Update from "El Equipo de Suenos"

On the university’s campus, there are meeting spots that the locals call Embajadas. Translated, the word means embassies. Each one of these embajadas is a designated space for students hailing from a certain parts of the country, a social embassy for students’ hometowns. They consist of stone benches, tables, and any number of students from none to twenty as students come and go. This is not to say that the Dominicans are segregated, that they dislike talking with strangers. In fact, they are very warm and welcoming. They are willing to take time from their day to talk to perfect strangers and, when approached, not a single person will turn away from discussion. As today being our first day on campus, this was a pleasant surprise. And, as our first day on campus, it was our mission to meet students while they were passing time between classes in these embajadas.

It is difficult speaking with a person that does not know your language. Thankfully many Dominicans relish the chance to test their English skills, especially with Americans. For example, one bright, young, amiable student named Carlos traveled an expensive bus ride from home just to meet us on campus. He greatly wished to speak English with native speakers. Carlos knows of the Gospel but does not yet know the Gospel. He will be the recipient of many thoughts and prayers, much invested time. Like our talk with Carlos, some conversations with the students are deep and take up the time of an hour while others, as a result of the language barrier, are made up of talk of small things. Yet, with each conversation, we approach them as though they are opportunities to impact eternity.

Fortunately, God has also blessed us with impeccable timing. Just as our group was enjoying a few nice slices of cheese, a girl excitedly ran up asking for some cheese that we had just pulled out. It was for her pregnant friend. Immediately following the provolone exchange, the girl asks what our purpose in the Dominican is. It’s hard to ask for a better opportunity to share what we came down here to share.

As we meet new friends and as we reunite with old friends we find that the work God is doing in the Dominican Republic is meaningful and lasting. We pray that we can lead our new friends into their walks with Christ by giving them a good example of what Christ’s love looks like in action. We ask that you pray for soft hearts and souls yearning for the love of Christ. Each day, with the strength God gives us, we will show that love in words and in action.

El Equipo de Suenos (Shaly, Kim, Lindsey, Amelia, David, Jake)