Wed. was another jammed pack day. After we finished our 7 o'clock breakfast we all loaded into the back of the guesthouse pick-up trucks and headed off to the local market in San Juan. We had a challenge set for use in scavenger hunt fashion. The team broke off into small groups of 3 or 4 and had a to find specific item and places in the market while speaking as much Spanish as we could. It was a fun time wondering around the market, seeing the stalls & vendors, and experiencing the culture.
After our market excursion we headed back to the guesthouse for an afternoon filled with different work projects. Some of the group worked in Joe's workshop, others painted the outside of the medical clinic, while another group work in the medical/pharmaceutical room arranging meds. Everyone worked together really well and we got a lot accomplished in a couple hours.
Later on in the afternoon, a number of the medical members in our group headed over to the clinic, where surgeries were going to take place. Everyone scrubbed up, laced up their masks, and donned their o-so-fashionable head garb. We were able to observe 2 hysterectomies and an abdominoplasty. It was fascinating watching the surgeons skillfully operate on the patients and explain what they could to our group. For many, it was their first time watching a surgery. As medical personnel, it was encouraging to see the compassion and care a couple of the Christian doctors had toward their patients. This, in comparison to several other doctors who weren't quite as gentle in their demeanor with patients. It truly goes to show that the love of Christ is transforming in people's lives!
Rain seems to be something that's worked its way onto our schedule every evening. Monsoon season has definitely arrived here! The condensation collects in the mountains during the day, gets pushed out over the city in the evening, and resulting in some great thunderstorms. Since many of the Dominican's get places by walking and riding motorcycles, rain can slow down the entire city's plans. So, our church service that was were supposed to start at 7:00 didn't end up starting until 8:00. It was funny to watch the congregation slowly grow over the time span of the service. We started with 12 people and had over 25 by the time we dismissed. I'm thoroughly convinced that people in the US haven't experience true hospitality until they've come to the Dominican Republic. This was even evident in the church we visited. We were given such a warm welcome! The music at this church was interestingly different... let's just say the phrase skipping around in my head most of the service was: "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord." The piano player really only knew 1 song and the music leader was "at tad" bit off key but the sincerity of worship was there. It was a good reminder that God asks us for our heart in worship. Even when we try to make things look "pretty" or sound "right" they are filthy rags in the sight of God apart from the redeeming work of Jesus! We performed all four of our mimes and the congregation seemed pretty moved. Thank you, Jesus.
Off to camp Bethel, where a group of 400 youth are gathered for a conference. We get to share our dramas with them and hang out with them for their morning session. More to come later today!
Peter (for the team)
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