The 2011 Trip

Small is how you might describe this year's team. Two of us is all. And while numbers might change the nature of a trip, it can still lead to learning and growth for all involved. In the coming week or so, we will be putting up posts about the trip, one for each day we were in the Dominican Republic.

The days were busy and the weather not the best. But we were introduced to exciting work being done by the churches in Santiago and Palo Alto. We shared meals in people's homes, visited the classes of a new church leader training program and spent a brief period of time in prison. I was trapped by cows while at the mountain camp (as reported here) and we rode down the mountain with a young woman ready to give birth.

As usual, we are grateful to David and Virginia for their hospitality during the visit and more so for their kingdom work from which have learned much. Jeremias de Leon helped us with translations during several visits around Santiago. And Carmencita - what can I say? She is, of course, a full-fledged member of our team. She accompanied us in the afternoons after work and on our weekend in the mountains. She translated for us and provided us with many insights. Thanks to all.

We (Jeff and Jack) left La Crosse on the morning of Wednesday, February 16 and had a long, but uneventful flight to Santiago. We were met at the airport by David, Ramon and Carmencita and were soon enjoying sandwiches and cake at the house.

Stay tuned for the post about our first full day in the Dominican Republic. It should be up in a day or two is up now, entitled Day 1: Thursday, February 17.