It is breezy and chilly as I sit on the balcony entering this blog. We are getting somewhat spoiled thinking 18 degrees is cold and my fingers don't want to cooperate with the shivering. Maybe it's the dampness that seeps through.
There has been a fair amount more rain than previous times we've been in the DR and at this time when the large Vacation With a Purpose group is out, it is dirupting some of the planned activities. Flexibility is a huge asset to have at the best of times in another culture and this is no exception.
Yesterday we were to have a construction crew going out to do some digging for a foundation of a house out in the country but due to the road conditions and unpredictability of river levels, it got cancelled. The ladies meeting planned for the same area in the country has been re-scheduled for Monday morning and we trust the sky will have cleared up by then. This makes for a real challenge, with logistics re transportation, translators, etc. We have a large group of 35-40 people in the group at any one time.

Today we held two medical clinics, hiring 4 Dominican doctors and having our two Canadian doctors working alongside. One team worked in a new village and was overwhelmed with the extreme poverty and young age of many mothers.

Our team leader had a death in the family back home and is leaving tomorrow for home, planning to return later in the week. His brother who was with us for our annual trip for the last 3 years died suddenly of a heart attack this week and this has been a real loss for many who had grown to love and appreciate him. We treasure having had the opportunity to get to know him and work with him. He had a very strong faith in God and was a real inspiration.

God bless you and take care of you.