It’s hard to believe today was our last and final day together in the D.R. It’s definitely bittersweet. We all sense it is time to go home, worn out from little sleep, hard work, heat and emotional moments, but it’s a blissful exhaustion.
We spent much of the day in the capitol, exploring a marketplace where students got to use their bartering skills and haggle for the coveted item(jewelry, machetes, t shirts, you name it!). Then, we split into groups and ate lunch around the old down town. It was a beautiful day to eat outside, enjoy each other’s company and reflect on the week. After a quick walk through the town, we headed back to Score on the buses, and the students snuck in one last visit to their spot of choice: the pool, the beach, or the coffee shop!
Tonight’s Upper Room experience was as sweet, if not sweeter, than all the others. Mrs. McMahon shared about how to carry the experience home and continue to rely on one another in pushing and encouraging the Christian Life. Then, the students spent several minutes sharing new ways they tasted and saw God’s goodness as well as specific things they want to leave “behind” and/or take home. As always, we ended with worship, as grateful, satisfied tears poured down the cheeks of many.
It’s impossible to fully articulate and effectively communicate what this trip means to both students and chaperones. We sure saw God’s goodness, unity and love in so many tangible ways this week–too numerous to count. This group of students came in with a positive energy about the experience and a spiritual softness that made them moldable and eager, and the reward was great. As the chaperones reflected before bed, we all said we never heard one complaint from a student, never had to ask a student to be engaged in serving, nor did we have to settle conflict or ease tension between peers–it was truly beautiful to watch the hands and feet of Jesus on full display.
Please pray for our flights home tomorrow (8 total between 4 groups), getting through customs, making connections, calm weather, etc., as well as for several students who are feeling under the weather. By God’s grace…until next year!
