Grand Finale
What a great final day- I had never done any sort of activity in La Canela (Cinammon) and so I am very pleased that our first "event" went really well. We had a large group of people to see- actually more than we could attend. Things went very smoothly and our Dominican leaders did an outstanding job of sharing with people and making contacts. We saw a great deal of interest in Bible study- after our children's and youth camps (1st week of July) we will begin a weekly visitation and Bible study there. That is exciting!
We rushed from the medical clinic to the fire house where Brent (and the rest of us) had a chance to meet the Firefighters and Civil Defense unit. We had a good "visit," sharing greetings and a little information about Henrico County Firefighters and La Canela firefighters. Then we got a "tour" of their equipment and station. It was a good time of sharing- the Fire hats that Brent had to give away were VERY well received!
We finished up with a wonderful taco lunch/dinner, saying goodbyes to our Dominican helpers, and of course, the daily mango hunting. I think about 300 mangos are picked up and taken home EVERY day! Brent led the charge for a mango smoothie. The team was dead tired but stayed here at the house visiting and "chilling out" (although it is too hot for any true "chilling" out!) They are back at the hotel now, hopefully getting a quick shower and getting to bed because we leave the hotel at 5:50am. They will be pretty tired when they get home, but it is a good tired.
I thank you all for praying for them and for our mission- it has definately been a fruitful adventure in every respect. Thanks Cool Spring for sending your folks and supporting our ministry!
I will do everything possible to get a collection of pictures up tomorrow for you to "see" a little of all we have done.
Brent here. It is now Sunday morning and the Cool Spring Medical Mission Team are all back in the states. I am at the fire station but my thoughts remain in the DR reflecting on the impact of the last seven days. I had intended to summarize the week here from my perspective in a short journal format, but my journal is probably in Philadelphia, which reminds me. The Lord gave me a lesson in patience yesterday. We arrived at Miami late and were "detained" due to a suspicious package left in the restroom. We were held on the tarmac for 20 minutes, exited the plane, lined up in the hallway of the airport, and sniffed by a very friendly yellow lab. We missed our connection to JFK, waited in several lines, and Wayne work dillegently to get us home. An angel named Karon spent 45 minutes rerouting us through Philly. Arrived at Philly and had to change terminals; we had 15 minutes from our arrival to departure so Chrissy and I ran to gate B16 to hold the plane.. So long story short we arrived in Richmond 2 hours after we should have, without our luggage.. No big deal.
I just wanted to let yall know that we were safe and we appreciate your prayers for this past week.
ps- I am going to Kroger today on a Mango hunt, but I am not expecting much. Who knows, I may make a smoothie, but I am 100% sure it will not be as good as Roger's.
God Bless, Dr. Mango (Comment this)