Today marks the dreaded final day of our trip. Saying our goodbyes to some of our Dominican team members, who we will not be seeing again before heading to the airport tomorrow morning. But the goodbyes would not have been the same if there wasn't a history behind them. Inside jokes that we hope to rekindle on another trip, memories made together that will not be forgotten, and a final day to remember.
Today we got to visit a youth center that one of our Dominican team leaders is the co-founder of. We had the pleasure of learning about the program, witnessing a live performance by resident musicians among the youth, enjoying pizza together, and hearing powerful testimonies, both from the youth there and one of our translators.
As our day wound down we went on a tour of the old city, seeing and learning about many buildings still standing from the 1500s, including the house that Christopher Columbus's family lived in for 3 generations after his death. We visited a chocolate museum, explored a Dominican market and then ended the evening with dinner at an ocean side restaurant.
The places we visited were iconic and spectacular, places I know at least I won't forget. But those places wouldn't be the same, and wouldn't be as memorable without the people we visited them with. I'm sad to leave, but that isn't what I am focused on. I am focused on when I get to come back.
-- Daniel Doughty
Today we got to visit a youth center that one of our Dominican team leaders is the co-founder of. We had the pleasure of learning about the program, witnessing a live performance by resident musicians among the youth, enjoying pizza together, and hearing powerful testimonies, both from the youth there and one of our translators.
As our day wound down we went on a tour of the old city, seeing and learning about many buildings still standing from the 1500s, including the house that Christopher Columbus's family lived in for 3 generations after his death. We visited a chocolate museum, explored a Dominican market and then ended the evening with dinner at an ocean side restaurant.
The places we visited were iconic and spectacular, places I know at least I won't forget. But those places wouldn't be the same, and wouldn't be as memorable without the people we visited them with. I'm sad to leave, but that isn't what I am focused on. I am focused on when I get to come back.
-- Daniel Doughty
I first want to express my esteem, that it has truly been an awesome experience in co-leading with Debbie Lane as well as sharing life with the rest of the team, as they experienced great and not so great defining moments. We saw examples of God's riches, in the depth of many supported children, the project workers, etc. The team gelled so well together, and everyone played an active participate in the success and impact while in-country.
This week taught me more about myself, which I call 'transformative introspection', which simply means that God allowed me to see/experience some different levels of emotional poverty that I struggled with in the past. Also what/how much power are in three simple words "I love you" ... we can never say this enough. I know that God's love is constant and external, so if we are in him why does it have to stop there?
God's presence and mighty spirit has been very apparent this week. There have been moments where I felt the Holy Spirit moving, helping me translate youth dramas done to song into something that was so tangible and palpable. God's love definitely transcends all cultures, geographies, and languages.
Encouragement and hope were constant themes this week. We literally felt it, saw it, and provided it, so God can continue his perfect work/will in the DR. God has big plans for this country, the lives that we touched, and our individual walks, as we continue to serve and grow in him! For those that are reading this, please allow yourself to be mobilized/available to be led or lead a future team. No one can refute the tremendous blessings you will receive, even though the intent is to serve. I promise you, your life will be changed forever!
Also, I want to give a special shout-out to Compassion International, and those that work directly or in partnership for making our trip so welcoming, fruitful and safe - we will never forget it!
Brian (Bri-Guy) Mazur
This week taught me more about myself, which I call 'transformative introspection', which simply means that God allowed me to see/experience some different levels of emotional poverty that I struggled with in the past. Also what/how much power are in three simple words "I love you" ... we can never say this enough. I know that God's love is constant and external, so if we are in him why does it have to stop there?
God's presence and mighty spirit has been very apparent this week. There have been moments where I felt the Holy Spirit moving, helping me translate youth dramas done to song into something that was so tangible and palpable. God's love definitely transcends all cultures, geographies, and languages.
Encouragement and hope were constant themes this week. We literally felt it, saw it, and provided it, so God can continue his perfect work/will in the DR. God has big plans for this country, the lives that we touched, and our individual walks, as we continue to serve and grow in him! For those that are reading this, please allow yourself to be mobilized/available to be led or lead a future team. No one can refute the tremendous blessings you will receive, even though the intent is to serve. I promise you, your life will be changed forever!
Also, I want to give a special shout-out to Compassion International, and those that work directly or in partnership for making our trip so welcoming, fruitful and safe - we will never forget it!
Brian (Bri-Guy) Mazur
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