Over the past four years La Mosca and Hato del Yaque, DR have become second homes to Nate and I. In 2008 we traveled to Santiago, DR with Reunion Christian Church and partnering with GO Ministries hoping to find a passionate national doctor, teacher, construction worker, or pastor to partner with (per GO Ministries’ awesome national empowerment model). The idea is that we would provide on-going encouragement, face-to-face visits when possible, and resources to help them to do the work they need to do in their communities. We absolutely found that person in Pastor Luis Vargas, who has since become a great friend to both Nate and I, when we set up a medical clinic at his church in 2008.

Below, Luis poses with some gifts our group recently sent his family:

His joy and commitment to his work overwhelmed us when we saw what he doing in his community. His family - wife Reina and boys Jason and Dilson - are active pursuers of this mission as well. Since 2008, he has been asked to pastor in a different area - one with even more challenges than his last. This neighborhood is called La Mosca (The Fly) because of its proximity to the Santiago trash dump. The main occupation of people in this community (including children) is climbing up the mountain of garbage and scavenging. We see children walking missing toes or feet - occupational hazard of working so close to bulldozers. Disease, crime, addiction, prostitution, theft, and violence reign supreme. Luis told us recently via Skype call that it’s gotten so bad the local police no longer will even enter in order to get their bribes. (For more description, see our friends’ Jeff & Vicki Rogers’ blog). This is an area that needs healing and love and Luis and his family are committed to bringing hope. Thankfully, this year we’re able to provide a medical clinic at the church for their community once more. Our next trip is August 2nd - 9th.

Below, finishing crafts and preparing for the lunchtime meal provided to La Mosca children by Pastor Luis’ church. For most kids, this is the only meal they receive each day:

Hato del Yaque is an area we’ve returned to each year since 2008. Our first year, we did a day of children’s ministry there and from 2009 on it’s been where we stay and work construction. We’ve gotten to know the local families, corner-store owners, the watchmen, and the dorm kitchen staff by name. When we return, kids yell our names when proudly practicing their English hellos: “HA-lo, Daniela!”. We love playing games like Spoons or Steal the Bacon with the local teenagers at night.

Below, working hard in Hato del Yaque:

It’s frustrating to try to put words to what these places mean to us. It’s impossible to share what it’s like to work for redemption in places so different from the comfort and security we know. I hope you all know you’re welcome to join us - this opportunity is open to all. 

I’ll leave you with a video our friend Gerald put together for us highlighting the trip from last year. I’m mysteriously absent for the most part because I contracted something and spent half the trip recovering once I came back from the hospital (but I assure you, the times when I could stand, I worked very hard indeed). It’s such a blessing to be able to go, work hard, sweat lots, make friends, love everyone we meet, and experience what God’s huge hands are doing in the Dominican. 

Finally… do you want to be a part of this story? 

• Come with us! Let us know if you’re interested in coming in summer of 2012
• Pray for us. Prayer support is just as important, if not more important, than financial support. Pray that God uses our hands for His glory and that hope and healing in these communities would continue to grow. Pray for wisdom and endurance for the Vargas family as they work each day. 
• Donate financially here. We’re currently halfway to our fundraising goal. We are so blessed to have such incredibly generous family and friends who give not only their money but time and talents towards this work. Thank you for making it possible for us to return each year. 
• Donate summer weather clothing/shoes/sporting equipment and we’ll get it over there.

Dios te bendiga.