Today is slightly different though, today we are still in Santo Domingo but we are going to be heading outside of the church and head towards the country and help people out there. What I have learned about this area is that it isn't just Dominicans out here, there are also many Haitians here as well. Driving to the chapel where the clinic was being held, we drove by a corner where a little girl was sitting, and upon seeing us she started yelling something. Rebeca our translator then told us she was excited and saying, "look the Americans are here." This girl was excited because we were there to help, not only her but everyone that lived around her in this little community outside of the city of Santo Domingo.
(Out in the Dominican country)
(The Chapel where the clinic was held)
The clinic was nothing like the one yesterday. It was much more moving to me not only seeing the patients but also looking around at all the mothers and children that were waiting just hoping that we would see them and help them get the medication they so desperately need. Today on numerous occasions a mother would hand us a piece of paper with a prescription on it saying that she saw the doctor but can't afford to get the medication at a farmacia (pharmacy). They were giving us these papers hoping we had something that was equivalent to what the doctor ordered. Now how many of us do that. Think about it, we get a prescription here and it is nothing to go to HEB and wait a couple hours and then pick it up. But for these people that is not an option.
The faces I was able to see at the clinic were also something to cherish forever. These faces were the face of Christ, and love, and ultimately Hope! These people live simply, but they have faith that could move Everest. They have hope that I have never seen before.....don't believe me? Look at these images.
This hope spreads across the generations And all of them, showed so much gratitude to us that it warmed my heart. Every mother saying gracias, well let's just say the love behind that word was noticeable. The pastor of the chapel we were at, his wife gave back to us by running out and making coffee and getting Coke for all us that were there. Others just kept hugging us, because not only were we giving their children and family desperately needed medications, but we were also giving the children love and affection. And while I am not a mother, I do know loving anothers child is loving them as well. The clinic itself was also amazing. We saw so many people that day, Dominican and Haitian alike.
Later in the day, we were asked to split up into groups and deliver food and other much need items to families around the community where we were staying, kind of as a Merry Christmas gift since they celebrate til Kings Day. It was so much fun walking through the streets of the community laughing and singing and delivering gifts to those that needed it. In both homes that I delivered to, we were asked to stay and talk for awhile. And the hospitality they showed was amazing. They would clear any place to sit they could, and they would ensure everyone was seated before they sat down. It was so much fun to sit and talk to these families, and listen to their stories about faith and the love of Christ. We even sang Feliz Navidad which was fun for all involved. By walking the streets we also learned so much from our translators. For example, the guy that was with us would point to a random object and teach us what it was in spanish. However all I remember is that duck is pato.....so I am not a great student. He also made me laugh because when we were talking about where everyone was from I said I was from Austin. His response was "The music capital, you must love music." It is amazing to me what some people know about Texas and the United States.
Later that night, we split up in to groups again and went to the homes of some of the people in the community for dinner. I was blessed to go to the home of Carlos, who was the pastor of the chapel that we had the clinic in. His wife Laura and children Annabel, Emanuel, and Aniesel (okay might not be spelled right but with phonics that is how I figured their names would be or the closest English translation I could come up with) were all there. It was a night full of community and fellowship. Carlos and Laura gave their testimonies, followed by testimonies from me, the two others I was with, and our translator. But I learned two things that I will cherish forever.
That night I learned the value of an apple. You see in the dominican apples are a rare treat. They are the best of the best in terms of fruit. So when there was apples with dinner that night, that was a big treat to us and a way for the family to thank us for what we were doing there. But even more then that, the mother gave our translator a whole uncut apple. Upon asking out translator why that was so important, she explained that eating apple was rare but getting a whole apple was a great symbol of thanks and gratitude. Let's just say I can't look at an apple in the same way now.
(Carlos and his family)
(The giving of an apple)
(The Chapel at night)
The other thing I was amazed with was that Carlos asked us at the end of the night if we had anything we needed prayers for. So we all went around and stated what we needed prayers for. He then got up and got a journal and wrote down our names and prayers and told us that every guest he has had in that house was in that journal along with their prayers and he and his family pray for all of those people. I was honored and touched by this action. But after the ride back to the church and where we were staying, I got out of the car and Carlos walked up to me hugged me and then looked at me and said I will pray and bless you morning and night. A man that I had only met a few hours before has now become a great symbol of what it means to be a Christian to me now.
Tonight is our last night in Santo Domingo, tomorrow we head to Bayahibe and La Romana. I am excited and sad to leave this place. I am excited in that I can see other areas on the Dominican, I am excited to go to the orphanage. I am sad to leave these people. I am sad to leave this church. And I am sad to leave these kids.
But God has a plan so I will trust him.
I am leaving this night with another song from the Music Inspired by the Story album....today though is brought to you by David.
"When the world looks at me, let them agree That my heart looks like your heart."
I know me and the others on this trip could agree. We didn't come here to get glory and praise from others, we came here to love and serve the Lord through helping and loving others that need it. We want the hearts that the Lord has and this mission is all for Him that loves us.
David didn't defeat Goliath for the praise and adoration from the people, he didn't become King to say he was King. He did everything for the Name of the Lord and to show God's love through his actions. I know my actions are rewarded when I hear people say that the Light of Christ shines through me. I want to show the love of Christ and it shouldn't matter about everything else, in fact it everything else doesn't matter. I want to me made in the image of Christ; mind, body, soul, and heart. I want to be the complete image of what He is all about.
This trip is teaching me so much about who I am and who I am in Christ and I am beyond grateful to God for that.
Until Tomorrow
God Bless!!
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