It’s just another day in the Dominican Republic. On the porch of our host home, I sit and watch the world go by around me. The houses are concrete with tin roofs – small rooms are separated by sheets for some privacy. Cathy and I have the privelage of spending the rest of this month in one of those rooms. Although this family has next to nothing, they have graciously invited us to live in their homes.
There goes the naked boy walking down the street again. The neighbors are
shoveling dirt into their house for an unknown reason. Another dust cloud trails a motorcycle trying to make it on the bumpy, unpaved road. These people greet us with smiles, waves, a friendly “Hola” and open arms in this community. Gregorina, the lady who is taking care of us, has prepared every meal for us since we got here. Each meal, whether it be yuka (a root that tastes like potato) and sausage, plantains and eggs, or just coffee and some rolls, has been given graciously and with a happy heart.
We are truly blessed to be here. So far we have had the opportunity to participate in three church services by singing songs, giving testimonies, and teaching the kids a few Bible stories. There are not many adults in the church, but the kids come in abundance. They seem to have great interest in Jesus Christ, and we want to nurture that relationship – after all, they are the next generation – their possibilities are endless!
Today at 10:00 – well, first, let me explain Dominican time. If church starts at 10:00, that means people begin thinking about leaving their houses at 10. They take showers, eat, and say their goodbyes to friends and family who are probably over just hanging out. They are a very relational people and want everyone to know they are loved and cared for. By the time 10:30 rolls around, the final goodbyes are said and people finally head to church. In actuality, the service starts closer to 11:00. This has taken some getting used to.
