Day #2

Thank you for continuing to pray for our team. The weather since we’ve been down here has been amazing. Each night has been pleasantly cool. Each day has been sunny with relatively low humidity and with no afternoon rainfall (as soon as I typed this it started to rain)! The day was so nice yesterday, that we decided to return to our work right after lunch, rather than taking the customary break for siesta. 

Apart from organizing the tool shed, groups from our team also installed some fencing around the rear exit of the cafeteria, scraped old paint off a classroom wall, and began the process of installing a drop-ceiling in a new classroom. 

We’re hoping to complete the ceiling work today, so that more work can begin in that classroom. Additionally, we’re hoping to install new fencing around the basketball court, and concrete steps for the entrance of the new classroom. These are all projects which will likely last throughout the week.

We’re also excited to have Cherith, Reed, and Chris Corrielus helping Sanul in the clinic today. The Haitian workers on the local goat farm have spread the word about Sanul’s availability in the clinic this week, and we’re anticipating a steady flow of new patients during our time here. Heart Disease is a major issue in the DR, and the work that Sanul is doing will have a major impact. 

I touched on this briefly yesterday, but I’m also praising the Lord for the spirit of unity that exists on the team. Healthy and encouraging discussions have already taken place between students over weighty issues: theology, calling, distinctions between vocation and occupation, Supreme Court nominations, and the effect of technology/social media on relationships within today’s youth culture. In each conversation different views were represented, and yet, the Lord graciously used them to bring us closer together. 

The girls cabin wisely went to sleep at a reasonable hour last night. The guys cabin, not surprisingly, stayed up too late talking about a range of really engaging topics. So the earnest desire the guys all had to wake up and exercise with Sanul before breakfast this morning, didn’t exactly come to fruition. :-) 

I hope it’s obvious in all that I’ve said, but I’m incredibly excited for all of the things that the Lord is doing in and through our team. I’m exceedingly grateful for the depth of conversations — especially spiritual conversations — that are taking place. I don’t remember ever being this encouraged about a trip going into our second full day here, but I went to sleep last night praising the Lord for his perfect provision of each student and leader on this trip. It’s obvious that the Lord God who does all things well, has had his hand on every component of this trip. 

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

Yours in Christ,

Jeremy