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Another action packed day here in the DR. As I think about how to describe the day, I have to say that I’m not sure I have ever had two consecutive days that were so different in content as were yesterday and today. As yesterday’s blogger mentioned, we had a fantastic day at the beach in Sosua. What a beautiful beach and tropical setting. Very relaxing and I so appreciated being able to go. Today was very different.
We spent the afternoon in a little village called La Joya. Our objective was simple, but none of us imagined we would encounter the type of situations that came our way. Our plan was to have a prayer walk through the narrow streets of this poverty stricken community. As we rolled out of the crowded van, local residents met us with the typical blank stares. I felt very out of place there, and even more so as I grabbed my insect repellent and sprayed myself down. I would love to truly know what thoughts were behind all those empty looks we got. We walked down a narrow dirt road to the place spoken of in a former blog where a young boy is in grave condition from a degenerative disease. We were pleased to find his mother administering liquid to him through the feeding tube installed several days ago. While several were tending to “Junior”, as he is affectionately known, the rest of us prayed outside of his home and asked God to work in mighty ways through this situation. We don’t know what God has for Junior, but we are sure that this community can be impacted through this situation.  We also visited a small community center where our guide and friend, Rovian, showed us where he conducts weekly bible studies for the children in the community. It amazes me how the people here accomplish great things for God with very little resources. They use what they have and God touches hearts.
As we made our way back to the van, we were pulled inside a home along the way by Rovian, where chairs were quickly set up for us. We all sat down in this shanty that wasn’t much bigger than the kitchen in my home. There were several ladies sitting there staring at us as we looked around wondering why Rovian had pulled us into this place. He then told us that one of these women had just lost her 4 month old baby very unexpectedly less than a week ago. We all prayed for this dear woman and spoke words of encouragement to her through Rovian. We assured her that God does love her and will be her comfort. Many of us shed tears of sorrow with this woman and hugged her. I was truly moved by how God had put us in this place at this moment to love on a woman with broken heart.
Well, it’s almost time for lights out, so I’ll wrap this edition of the team blog and say that we are all so thankful for the support of our friends and family in allowing us to be used by God on this trip. We look forward to telling you more stories and showing you photos of our experiences. I have tried to attach a photo I took today of our friend Rovian and several of the children we visited in La Joya today.
Blessings to all
Mark Kidman
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Medical Missions 
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New Testament Reading Guide
Reading of the many places that you are brings back great memories of those cramped buildings with many children from these villages shouting their songs of praise. God is doing great things in Jarbacoa and I wish I could be there with all of you. I am there through prayer.
I love you Dad and cannot wait to pick you up on Saturday
Love you all!
Emily