Coming Home

The reader may be a bit confused by the title but hear me out.

Day 1 started early Saturday morning with most of the team meeting at 4:15 am in Appleton for the first flight out of the day. A quick connection was made in Atlanta where they joined Dean and Kim and then landed in Santo Domingo by 2 pm to be picked up by Dan and Paul who have been here since Thursday (ask them about their flights). Of course Genesis was driving and Nataniel was along also. An early arrival gave the team the opportunity to get a good start on their (God's) work.

After sandwiches in the Capitol the team headed for Azua. They drove through the city and stopped to look at the building under construction on "the site". (I will explain this project in a later blog). The locals welcomed us warmly as they're excited when the Americanos come to town. After inspection the team headed to the house where they were welcomed by Pablo and Ruth who once again came from Puerto Rico to share their time, talents, and truck. A rare light rain welcomed them to the house where they moved in and had a team meeting going through the coming week's agenda before turning in around 10pm.

This is the first time in the DR for Brian, Kristi, Mary, Dean, and Kim. Collectively this is 38 years for Paul, Dan, Shawn, and Chris. The veterans have experienced the smells, sounds, and sights of a seemingly chaotic culture. Firsthand they've witnessed both the worst in living conditions but some of the best of mankind. These experiences have shaped how they think of the DR; much different than those who only know the resorts along the East coast. Because this intimacy with this part of the world has always been while serving Jesus it's thus become a time a great spiritual joy and rejuvenation! In a way, to the veterans this is home. A place of spiritual peace and focus without the distractions and responsibilities of our lives in Wisconsin; simpler and seemingly closer to God.