Wills to days

Today has been so awesome! It was  cool that we got to go to the orphanage

and shared my testimony about how I'm adopted and loved by God and it felt amazing. And then we went to the church to do VBS.  Yesterday we went to the dump and it was good.  We did our skit 2 times in the past two days. It was good.

Third Day

Today we had the opportunity to go to the dump and fellowship and share with the people who work there. There job involves picking through the garbage to find recyclables. The team did their skit there and Will shared the gospel. After that we shared a meal there with the folks and had an opportunity to talk with them through an interpreter. It was very humbling being with these wonderful people (some who know Christ and some who were deeply moved by the skit) and seeing what a typical day is for them and the difficulties they endure for survival. 

Day 2

Yesterday day we went to the old age home and we prayed for the people there. Some old mad danced for an older woman and it was kinda cute. We went to VBS and had so much fun with the cute kids and its was really fun!!!! I did take a nap before lunch. And Justin hit me with his pillow. And it was a really good dinner we had chicken it was so good. And it was really fun  

Lauren

Lauren Trudeau here. Today's VBS was so much fun. Now that it was our third day, we are getting to know the kids more. There's only a couple kids that speak English, and it's so great getting to know them. There are some kids that we're connecting with who don't speak English at all. Yesterday we were playing with bubbles as our craft. This one boy named Gabriel kept coming up to my and putting the bubbles on me. Needless to say I got very soapy. But it's not even talking, more playing with that we connect with them. Sadly we only have 2 more VBS days but I'm so excited to see the kids again. Peace out. Lauren. 

Seniors Centre

Today, our team went to a Seniors home and we spent time with the seniors. The team was dispersed among the group; some sharing stories, some playing games, and some painted their nails. Personally, I spent a lot of time painting nails and with the last 45 minutes I played dominos with a few of our team members and one man from the home. I really enjoyed getting to spend time with them and just seeing how excited they all became when we came through the doors. Playing dominos was by far my favourite part of this morning because this guy was so funny and just a lot of fun to be around. Communication was little since we didn't know Spanish and he didn't know English, but it's incredible just how much you can communicate with facial expressions and laughter. Today has already been such a great day and next on our events for the day is VBS at the same church as yesterday. I really love the kids, their love and passion for absolutely everything. I met a few who spoke English and every chance they could get they would speak different words in English to me and they found it hilarious because I would be so shocked that when I handed them something they would turn and say "Thank-you". It still seems unreal that I am here, this year it just seems so much more natural and apart of the norm. After three months I was finally reunited with my brother and that has been wonderful because truly, I did miss him a lot. I can't wait for the rest of the week and can't wait to tell you guys all about it when I get home. Please continue to pray for the Romanos and for our team and that we continue to serve God in everything that we do. Hope you all have a great rest of the week. 

Lots of love,

Amanda

P.S I just want to say hi to my mother and all my family reading this. I love you all dearly and will see you soon. 

Seniors Home

This morning we visited a seniors home. I met a woman, named Ramona, who reminded me of my husband's grandmother. Though it was hard to understand each other, we connected with smiles and nods. When Lauren and I came over to greet her, she began praying for us. We sat down and prayed with her. Then she held my hand and told me stories about her life. When snacks were served she insisted on sharing hers with me. I sat with her for the whole morning, listening to her and reading the Bible with her. Towards the end of the time Tim joined us and she asked us to pray for her legs (she was in a wheelchair). It was a blessing to spend time with this beautiful woman, and even though I had little to offer because of my difficulties understanding her, it is a comfort to know that lives are touched not by might, nor by power, but by God's Spirit. 

Love Diana

Day 3

Monday, day 3 in the Dominican Republic. We woke up earlier than yesterday to a time of prayer with the team. We read the first chapter of Ephesians. After, we ate breakfast and we found ourselves off to another exciting day. I wasn't too sure what to expect but knew it was our first day of VBS. What's exciting about being in the missions field is that you never know exactly what to expect. We went on a 45 minute drive to the farm which is coming together on construction. Next, we went to a nearby community. It was our first time to pray and outreach to strangers of the rundown neighbourhood. I knew this wasn't my first time as a youth praying and laying a hand to others so it felt natural. One lady had arthritis. Another, her husband was losing faith in God and was not around.  The moment that stood out the most was when an old lady was shaking and I got to lay hands on her and pray for comfort. It was heartbreaking seeing these homes like this. Now it's time for VBS... - Josiah Chang, 17 

William's post...

The Yesterday we did so much! We started our day off with a little bible reading and pare. Then we eat breakfast it's was super good I try the eggs and the were amazing and then we got in the car and went to a village to part with the family's and the kids of the homes we saw and went in to. It showed me that I shouldn't take things to advantage I

Back at home because some of these family's really have nothing.and God really touched my heart. And then we went to  the farm for lunch it's a pretty cool place and then we went to bbs and I gave it my all it was super awesome and like the kids are great! And the songs are also so fun to dance and sing. Then later that night we got home and we had dinner it was really good  and then later Johnny came though with Mc Dons and it was super sick night and I read more of the bible and asked him to help me understand what we are reading about.

It was super fun.

VBS Day One

Seeing as it was my day of VBS to run,it only seemed right that I blog about it. At first I was afraid of the crowd and worried that I would forget to pause for Saul. But about 20 seconds into our first song I felt eased about the crowd. And Saul's upbeat and energetic personality just made me feel calm,cool and collected. Watching the kids sit and listen intently, answering the questions and having fun with the songs was just amazing, I've never seen such a large group of kids (little ones too!) have such patience and interest in the lesson. The kids here really crave the word of God and they can't seem to get enough. Their little minds are so much more accepting and willing than our adult minds and they just love learning about God. Today went amazingly and I can't wait to see how the week unfolds. Well that's all from me for now for it is my turn to shower and Tim needs his phone back. 

Alex :D

Hi Mommy!!

Alex here, 

We made it!!! The picture taking has begun! It's amazing to see how the Romanos work in the lives of the people here. Even just some of the things Rick has said to us is just amazing and really thought provoking. I can't wait to see how this week turns out for the people here as well as for the team. I love it here and I can't wait to experience everything this trip has to offer! 

Sandy flop

Today started off great and ended amazing. We woke up at 8:30 and had a really awesome breakfast made by Dan and I think Justin, either way it was really good. I had waffles and a cream cheese bagel. I should of had a lot more water today. After breakfast we went right to the beach and it was so beautiful seeing the mountains again and also seeing the beach. The beach kind of smells a bit funny haha. But it was nice once we got in. Before we got in, we did our morning devotions and we picked out a few meaningful words from the Bible verse we read, that meant something or stood out to us. As our feet where in the nice pool beside the restaurant, when lunch came around we had some really good rice and chicken. We went shopping along the beach and I bought my three friends back home something from one of the shops. Through out the day I had the words of what we read *** all day which kept me thinking about God. I really wanted to go on the banana boats but we ran out of time but it was alright instead we went in to the ocean and went back in to the pool.  Then all of the people on the team aka Rick and John wanted me to belly flop like Johnny did like last year but they said if I did they'll give  me a few Ice creams. So I did it maybe around 10 or 5 times. It did hurt a lot but it was worth it. Because John is buying me ice cream from McDonald's.

So then we came home from the beach and had dinner. Had some time to do our evening devotions and talked about the words that came to us. Bradon did worship and it was great. And now we are getting food from mcdonald. 

-William 

Church on the Beach

Church service this morning was in the beautiful sunshine under the palms trees with our feet in the pool. Matthew 25:31-46 was the passage and is an important focus for the ministry here. We each listened to hear what God would say to us. Personally I heard God speaking about the glorious inheritance and inviting others into his kingdom. I'm looking forward to tonight's discussion with Rick to hear what others on the team have heard too. Thanks for praying for our team!

Love Diana

Pizzeria

It was a great day. The travel was amazing  but very long. I passed out and slept the whole way down. It was sick on the way to the house, we saw amazing mountains and we had really really good music and pizza! And tomorrow is the beach day so I can't wait to have church on the beach and practice our Jesus skit.

The pizza was better then joes pizza in town.  

We Made It!

Well we made it! We are sitting here with the Romanos having a good time talking about our summers and past trips. 

Us at the airport!

Preparing VBS

Boot Camp Day

2016 D.R. Youth Mission's Trip Takes Off!

Here we go again! One day of boot camp today, (Thursday) pack up and then our send off this Saturday at our Georgetown campus at 5:30 a.m. (that's right....A.M.!). Come on out to pray for us and to send us off if you're awake! Then off we fly to the D.R. to minister alongside of the Romano's and their sidekick, Justin Lockhart for ten days! Please check out our blog daily for info, pics, and an opportunity for you to communicate to the participants!