Feb 2017 – Women’s Trip and Medical Center update
Ringing in the New Year with Rockford, IL
2017 is off to a great start as we brought in the New Year with the annual Rockford Christian High School – now Rockford “Open” Trip! Their theme was “You can’t change the world if you look just like it.” They focused on this for discussions with small groups at night. Many work sites kept them busy during the day. They worked on finishing Marco Antonio’s house with a new floor and paint job. They poured the foundation and laid block at Estela’s house. They also poured columns and laid block at the new duplex site for our staff members Emmanuel Corsino and Alexander Reyes.
Though the week was all wonderful, an overwhelming amount of people said they experienced God most while at the leprosarium. Janet Cheng, of Marquette University, brought along her violin and played for the patients. You could feel the Holy Spirit moving through the music.
Women’s Trip: THE BEST ONE YET
Every year on the last day of the Women’s Trip, someone remarks, “This was the best one yet.” And they have been saying that for 14 years! Each group brings its own special ‘flavor’ to this very special week. The purpose of this trip, since its conception 14 years ago, is to serve the women of Cielo. It has been a catalyst for significant change in the Dominican women of Cielo. The women have been built up spiritually through discipleship, developed a Women’s Co-Op for selling handmade goods, and mentored in Christian fellowship. The week is full of laughter, tears of refreshment, and celebration of who God has made them to be in Christ!
Last year, the women added a new element to the week that continued this year with a “Home Makeover” for the sons of Sujaida, a woman who was a vital part of the Co-Op for many years. She passed away leaving behind her, now almost grown boys, who have continued to live in their childhood home. Women from the Wisconsin team raised money for a new roof and floor, wall repair, new electrical service, and plumbing (their toilet didn’t work and they had no sink or counter in the kitchen), a new refrigerator, washing machine, stove and kitchen table with chairs. They also painted all the walls inside and out. To say the least, those two young men (who are also Mission employees) were extremely blessed by the outpouring of love. We are very proud to have them on our team!
A new facet of the trip this year was a beauty makeover complete with manicures/pedicures, makeup, massages and hair styling that included a giveaway of 100 wigs, which was a REAL HIT! All of this was in addition to the various classes of handicrafting where the women learned to make tote bags, wall decor, and other products. They also continued an in-depth Bible study looking at their spiritual gifts and figuring out how to best utilize them to serve others; one of those ways being delivering food to families and praying over their homes. And the week would not be complete without multiple parties, giveaways, and a staff banquet honoring more than 80 Dominican and Haitian employees.
Ladies…If you have never been on this trip before and are interested, PLEASE PLAN ON JOINING US NEXT YEAR! This Women’s Trip started with a group of ladies from North Carolina and expanded with a group from Wisconsin. This year we had women from New Jersey and California. We would love to have more of you with us for this special week.
Medical Center Updates
Dr. Sara Hidalgo’s son is doing much better. They are still waiting for more testing, but he is home and recovering well. She appreciates your many prayers.
Dr. Sara with one of her many patients
Despite our efforts to help, Baby Rachell passed away last Fall. Please continue to pray for her parents who are grieving the loss of their baby.
In January, Sophie and Vladimir were in for a checkup and we were able to take a few pictures with them. Vladimir is thriving, up to 9 pounds, and Sophie now has his official birth certificate and documentation that will allow him to be enrolled in Cielo preschool in a few short years.
Vladimir, Cindy, and Sophie in the Medical Clinic
Thank you for your support of what God is doing in the Dominican Republic. Our staff and community are grateful for each of you.
