Gloria a Dios! The realization that God made this day and it was beautiful was the resounding truth ringing through my head all day with that said today was a day unlike any other. My team of brothers and sisters, Dominican and American, all woke up for breakfast at 7:30 am.
Today’s Mission- we were headed on a 5 mile hike to a small town a the top of a mountain called Travasia. We set off with prayer as in everything we do, just to set our focus on Christ and his love and mercy for us shown through His beautiful creation! As we were walking some decided to take a quick route, and some the more scenic, which was slightly longer. I was among the group that stopped often and gathered local blackberries, took funny pictures, and stood in awe of our God’s great creation. Fellowshipping, singing praise, and laughing with brothers and sisters out there was one of the purest forms of love for each other I have ever experienced. What a great God we serve! Halfway up the mountain we stopped and caught up with the other group who was waiting. We met up with them and enjoyed an incredible time swimming, bathing, laughing, jumping off rocks, and planking (laying with your body in a “board-like” position with legs extended and arms by the side on any flat surface and getting your picture taken to document the successful plank). at the river.
Can you find me Planking in the air?
“It’s time to press on”, Chris said. It was time to continue our journey to the top of the mountain. While making our way back to our gear, one of my brothers, Carl Gibson, offered me a scrumptious s’mores granola bar- little did he know I was starving, what a kind brother. Thanks Carl! Once we were all back on the path we took off- ready to see the town that we had been anticipating for so long! A little less than four hours after our departure from the bottom of the mountain, we reached the summit. This little town was made up of makeshift houses constructed of everything from scrap metal roofing to old painted wood. Upon arrival we were welcomed into a small building that had small mattresses that we all took advantage of to catch a few zzzzzz. Around 1 o’ clock we were all split up into groups of 3 with 1 or 2 Dominican translators. My group consisted of our translator named Fey, Roberto, myself, Tanner and Lukas Springgate. After being split up we were directed into one of the locals houses where we were then served a traditional yet flavorful dish of rice, beans, and cabbage. We could not stop raving about the food we had just eaten, and could not stop thanking Juana for her hospitality. After lunch we were served the oh-so anticipated hand roasted coffee. Let me just tell you, there were 2 Starbucks workers in my group- they both were absolutely astounded by the flavor profile of this special organic coffee! After lunch everyone was free to spend the day with the locals whether it be in their house, in the fields with them, or just buying a simple soda from their local store. My choice was to document this beautiful town by hanging out with locals and writing in my journal about my experiences, and communicating with them about their livelihood and their routines. I was able, along with many others, to witness the entire process of coffee-making at it’s best; this was so cool.
The boys chillin' at the Famous Country Store.
After “free time” with the locals we then were invited to return back to the house where we had lunch and enjoy dinner. My group and I enjoyed a tasty treat including plantains, some type of unknown root vegetable, and a few slices of handmade salami. After dinner we were once again served a cup of this amazing coffee. With bellies full and smiles on everyone’s faces we began to get camp set up for the night. Annie Wells, Janelle Barnett, and I all brought our E.N.O. hammocks so while the others were setting up their mattresses we enjoyed each other’s presence setting up the E.N.O.’s and don’t forget the bug net! After beds were set up it was time for gathering wood for the huge bonfire that was to come. A few of the team members including Phil, Carl, Lukas, Tanner, and Rosie followed a local boy with am axe, out to the woods to grab some wood... little did they know they were going on a small hike. Upon arrival the bonfire was set up for our session with the locals that night. There was singing, dancing, fellowshipping, outreaching, and even some juggling going on by Carl. To step back and look at this sight was amazing, to see the team working together to further the Gospel was so encouraging.
The session brought by Chris and translated by Roberto, was a clear presentation of our glorious hope in the one and only true Savior, Jesus Christ! The emphasis was on a not working for your salvation. Primarily, most of the locals come from a strong Catholic background. As the session was coming to an end, we were all invited to look up, when we gazed in the night’s sky, there was nothing there but stars- millions and millions of them. A sight, for me I had never seen before. We were invited to respond to what were heard through song- Josh led us (acapella) in Gloria a Dios, Beautiful, and Cannons. After responding with praise we began to shout out who God is and thanking him- all in spanish, so that the locals could understand. As praises resounded and echoed from thankful hearts I gradually began to feel stirrings of the Holy Spirit within echoing those truths and affirming them in my heart!
Around the fire at Travasia.
One older local man began to speak out truth about our God. (Let me preface what happened next by saying, ever since I reached the D.R. I knew God had something special in store for me, I just didn’t know what.) I believe at that moment of praise and a passion for these lost people- I was called by God, to do life with those here in the D.R. It was a feeling I cannot explain, but at that moment all of my passions and desires to meet the needs of the people of the D.R. were confirmed in my heart. I do realize that I am only one, but with God’s help I strive to be the ONE He wants me to be. As I close, I want to share one verse that stuck out to me in my readings this morning- I feel as if God had written this specifically for me in this time! Check out Ephesians 4:11-16. It spoke to me and was just another one of the many confirmations of trusting in the One who makes all things beautiful.
Your Brother in Christ
May all honor, glory, power be to Him,
