Let me start of again by saying A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR MONETARY SPONSORS and OUR PRAYER WARRIORS. Without you guys, this mission would not have happened. Thank you for believing in the desire that God placed on our hearts.
Night before Day 1 (aka 10 pm Thursday Night 6/11/15):
It's 10pm, I am finishing packing, Seth is napping, and Samantha (the 17 year old youth that went with us on the trip) is on her way over to meet us. I out of the blue have a panic attack like none other. I break out into complete hives and wake up Seth and beg him to let us not go on the trip. I tell him that I think our plane is going to crash. I freak out completely and give myself the hugest head ache on the face of this planet. This goes on for about an hour. Samantha arrives and Seth prays and I get calm again. He tells me that I need to calm down and just Trust God. I do this after a while of having to be talked down. (I am a crazy, this I know) We leave for Charlotte at 12am midnight. We have to be there at 3 am. much more happened, in which I am sparing you.
Day 1:
We fly from Charlotte to Atlanta, from Atlanta to New York and from New York to the Dominican. Everything went perfect. The only struggle we had on our flights was the last one. We had to wait about an hour on the runway at the JFK airport because of the busyness of the runways. It did get a little hot, I almost slipped into a panic attack, and Seth got sick to his stomach. However, right before all of that happened, the plane began to take off! Praise God! We arrived in the DR. We met up with the team of about 46 people that we were with. At this point, they were all strangers. Little did we know that they would become some of the best of friends and the closest of prayer warriors.
We got to our Hotel called Hotel Pegasus. It wasn't a resort, but it was fairly decent. It had terrible WI-FI. The first night I had a horrible time trying to get in touch with my parents. I knew my mama would be worried. I had to keep my phone on airplane mode and only use it when I had wifi. Finally, I found a connection. They served us a dinner and we learned what our teams would be and some of our expectations of the week. Our excitement began to build to a whole new level that I didn't even knew existed. However, I was still oh so nervous. (At this point, some of the students on the trip still thought Seth and I were students. They did not realize we were chaperones. hahahaah)
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| Our hotel Lobby where there was horrible wifi :) |
Day 2, Saturday, June 13:
We had group corporate prayer at 5:50 am. We woke up and sang praises to God and prayed for an hour before breakfast down stairs. There were chickens around us as we ate. The roosters woke us up bright and early, along with random car alarms. After breakfast, we went to our designated areas of service. Seth, Samantha, and I joined the team that would be ours for the rest of the week to head out and do Vacation Bible School from 9 am to 11:30 am. We went to a Kid's Ministry called Las Yayas. The Speed the Light Missionary, Debbie Martinez came with us and interpreted for our group. This was run by a Haitian Pastor. (The Haitians have a lot of trouble in the D.R. because of racism and disapproval. The people of the D.R. do not want them in their country. It is a very terrible situation right now in the country. The Haitians are being forced to leave if they not have the correct paper work. Take a moment and pray for the Haitian Churches and Pastors working in the Dominican Republic. ) At this church, we performed a Vacation Bible School for students of all ages. We talked about the miracles of Jesus and John 3:16. The older kids were so excited to use their bibles. We also made puppets with the children. The kids absolutely loved it. We were only here for one day, but just in that one day I had already realized how much our presence was appreciated and needed. The kids were calling out "Americano, Americana!" They wanted our attention desperately and wanted to be loved on!
At 12pm, we met back up at our hotel for lunch to be served. We were given about an hour to relax before heading to our next mission. We went to a church called Rose de Sharon. We walked around and canvased the neighborhood to invite the kids to come to the VBS.
After we finished at the church around 5pm, we went back to the hotel for dinner at 6pm. The District Youth Director, Bob Sandler (whom SETH AND I LOVE DEEPLY) asked Seth to preach in the middle of park in the Dominican Republic around 9pm. It was Saturday Night, in a park with a lot of different things going on, but we believed that God could still move. The students from a Christian school were supposed to come and do a concert beforehand, but something got mixed up. So, two of the wonderful, talented guys on our team stepped up and decided to do praise and worship before hand. While we were getting ready to go to park, I began to feel VERY sick. We got on the bus and immediately I got sick. (like the throw up kind, sorry from now on when I say sick you know what I mean) Seth was incredibly sweet and held my hair and rubbed my back. They were going to let me stay back, but I didn't want to miss Seth delivering the gospel. So, I went. When we got to the park, I got sick again. The music from the streets were so loud. There was a huge trailer blaring music the entire time the students from our group were playing praise and worship. It was so hard to hear. Mopeds were driving up and down the street. However, when it came time for Seth to preach, the music went away and the mopeds stopped. You could hear a pen drop. Seth was declaring the gospel and the top of his lungs. (at this point I am laying in a lady's lap, I am listening to Seth, but I physically could not sit up) People were stopping in the streets and people were moving closer to hear what he was saying. Four boys got saved that night. It was wonderful to hear my husband be so bold in his Faith. He trusted God to use Him despite the obstacles that the enemy was trying to throw at him. I know I was one of those obstacles, but I am thankful that Seth has an ear and a heart for the voice of God. He knew that he needed to push through and get that message delivered. I know Seth was used by God that night. I am still so incredibly proud of him. God changed hearts that night.
Day 3, Sunday June 14:
The night before I got sick again on the way home from the park, but a nurse on the trip with us had some Finagin and gave me one. It put me straight to sleep and I woke up completely refreshed and feeling so much better. We woke up at 7:30 and had breakfast. After breakfast, we were broken up into 3 different groups. In those 3 groups, we went to 3 different churches. The church we went to was a small, beautiful, Haitain Church in the middle of a field. We were able to ride in the Speed the Light Vehicle on the way there. (This is a vehicle that is provided by funds that are raised from the Youth of Assemblies of God Churches all over South Carolina) When we pulled up at this church my heart just melted, these people were dressed in the very best clothes they had giving it all they had in their worship. They carried their chairs and their bibles to church in the worst heat that you can imagine, under this incredibly small little white tent. They began to cry out to the Lord in Praise and Worship wither their beautiful songs. Then, we sang "Here I am to Worship" in both English and Haitian. It was one of the most touching and holy spirit filled moments that I have ever encountered in my entire life. The message was delivered by a lady in our group. She gave a wonderful message about Shaderaq, Meshach, and Abednego. She had to be interpreted twice. (once from English into Spanish, and the from Spanish into Haitian). She was so patient and allowed for holy spirit to still move despite the language barrier that was between all of us. She gave an alter call that allowed us to pray with these precious people. They were down on their knees in the mud crying out to Jesus and we were there praying over them. It was such a sacred moment. God was moving under that tent. These people have nothing, but the clothes on their back. However, they were still giving all they had to God. It was such a humbling moment. I will never forget. I cannot fully explain all that God did under that tent, but I know because of that one service I learned the true meaning of sacrifice and devotion to the King.
On Monday, we woke up and had breakfast at 7:30 am. After Breakfast, we had prayer. During prayer on this particular Monday, I prayed that God would show me the child that I was supposed to invest in this week. I knew that we would have a smaller amount of students in the morning, so I knew that our team could be one to one with a student. I wanted to make sure I didn't miss out on this opportunity of ministry. I trusted that God would lead me to the right child. Afterwards, we went to La Vega Christian School. This is a school that the missionaries we partnered with started many years ago. When we got there, we hosted a Vacation Bible School and a Sports Camp that would last for 3 days.
We started with praise and worship. I saw a sweet little boy standing by himself, so I made my way over to him. I stood with him during the Praise and Worship songs, but afterwards he ran away. I was upset at first, but then I just went on to help the group. After Praise and Worship and introductions we made our way to the Sport''s Camp. We were broken up into teams to practice basketball and skills. We had about 8 to 10 children per team. I was just going about my day helping our kids learn how to dribble. (which I am not very good at, but I was trying :) ) Then, we began a passing drill. A little girl latched herself onto me from there on out. She would not leave my side. Her name was Chaela and she was 10 years old. We became the best of friends.
After the Sport's Camp, we had Vacation Bible School. She saved me a seat for everything. During the craft time, she made a puppet that looked just like me. She learned my name and repeated it over and over. She also repeated over and over that Mi esposo es Seth. (My husband is Seth). She loved him also. The first lesson of the week was on David and Goliath. The Greenville team did an illustrated sermon and it was amazing. The students loved participating in the lesson. Chaela held my hand the entire time. During snack, she found me and Seth again and sat with us. We were able to communicate a little with my small knowledge of Spanish. I learned that she had 3 brothers, but one of them died. She also had a twin there name Chaelo, who was also incredibly sweet.
We left that day at 11:30 and she said Hasta Mañana? which means See you tomorrow? I was so excited to say YES!
Also, our sweet Samantha worked in the library all day with the librarian of that school organizing books and ministering with her! There was no AC, but she did it without question. I Love SEEING YOUNG PEOPLE WORK AND DO IT WITH A HUMBLE HEART!
We went back to our hotel for lunch at 12 pm and went to the next church for Vacation Bible School in Soto Church. There were at least 150-200 kids at this church. It was an incredible, but overwhelming sight. There was once again no air and very little fans. This was in the heat of day and it was super hot! A lot of our team at this point had gotten very sick. We only had 9 people on our group go with us. You can imagine ONLY us 9, plus our interpreter with 200 kids. It was mass chaos, but some how we still managed to accomplish the VBS. It was a crazy one, but we did it. We taught on The Birth of Jesus and played games, and did puppet skits, and had crafts! One child with special needs had an outburst and began to throw rocks and such. The pastor's wife of church and one of our ladies was able to speak into her and help calm her down. But the kids were terrified of her and it scared our team at first because the half of the team that was inside was doing crafts We only heard screams. Thankfully, no one was hurt. On the way out we gave everyone bracelets and candy. We learned on this day, that we needed to do it one by one for the next day. There were so many kids and not enough workers at that point. But once again, it all still worked out and God is Good.
Day 5, Tuesday June 16:
We woke up and had breakfast as a group at 7:30 am again and prayer. It was once again wonderful. We went back to La Vega Christian School. We started off with the basket ball tournament with our teams. Chaela came running to me! She began to take down my hair and started braiding it immediately. I did break away from her a little to participate in the basket ball tournament, in which I did manage to score 2 points. :) She played a little, but she made it very clear that she loved el futbol. (soccer) Seth took her and a couple other that were disinterested in basketball and played soccer with them. They LOVED IT! She kept calling me over to watch them play. Meanwhile, our Samantha, made a wonderful little connection with a little girl that was missing her leg. Her and Samantha formed a bond that was sweet and pure and beautiful. Samantha and her played SOCCER AND HOPSCOTCH. This little girl's lack of a leg did not stop her from playing games that she loved. It was an incredibly beautiful sight to see them two. I was so proud of Samantha and her way of reaching out to involve that little girl. My heart bursted with joy!
After the tournament, we had Vacation Bible School! They learned about Shadaach, Meshach, and Abendego. The loved being apart of the lesson again. It was adorable to see them act out what the speaker and interpreter was saying. At the end of the lesson, we gave an alter call. There was an outcry of so many of the children. We prayed over them and with them and formed a prayer tunnel that students walked through and we laid hands on them and prayed over each one. It was overwhelming and brought tears to my eyes. Some of these kids were wearing the same clothes as yesterday, the clean water we were providing was a precious gift and the snacks were the best thing they had seen. My heart ached at how selfish I had become. I get upset if the grocery store quits carrying my favorite brand of Baked Lays Chips, and these children are just happy to see clean water. My heart was so humbled in this moment. I had to take a step back and ask God for forgiveness of being ungrateful and selfish.
Once we again, Chalea said, "Hasta Mañana?" I was able to say si, but I knew the next day would be different. :( My heart began to ache, because I knew it was going to be hard to say goodbye to her.
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| Seth playing soccer with Chalea |
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| Samantha and her new friend :) |
Day 6, Wednesday June 17:
This was our last day of VBS overall. As we got up that morning, I was exhausted, but so very sad for it to be my last day. We got up and went to the La Vega Christian School. It was another gorgeous, but hot day. The Sport of the day was volleyball and el futbol (soccer)! My sweet girl wanted to play both so we spent about 30 minutes doing each. We had so much fun kicking the ball around and practicing serving. She became quite the pro at Volleyball, some might even say she was a bit of a ball hog. :) She was having the time of her life.
After the Sports Camp it was time for Vacation Bible School, we sang their favorite praise and worship songs and did puppet skits, dramas, and a lesson. After the lesson, we made salvation bracelets. Chaela loved doing this. She wanted to put it on immediately and practice saying all of the colors in English. She got them all except the clear bead. That was a little difficult to explain. :) When it came time to say goodbye, she said "hasta el proixmo ano?" Which means see you next year? My heart broke. I wanted to say yes, but I couldn't lie. At this point, I had no idea where the Assemblies of God missions trip would be next year. I told her maybe in spanish and had the teacher there help interpret that I loved her and that most importantly Jesus did. I told her I would pray for her and her family. We did our secret handshake and she said Adios amiga. My heart sank. I was so sad to leave her behind, I wish I could have scooped her up in my suitcase.
Sweet Chaela changed my life. She taught me to love fiercely without holding back. She taught me to love people that you just meet. She taught me to love no matter what the cost. She taught me to invest in people, even when they have nothing to give you. She taught me to love, even if you will never see that person again. She showed me the Kingdom of God though a Child's Eyes. It was something that I will forever hold on to.
After we left there, we went straight back to our hotel and packed and they surprised us by taking us a to resort on our free day. We were under the impression that we were going to the beach, but I had no idea it would be a resort with pools and such. It was about 3 hours away from where we were. The whole ride there my mind was still on Chaela and the other people there in La Vega. When we arrived, it was gorgeous. The beach was incredible. We got our rooms and was able to go to the beach for a little while and relax. Dinner was on your own, so everyone kind of broke up into groups. We ate with some of the new friends we had made. It was a gorgeous night.
Day 7, Thursday June 18th:
The next day was our free day. Our day to do whatever we wanted at the resort. We first went to shop at the little shops down a street that we had to walk to. It was so very hot that we hurried back to the resort to hit the beach. A lot of the youth went snorkeling. Seth and I stayed back and he took in the salt air, which is good for his lungs. We were able to just relax and talk about the trip together. We had lunch and were able to mingle with some of the other youth leaders on the trip in the pool. We also spent about 3 hours talking with Pastor Jimmy and his wife. This was a time of just great fellowship and being able to share our hearts. It was a remarkable free day with an incredible view.
At midnight, Thursday night we left the resort and rode in the busses 3 hours to get to the airport at 3 am. Our flight left at 5:45 am. We arrived in New York around 9ish. From New York, we flew to Atlanta. In Atlanta we had to say our goodbyes, because we were all flying separate places. It was tough knowing that we would not face the rest of the summer with these people who had become like family. I am thankful in knowing that these people saw me for who I was and loved me despite my flaws. I will be forever thankful for the experiences I had in the Dominican Republic.
God has started something in me. He confirmed things for Seth and I that I had been worrying about. But through teenagers and other youth leaders God has confirmed His plan for Seth and I. God is good and I am falling more and more in love with Him each and every second.
Living to make Jesus famous,
xoxoxo
Amy DuVall
Thanks for reading this far. I love you all.
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