Finally We're Here!

Gracias, Jesu!  We are all here in Las Americas (a kind of suburb of Santo Domingo, not far from the ocean), but not without yet another delay back at MIA (Miami International Airport).  There were people who didn't show up for the rescheduled flight, so their baggage had to be identified from beneath the plane and pulled out before leaving.  Finally, at about 9:30 (90 minutes late), we taxied the runaway and left Miami behind.  A smooth flight brought us to breezy Santo Domingo, and a bit of a crazy drive in a local taxi brought us to the Kellers, Brian and Jeanette, from Brookfield and who are presently living here and hosting groups.  You'll have to wait for the photos to appreciate the accomodations - a beautiful two story home with all kinds of room for a group our size.  The best part appears to be the second story veranda which opens to the street below and the ocean breeze.

We had lunch (rice, beans and either marinated beef or chicken) at the site of the church construction.  We are surprised by how much has already been accomplished.  A group of young men mostly from Santiago to the north are here plastering the ceilings of what will be a mini vicarage - actually a parsonage built into the side of the church to be.  Looks like we'll be doing a good share of sifting the sand to be used in the cement mixer, plastering the cinder block walls of the church and parsonage, and fishing electrical wire through the PVC conduits which are all in place throughout the cinder block walls.

Some dove right into working at the site, and others are recouping and trying to catch their breath after the trip here.  Almost all on the plane applauded when it touched down in Santo Domingo.  It's great to be here and even better to now have met Brian, Jeanette and Danielle and to have received their briefings, updates and plans.  God is clearly blessing the efforts of the many phases of this mission outpost.  Dios le bendiga!