Monday June 20th

Hi to my Dad, Mom, and brother!
  Happy Father's day to my dad yesterday! I hope all is well with everyone keeping up with our blog! Being my second trip to Ebenezer, it was awesome to see the progress of the work we put in last year! It was extremely encouraging that a few of the students remembered me from the previous trip considering we were only there a week. It just shows the huge amount of impact we have on these people. A few days ago, Adrienne and I prayed that we would connect with some teens here. The very next day, we had the privilege to talk with some students and it was a really good time. I am so thankful for the fact that I continued Spanish for all 5 years, although it was a struggle at times. Mrs. Spiegel has equipped all of her students with a high ability to communicate with the Dominican people. Having that just made the experience so much more fulfilling.
   Yesterday, being Sunday, we attended a service in the morning and one at night. During the afternoon, we visited families from the church and a few of us shared our testimonies with them. One thing that really brought it home for a lot of us was visiting a particular student that we have come to love. He attended our English classes and was just one of the most endearing people there. After we shared with him in his home and learned his story, he presented our group with a card written in English. He wanted to thank us for the impact we had on his life while we were there. This was such an amazing gesture considering English is difficult for them and it made it extra special because it was him. Many of us will probably never forget that moment. Sunday was wrapped up with a celebration at the end of the evening church service. It was like the entire congregation was having a dance party for God. It was very uplifting seeing everyone, young and old, celebrating the Lord in that way. It makes you wonder what church would be like if every service ended that way!
 This will definitely be an unforgettable trip and there is no doubt everyone has hopes to return!

Taylor Allen

Yesterday, June 20, we left Ebenezer school/church on a very good note. Yesterday was the party for all the younger kids at the school. So we traveled around the school and sat in on some of the classes. It was a very good  way to say goodbye. Also that morning we finished painting. The painting absolutely looks great. At about ten o'clock that morning we left. The bus ride was for rest pretty much. Everyone slept. When we got to the hotel, everyone was so excited because it was so nice. At Ebenezer, when someone would go to the bathroom the person would have to put their toilet paper in a trash can, we were allowed to flush paper here!. The pool was nice. Then we went to the cave restaurant. It was a great restaurant, very fancy. We are traveling today and everyone is ready to get home. God has definitely made an impact on everyone's life.
Eli Norden