DR Work Day 3 and Day 4

A little catch up is in order. Our work day on day 3 went smoothly. You can see some pictures of the progress around the pool where we continue to back fill the pool and cut out another spot in the side of the mountain for some bathrooms. In addition there are some pictures of our painting process that continues around camp to give camp a face lift for the campers that arrive in July. There were lots of sore muscles and the heat was real that day but we were surprised by an early end to the day in order to give us some rest for our tired bodies. But, despite the fatigue, spirits were high and many of our students stepped into conversations with the Dominicans we work with. It was a great day.

Day 4 was the sabbath day and therefore we had the entire day off from working around camp. Instead we were able to get to know our Dominican friends more. In the morning we took a hike just outside of camp up to a waterfall. A good 30-45 minute hike up and through the river to the base of the falls. Our kids loved it and the water was so refreshing. After the falls we returned to camp for some napping before heading to church. In the afternoon we all headed to church where we had a translator for the message that many of our students found very relatable. The message was about the things we attempt to fill our hearts with - attempting to find purpose or meaning to fill our hearts through work, electronics, friends, ministry, etc. but that in reality the only thing that fills, the only thing that quenches our thirst is God. Our students loved the service. That night we had some dance instructions from our Dominican friends. It was awkward but smiles all around as we attempted our best at mastering Dominican dance steps.

But in the midst of these awesome events the coolest thing to see happening with our group is continued unity as we work together. And even more so, the devotional times that we have had each morning and evening has been amazing. Good conversation about what it looks like to follow God and put him first in our life to what it means to trust in his provision and plan. Students have been leading these times for each other which has provided some growing experiences and provided good insightful topics and questions.

Continue to pray for our time. Today we begin work day number 4 and many of us are tired. Pray for stength and energy. Pray for joy to be felt in the midst of the work understanding that we are not just painting or moving dirt but that we are truly preparing a place for the love of Christ to be felt this summer. That the dirt we move may just become the place someone sits and meets Christ. In addition, continue to pray for the team to grow together in order to go even deeper in our conversations about Christ in our life. And continue to pray for encouragement to step into Spanish in order to show love to our Dominican workers here at camp.