona was an absolute highlight for everyone today. The water is a beautiful blue and the water is both cool and warm (I know what you’re thinking, and no, it’s not because anyone peed in it… although I didn’t ask everyone…). There is a river that comes from the mountains that feeds in to the part of the ocean we visited. So the current brings cold water from the river that mixes with the warm Caribbean seawater.

At the beach, we also met up with one of our translator’s cousins who makes and sells larimar jewelry. We’re grateful to him for showing up for us! His jewelry is beautiful.

After the beach we went back to the hotel. Many took a nap, or relaxed, while others took a trip to La Serena (a local grocery store) to buy some snacks. Then we had dinner and reflected on the last 2 days. Here are some highlights, or things that the youth want people at home to know:

Ryder: Church was a really good time; Good singing and music at church. I’m looking forward to VBS.

Cruz: My highlight was the beach today. I’m looking forward to playing sports with the kids. And I want people at home to know we made it here safe.

Rose: A highlight was swimming in ocean and I’m looking forward to the VBS days.

Reese: A highlight has been swimming today. I’m looking forward to getting to know the people and the community. And I want people at home to know that we have good AC in the rooms!

Ella: Church was highlight! I’m looking forward to to meeting kids.

Jill: This whole day has been great. I’m looking forward to making new relationships with the kids and people we’ll meet. And I miss you all at home.

Sophia: Church was a highlight,and I’m looking forward to meeting kids at VBS and playing baseball. And this has been a very original experience so far.

Emma: It’s been really fun driving around and seeing the D.R. And the community. I’m looking forward to meeting the kids in Fondo Negro.

Demi: I loved the beach day today and I’m looking forward to meeting kids.

Micah: I’s been great seeing people that I know from the previous trip I went on, like Our bus drivers Rafa and Ruben and our in-country coordinator Miguel. I’m looking forward to seeing the kids we met last time and seeing if they remember us. And I love you Mom & Dad! (And Hannah and Molly too of course!)

Billy: Highlight was the beach. I’m looking forward to getting to know community. (And he said: “Tell Mom I love her…I guess.”

Maya: I’ve enjoyed the bus rides and seeing the D.R. I’’m looking forward to playing baseball. And I’d just like the people at home to know that you’re not supposed to pet the cats… even though they’re really cute.

Emily: Church, Praying for other nations, Looking forward to seeing kids.  Machete man.  Kids are safe (Emily & Maya are a mother and daughter from Liberty Lake who are with us on this mission! Emily is on the Joshua 1:Nine board, and her daughter Maya is going to be a Freshman at Ridgeline next year.)

Yome: I really enjoyed the Santo Domingo tour, I’m looking forward to meeting the community, and I’m enjoying local food!

Bill: I’m looking forward to mixing concrete and building the roofed structure for the middle school (Bill works in construction :) )

Cassey: I’ve enjoyed the emersion into speaking Spanish, I’m looking forward to playing catch with kids, and ……….the mosquitos are hungry!

Noah: A highlight is reconnecting with old faces, and I’m looking forward to working toward a common goal on the projects. And for everyone at home, the Dominican Republic is worth visiting because specifically because of the people.

Ben: Looking forward to checking in with people we met last time & Dad, I hope Mom-mom beat you at Wordle today.

Jacque: The people we’ve met are incredibly hospitable, and it’s been fun to see this group of youth and chaperones engage with the community and with each other. I’m looking forward to working in the community.

Now, some are swimming at the pool and playing card games, but then we’re off to bed for an early morning when we’ll start working on the building project at the middle school.