Sunday began with much excitement and anticipation. The entire team spent some time in the morning listening to teaching time from our pastor, followed by some time to share and pray. We headed over to the building site to get our first look, see how the foundation looked, pray, and meet some of the neighbors. It was very exciting! Did I say that??
About ten of the guys (the real builder dude's) made some measurements and comparisons to the "blue prints", and built up a few lines of block on the corners. They were all so gung-ho about getting started....I was amazed at how much they accomplished in just a few short hours.
The neighbor's (especially the children) came out of the woodwork in no time at all. Although I resolved from the get-go to do whatever the Lord had me assigned to do, I realized almost immediately, that my heart was drawn to meeting and getting to know the neighborhood. I made sure to take my "spanglish" book with me everywhere I went so I could try to communicate something to someone if at all possible. The children were so proud and eager to try their limited english out on "real Americans", I felt like I was right at their level with my spanish...we made a good match.
One of the first phrases I learned was Dios de Bendigo....God bless you. To which almost everyone answers Amen. It's like an affirmation or agreement to your blessing. The other couple new phrases I learned were Lo sientos...I'm sorry!....and Mas despacio, por favor....slow down please!! lolol The people were so patient and kind....and so eager to communicate with us. Ofcourse, like I mentioned in my last entry, playing games was a universal language for all ages. When the balls came out, a ton of kids would come running....and sometimes, a few grown-ups too. I guess we made it look so fun!!
On Sunday night, we were invited to attend the church service in LaRomana...Comunidad Cuerpo de Cristo del Este....Community of the Body of Christ. I had never experienced anything like it. It was so enveloped with the power of the Spirit. Young adults (probably 13-25yo) led the worship. I really didn't know exactly what we were singing, but by golly, it sounded good!! They had the words up on a screen. Occasionally, I could figure out a few words. I'd try to kick it in on the choruses, without sounding too off key.
About half-way through the 2 hour service, about a dozen of the children came up one at a time and introduced themselves telling their names, ages, and some had verses memorized...all in english. You could tell it was something very special that they had prepared just for us. One little girl about 7yo came up and recited the twenty-third Psalm. Is was amazing!! Then, they all gathered on the stage and sang a beautiful song.
At another point in the service, everyone sitting in the congregation started a train around the whole auditorium and sang and cha-cha'd all the way around. That was definitely a first for most of us. And fun, fun, fun!! The pastor shared his message on passion for reaching out to the community. And our pastor had a short time to share and give an invitation to the church members to meet us out at the house during the week.
A few comments on some of the pictures...the first couple you can get a pretty good look at Amable's family's old residence in the background. You just can't imagine how most of this neighborhood lived like this. But, they do. And still, they were some of the most gracious and generous people I think I've ever met.
Some of the children I met...Bethsaida (tall girl, hardly cracked a smile all week, but quietly hung out with me alot during the week....I wanted so much to know more about her), Manuel, Katherine, Ashley, Pedro, Jonathon, Juan, and Christina.
There were two families that I grew closer to each day...Pedro's family across the street (which I honored his wish to have no pictures taken of his house and family), and Manuel's family (next door neighbor's to Amable). Pedro had a wife and four children. Manuel was married to Suen. Together they had Gilberto and Angel. I have several stories to share about these friendships that I'll wait to give later.
All in all, what a weekend! And a wonderful start to a life-changing week for all of us.
Hi! My name is Deborah, and I want to thank you for taking a moment out of your busy day to visit Home For Him. I hope in some small way that you find encouragement and ideas for not only your homeschooling experience, but also your walk with God. I live in Kentucky with my Honey of 17 years, our three adventureous kids, and our small zoo of two dogs, a cat, a bird and three reptiles. Together, we have a heart for serving, and a love for studying God's Word and learning about His creation. Welcome to our world!
The Serious and Organized One ~ "Bri Guy" likes to read, play soccer, listen to music, build bionicles, collect pocketknives, hang out with friends, go to CBS, and be with family.
The Creative Dreamer ~ "Sissy Lou" likes to write on her blog, love on her pets, rides horses, scrapbook, read, play soccer, be with her girlfriends, and study the Bible.
The Extreme Goof ~ "Con Man" likes to do math, play football and soccer, snowboard, make people laugh, build bionicles, play with his dogs, play with friends, build forts, and go to small group at church.
That was definitely a first for most of us. And fun, fun, fun!! The pastor shared his message on passion for reaching out to the community. And our pastor had a short time to share and give an invitation to the church members to meet us out at the house during the week. 
Deborah
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November 23, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Taters
P.S. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving.