Connor, Troy, Matt and Betty saw Julio Cesar again today and they were able to buy him for a meal at a local restaurant. He ate so much - they could tell how hungry he was. He was still wearing his new tennis shoes. It has really made all of us wanting to find a way to help him as well as another young boy named Miguel who has no parents to care for him. We thought of sending money each month to cover food for him each day. We don't know the best way to do this so we are going to talk to Fr Mike to see how we can help. Father Mike's cook Alvira thinks it will be best to send Fr Mike money and she will buy groceries for them to be able to make a meal for themselves. We are going to do all we can to make sure these two young boys do not have to live with hunger.
What a great night we had last night celebrating Troy and Matt's birthdays. Many of our Dominican friends showed up to join in the festivities. The girls were able to decorate the place with balloons and birthday signs that we brought along and they both seemed to be surprised. Our 4 lb cake was a lot bigger than we thought it would be but we seemed to finish it all by giving away to some of the family members who couldn't make it to the party. It was a great night.
Today we painted the wall that was built by the group from the Green Bay diocese who came in January. We were able to interact with our Dominican friends and have a great time while doing something good for the parish that has welcomed us with open arms this past week. After lunch we will go back and finish painting all that we can. The Bishop of the diocese is coming to have lunch today on his way to Haiti - what a treat for us to be able to meet him and to be able to share a meal with him.
It is so hard to believe that tomorrow will be our last day here in Elias Pina - how will we say good bye? How will we share this experience with everyone? Will we ever return here? So many questions running through our minds right now - hopefully our group sharing tonight will be able to help us sort through all of this in our minds and our hearts.
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| Betty giving gum to a little girl we saw at the English school |
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| Troy and Matt with their massive birthday cake. We had 18 candles for each of them to blow out. |
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| One of the groups of students at the English school |
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| Emily giving some of the frosting to her Dominican nephew |
Connor with a paint brush????? WOW!!!
ReplyDeleteTom Pietrzak
Hi everyone in the D.R. ! I've been thinking about all of you often--it looks as though you are having fun and working hard. Seeing the pictures and recognizing people and places brings back wonderful memories; I hope that you are learning and enjoying the trip as much as I did. Take care and I can't wait to hear your stories next week. Know that you are in my prayers and I am proud of you. Take care, Ms. Steinlage
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone! We've all been thinking of you and keeping you in prayer. Looks like everyone is having a good time and making many memories... truly a once in a lifetime experience shared with friends. Sarah, many thanks to you and Betty for chaperoning and leading the students. And thank you for maintaining this blog... our lifeline to the kids while they are out of our care! Safe travels home!
ReplyDeleteHi All, I second what those before me have said. It brings tears to my eyes to see all of you doing such great things! I am so proud of all of you and your commitment to helping others. I miss you and know that what you are doing has been and will be life changing. Please enjoy the remainder of your time and know that we will be waiting for you -- praying that God provides you with all that you need as you reflect on your experiences and travel back to us safely!!!! Continue to take care of each other.
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