Day 6: Going Away Party

Our final day here in the Dominican was equally as great as the rest of our stay. After our interaction with the students and staff, and the workers throughout the past week, we were able to go out with our driver/new friend for a relaxed day. 

We were able to go to the market to pick out some mementos of our trip, and then we went to the beach, stopping to pick up some snacks/lunch along the way. 

We were brought to a beach where very few people usually go, meaning we had the small cove essentially to ourselves. Even while we were driving, we were amazed at the power and size of the waves. Despite our first impressions, we ran fearlessly into the water and got knocked back over and over. After some fun in the water, we came out to eat our picnic lunch on the beach and play some volleyball. Following lunch, we ran into some more waves, played some more volleyball, and suntanned. As a result of all this time in the sun, nearly all of us got sunburned. But the day was enjoyed by all of us despite that setback. 

We then headed back to the compound to take showers and a swim in the pool to clear the salt from our skin, and begin packing up our stuff as we will be leaving for the airport at 3:00am. We then headed to a going away party at the EduDeo center/school that the staff and students hosted for us. 

After yet another delicious dinner, and then were presented with songs, dances, and skits. A couple of talented young girls performed a dance. And the older students did a moving skit showing the battle of a Christian in this life, and the struggles in approaching and remaining by Christ in this sinful world. Then they taught all of us a dance, which some of us were better at... but we all managed! Then we taught them a dance as well! Canadians and Dominicans alike had a very enjoyable time. 

We then told the staff and students how grateful we were that we could be here, how we were excited to meet and talk to the students, as well as helping to build and paint classrooms. Then we were given gifts to show their appreciation for our hard work, and willingness to help and converse with them despite the language barrier. They even made a birthday cake with a massive sparkler candle for the three birthday girls! We were so taken aback by their generosity, and heartily thanked them for their hospitality over the entire week. 

Back at the compound, we finished packing up, and did our final team devotions in the Dominican, which was on the Sword of the Spirit. A sword, when kept sharp, is a dangerous weapon. With constant study of the Word and the Spirit's help, we will be able to use that knowledge in order to go on the offensive. Rather than simply defending our faith from outside attack, which a sword is also capable of doing, we will be enabled to go out into the world and convince others of the truth of the gospel, and strengthen others' faith. 

We cannot stress enough how incredible this experience has been, and how thankful we are that we could create a relationship with fellow Christians in addition to aiding some of their physical needs. We would like to thank EduDeo and COCREF for partnering with our school to give us the chance to partake in this life-changing experience, as well as all those who have supported us both financially and in prayer. 

 

(More pictures will be uploaded to other posts throughout the week) 

 

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