These days, when you hear someone say they're going on a 'mission trip', you always expect for those people to return. Sure, they'll return with good stories, with encouragement, and with a humble heart that hopefully motivates them to change and appreciate the life they have, but you expect them to return.  

Tonight we celebrated "pancake day" a few months late. But hey, we're running on "Dominican Time". In the midst of eating and dancing and laughing, the lights began to flicker. Then the power went out. Then our apartment on the fifth floor was suddenly transformed into a discoteca so we naturally danced more, complete with fist pumps until we heard a pop. 

A few more loud pops led us to run to the balcony only to witness the power pole across the street spewing sparks. The sparks flew over to our power box, which powers the entire hostel. We listened and then watched as our power panel blew up and exploded into flames. As smoke billowed into the street and up to our balcony, we watched in amazement as people ran to the streets. Our very own David Langley ran downstairs, found a fire extinguisher, and went after it. He was able to temporarily put out the flames. However, the pops are continuing, and we are still waiting for the fire department to arrive, 35 minutes later. David grabbed a translator to try to keep people away from the panel, which will most likely burst into flames again, but the locals aren't as cautious as we seem to be. 

Today we went to an orphanage that one of the guys from La Vid, Ezekiel, used to live in for several years of his childhood. On the way there, in talking to some of the girls, we realized that the 911 system had only been working in the country for a few years (and I use the term "working" loosely). I asked them, "What did you do before 911 if you had an emergency?" They responded, "You died. Or, if you could, you got a taxi to get yourself to the hospital." 

Death. It's real. Not long ago missionaries went into the field to die. They knew that in order to reach people in foreign countries, it would most likely cost them their physical lives. There was no "911" to call. Death is real. We may not have come to the DR expecting to die, but it reminds us that we must be willing to give up our lives, maybe not physically, but perhaps someday we may be called to do that. Jesus said in Mark 8:34, "He who seeks to save his life, will lose it. but he who loses his life for my sake and for the gospel's will save it." 

We are fine, the fire is under control, and our generator is up and running. We are still waiting on the fire department, while David is downstairs with an arsenal of fire extinguishers. It has been almost an hour now.   

Mel has been looking forward to "bon" (ice cream) all night so now her new slogan is "bon voyage" to everyone. So we'll end there for the night. Thank you for your prayers. We are all well and safe and thankful to be here with the faithful saints of La Vid in Santo Domingo. 

Shaly Moyal