Barahona!

I can't believe the first part of outreach is done. Time flies! It's been such a journey already.

The city of Barahona is unbelievably beautiful. It's situated in the middle of mountains and all around where you look is the beauty of God's creation. We were hosted by an awesome couple- Mecky and Kenisha. He is from Barahona here in the DR and she is Canadian. They were such a blessing to us. Their ministry and testimonies are incredible! Love them and their family!

We stayed in a big empty house and slept on the floors on mattresses. The mattresses felt like they were filled with rocks but when we were so tired it just felt so good to sleep anywhere. This guy named Duran lives there with his wife and takes care of the house. He was a small part of our days, but definitely a part. He will not be forgotten- that's for sure.

Our first two-ish weeks we worked doing Justice Water projects. Mecky and Kenisha run a Christian school in a poor Batey called La Montañita. We fixed their existing sistern which we lovingly called "The monster." I spent many days and hours sweating uncontrollably underground in there. We built a latrine, toilets, and a hand-washing sink. The difference is going to be real in that community. Jesus met physical needs and He is the living water We did some teaching with the kids about hand washing, germs and the diseases bugs can carry. Those weeks were exhausting physically, but seriously so rewarding. We had some really good bonding. We ran on true Dominican time there. Leaving by 8 usually meant around 9:30 or 10. Morning probably means early afternoon.

The following week we painted a school, performed our dramas in churches and in the streets, we did some stuff with kids. We also prepared a talk about purity and God's thoughts about sex. We had two different workshops- one in a church and one in La Montañita. It was really cool! We also got to spend a little time in the mountains and experience some of that part of Barahona. Such a beautiful place.

So far outreach has been a growing time for all of us and it's had some hard moments; but the good always outweighs the bad and God is always with us. There has never been a time in my life where I have felt so dependent on God's strength as this. I know He will continue to be faithful and be my endurance.

Blessed to be a blessing! Next stop: Brazil! Team ready!

Our team in our first week at La Montanita with Justice Water :)

Beautiful beach day in the mountains!