Day 3 – Sunday Funday – Abby & Braydon
Today started off well rested. As always, we started our morning off with the beautiful view of Los Alcarrizos from the roof for morning devos while our yummy breakfast was waiting downstairs. Once we were done eating breakfast, we headed out of the compound to begin our journey to church.
While on our way, we got to see some of the community and how they live. It was very interesting to get to see the contrast in the differences of our cultures. On the 2nd night, we talked about the differences in hot and cold climate cultures and how in hot climate cultures, they are more relationship based, whereas in cold climates, we are more task based and independent. So, during our walk, we got to see that lived out. We also got to see the contrast in lifestyles and how friendly everyone was.
Once we got to church, the atmosphere was so happy and exciting. As soon as you stepped into the building, you could feel God’s presence. There was someone at the front praying into a mic and the room was filled with others praying as well. Throughout the whole church service, the energy was through the roof! During worship everyone was dancing, and everyone was involved. It was almost like a summer camp worship time with the amount of energy! It was so very moving to see a living representation of the church not being a building but the people. Seeing how different they did things was sooooo cool. This was also a reminder that God goes before us, and we are simply catching up on the conversation he has already begun.
On the way back, Felix took us on the scenic route. We stopped by the Open Walls Church. Something cool about that is that past compass missions’ teams poured the floors for and helped build that church building. They were also there (and participated in) the very first worship service for the church. We also got to see some other building projects Compass has had a hand in which is such great encouragement for the work we have yet to put into building the school. Seeing those spots gave us motivation to put our best foot forward for our current building project. In contrast to seeing past work, we also once again got to see how they live and how happy they were where they are, even without things we are fortunate to have back at home. It’s a reminder that things we may see as “problems”, may not be problematic to them and it is simply a difference in lifestyle.
Once we got back, we had a bit of relax time before lunch. We are ever so fortunate to have such great care back at the compound, especially with the amazing food. Every meal seems to be better than the last! Especially the fruit! Once lunch was done, we had our afternoon siesta, which is such a great time to bond as a team. Playing in the pool, playing pool, playing card games, and so much more is such a nice time to relax.
After our break, our plans changed a bit due to weather, so we got to go around the compound and clean up garbage. Although it seems tedious, it was surprisingly fun as we made a friendly competition out of it. (Not that its important but I think Abbys team won) although it didn’t look like a lot at first, we had collected a surprising amount of trash! Working as team really helped speed it up!
After a full day of new experiences, we gathered as a team to debrief about all of todays adventures. We also talked about a list of statements and the significance behind them. This time of day is always so important to be able to reflect and think back on all we experienced.
Today we experienced many new things, and we hope to continue to try and learn new things throughout the week! Thank you for all your continued support and prayer! Goodnight to all of you from all the way here in the Dominican!
** Note: When a student(s) get a hold of a leaders phone/camera and take silly pictures, that leader gets to post those silly pictures on the blog site! I’ll let you guess who had the camera this afternoon!
