Last Day - Reflections

As we lift off from Atlanta,  headed to Charlotte and back to our...can I say "normal" lives?... there is much excitement and anticipation im the group. Everyone is talking about what they want to do first. From missed favorite foods (look out Wing King,  WCCS is coming), to a hot shower,  our own bed, Netflix, and countless other first-world benefits that we perhaps will take a little less for granted.

But at the same time we reflect back on the friendships made, the lessons learned, and the treasured memories.  While there are countless stories and observations I could share,  I will encourage you to seek out the team members and ask them to tell you about their own thoughts and experiences.  But I will complete my attempt at journaling the trip with a couple of final thoughts:

Your kids are amazing
Heat and humidity that makes SC in late summer seem relatively mild rarely slowed down their efforts in whatever projects they tackled. The sleeping , bathing, and bathroom conditions, while not too extreme, weren't nearly what they are accustomed to. Through these tough conditions they always seemed to have the ability to interact with the Dominican people with a love and passion that  humbled me.  Their love for each other was also evident in many ways - look back through the pictures at the smiles and laughter to get an idea of how much they enjoyed this experience together. 

The food
It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected.  In fact, much of it was quite good, and the experience of new dishes and flavors added to the trip as an unexpected bonus.  The ladies that prepared our meals were terrific and I owe them much gratitude for opening my eyes to the Domican coffee.

The Dominican people
When you head out for your first mission experience in another country,  all sorts of thoughts go through your head...how will they accept you and what you are hoping to do, how to act so as not to offend or make them uncomfortable,  and mostly, how to be open to be the conduit Jesus wants you to be. There was no need to worry or be concerned - the Dominican people are some of the most gracious,  joyful,  appreciative people I have ever met. They went out of their way to be helpful and to accommodate us. They showed Jesus to us in ways that we can all learn from. Their joy and laughter is infectious and it's hard to not be happy around them. The most amazing aspect of their joy,  their love, their testimony, and their work is that it is done effortlessly in conditions that most of us would find it very hard to be cheerful in.

As I head to the gracious blessings God has generously given me, I am more thankful than ever.  Not just for the simple things like air conditioning,  but for the importance of how we need to treat and help each other. The memories of your children and of the Dominican people will always be living examples to help guide me.  Thanks for allowing me to share the experience with them!