We’re tired. Our work has just begun, and praise God, His burden is easy and His yoke is light. We’ve just walked two miles in the Dominican sun, carrying construction shovels and other various outdoors supplies through the city streets of San Juan. Rounding a bend, we cross the ‘bridge’ and immediately drop our supplies to circle up and pray. In formation, guys strategically placed amongst the women for safety, we enter the land of Guatcupita (Wha-chu-pita). I am quite sure if the people here have seen ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ that is what they’re shouting at us in Spanish as we pass by, bandanas on our heads fighting the sun, with pick axes, shovels and canvas bags swung over our shoulders ready to make change.
Our missionary contacts prefaced this slum, “where the thieves, where the drug lords, where the demons are”. Awesome.
Once our feet hit their border, they’re on us. Swarms. Dark skin, filthy torn swatches to no clothing covering their bodies. Ailments of all kinds exposing themselves on the outside, their eyes reflecting those on the inside. And all it takes is one of us to lean forward and offer, ‘Como te llamos?’ Smiles break out. Bright eyes ignite. Dirty, miniature fingers become intertwined with ours not willing to let go until we pull them apart to begin our work.
There is a brand new generation rising up in the darkest slum of San Juan that is hungry, beyond physical needs. This is a slum rampant with disease, various forms of abuse, not to mention the evident poverty. It has improved quite a bit in the last 7-8 years, much of this owed to the missionary couple we are working with in this area. Their genuine love and dedication to these people is astounding. The young wife, literally nine months pregnant with their second child accompanied our group on our second evening visit, in labor… In. labor.To pass out boxes of milk to those more desperately in need than others.
Our work in Guatcupita has so far consisted of clearing a dump area to use for vacation bible school space. We are also trenching canals to help with relief during their rainy season (now), and visiting homes to learn more about the people who dwell there and how we can show them hope through the promises of Jesus Christ. We are stopped often as we pass in and out of the slum, curiosity sometimes, but mostly desperate people not asking for hand outs, but simply prayer. Faith is rising.
The most amazing aspect of Guatcupita are the tiny faces that stare up at us. Los ninos. They don’t have an association with the word shy. In the few days we have been working there each team member has had at least one solid connection with a child that we are committed to individually discipling and praying for.
I don’t have the words yet to justify the experience of spending time with los ninos simply to love them. I am holding off taking pictures until we get more work done, bare with me and and I’ll do my best to show you the newest part of my heart.
