Thursday wrap up

Chubby little kids always want to be held. However, children at VBS are the most devoted, adorable, children who are all about getting attention and love from the "Americanos". The neighborhoods are very poor, but the residents are always keeping a positive attitude when we would visit. The children were always excited to see us, and the parents were always excited to talk to us, despite them not speaking English. Overall, the trip was worth remembering forever. The happy faces and the laughs were so enlightening to see, and it feels good to feel like you were the reason they were so happy. Holden Johnsen ........................................................................... Our last day of construction was a very successful one. We were able to nearly finish the first side of the concrete wall. Our team finished the rebar for the entire side and poured concrete to fill the majority of it. Our day was highlighted by Edwin's fall into the creek. I really enjoyed working and bonding with people who I had not known before the trip, including the Dominican workers. Our team really enjoyed working together and we were able to have fun and get to know each other well working as a team. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of something that will help many people in need in the future. Max Revercomb

Miercoles in the Dominican

Today on the construction site we laid out forms to pour concrete in as the foundation for the wall. Afterwards we laid down rebar supports inside the frame and manually twist tied them together. once that was done the concrete was made and poured into the forms. Jack Irons .................................................................................. Today we participated in VBS and visited the barrios. Throughout the day at the church we met many new faces and reconnected with others we had met in the previous days. Playing many outdoor games, singing and dancing, and constructing arts and crafts we had not only a tiring day but the experience of a lifetime. Connecting with all of these children has not only been an amazing experience but has made a huge impact on my life. In addition, walking throughout the barrios was a fun experience. We played with kids of all ages and played many different activities. We had an awesome but tiring day. Katherine Douthat ............................................................................. Throughout the week I have been working in the VBS portion of "Bibles And Bricks". The experience has been unbelievable with all of the children jumping all over you wanting to take pictures, hold your hand, or get on your back. I've learned that the most important phrases with these children are "Hola", "Como estas", "Como se llamas?" or "Tomas un foto" meaning do you want to take a picture. That's all these kids want to do. They just want to enjoy your presence and have fun with new friends. I'm glad to be able to join these great people that are also working in Bibles and Bricks. Alexa Cannon

Martes Update from the DR

Today at the construction site we had a fun day full of hard work. At first we bent rebar into squares using this metal nail contraption that probably the DR only uses. Then next we put a ton of rebar into the wooden holder for cement that we made yesterday. Doing that was very time consuming and a lot harder to do than it looks. We had to tie these small metal pieces around the rebar over and over again until we did it right. After we set up all the rebar we were ready to cement. Half of us made the cement and the other spread it out evenly. It was an awesome but tiring day. Edwin Saunders Today at VBS the number of kids almost doubled and extra benches had to be brought out so that all the kids had a place to sit. The puppet show was the story of Joseph interpreting the Pharaoh's dreams and the craft involved the kids decorating Joseph's colorful coat. Although the original plan of gluing pipe cleaners to the jackets failed, we were able to come up with another solution for the second group of kids. For the rec portion of VBS we played a game where the kids threw bouncy balls into buckets. The kids loved singing songs as always and were full of energy and excitement. At the end the kids learned a memory verse and many had the one from yesterday and today memorized, which was very impressive! We then danced and gave piggy back rides until lunch. Needless to say it was a successful second day! Madison Bloomfield

Dia dos

About the first day of work from the perspectives of Anne Johnson, Kate Robertson, and Cathy Shoulders. Today was a busy day for both the VBS and construction teams as we were put in new territory. The VBS took place at Pastor Enol's church who is Solid Rock's pastor. This church allowed for more organization than our previous location over the years. We had about 100 kids which is fantastic for the first day! As a normal day at VBS here goes, we started off with songs to energize the kids, a puppet show with a new stage handmade by the Potter family from a large box they had around the house. After the puppet show the kids were split into groups based on age where they rotated between crafts, games, and a snack. At the end we brought the kids all back together and sang a few more of the kids' favorite songs and learning the memory verse of the day (Daniel 3:28). After the kids left we cleaned up, ate lunch then headed out to explore the town. We were hoping to venture through the Cathedral but at that time the guard was not there to let us in so we will try again later. Back at the guest house we prepped for tomorrow and spent time in the Barrios with the kids. I, Cathy, have been privileged to have been on 5 mission trips. On each one, I have jokingly said, "We need t-shirts that say 'Volunteer - you get what you pay for.'" Each trip has been a joy, but, coming to the DR with this wonderful group of adults and youth has changed my slogan. After a day of working to build part of the wall that will be around the new clinic, I sat in the courtyard deepening friendships. I have eaten like royalty! And tonight had the privilege of playing softball with local Dominicans. So I found my new slogan "Volunteer - this day was priceless." As Cathy mentioned, we were lucky enough to get to play softball with the locals under the lights at a local field. This is always a fun and entertaining experience as their skill level magically increases when the Dominicans are up to bat. When us Americanos get up to hit, they love to help us out and pitch softer and kiddingly miss the ball when it lands. We managed to end the day with only a few minor mishaps, unlike our travel experience, a few more sunburns, and many memories already. We all have been blessed with this opportunity and trip already and all look forward to the rest of the week! Thanks for your support, love, and prayers! Anne, Kate, and Cathy

First Day in San Juan

WE ARRIVED!!! After a long day of rescheduled flights we arrived in Santo Domingo at different times! The majority of the group arrived around midnight and a few stragglers arriving at 2:30 am. We enjoyed breakfast at the Fiesta hotel before we departed for San Juan around 9am. We arrived at Solid Rock in time for a delicious lunch including fresh mango, watermelon, and pineapple. After lunch, Dan and Kari, the Solid Rock administrators, laid down the rules and explained Solid Rock's mission which is to help the poor physically, mentally, and emotionally. We then visited the construction site where the future clinic will sit in the next few years. Next we learned some new songs and prepared for tomorrow's VBS. After this we had about an hour of free time which some people used to rest while others played with some kids in the local neighborhoods called barrios. After a little bit of free time we enjoyed a tasty dinner before heading off to an evening church service. We can't wait to work on the construction site and with VBS tomorrow!! Adios from the DR, Madison G, Olivia, and Ali