Dear Family,

Here’s a quick update on what we were ‘up’ to today. Together with Juan’s family, Pearl, Issachar and Rob, we took the ‘teleforico’ (gondola) up the mountain overlooking Puerto Plata.

This was the bay Christopher Columbus sailed into when he first set foot on the island. Taking in the beautiful scene from above, I couldn’t help imagining this pristine valley without the city, and the Spanish ships dropping their anchors in the port. How tragic, the arrogance of these foreign conquistadores as they subjected and eventually decimated the native population of the island. Were they really so blind to the truth, unable to acknowledge God loves each soul equally and unequivocally? Still, more than 500 years later, God’s intention to bless and redeem this island remains intact. So here we are, one small group from a far off country, not coming to demand servitude, but rather to learn, to serve, to give, to bless, and to unconditionally love. Like the Haitian pool-cleaner I hugged this morning and looked in the eye as we talked about Jesus and being fathers. Anyhow, back from my day-dreaming and to our day...

To the beat of the tunes pumping from Issachar’s hip-speakers, and with pack lunches and guitar in hand, we make the short hike over to our ‘meeting place’, a domed shelter overlooking a breathtaking view of an inland valley. Worship and sharing flow easily here, as each one reflects on the experiences of the last two weeks. God has touched our hearts in so many ways, and we grapple with vocabulary to give voice to our emotions.

After another exploratory round on the mountain top, we return to the hotel for some R&R. A final food fiesta at the Mexican restaurant rounds off the day nicely.

--Jerald.