11:30 AM: As soon as we returned from Santiago, as we pulled up to my house, I noticed Pastor A's vehicle parked in front of the house. He had just arrived and wanted to get some advance money for the cost of printing our latest (or should I say late) newsletter. He has a printing press and helped us with our last letter. We talked about a few things, while Juan drove off. He had brought a photocopy of his ID card which would be needed to get some paperwork done on a church property. We talked also about meeting with
some pastors in two weeks and organizing a Christmas meal.
Elias showed up on his scooter right then, to mention that he would be over later to confirm some of the musicians and artists for our February youth event. We are talking about 20-24 artists which will be on hand for the weekend celebrations in February at Unidos Por El / United For Him. This is our Christian alternative to the Carnaval festivities in the city. Last year almost 2000 young people attended United For Him. Carnival is a spiritually destructive event that promotes promiscuity and drinking regardless of age. Demon dressed participants march in the event. Look up "La Vega Carnival" on Google to see what happens here. Every church in town is opposed to it, but city hall makes quite a bit of money from the event and continues to promote it.
Juan showed up again with his wife. He had talked to me about his brother-in-law who had hurt his back and was out of work for two months now. I had told him I would help some with his costs as he had worked for me in the past. Juan's wife showed me the x-rays. Her brother Fernando apparently had a fractured disc and two ulcers in his back. I was glad I could help some. They were happy with what help I gave them. Construction workers here work pretty hard, as most projects have to do with concrete and re-bar. Often the concrete is mixed on the ground. It was while carrying a 90 lbs. sack of cement that he injured his back.
A missionary from the states called to ask about estimates for a church he was planning to help with in Ranchito. It was a large project and very similar to the one we were currently working on. Project Updates are at our website: www.dominicanmissions.org and usually highlighted in our Newsletters. Earlier today at the Teen Challenge office I was updated on the progress of the new Teen Challenge facility north of Santiago. I suggested they go with a metal roof as a concrete slab would be costly and unnecessary, especially if the 2nd story wasn't needed for a few years. Our school was built in stages, and our metal roof would be taken off and used for the next story after a roof slab would be poured and new walls erected. Missionary dollars for projects are hard to come by and a missionary has to be resourceful to stretch those dollars. The director of the Teen Challenge program had mentioned how important it was for them to move out of their current complex as the rent was costly.
Debbie arrived from school at about 1:15 for lunch, and we had a nice meal of arroz con pollo (yellow rice with chicken), beans, boiled vegetables, salad and freshly made passion-fruit juice. If you get a chance to visit us it will be our pleasure to treat you to this good home-cooked meal.
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