We have become good friends in a very short time with 9yo Angel and his family. They live in the house next door to the one we built. Angel and I had hit it off immediately with playing ball and reading from my spanglish book together on Sunday. On Monday, he introduced me to the rest of his family...mother, Suen, father, Manuel, and big brother, Gilberto. This was a letter Angel gave to me on Tuesday:

"Dear and distinguished Debora,

For me it is a privilege and at the same time an honor to speak to you. To be able to talk about the most important thing, that is God. Because He can help in our bad situation. I know that all things are possible for those who believe in God. I want you to return again some day to our country. My mother thanks you for being friendly with me.

Att. Angel"

It touched my heart to think about this little guy sitting up the night before writing this letter. I immediately wrote him back and gave him a letter the next day.  When I went to see them, Suen gave me a long hug.  I think it was a hug that only two mothers could share. Even though we couldn't communicate in words, I know what was in her heart.....she wants so badly for a better life for her family....she wants someone to understand how hard it is for all of them.

For the rest of the week, I exchanged letters with Angel, Gilberto, and their aunt Eva, whom I also seemed to connect with in a special way. On Thursday, I gave them a bag of clothes that I had brought from home in hopes of God showing me exactly who I needed to give them to. It was no surprise that He brought their family into my path. I had boys clothes and a couple dresses and tops for a woman.

One of the hardest parts about leaving the DR was knowing how difficult it would be to continue to keep in touch. There are no addresses in the barrio. As far as I can tell, no one has postal service in the barrio. Most resorted to cell phones, since there were also no land lines there.

Angel's family asked us to call them when we got back to the states. So, on Sunday night, a week after returning home, I called and spoke to Gilberto and Angel. Suen and I just giggled through tears of joy since we couldn't really communicate past hi, how are you?. Since then, Gilberto has called us twice more on Sunday evenings. He is Angel's much older brother, probably in his mid-20's. He teaches history at the school and speaks very good english. I could tell from visiting there home and seeing every diploma on the wall from grade school on up for both Gilberto and Angel, they take working hard for a better life very seriously. I was impressed to know they were actively seeking solutions to help the people in their community as well. In one conversation, Gilberto told me that when he wasn't working, he "liked to go help people who were less fortunate then them." It was simply amazing to me to see where they lived.....and even moreso to witness their true faith in God and desire to do His will. Something Gilberto would often say was "if God wills it", when he spoke. It was always a reminder to me that I need to be seeking God's will more then anything....no matter what the cost.

Great news for Gilberto and his family....Gilberto met with Victor (the pastor at our church there). He is now visiting people in the community with Victor and Amable to share the Gospel. He was so excited, he couldn't wait another month to share the good news. He called us last Sunday night to let us know. He "asks for our many prayers as he knows he needs God's strength and words to encourage the people."

I praise God for the ripples of blessings He continues to display!

 Deborah

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.    Psalm 57:9-10