The second clue would pick back up the next morning for breakfast. Liz and I woke up to do one last run in the D.R. and came back to a table full of delicious pineapple, my new favorite orange juice, amazing sugar filled donuts, and another pastry. I realized our run was basically for nothing but it was all too delicious to resist. We had an awesome morning of prayer closing up the D.R. and opening up Haiti, and then continued the scavenger hunt to another favorite restaurant for lunch– Bienvenida! We went in and ordered a few plates of our favorite when shortly after a FEAST arrived at our table. When we let them know this wasn’t what we ordered, we were kindly informed that our dear friend Oseas who owned the restaurant had sent out all the food to us for free to celebrate my birthday. Towards the end of the meal, Oseas came out with a present and a piece of dessert for me as well…BLESSING #2
The scavenger hunt continued with a little bit of time set aside for me to go to the internet café and call and talk to people from home. It was so amazing to hear everyone’s voices especially on my birthday. The scavenger hunt took a little detour when we got home that afternoon and were informed that a deliciously pricey Pizza restaurant wanted to bless our squad for dinner. Of course we accepted the invitation to this place that was well beyond our budget and enjoyed every bite… BLESSING #3
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Ridiculously stuffed we headed back to the house and contently I thought my day was over. However, there was more to come! My teammates invited me in to the back room spoiled me some more with the most amazing guacamole made fresh from the Dominican avocados that appear to be on steroids versus the American ones. The spoiling continued with delightful candy bars, a coloring book, crayons, and many other fun things. The best part, however, was that each member of my team took the time to write me an encouraging note plus as a whole they presented me with a hilarious poem and the “Top 23 Things they Love about Me.” Although mostly fun and funny things, I was extremely thankful for the time and energy they had set aside to make sure I felt extra special for my birthday… BLESSING #4
All in all it was a terrific day!!! That night we said the last of our goodbyes and got up dark and early the next morning for our first race day to Santo Domingo on February 1, followed by the bus ride to Haiti on the 2nd. We are now at Canaan, an orphanage in Haiti, appropriately named as it is truly a little piece of paradise. More to come about and from Canaan soon!!! Love and miss you all!
