After breakfast we headed to a local public elementary school. This was a really special part of our trip for several reasons. Honestly, this is really complicated to explain, so bear with me as I stumble through the summary of our time there. Americans are viewed as "celebrities" here, so we were swarmed by the students with pen and paper in hand, ready for autographs. It was overwhelming at times, so many kids who so badly wanted our love and attention. Simple autographs didn't seem like nearly enough. Since the Nueva Vida church (the church we are partnering with) knows that we are an "attraction", they were invited to come perform and speak at this school with us. We basically served as a bridge for the church to enter this public school and tell these students about God's love for them. We worshiped together, played games, performed a drama and dance routine, and then Nueva Vida members shared the gospel with all of the students that were packed into the room. What we witnessed was beyond words. The crowded room of students sang a beautiful song in full voice, with such passion and conviction. I didn't understand all the words, but the chorus translated to "I'd give my whole life for you". We were moved to tears as the room full of students raised their hands to accept Jesus as their Savior. I hope these pictures can capture a tiny slice of what our eyes and ears could see and hear. Here are the children waiting for us as we exited the vans. You can see their papers and pens ready for autographs. As we arrived they all cheered and kept yelling "Americans!" They were so joyful and excited to greet us.
One of the students waiting for his turn to get an autograph from the Americans...
We packed ourselves into a room and started with a performance by a famous local rapper. These students watch him on t.v. in the Dominican Republic and they were SOOO excited to see him perform live. Our students had a great time acting as "backround dancers". :)
Jess and Lauren performing their dance routine for the students...
Jamie did an OUTSTANDING job during the drama time- she was amazing (and funny too!). In this picture you can see the students were packed into this room, it was pretty hot, but they didn't seem to mind. What you can't see are all the children haning on the windows from outside, trying to catch a glimpse inside. What a crowd!
The Dominicans moved to tears as the children sang along and we prayed over them...
The students praying with us...
After the assembly was over, the students swarmed the stage for autographs. Katie was especially busy singing notebooks, they all loved her blonde hair!! This young girl was so pleased to have a turn to get her notebook signed by a blonde American!
Here I am signing autographs as well, Carlos held my camera so I could sign some notebooks. (Stacey Kidd- this pic is for you- finally got myself on the other side of the camera!) :)
This is the view as we left the school. This is some of the poorest areas in the Dominican Republic. These photos were taken through the window of the van as we drove. It was a very dangerous area, so the windows were closed up tight in order to keep the camera safe INSIDE the vehicle. We've seen areas like this everywhere, extreme poverty.
Here we are back at the Nueva Vida church. Jen had a great time playing frisbee with some of the children there.
Hanging out and working at the church...
Hannah and Lauren hard at work!
Cory is helping install the flooring on the upper level of the work-out facility in the church. This facility helps raise funds for the church as well as serve as an outreach program in the community.
The view from the church...
After our students saw how worn the church's baskeballs were, they wanted to purchase some new ones for the youth there. They were thrilled to get some new sports equipment and put it to use with our teens.
Showing off the new basketballs...
Lots more pictures to come tomorrow!!
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