Christian Central Academy - Wednesday
We had yet another wonderful day in the Dominican. Everyone is doing well and we have just returned from having devotions and pizza on the beach. Please continue to check out our updated pictures at Snapfish.com (e-mail log-in/username: dwadecca@gmail.com and the password is CCA2008. Check out these students’ testimonies of what we did today. Well, God’s work continues to be done in the Dominican, both in the lives of the natives and in our own. Throughout the week, the overwhelming emotion within the class has been one of gratitude for the opportunity we have been given. In our devotions on the beach last night, we commented on how much we would have missed had we gone on a senior trip to Florida, because of the incredible blessings we have received during our ministry here. On the whole, we have grown incredibly both as individuals and as a class, becoming more and more united and seeing God work in all of our hearts.
Today we had the opportunity to visit an orphanage in Santo Domingo. Jackie’s House, the orphanage, is run by a Christian lady, and performs a vital work in the country, as many children are abandoned with no one to care for them. It was so much fun to hold the kids, communicating a little through our poor Spanish, but so much more through our smiles, and the time we shared with them. Particularly touching was a blessing, knowing that the children were so excited and happy to see us, and receive the attention that they often do not get. It was truly heartwarming to feel the children cling to us as we held them, and not letting go as we played, talked, and watched a movie with them. It was an experience that none of us will ever forget.After the orphanage, we made the long journey to the Haitian village, among the garbage dumps of Santo Domingo. On the way, the fatigue that we felt was evident, as our chaperones remarked that the bus was quiet for the first time on the entire trip. This fatigue was quickly forgotten, however, when we reached the village to find even more needy children waiting than at the orphanage. After sharing a few testimonies and performing dramas for them, we distributed juice, cookies, and the 400 sandwiches that we made that morning. The smiles and gratitude shown on their faces were more than enough reward for the effort that we had put forth. We believe that there are few more satisfying feelings than feeding someone who is hungry, and we had the opportunity to experience this firsthand today. Then, on the 2-hour return trip home hardly an eye remained open, as we were thoroughly exhausted, but still contemplating what we had seen.Now halfway through our trip, we hope that we have brought about change in the lives we have encountered, but we know that we have been changed as we reached into these lives. Many of us now have a greater understanding of how blessed we truly are, and feel a deeper sense of gratitude for all God has blessed us with. Please continue to pray for us, as we continue our ministry here. “For I tell you, whatever you have done for one of the least of these, you have done for me.” These words have continuously resounded in our minds and hearts, as we continue to give a little of our lives for the One who gave everything for us. God Bless!- Andrew Moser and Lisa Heath
