DR UPDATE - Jesus ilumina mi oscuridad...

Jesus lights up my darkness...Jesus ilumina mi oscuridad.  i had the great opportunity to teach to 4 different groups of kids at CWAH.  my new amiga, dulce...did an amazing job teaming up with me so i could try to pour some of God's words and His love into their lives.  dulce is a fabuloso story teller...and captures the kids attention and keeps them engaged!  i have been super blessed that God sent her on this trip...He knew how much i would need her!  even with the crazy songs we sang (aerobics for Jesus in the Dominican!!), hugs we gave, giggles we shared...telling over 200 kids today that GOD has a plan for their lives...looking into the eyes that you know have seen more poverty and pain than ours ever will...IT WAS LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS.  the light of Jesus...the hope...the promise...these beautiful kiddos need to know it is for them...all of them.  dulce told the story of the blind man being healed by Jesus..healed from the darkness he sat in every day since he was born.  a prisoner in his own darkness until the day that Jesus changed everything!  Jesus not only healed his eyes...but his heart.  we told the kids they could ask Jesus to heal the sin in their heart too.  i listened to 4 beautiful prayers by 4 different children as we all put our hand on our hearts and thought about the sin that separates us from God in our own lives.  my fcc kiddos raised money to also purchase some glow in the dark bouncy balls...we told the kids it was a reminder of Jesus bringing light to the darkness!  they loved them!  they clapped and laughed and were so thankful!  we showed them how to cup them in their hands and "peek in" to see the glowing light!  way to go kids world kids...you were a light for Jesus today in the dominican!

*there is so much more to my story for Bible time...but you would be here all day to hear everything i experienced! :)

i was also able to visit cien fuegos this afternoon.  the kids here are very different from CWAH.  they come very dirty, some with no shoes, some with the same clothes each day, most with needs that we could never imagine.  it is heartbreaking.  almost distracting!  i just feel myself looking around...praying for all these little faces...watching them...wondering about their stories.  most of them came back with their backpacks on...carrying them with great pride to have something of their very own.  during crafts they all wanted to take markers home.  we gave out a pencil with eraser top and a small pencil sharpener..."para tu en su casa"  (for you in your house)...they couldn't wait to have one to put inside their backpack!  i did see a couple kids eat markers, couple drew on themselves...but many worked hard to color the cross keychains that they tucked away for safe keeping. :)  all the girls there from our team and doing such an amazing job.  i can't imagine what it will be like for them to say goodbye!  God truly sent us everyone we needed and put them all in the right places!  He's so good like that.

the dental team amazes me!  such hard work!  pastor jim runs all over the place picking out the kiddos that "get to go" to the dental clinic!  they also carry the dental care bags around like a treasure!  they have been allowing the kids to put their finger print on the wall and sign their name.  i drew a cute "happy tooth" (will get a pic!) and the dental team will finish with their handprints as well!  great idea and sure brightens up a sad space!

the boys are getting closer in completing the new roof for the kitchen.  such hot and tiring work.  travis mentioned yesterday how hard it is to hammer in a nail when you know you have a nail gun at home that would finish so much faster!

it is almost time for dinner here.  i'm guessing rice and beans, with some kind of meat we usually can't identify for sure...it really has been pretty yummy...a blessing indeed!  besides...they had some amazing espresso last night for after dinner and we all walked to an ice cream stand for a welcome treat!  delicioso!

thanks again for praying.  my last vbs day is tomorrow...i go to meet my compassion kiddos on thursday!  can't believe how fast it is going!

don't forget to shine for Jesus wherever you are today.  and tell Him thank you for all the blessings in your life....  we have many.