Back in the USA

We have had such a long day from traveling, but I am so thankful for the time we had in the DR. I want to say a special thank you to Erin for keeping the blog going while we were away. I wanted to put some pictures up from our trip. Praise God for a great service in the DR and for traveling mercies. Enjoy :)

En Route Back to the US....

Just received a text from Erica saying that they were at the aiport checking in and would give me a call when they landed in Miami.

I'm sure many of you will be receiving phone calls now that they get to use technology again!

I will be picking them up at the airport around 5pm and bringing them back to Greenville. Thank you for the continued support and love through this whole journey.

My goal is to get a couple of the girls to post something on the blog, so stay tuned!

Blessings from the World Outreach and Missions Department!

Spanglish...

Everytime I receive a text from Erica it's half English and half Spanglish (Spanish and English mixed)! She must be practicing :)

She says: "Hey Erin! Todos estan bien! We are great and having a wonderful time being in the DR. We went to Santiago today and had a picnic at the monument. We met Ivan's padres tambien!" (Assistant softball coach, Ivan Estevez. His parents live in the Dominican and know Brian very well)

Today's Schedule:
6:45am- Spanish Worship
6:55am- Quiet Time
7:30am- Worship
7:45am- Lesson Time
8:15am- Breakfast and pack lunches
8:55am-4:00pm- Ministry Sites
6:00pm- Dinner
7:00pm- Softball Game Outreach (this may change because of rain)
10:00pm- Lights out

They are now on Ephesians 5:1-20 today.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible,for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Updates Today!

From Brian Reinhard-

We had a good today. We were actually able to play softball against some Dominican women.
The girls had fun and it was a good ministry opportunity for them (and we won of course) :)
This group of girls has been great. I have received comments from people here that this is one of the best groups they have had as far as attitude and working and getting along together, etc...
They are doing GREAT!!
God is blessing and is at work in Jarabacoa.
Coach

SO GLAD THEY WON THE GAME!!! There were 3 soccer girls (Rachel Z., Rachel S., and Kayla) and we were all laughing when we told them that they would have to play in the softball game at one of our meetings before they left. They said, "We kick balls, we don't throw them!" The Dominican girls are definitely catching on to the game of softball. I know that they are really interested in pitching because from what Brian told us, they don't use the windmill, they do a slingshot type of pitch. I hope they recorded some of it or got some good pictures :)

Latest from the Group

(I received this through a text last night from Erica)

HEY! We play the DR girls in a softball game tomorrow. It finally stopped raining today, but is sprinkling every now and then. We did some yoga led by Lindsey Schuberth and played a lot of card games. We ate in the community last night and it was the best rice we've ever had! It was great and they are so hospitable to us. WE ARE SUCH A GREAT GROUP! Love from Everyone, Bye!

Email from Coach Reinhard!

ER,
First two days at the sites have been fantastic. Last night we had team time after the first day at sites and everyone was very excited to share their experiences, from playing softball with kids of all ages, to speaking with Dominican women at the social work site, to "playing doctor" at the clinic (taking blood pressure and even giving a couple shots!!!!). Everyone is also super excited about relationships that are already forming at the sites. Having a wonderful time, please keep praying for us... God is already at work.
Coach