We do not have internet access daily so we have not been able to post since Monday. Here is a brief summary of what we have been doing.
Monday
Monday our morning started early. After our personal quiet time we left on foot for the school where we joined the teachers and staff as they gathered in the library to pray for the students, the school, and the day. Then it was off to observe the students in their morning meeting. This is held at the outdoor amphitheater. It is student lead. They have daily announcements, sing the National anthem, and end in a student led prayer.
Then off to work we go..… Monday was spent at the Doulos school painting the existing playground and staining the decking on equipment and under the mango tree. The first challenge for the staining crew was to sand off any old paint off the playground decking. The work on the playground looks good and the children are eager for completion so they can have their playground back.
At the end of the day we split up into small groups and went to the homes of some Doulos students to share a meal and time of fellowship. Some families were able to go to the home of the child they sponsor. We reconvened at the end of the evening to share our experiences with each other. It was very moving for everyone. We were all overwhelmed by the love that we received as well as the love we witnessed within each of the Dominican homes. Many photos were taken during this time and you can view some of these on the link below.
Tuesday
Tuesday was our “day off”. We started the day at a local coffee manufacturer where we learned about Coffee production and fair trade regulation. During a tour of the plant, we were able to see how the fruit of the coffee berry is removed and how the coffee beans are collected. We witnessed about 40 women who sat and separated out the bad beans for a wage of $1.25/hour. We learned that this is a very desireable job and is often passed down by generation. While at the plant we were able to taste coffee samples. The coffee was served in a shot glass size and was black but very sweet. This was typical Dominican coffee.
After the tour we were transported to the Coffee Farm owned by the Wallace Family. The vehicles were unable to reach the farm, so we headed out on foot. After a mile trek, uphill, we had lunch and viewed the coffee trees growing on the mountain. Then it was off to the waterfall. Little did we know, we had signed up for OUTWARD BOUND! This was a “short”, two plus mile trek, winding uphill under rocky terrain. We crossed over makeshift log bridges through streams and across a 30 foot suspended bridge. We reached the end of the primitive road and then took a steep, 200 yard, downhill wooded trail to the river and waterfall. On this trek we encountered both a pig, some goats, and a few free horses. The youth of the group were well ahead of the more experienced and were frolicking in the cool water when we arrived. The waterfall, which reached approximately 80 feet high, was spectacular and well worth the long journey. We were told that only about 400 people have ever viewed this awesome sight. We spent about an hour enjoying the falls before we began the journey back. We all were grateful that a majority of the return trip was downhill!
http://picasaweb.google.com/doulosplc/Comstock2?authkey=Gv1sRgCOLNn6ze597JKA#
http://picasaweb.google.com/doulosplc/RosolDay3?authkey=Gv1sRgCLOn5M-jwLidVA#
Wednesday Morning
Part of our work team spent the morning with the high school students of Doulos. They walked them through a vocational assessment survey where they did exercises to understand their person skills and talents. The teens of our group participated as group leaders in this endeavor. This project will continue for the next two days.
The Japanese garden has been such a great sanctuary for the students at the Doulos school that this year the eighth grade class is designing and building one at a local Catholic School and Convent. Our work team was recruited to haul rocks to the pond and spread sand and gravel. This was definitely back breaking work. Randy and Nate showed off as they raced with fully loaded wheel barrels. After finishing their pond volume calculations the Doulos students helped our work-team form a rock moving chain gang. We joined the students as they prayed over the project.
Monday
Monday our morning started early. After our personal quiet time we left on foot for the school where we joined the teachers and staff as they gathered in the library to pray for the students, the school, and the day. Then it was off to observe the students in their morning meeting. This is held at the outdoor amphitheater. It is student lead. They have daily announcements, sing the National anthem, and end in a student led prayer.
Then off to work we go..… Monday was spent at the Doulos school painting the existing playground and staining the decking on equipment and under the mango tree. The first challenge for the staining crew was to sand off any old paint off the playground decking. The work on the playground looks good and the children are eager for completion so they can have their playground back.
At the end of the day we split up into small groups and went to the homes of some Doulos students to share a meal and time of fellowship. Some families were able to go to the home of the child they sponsor. We reconvened at the end of the evening to share our experiences with each other. It was very moving for everyone. We were all overwhelmed by the love that we received as well as the love we witnessed within each of the Dominican homes. Many photos were taken during this time and you can view some of these on the link below.
Tuesday
Tuesday was our “day off”. We started the day at a local coffee manufacturer where we learned about Coffee production and fair trade regulation. During a tour of the plant, we were able to see how the fruit of the coffee berry is removed and how the coffee beans are collected. We witnessed about 40 women who sat and separated out the bad beans for a wage of $1.25/hour. We learned that this is a very desireable job and is often passed down by generation. While at the plant we were able to taste coffee samples. The coffee was served in a shot glass size and was black but very sweet. This was typical Dominican coffee.
After the tour we were transported to the Coffee Farm owned by the Wallace Family. The vehicles were unable to reach the farm, so we headed out on foot. After a mile trek, uphill, we had lunch and viewed the coffee trees growing on the mountain. Then it was off to the waterfall. Little did we know, we had signed up for OUTWARD BOUND! This was a “short”, two plus mile trek, winding uphill under rocky terrain. We crossed over makeshift log bridges through streams and across a 30 foot suspended bridge. We reached the end of the primitive road and then took a steep, 200 yard, downhill wooded trail to the river and waterfall. On this trek we encountered both a pig, some goats, and a few free horses. The youth of the group were well ahead of the more experienced and were frolicking in the cool water when we arrived. The waterfall, which reached approximately 80 feet high, was spectacular and well worth the long journey. We were told that only about 400 people have ever viewed this awesome sight. We spent about an hour enjoying the falls before we began the journey back. We all were grateful that a majority of the return trip was downhill!
http://picasaweb.google.com/doulosplc/Comstock2?authkey=Gv1sRgCOLNn6ze597JKA#
http://picasaweb.google.com/doulosplc/RosolDay3?authkey=Gv1sRgCLOn5M-jwLidVA#
Wednesday Morning
Part of our work team spent the morning with the high school students of Doulos. They walked them through a vocational assessment survey where they did exercises to understand their person skills and talents. The teens of our group participated as group leaders in this endeavor. This project will continue for the next two days.
The Japanese garden has been such a great sanctuary for the students at the Doulos school that this year the eighth grade class is designing and building one at a local Catholic School and Convent. Our work team was recruited to haul rocks to the pond and spread sand and gravel. This was definitely back breaking work. Randy and Nate showed off as they raced with fully loaded wheel barrels. After finishing their pond volume calculations the Doulos students helped our work-team form a rock moving chain gang. We joined the students as they prayed over the project.
WOW! It is so much fun to read about your adventures and journey. I am praying for the Lord to speak to each of you! And I am praying for each of you!!!!! Thanks for the good reports and news!!!! Everything looks so good!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this blog. It is fun to read and see what you are doing! Best wishes and support.
ReplyDelete