Everyone greeted us with so much pleasure and enthusiasm as if it were a family reunion. I was so anxious to see those familiar faces, and it was so moving when, after four years, their faces lit up as they said my name without hesitation. It was encouraging to know what an impact we can each have on these people, with only two weeks, every two years. I am very excited for the two weeks that lie before us.

We discovered amongst some beautiful yellow flowers, these massive caterpillars that measured as big as an adult index finger, if not bigger. We tried petting them, but they had quicker reflexes than expected, and I jumped back with a scream as its head snapped toward my fingers.  About twenty members of the group attended an evening service at Montañia, one of the VBS camp sites, and had an amazing experience there.  The Dominicans have such gratitude for our presence and are so excited to help us with our work here. 

            While this group attended the service, another group of ten of us took a walk around the camp, visiting a couple of the homes of people that have helped us here in the past, and had impacts on previous trips down here.  The streets were lined with dogs that just lay there, reminding me of what we all are going to feel like at the end of the trip; tired from all of the hard work, but still so grateful to be here.

            When I am here, I have forgotten anything at home that doesn’t matter.  I know the Lord has already prepared the hearts of the Dominican’s, as well as our own for what he has to teach all of us on this trip.  I will dive into these next two weeks with so much fervor and passion that I may never want to leave.