Senior, Kate Hoeksema, is sharing this morning’s activities:

This morning we woke up and ate breakfast together as a team. We then got ready and headed to the town of Aleman (Germantown), where a small school for children called “Streams in the Desert” is located. The small school has approximately 40 students ranging in age from 3-13, and most of them are from Haitian families. We all got off the bus and filed into the small two room school building, which was filled with the faces of many smiling children. We went into the back area, which was a small yard with little grass and lots of cement. All of a sudden the area was full of kids running back and forth, blowing bubbles, laughing, and making balloon hats. One of two kids took hold of each of us players and proceeded to show us what game they wanted to play or look desperately for our cameras so that they could yell “Photo! Photo!” These kids were very energetic and friendly. I met two boys named Christian and Mario. We bonded when I pointed out the Chicago Bears logo on one of their t-shirts. The boys were very nice and asked for their own bracelets, like the ones they saw us wearing. They were very excited to receive the bracelets, along with their very own Bibles. It was a blessing to get to spend time talking to them and have them find so much joy in these simple gifts. We then went to their chapel building next door. The building was filled with song and dance. The most fun part for me was getting to lead the group in singing “Days of Elijah” and showing them all the actions that go along with the song. Bri Graham was then asked to come up and share a Bible story. She talked about the story of Moses and the Israelites. These kids are so smart! They were asked questions about the story and they were answer them all. They received prizes of t-shirts that we brought along with us. It was very humbling to get to be a part of their worship service. These kids sang and clapped their hands without holding back. They are from poor families and have probably been through very hard times, but they are filled with so much joy. It was a day and a memory I will never forget. I am very thankful for the ministry that the local Assemblies of God congregation is doing there and for SCORE’s participation with that.

After our morning full of song and games (and many hugs and high-fives), we had a couple hours to rest before the team headed back to Santo Domingo to seek redemption against the select team we lost to last night. This time we faced the same team in a different gym and achieved a different outcome. Once again, the game see-sawed back and forth. Personal fouls kept us from pulling away as the Dominican team stayed in the game with free throw shooting. However, a balanced offensive attack helped the Thunder protect the lead and finish with a 66-62 victory. Four players scored in double-figures as Brooke Olson led the team with 15 points, Ellie Zeller added 12, and Maris Hovee and Lauren Graham each chipped in 10. In many ways, it was a blessing to face the same team beyond our familiarity on the court. After the game we shared some laughs, Hannah Considine presented the gospel (in Spanish without a translator!), and we prayed with our, now familiar, opponents.

Tomorrow we plan to head to the Straw Market in the morning to experience the culture of shopping and bartering firsthand before heading back to the basketball court for an early afternoon competition.

UPDATE #2 (May 14)

Yesterday we were immediately introduced to the visual beauty of the Dominican Republic when we flew over sugarcane fields and walked to the Caribbean from the SCORE ministry complex. Today we encountered the beauty of the people here as we were able to spend time with both competitors and children during the day.

We spent the morning at Emanuel House, a ministry started in 2000 by Mirqueya Guzman, a local schoolteacher who was well-aware of the stark poverty keeping young children from receiving food or education. Located in Quisqueya, Emanuel House currently serves 130 children aged 3-13 who receive two healthy meals, classroom instruction, and Christian education each day. When recess rolled around, about 20-30 high-energy children came sprinting at us, grabbing our hands, and grinning bright smiles. We spent 45 minutes playing chase, creating games in the playground, pushing the children on swings, and delighting in having them climb all over us. The 7-year-olds returned to class and we had 90-seconds to recover before we were hit with a second onslaught of energy and screaming–this time with 9 to 13-year-olds. Before returning to the SCORE complex, we visited a couple of the homes where current students live. The extreme poverty that is their “norm” is stark and disturbing to those of us who benefit from such material abundance and wealth, but we were reminded that regardless of material wealth, we all share a desperate spiritual poverty and need for the abundant spiritual wealth offered in Christ.

The team spent the afternoon resting before heading into Santo Domingo in the late afternoon to compete against a select women’s team. We struggled to find an offensive rhythm during the entire game. The score see-sawed back and forth during the first half, with both teams knotted at 20 at halftime. Our offensive struggles continued throughout the second half and were highlighted by poor free throw shooting, allowing our Dominican opponents to start to pull away. Despite a late rally, we feel short, losing 48-56. Lauren Graham led the way in scoring with 17 points. One can easily look at the game as a loss, but the fact that Maria Panaggio was able to share her testimony and we could pray with our opponents following the game meant a far greater victory for us.

We are looking forward to another full day tomorrow as we plan to spend the morning visiting a local church and their children’s programs followed by a game against another women’s club team in Santo Domingo in the afternoon. ……. Submitted by assistant coach Sarah Haris.

UPDATE #1 (May 13)

We left 40-degree temperatures when we departed Wheaton’s campus early this morning, only to arrive in Santo Domingo this afternoon and step out into a sunny day in the high-80′s. Today was primarily a travel day, and we were blessed to have smooth travels during the entire trip down to the Dominican Republic. We arrived to the SCORE International facilities in Juan Dolio, about 25 minutes east of the airport and spent the afternoon getting oriented to our home for the next week. Between the heat and humidity that hasn’t yet reached Wheaton, the early morning, and the day full of travel, the team is spending the evening relaxing and cheering for the Bulls to even up their playoff series against the Heat (We travel with our Chicago pride with us!).

We want to be well-rested because we have a full day tomorrow. We will spend the morning in Quisqueya (Alfonso Soriano’s hometown, for Chicago Cub fans) at Emanuel House, a ministry affiliated with SCORE that provides educational instruction and meals for needy children who cannot afford to attend school. We’ll take the court in the afternoon against a club team in Santo Domingo.

We’ll look forward to reporting back to you on those activities and how the Lord uses us for His work! ……. Submitted by assistant coach Sarah Haris.

To say what has occurred over the last 72 hours, amazing, is an understatement. The journey that Katie and I have been through over the last three days has truly revealed to us how being a part of the family of God is the best family.

I was told on Friday afternoon at 3 PM that I have prostate cancer. It is considered to be aggressive and that I had about six weeks to do something about this cancer. I also knew that with my family history of prostate cancer that this is a very serious problem. My father died and my brother died of prostate cancer. When you are told that you have cancer your heart absolutely sinks. I was told that the cancer is contained in the prostate but that since it is aggressive we need to act rather quickly.

I also was aware of the fact that due to the group insurance policy through SCORE international, terminated as of April 14, I was not in a very good situation. I asked my doctor what would surgery cost? His reply to me was $90,000. Needless to say Katie and I walked out of the office very very discouraged.

This is when the family of God took over and as I write this tonight on a Monday evening April 29 God has answered greatly.

1. Ron Bishop , my friend, stepped up immediately and stood in the Gap for Katie and I. He said we are not worried about the cost, “you are getting the surgery.”

2. Prayers and love came from all over the world. Katie and I were overwhelmed by the outpouring of God’s people.

3. People, some who I do not even know, have pledged money for our surgery.

There were many questions Katie and I had and very few answers. Over the last 48 hours God has given Katie and I so many answers, wisdom, and guidance we were overwhelmed. People who I have never met have come alongside to help us. God gave us Joshua 1:9, and through that verse we have coming up with four truths we will follow during these days.

1. I am not going to be defined by my cancer. I am a child of the living God.
2. I am not going to lose focus of what God has for me and the path He has chosen for this season we are in.
3. I am going to live by the values God has placed in my heart, not what the world has offered.
4. I will not live in the fear of cancer. I am going to live on the victory side! Hebrews 11:27.

Here is the victory we have as of Monday, April 29.

1. We have an insurance policy that will help cover the major cost of prostate surgery. When we had none as of Friday.
2. We have an appointment with the number one surgeon in the world for robotic prostate surgery. We see him Friday at 6 AM!
3. We have promise that this surgery will be a possibility and affordable. God’s people have told me you will have the surgery and not to worry about the cost.

Joshua 1:9 is the verse I claim at this time in my life. On Friday I was asked the question what do I want to do over the next 10 years of my life? It made me think of what is important to me. The answer is very simple my wife, who is my best friend of thirty seven years. My two sons, my daughter in laws, and my grandchildren. Then my assignment with SCORE international. I love sharing the good news of the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. That is what I want to do the next 10 years my life and more if God grants that to me. I believe God will, and I know He has answered so many prayers in the last 72 hours I can only praise His Holy Name! Thank you for lifting us up in prayer and thank you for sharing in the victory we have in Christ Jesus!

God Bless you and your family!

John and Katie Zeller

In August 2012 during a medical clinic McLean Bible Church held at Emanuel House to serve the Quisqueya community, a 16 year old girl named Yeiris walked in to seek treatment for her 13 month old son, Marvin. Little Marvin suffers from a severely cleft pallet, which divides his top lip and extends all the way down the roof of his mouth to his throat.

Upon weighing the smiling Marvin, the severity of his condition was realized; he weighed just 11 pounds at 13 months. Mirqueya took a special interest in Marvin and his mother Yeiris. Over the past six months, we have been working to get Marvin’s weight up to 20 pounds to have a free operation performed by Operation Smile ministry. Yeiris, a single mother and teenager, doesn’t have any income to provide adequate food for Marvin. By late August, Yeiris was coming every day to Emanuel House so Marvin could receive a special formula breakfast and lunch. By September, Yeiris had accepted Christ!

In January Marvin weight was 14.3 pounds and he began to walk on his own! He needs to continue to gain weight, but his is doing great and very happy.

Please pray:
• For Yeiris’ continued growth in The Lord and care for Marvin
• For Marvin health and follow-up surgery
* For Emanuel House and all the kids and staff

Together we can make a difference!

Hey, whoever is cool enough to read this! Hope you’re doing great! Let me tell you about today!
Today started out as a plain normal day. Woke up at this Pacific Coast resort called Punta Leona with a little bit of sunburn. We all had a bit of that stuff. Something about Christians not believing in sun screen… I’m not sure. We went to this buffet restaurant for breakfast. The food was so great! Afterwards we walked around the resort. Some people went mini golfing, some went to the butterfly farm, some went to the beach, and some weren’t allowed to be outside because of the severity of their sunburn in the eyes of some of the old folks. So I stayed in my hotel room. But no matter what activity people decided to do or place they decided to go, God was there and speaking. Whether it was observing the butterflies and seeing God’s artistic hand in their design or being stuck in a hotel room with a guitar to worship God, we didn’t leave out God in this part of the mission trip. We actually, through nature, experienced God in a new way and ended up knowing him that little bit more. The designs on the fish, the waves of the oceans, the beautiful birds, endless trees, soft white sand, other various animals, and through many more sources God’s glory was revealed to us so in return we are about to declare it to the nations and among all people. (Psalm 96:3) Oh and how could I forget, more food as well! Lunch time buffet! Again, it was great food! Plus someone hooked Caroline P. and I up with a birthday cake each! They were so good! Whipped cream frosting covering a chocolate cake with strawberries and caramel, no big deal. Unfortunately we had to leave the resort after lunch. On the way back we stopped to go souvenir shopping. While walking around from shop to shop, a couple of us walked into a shop with Christian music playing. We started talking to the person running the shop about God and prayer and she gave us a discount. After most of us spent all our money, we headed back to the SCORE compound with this great smell there to greet us. Samantha, our beautiful cook, had prepared yet another delicious meal. Mashed potatoes, Costa Rican pork, cooked vegetables, and jello for dessert. So good! After eating, it was SCORE night. We got to hear a couple testimonies of members of SCORE International. It was really neat to see how God worked through each of their lives and what he is currently up to, although I guess we don’t really know for certain what He is up to. We also got to worship with some of the members and it was really cool to be worshipping the same God with completely different people from different parts of the world and different cultures. We even did more music worship later that night. I’m not even sure what else to say besides God is so great! We serve such a big, powerful, loving, and merciful God! I don’t know, I think we are pretty blessed. Have a great, God-filled day! Pura Vida

-Josh O’Connor

 Day 4

Greetings from Costa Rica!!!!!

Today, Tuesday April 16, 2013, was our fun day.  After working really hard and removing barrels of dirt to move to other places, we had a day of fun in the sun at the Punta Leona resort!!!  When we first arrived our rooms weren’t prepared and we decided to head straight for the Pacific Ocean.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous.  The salty waves greeted us, enticing us to come in.  There were many things to do there.  First, we ran out into the water catching each wave that leaped up to us.  Then Jackie, Aaron, Josh O, and Geddy went paddle boarding and snorkeling.  “Incredible!  We were able to see more tropical fish and catch many waves (Jackie Storm).”  Grant and Zach decided to do what all cool people do.  They rented a surf board.

Others walked along the beach hunting for shells, catching hermit crabs, and dodging jelly fish.  It was a strange realization seeing the jelly fish.  They blended in with the water that they were hard to spot.  Stephan ended up being stung, but it was nothing serious.  He didn’t even feel it.  We realized that we were no longer in our familiar fresh water lake.  The temperature crept higher and higher.  Then Hannah, Jackie, Caroline J (who we affectionately call CJ), and Geddy went to a smoothie shop across from the beach.  It was amazing.  They cut the fruit fresh and blended it all in front of your eyes.  It was like the Costa Rican version of Jamba Juice, but better.  Many were sunburned (except for me—Hannah—and my daddy, who the guys dubbed as Dr. Eck because it sounds like the last portion of his name) and people teased each other that they looked like lobsters.  Josh O, however had the worst sunburn and retreated right after dinner.  Please keep him in your prayers!

There was also a spot shower that made the night humid and sticky.  Dinner was a buffet served outside which was pleasant to those who were sitting underneath a fan.  The food was amazing.  They had rice with corn, chicken in BBQ sauce, salad bar, dessert bar, and one lady filet fish in front of your eyes.  They had all sort of drinks and sweet tea!!!!  Later that night people went to the beach to see the jumbo crabs and even small sand crabs come out on the beach.  It was amazing to see God’s creation from the beach and to the numerous stars in the sky.

One last thing before I go to bed.  I’m writing this at 12:05 am so I’m getting really tired and a few of us are planning on going to the beach at 5 or 6 am.  Some of the coolest things we saw today were lemurs who tried to take our lunch away from us, the raccoons that came out at night hunting for food, the parrots flying above our heads, and an iguana climbing up a tree as if it were living the life.  God has definitely blessed us and I am so thankful for this opportunity.  We are enjoying ourselves and will find it hard to depart from the 80 degree weather.

Catch y’all on the flip side,

Hannah R. Fleming and the Seniors are out

Day 3

Day Three of our epic time in Costa Rica. Today was construction day and we all woke up at 5:30 a.m. to eat a great breakfast provided by the wonderful cook, Samantha. We began at 6:00 a.m.

Our job was to carve out the side of a hill with pick-axes and level out the ground in order to build a retaining wall to help divert the rain water away from the buildings foundation. Some of us grabbed pick axes while the others grabbed wheelbarrows and shovels to clear the dirt away. We started digging the mote around the back of the building. With most of us inexperienced at the task, we didn’t know how well the job would turn out, but we worked hard with confidence and happiness.

Our host, Raymond told us he hired a foreman to help with the work that was too complicated for students to do.  The hard work and determination we had in the beginning stayed consistent. After we started noticing that dirt is very heavy and that we need to accomplish 12 hours of digging, some of us started getting anxious to finish.

Tired, stinky, hungry, and sunburnt we felt somewhat accomplished until we learned that we were about two hours into the job. Through all the pain and blisters we pulled through and accomplished many tasks. I, myself, dug out what seemed to be a fossilized washing machine out of the road with a pick axe. Grant and Stephan mixed about twenty wheelbarrows of cement (which is really really really really heavy). Aaron and Josh O’Connor worked like machines to destroy the grassy hills. The girls, and Josh Lynch carried load after load of generously filled wheelbarrows provided by the rest of the guys to various distances across the compound. And we were all motivated by Caroline Jumpers enthusiasm and happiness in carrying dirt because we love her the most (inside joke).

After twelve hours of work and with dirt flowing out of our ears and noses we accomplished what we set out to do. We accomplished a lot more than what we initially thought. The fifteen of us together put out 150 man hours. We definitely made a difference and helped the compound. Caked (and I mean CAKED) in dirt and cement we all received great Costa Rican popsicles from our host Raymond. The flavors varied from peach with Oreos, to caramel and coconut, and oranges infused with gummies. Rushing for the showers we all ferociously scrubbed until we were somewhat clean.

The work that we did will remain as proof of our hard work. We are grateful that God gave us the strength to finish and the opportunity to make a physical difference for our hosts. We are all very tired and our looking forward to our resort day. Goodnight! And thank you for your prayers and support.

Day 2

Sunday was our first whole day in Costa Rica! Breakfast began at 8 a.m. consisting of cereal and fruit. We all dressed appropriately for church which began at 10:30a.m.  Jose led the service and his daughter Melanie translated to English. The message talked about mountains and their significance. His text was from Joshua chapter 14, and eighty year old Caleb asking Joshua to give him a mountain to conquer for God’s glory. His main questions were: What are you asking God for, for his glory? And what are you asking God to conquer? The community of believers there were very welcoming and kind.

After lunch we were off to the orphanage.  We played with the children there for a couple of hours. Girls painted the little girls’ nails and in turn had our nails painted in a variety of colors and with varying levels of success. The boys played soccer with the boys mostly 6 years with a few older boys.  According to them it was a close game.

Then it was time for our program. It was not the most successful of our endeavors. Thankfully, Raymond opened it up with a simple song, and Jordan was there to translate.  Zach was successful in holding their attention with some interesting magic tricks. Geddy used a unique object lesson to introduce our topic, of God looking at the heart not the outward appearance.  The puppet skit went well, all things considered. After we had fifteen minutes to play with the kids and say good bye. Saying good bye was certainly heartbreaking for us all.

Then we traveled to a Basilica that two million Catholics make a pilgrimage to annually looking for a miracle and saw a mass in progress. Afterwards, we walked to a traditional Costa Rican bakery. We all ordered various dishes to share and watched an important soccer game.  Upon arriving back at the compound, we ate dinner and had our debrief meeting, then off to bed.

 Day 1

We are finally in Costa Rica! After two days of unexpected twists and turns all fifteen of our wonderful party have arrived safe and sound, passport and all. These last few days have been a classic test in our patience and self-control. After missing our connecting flight due to extended maintenance on the airplane, we finally landed in Miami ensured that we would be recompensed for our troubles. However, officials in Miami were less than enthusiastic to help us. God was with Mr. Flemming and Mr. Derrick in working with the help desk to provide us with adequate lodging and food. We were given vouchers for three meals, to be used at the hotel or airport. Our lodging was the Double Tree Hotel and Convention center near the airport.  Thank you all for your prayers! I know that it helped us in our travels. We have much to be thankful for, as God has come through for us at every new development.

Some of the more ambitious members of our group had a burning desire to go to Miami Beach. They hopped on the shuttle back to the airport to take a different shuttle to drive to the beach. The guys and went and splashed in the water. This was a first for Stephan and Josh O’Conner! After dark the group walked down the streets of south side Miami, with the spunky Mrs. Flemming.

Next a late return everyone eventually went to bed and slept. Everyone met in the lobby by 10am the next morning to catch a shuttle back to the airport for breakfast and our noon flight. We split up for breakfast and recon verged at the gate to eat, and board. Unfortunately, a thunderstorm delayed our flight for an hour.  Once it had passed and we were cleared for take-off, we were on our way!

Subsequently, customs was problem-free. Raymond, our missionary, picked us up and we traveled 45 minutes to Coronaba through downtown San Jose. After arriving we were given a snack and met the three dogs that live in the compound.  We were given free time to explore and met the cook Samantha and her family that live here. Being surrounded by the mountains is absolutely beautiful! The compound has plenty of woods to explore and even has a little valley with all sorts of plant life. After dinner was free time and we met Jordan, a twenty-two bilingual helper who lives here. At 8p.m. we had a team meeting. Then we solidified our program for the orphanage tomorrow. Now it is bed time, and the neat thing is we are actually an hour behind you all! Tomorrow morning is church, and an orphanage. Also, it is my eighteenth birthday.

Por la vida

Caroline Pickerall

Eva Velez

Eva’s father left the family when she was just two years old, leaving Eva’s mother to care for her and her four siblings. Eva’s mother doesn’t have firm employment, and her father rarely sends money to help the family. The family of seven shares one single bed, taking turns who sleeps on the cold cement floor at night. Eva’s grandmother helps the family with income from food she sells in the streets. Eva is a quiet, gentle girl who loves to play with dolls.

Eva is a young girl at Emanuel House, a daycare center in the Dominican Republic. Thanks to the support from many of our travelers, Emanuel house has the funds to teach academics, serve hot meals and teach Biblical truths. Through our Child Sponsorship program, you can sponsor Eva and others like her.

Plan your next trip with SCORE International and you can visit Eva and all the kids at Emanuel House.

Short-term trips, long-term effects!

Even on a day that was suppose to be purely recreational, it concluded with an amazing time of reflection.

We spent the day at Catalina Island, a small island off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic.  We took a small fishing boat to the island where we spent the day at the beach.  Everyone enjoyed playing in the water, snorkeling, playing volleyball, buying more trinkets, eating, and “catching some rays”.  We had a great day of fun and relaxation, enhanced by the fact that most of us escaped any severe sunburn.

The highlight of the day was our time of reflection together.  For that, let me simply try to paraphrase some of the things shared by the team . . .

• “I will never forget Manuel, the man we spoke to in the sugar cane village.  He didn’t know what snow was.  We explained it as ice that fell from the sky.  His response was that ‘God blesses you that He sends ice from the sky.  It is such a gift from God.  What an attitude of appreciation for what God provides for us.’”  [We did not have the nerve to tell him that most people in Central PA are hoping to be done with winter. ]
• “While a Dominican sugar cane village is very similar to the poorest villages in my country [China] I noticed a big difference.  In the Dominican village they have hope . . . Many of them trusted God for their provisions and their future.  In villages back home, they have no hope.  They do not know the God who brings them hope.”
• “I was moved by a group of young orphan children, for which the world expects nothing of, signing the song ‘My God is Mighty to Save’.  While the world doesn’t expect them to have much of a future, they expect God to provide them a wonderful future.”
• “In my country [the Dominican Republic] we have a saying . . . ‘The richest man is not the one who has the most but the one who needs the least.’”
• “God wants to do great things.  We need to prepare and expect the unexpected.”
• “I was most aware of God’s soveriegnty.  He really does have everything under control.  Whether its the improbable meeting of  a former HCS Student (thanks to a coach falling off the back of a truck on the freeway) or the giving of food to a man on the side of the road who had not eaten in days . . . God really is in control.”
• “When I get back I want to . . . have more compassion, complain less, be more flexible, be more thankful, have more joy and contement, and trust God more.  While our agendas and schedules are important, I really hope we leave room for what God wants us to do and the opportunities that he places before us.”

We concluded by discussing 1 Kings 20:28 — “The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord says: ‘Because the Arameans think the Lord is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliever this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the Lord.’”  The context is that the Arameans attacked Israel not once but twice.  In the first battle, the Arameans were defeated because they believed that the Israelites fought from higher ground.  The Arameans thought that the God of the Israelites would not be able to defeat them in the valley.  However, the Arameans were crushed even worse in the valley.  The lesson is a great reminder as we return to the United States that our God is a God of both the hills and the valleys, of the United States and the Dominican Republic, of the city and of the sugar cane village, and of the times we feel blessed and the times of great trouble and sorrow.  The Psalmist reminds us “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will feel no evil, FOR YOU ARE WITH ME.” (Psalm 23:4)  What a great reminder for all of us that place our trust in the God of the Old Testament and in His Son, Jesus, of the New Testament . . . He will be with us, comforting us, through ALL of life . . . It’s mountain top experiences as well as its valleys.   

Tomorrow we head home.  Flying out of Santo Domingo at 7 AM.  Leaving the SCORE Complex at 4:45 AM.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

DAY 5 — The Poorest of the Poor

We are getting ready for our daily de-brief and info on tomorrow. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate your prayers. Keep it going! We love and miss you… Even if your teens have a tough time saying it Stay tuned for more news from HCS in the DR.

DAY 2 — From White Water Rafting to Two Divine Appointments

Today started even earlier than yesterday. We were packed and on the bus at 5:15 AM; Headed north to the mountain region of Jarabacoa for a day of white water rafting. The ride north bared witness to some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes we have ever seen. Rafting was a blast. We all survived with no injuries and not a single person exiting the raft prematurely.

The amazing stuff is what followed. First, Ms. Henry had an opportunity to minister to a 26 year old Dominican women. Their life stories were very similar allowing Ms. Henry the opportunity to encourage and pray with the woman. An appointment only God could have ordained.

The second appointment was even more amazing. On the outskirts of Santo Domingo, a bus drove up next to us and started beeping. In the front seat of the bus was Stephanie Gardner, HCS Class of 2011. Both vehicles pulled over and we had a brief time talking with Stephanie. We knew Stephanie was down in the DR for a couple of months working with a missions organization, however, we all thought that she was going to be in Haiti the week we were in the DR. Turns out they don’t leave until Tuesday. We will have opportunity to partner with their ministry on Monday morning as a result of this improbable connection.

What an amazing and divine appointment. What are the chances our two vehicles are passing through the very same part of heavy Santo Domingo traffic at the very same time? Add to that that while we were in route back to Santo Domingo, we had stopped for about 15 minutes to rescue a coach that had fallen out of a truck and in front of our bus. (Yeah, crazy things like that happen in the DR.) Don’t worry, we were fine. The couch, a little worse for wear was safely returned to its owner.

But back to the divine appointment. Had we not been delayed with the couch, we don’t meet Stephanie on the highway. OK math people . . . calculate the probability of that encounter. On top of that . . . calculate the probability that on Thursday, Mr. Puleo meets a man in the Miami Airport heading to Maryland that he traveled to the DR with some 15 years ago. OK, two divine appointments in less than 48 hours. We were reminded of the verse in Exodus 33:19 and quoted again in Romans 9:15, “I [God] will make all my goodness pass before you . . . I [God] will be gracious to whom I will be gracious.” God orchestrated two divine appointments because it pleased him to bless us. That’s a pretty cool God. Our encouragement for the remainder of the week and to all our friends and family back home . . . look for God’s grace extended to you.

Tomorrow we will worship in a bilingual church in Juan Dolio in the morning, relax and spend some time around the pool in the afternoon, and worship at Las Palmas Christian Church (the host church for Las Palmas Christian School) in the evening.

DAY 1 — Orphanage and Day Care Ministry

After packing it in at 11:30 PM, 6:30 AM came very early. Our morning ministry was at a Christian Day Care in San Pedro. They were celebrating all the children who had birthdays in the months of January, February, and March. The party included cake, ice cream, a pinata, and a group of 13 Americans from a Christian School in Harrisburg. We played basketball and soccer; painted finger nails and did hair; and colored pages and designed hats. We sang songs and shared alot of hugs.

Around mid-day, we stopped by Las Palmas Christian School for a quick tour. God has blessed them over the past three years. The school building (an old mansion) looks beautiful. A vast change from the overgrown, dilapidated condition that the HCS Class of 2011 found. Enrollment has grown from 39 students to 283. We were able to bless the Las Palmas financially as well as help Kiko, the missionary we have partnered with over tha past five years, pay for several months of tuition for his daughter, Emily. He will be blessed. Please pray for Las Palmas, they have challenges for next year as they have run out of space and are not in position to build.

After lunch, which we ate on the road at McDonald’s (I know, that’s pretty American . . . but do you know the Big Mac comes with chicken in the DR), we traveled to an orphanage in Boca Chico. Again, we played baseball and volleyball; blew bubbles; colored with side walk chalk; and again gave out a lot of hugs. The highlight was the opportunity to listen to the 36 orphan girls (and three boys) sing to us. Many of these children have come from families that simply do not want them (I’ll spare the details here). Absent of this orphanage, little would be expected of them. Thus, you can imagine the joy when we here them talk about God’s great love for them and the purpose He has for them. WHAT A TRUTH FOR US ALL TO HEAR! Please pray for this orphanage as they have only two workers for 39 children (half of which I would say are 8 and younger) . . . could you imagine shower time. They desperately need the Lord to send more workers.

The evening was filled with games and fellowship around the table. We concluded our day with a rich time of worship and sharing.

Tomorrow we will be up at 5:30 AM to head north for white water rafting.

Our dorms are very spacious accomodating 4 bunckbeds. Our meeting
room/cafeteria are in the same building. There is a cow field on one side
and a hilly pasture on the other side. Score’s property is about 5 acres,
all surrounded by a fence. (To keep the cows out, i guess?
As soon as we are ready for our day, we are greeted by our Score guide
Raymond and our bus driver, Salvador. They are both very enthusiastic and
loving towards our kids.

So far, we have visited three orphanages. We learned very quickly that it’s
not the candy or the songs, or even the Bible stories what kids long for,
what they want is LOVE.

I am reminded of 1 Corinthian 13 “though I have the gift of prophesy and
understand all misteries and all knowledge… And though I bestow all my
goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not
LOVE, it profits me nothing…and now abides faith, hope, love these three;
but the greatest of these is love.

Needless to say, we have adjusted our VBS program and our CA students have
been superb. What a FINE group of young people. Loving, polite, so talented,
so cherful and compassionate.

During SCORE’s November Baseball Outreach, a plee went out for Jeiris. Coaches and players gave generously to provide the much needed funds for the brain surgery. We are happy to announce that she successfully went through the delicate surgery this week. The doctor removed a brain tumor close to the base of the skull, near the spinal column. When little Jeiris woke up in ICU, she asked for her favorite doll!  It doesn’t appear that she has lost any brain function, as of now.

Thank you for your CONTINUAL prayers for her recovery. Again, we want to thank ALL the men from the USA for listening to the “voice of JESUS” and giving at the baseball clinics to make the surgery possible. You men were the HEART and HANDS of JESUS!