Dominican Republic Update – Day 3

Melissa points out a rock the team missed.

Construction on the clinic began today.  The guys were ready to get to it.  Thankfully, today was a little cooler and had a nice breeze but it is still very hot and a big adjustment from January in Missouri.

We arrived at the work site and waited a few moments for the contractor to make it there.  Things are very different in the DR and it is important to follow their lead.  They are not as time conscious, detailed oriented, or fixated on completing a task as fast as possible.  Did I mention that they are not time-conscious?  It is a struggle to work on a project with two very different cultures but it is good for both of us to learn from one another.   Floor plans and decisions were made in real time and sometimes there was a step forward and two steps back.

Paul guides a young boy as he helps.

Many of the men from the church arrived today to work which we were thrilled about.  Not only for the extra help but for the ownership and pride with which they are taking in this ministry of their church. We also had a ton of children around throughout the day – helping sometimes, hindering sometimes but always a joy.  A ten-year-old boy wielding a pick-axe is not my idea of a good time so I let Dale Feeler be in charge of them.

The team worked a long, hard day in the sun breaking up concrete, digging footings and shoveling rock and clay (yes! Like Missouri.) No bobcats here to move dirt.  Just Bobs.

At lunch, Lory and Melissa went with Donna up to the clinic to unload medications and to work on filing systems of patient files.  A few projects directed more at our skills that will help them.  We will be back to construction tomorrow.

Pray for continued strength and endurance in the heat and with the labor.  Pray for patience and understanding with one another and especially with the cultural differences.  Pray for the community we are working in and that despite the language barriers, God’s love will be communicated effectively through love and actions.

Children lending a hand in their own way.

Tonight after supper, we will spend some time with Franzo, the Haitian man who works with our partners and who lost five of his family members in the earthquake.  He is going to talk to us about the experience, the needs, and what is next.  We will be sending most of the care packages that we made with your donations and all the money you donated back with him to give to the Haitians and help them in their recovery.  I’ll update tomorrow about our conversation and what Franzo shares.  Please pray for him and his family.

We love you and thank you for your support.  And as always, new pictures are uploaded here.

The DR Team