Well it seems that we are two weeks into our trip. We have done many different things the past 14 days. In our first week we went to villages, we played with kids in muddy streets, we met with young girls that have been forced to provide for themselves at a young age using whatever means possible. In our second week we traveled to Santo Domingo for a glimpse of the capital of Republica Dominicana, and we have begun to teach in a Christian school in Puerta Plata.

See each week offers a different experience. Each weeks offers a new way to serve the Lord.

While we were in Santo Domingo, Lauretta and I had two roles. On the first evening there we acted as babysitters. Brooke celebrated her birthday during the week and the Jenkins parents needed a date night to complete the celebration. Lauretta and I also acted as tourists in the capital city. We toured Columbus’ home and we also visited the first cathedral in the Americas.

On Saturday Lauretta and I had the opportunity to be apart of an ESL class. We helped the students with their worksheets and helped them with word pronunciation. The sounds that come naturally to me as a native English speaker do not come natural to Dominicans. The “th” sound is killer. The teacher’s name is William. He is a really great guy and the Lord is using him to minister to several communities through ESL classes.

Monday Lauretta and I began teaching at the school. It was a very interesting experience. I am a teacher and I know how a typical school runs in the States. Lets just say that in the DR school is very different. We plan to go each day for our final two weeks here.

I can say that one of my favorite things to do down here has been to hang out with the Jenkins kids. They offer so much love and so much compassion for the people here in the DR. They each serve in their own way and love doing it. I am going to miss the kids when we return home. Of course I will miss Brooke and Brad too. They have been so wonderful to welcome us into their home and to take care of us the way that they have. The Lord is truly working in this family and I look forward to seeing how they impact the world around them for Christ in the future.

Lauretta and I decided to help a young girl that lives in Augas Negras. We decided to allocate funds given for our trip to purchase the supplies to help build a home for her. She is 16 and she takes care of her younger sister. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to care for my sister and to find my own place to live at 16.

There seems to be so much injustice here. Those that cannot really care for themselves are the ones that suffer the most. Young children have no homes and young women are  sold into prostitution. It is hard to comprehend that many of the children that we play with in the villages are orphans with no place to call home. I pray that God continues to meet the needs of those that live in Puerta Plata. The flesh in me wants to scoop up all of the kids and put them in homes, but I know that God has a plan for each of these kids lives.

Sunday morning in church I became confused during the service. The pastor was preaching in Spanish and I lost the concept of the message. I flipped over to Proverbs and I found the verse “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” Proverbs 16:9. I pray that the Lord continues to establish the steps of the Jenkins family. I know that they want to listen to the leading of the Lord and to do his will. This family has the opportunity to impact their community in so many ways. I am honored that I have had the opportunity to serve with them.


Please continue to pray for Lauretta and me. Lauretta isn't feeling very well and she needs to regain her strength so that she can continue to serve. Please also pray for the Jenkins family as the follow the path that the Lord has established for them.