Day 7 - Wednesday

Written Thursday, February 25, 2010 11:30 am
Wrapping up and heading home.
Morning Devotion led by Sonia – various books/verses.

Today was a transition day to wrap up any loose ends and say our good-byes. The team started with a trip to purchase crutches and deliver them to some of the Haitian earthquake victims that are patients in the make-shift hospital that the team visited last week Thursday.

The next stop was to the rehab center to say so long to our good friends there. These young men and boys came to the rehab center with dependencies on drugs and alcohol and through the power of the Holy Spirit and leadership of Ricardo have become disciplined men who wholly credit Jesus with their salvation (both spiritually and physically). It is always a tearful occasion when the team and men share their thoughts and love. They serve us so well on these trips and their partnership is cherished. Carmen (Ricardo's wife) was especially moved as her “American Family” for the past week was now leaving.

We then drove out to the Haitian village to say farewell to Pastor Wilfredo. The team has worked closely with Pastor Wilfredo the last couple of years in building and food projects and showing the Jesus film. He is a dentist by trade and income (which is next to none) but is the spiritual leader to many people. He has suffered himself as family and friends were effected by the earthquake in his home Haiti and he lost his wife last year to cancer. A harder working pastor would be harder to find.

After leaving Pastor Wilfredo it was a 2 hour drive to the Dominican Capital Santo Domingo for some brief shopping and sightseeing. This is the DR, of course and anything can happen. Only 20 minutes into the trip traffic stopped dead. It seemed obvious that something significant such as an accident had happened in front but the DR way is to drive around everyone else thinking they can get through. Something significant did happen. A large truck and semi-truck loaded with beer collided head-on. Both were rolled over with beer and glass all over the road. A crane was being used to move the vehicles so the road was completely blocked. People also don't stay in their cars but instead walk right up to the accident and observe. So now you have 3 cars wide going in each direction backed up for miles on a two lane road that is completely blocked, people stealing beer and generally milling around in the 90 degree heat. Surprising it was only a little over an hour before we were able to get on the move again.

The delay shortened the team's shopping time but a beautiful night together for the last time was had in the city. They stayed in a hotel downtown near all of the old architecture. This city was founded by Christopher Columbus' brother in 1496. It has a great many beautiful forts and buildings from centuries ago. It was most likely the last time the team would ever be together in this form so quality time together was cherished.