Well, we successfully completed our first full day in the Dominican Republic! We ate breakfast this morning at 7:30 a.m. and headed off to church at 8:30. Afetr breakfast, Tammy announced that we would be spending the rest of our day on "Dominican Time" - meaning nobody on the team could wear a watch. What a different perspective on time! Some of the team rode to the church in the back of a pick-up truck while others walked. The church had just moved to a new building withing the last year. The service was a celebration of a vacation bible school that the local youth had just had finished Saturday. There were over 60 children in a congretion of about 150! Lots of cute smiling faces! We had no translators during the service which was about 4 hours long (note: this is not prescise since we did not have our watches ;). During the church service, the team presented a puppet show which really captivated the children. We also performed two mime dramas. Later, after the service, we heard from many in the congregation explaining how moved they were by the message in the Mimes. Gloria a Dios (glory to God)!

On a funny note: just before the first mime, we realized that Kim Cousino had been missing for quite some time. So, one of the team members went out searching for Kim but could not find her. Meanwhile Phil stalled the audience while team members scattered, looking for Kim. Finally, after searching high and low we postponed the first skit and performed out second skit: "The Chair". As we were starting the first skit, Kim appeared with a frazzled expression on her face. Later, we asked Kim where she had been. She explained that when she went to change into her drama clothes she pulled the bathroom door too tight behind her and it wouldn't budge! Kim frantically tried to shove the door open but wasn't successful. After much contemplation she yelled for help but he effors had no avail. Finally, someone heard Kim's cry for help and rescued her from the clutches of the bathroom door!

After church we returned to the guest house and relax for the afternoon catching up on sleep we'd missed from Saturday's travel. Around 2:00 some of the team members went out walking around town; mingling with the locals and practicing Spanish. We had originally planned to put on an outreach that evening in the local park but got rained out. So, we spent the rest of the evening preparing crafts, evangelism books, and games for the rest of the week. It was a great time of fellowship! Tammy even broke out her guitar and we sang Spanish songs while we worked. Enough for now...more to come!

PRAISES:

• Everyone remains in good health!
• The geust house had electricity most of the day (no loud expensive generator)
• Relaxing afternoon of Ciesta and fellowship
• Gusthouse staff have been incredibly hospitible (they seemingly work all day preparing meals)
• Mimes and puppets went very well during the service and the Holy Spirit's presence was clearly evident

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Weather would be compliable for work we have planned and we would be flexible with the weather
• Continued health
• Construction of Clinic wall would be successful tomorrow
• Possitive attitudes and continued patience with team members
• Physical energy and restful sleep
• Efectively reach/cross of cultural barriers in mimes and puppets (Dominican culture generaly doesn't use symbolism)
• Our team would practice servanthood with the Jr. High group satying with us