Last day

Our last day...a bunch of us got up to watch the sunset before eating our last breakfast of eggs, toast and fruit. After a long day of traveling, we finally made it to US territory only to find out our flight was already boarding. We had to pick it up...23 seconds through customs, rechecking our bags and sprinting through security, miraculously everyone made it on our connecting flight back to Detroit. Our week was indescribable. Friends were made and relationships strengthened. 

Thanks for all your support and prayers, our week was a success :)

Day 4

Day 7

Today was really fun. We got a tour of Barahona which included trying to navigate the crazy streets and markets. After that we had lunch for the last time at Casa B. which was decorated for us. Changing into our suits, we left for a beautiful beach that we wouldn't have to worry about the huge waves! When we returned to the hotel we got ready for our fiesta. It was independence day for the DR so we had the whole COTN staff come by for a wonderful dinner and entertainment ("comedy skits" that we're still not sure about...). We finished the night with lots of worship and hanging out for the last night! 

Day 6

Today was the last day of work and emotions were heavy. The construction team had to say goodbye to the people and children of the village where we spent the week. We all had such a good week there and will miss the people dearly. After a very good dinner as usually, our session was a little different. Instead of having a talk, we opened up for time to talk about how we thought the week went. Everyone had such awesome things to say and made this night my favorite. Tomorrow we'll get a tour of the city of Barahona and have a beach day!  

Day 5

Today was different for me emotionally. I saw things around the village I wasn't used to such as a lot of poverty and sickness. The night however progressed much better. We got beaten by the waves, Shari and I taught Greg some swimming strokes, and laughed harder than we have in a long time. I tried to teach of group of people (names will not be revealed) to play a card game. Needless to say, I cried multiple times from some of the questions that were asked! Good times. Can't wait to see what's in store for the last day of work!!

p.s. Kenny arrived safely last night, we're all so glad he's here :)

Day 3

Today was day 3 and we had a blast. My group was construction and we worked on building a wall for a school. Other teams planted banana trees, helped some local nurses, participated in a VBS, and gave a business seminar.  After a long day of work, we all quickly threw on our bathing suits and sprinted to the oceans huge waves to wash all the sweat from the 88 degree weather off! Some of us are a little sunburned but it's all good. The food here has been unbelievable and is all homemade by the owner of the hotel. We eat outside under a covered pavilion with music playing for us! We're just waiting for tomorrow to see what the great people of Barahona have planned for us :) 

Kate

Day 2

We saw the ocean today! Our hotel is right by the beach and it's crazy beautiful. After we got ourselves situated in our new home we hit the dance floor while a live band played merengue music. We spent the rest of the day eating food, playing tag, enjoying the ocean, worshiping God and fellow-shipping together. Tomorrow is where the real work begins and we're all so excited to get our hands dirty! 

Marin D.