Our time spent in Cotui!

June 23

Hey Guys, its Jeff again. Today was an awesome day! We started our first day of construction in Cotui. We had an amazing day. All the team members worked very hard today. Sam, Jake, Tessa, Mary Pf, Anna, and Lynsey rocked it in the construction zone! Nicole G, Nikki S, Cassi, Mary C, and Casey were very funny in their skits, and Lucy, Victoria, Kaylee, Carissa, and Jeniece had a great time playing with all the kids! We also had a dental clinic going on as well and Jolene, Trish, Carly, and Carissa did a great job lending a helping hand. I am very proud of all the team members and the co-leaders. It was a great start to a great trip.

Hey everyone! It’s Nicole G. today was such an amazing day! Within ten minute of being in Cotui we were all running around with the kids or jumping in on the construction and dentist clinic. The people in the city are so nice and were so happy to see us. The kids loved every moment we spent running around and playing with them. They also loved taking pictures! They were asking to borrow our cameras so that they could take pictures of us and their friends. There was also a great turn out at the dentist clinic. So many kids and families were there to get their teeth cleaned. They were all so thankful that we were there to help.
Besides everyone being excited about the dentist clinic, they were also happy to hear that we are going to get a park started for the children and build a roof for the Christian school. The school is at the front of the little community which was cool to me because we couldn’t miss it. It is the only green building which makes it stand out.
Over all we had an amazing day! We had a few complications with electricity going out so we had to change locations to sleep. The good thing is that the Pastor of the church in Cotui let us use his house to shower and sleep. We are so thankful for that and will be staying here for the next two nights. We are so excited for what is coming in the rest of our journey in DR.

June 24

Hey Guys, Its Jeff again we had another great day in Cotui! Once again every team member worked extremely hard. I was very proud of them! We have bonded with the people of Cotui and will be sad to leave them tomorrow. We had a small set back due to the rain but we made it work! I hope you are all well back home!

Hello, It’s Trish. Today was rockin! We got to Cotui and everyone seemed stoked that we were back. We started right away. Playing with some loco kids and getting nice and muddy in the construction area. We got some unwanted rain, but it seemed to pass fairly quickly and we were able to pick back up. Our plan to go to church tonight changed when we realized all the work that still needed to be done on the playground wall and when we looked down at ourselves and noticed our ridiculously muddy bodies and clothes. We needed showers…badly. Good Times! The people are so welcoming and friendly towards all of us. The kids loved hanging out with the guys on our team. Tough, wonderful day. We’ll see ya all very soon. Keep praying, we love it and need it!

Hey it’s Kaylee, the Dominican has been awesome. The weather is actually pretty decent and working with the church has been an uplifting challenge. Things are going really good and SAFE (mom and dad). Thanks for the prayers and support, I can’t hear them but God can, and I’m really grateful with the way things are turning out. Oh and sorry about the communication mom, my phone has zero service in the whole country, seriously, otherwise I would text to let you know that things are all good. Love you guys, see you soon!

Hey it’s Lucy, at the moment I am sitting on the living room floor with moths, frogs, dogs, and beetles all over the place. All the members of El Circulo who came to help us in Cotui are playing the guitar and singing worship songs in Spanish, everyone is just full of happiness and you can totally see Jesus shine through them!! They are amazing people. When we got back to the village we’re doing work in, all the children I played with yesterday were saying “Lucy Lucy! Como estas??” a few of the older girls were trying to teach me Spanish and getting so frustrated...it was pretty funny. But I did learn how to say “I am learning Spanish and not very good” lol Mom, I know you’d be proud.lol I love you! Thanks to everyone who has us in their prayers(even “ya’ll” in texas)
Cant wait to see you all!!


June 25, 2008

Hey everyone! It’s Nikki Smith! Today, our last day in Cotui, was probably my favorite. We got so much done! I’m pretty sure we left the Dominicans astonished about how hard the Americans work (especially the girls!) God was completely faithful in giving us energy and strengthening us when we were tired and ready to finally put our shovels down. He was faithful in keeping us smiling through it all and teaching us that He is God wherever we go.
After digging the ditch around what will be the playground for the past two days, we finally began building the necessary wall. For a good portion of the day, we sifted dirt and poured water to make cement. It was hard work but definitely rewarding! I’ve been completely blessed, too, to see how God can work through us even through the language barrier. The kids are so receptive to any attention we give them and we are thrilled to be able to show them Christ’s love. As we play tag or “ring around the rosie” or sing songs in the street, the parents watch, too, noticing how we love on the kids. I just can’t help but see the Lord everywhere in the DR!! We also had the opportunity to do some street evangelism by going on house visits and listening to sharing with some of the people of the community. The Dominicans are so welcoming and eager to tell of their life experiences. One woman even shared of how Christ is already using her in this community of not many believers by hosting a small group bible study in her home! Anyway, after a hard day’s work, we got to take our first dip in a pool, and boy did we need it. Most of us were covered in mud and completely drenched in sweat haha. I’ve never seen so many sweat stains on one group of people.
Completely irrelevantly, I thought I would mention that the food is really good J. Don’t worry, Mom, I’ve been drinking plenty of clean water (we all have.) I feel like I could write a ton more about all God is doing through our team, but sleep is calling ;) I can’t wait to get home and tell you all the “God stories” I’ll have stored up, but for now, thanks to everyone for all your prayers. Continue to pray that the Lord would strengthen us in our weakness. Please pray that God would allow us to all to stay in good health and continue to serve Him wholeheartedly. Thanks again for all the support! God bless!!