(From the mom/ Lisa again)... We have arrived home safely from our trip to visit Krissie. What a wonderful experience we had. I can't get over how friendly the people are down there. Not to mention the hospitality of Donna, Phil, Scott and Jimmie (Missionary's Krissie works with under "Servant's Heart Ministries"). They welcomed us into their home with open arms and it was just a joy to spend time with them and all the people they serve. It really helped to make this holiday unique for us, in that we had family and friends who knew what they were doing and where they were going. It saved us so much time and effort to have them as our tour guides and hosts.
So as you might guess, Krissie kept us busy each day we were there. It got easier each day as I got more used to how things worked, not to mention the weather. The temperature never went down, so either the humidity was less or we just got used to it, but it was much more bearable later in the week than at the beginning.
During the day on Wednesday, Phil and Donna generously lent us their vehicle so Krissie could take us on a personal tour of what she had been doing over the past few years. We went way out into the country to see the very first school she helped to build in the early years. Later, while Darren helped the others at another school (framing walls etc.) Kris was able to take me to visit "Mustard Seed" which is an orphanage for disabled children. I was delighted to see that the facilities were quite substancial and well kept. I was happy to greet the children but soon learned that because I couldn't speak the language it was very hard to communicate with them. So a smile and hug was all I was able to give. They have around 18 children there with 12 staff.
Later that evening, Krissie threw us and her friends a BBQ at Phil and Donna's. It was so fun. We enjoyed burgers and potato salad and some wonderful homemade desserts...oh yes, and watermellon (Krissie and my favourite). The highlight of the evening was when Kris's Dominican friends pulled out their guitars and started playing and singing. They are so talented. It was really enjoyable to sit and listen to them sing in both Spanish and English. (I like the Spanish songs the best!)
As the days quickly flew by our time in the DR rapidly came to an end. But before we left, we were able to see the site of what they hope to be a future clinic, in a poor area, near the airport. Perhaps next time we go to visit that clinic will be up and running and serving those who desperately need it.
All in all we had a wonderful trip and made some great new friends. It has been a lot to process. As I said in my earlier blog, it is hard to constantly flip back and forth from beauty to poverty, I found that really difficult. Always in the back of your mind is what you know is there. The need, the hurt and the pain that poverty thrusts on people. But what I do know is that God is greater than poverty. He is greater than our deepest need and He is faithfull. But He does require our hands, our feet and our mouths to do his work. As I return home to my house in Ancaster I am aware of and grateful for the great blessings that we all enjoy here in Canada (and more often than not take for granted). I am reminded that to whom much is given much is required. And I have also learned that when people have so little, they tend to appreciate so much.
I was honoured to be able to glance very quickly into the world of missions and humanitarian relief and applaud those who do it full time with joy and passion.
Blessings to those who use their gifts and get the job done!
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