Loving Beyond My Germaphobia

I can't even describe the excitement we felt leading up to this mission trip. Nor can I explain the bickering and frustrations we experienced beforehand. Doesn't it always happen that way? Or is it just our family who always seems to have these silly arguments and time restraints before monumental spiritual journeys? I can look back now, three days into this trip, and recognize it's just that... a monumental spiritual journey for our family. God has already done such a work in the hearts of the four of us that I can barely see the keyboard through tears.

Bailey & Brayden at the Santo Domingo Airport. (Looking pretty excited in front of the Coca Cola sign, I might add.)

But this isn't about us, right? We are here to serve the people of the Dominican Republic and share the love of Jesus. That's part of the beauty of this whole thing. We came to serve and bless, yet there is nothing we have done for these precious people that could compare to the way they've blessed us.

Those of you who know me well, know that I might struggle a "tad" with germaphobia. You may wonder how I could possibly allow my family and myself to be immersed in this culture while we love on the people of the Dominican Republic and the immigrants from Haiti. I will tell you: faith in being called here for a purpose and lots of prayer! (Oh, and shots, preventative medications, and a few pieces of antibacterial materials.) Yes, I'm working on this.

We began the first two days bright and early. After dropping our team off at the new church site, the bus driver would drive the bus towards the Santa Alicia batay. A couple of volunteers were able to drive along each day, and I was one of those volunteers Friday morning. Because of recent rains, the roads were too muddy, so the bus wouldn't go past this gate.

Look near the top of the picture. The homes back there are about a mile from the gate, and the children had to walk down to us to get on the bus.  

My lap and my heart were full!

After about 20-30 cuties loaded onto the bus, we were ready to head to the church for snacks and games.

The bus was only about halfway full here.

Just as we were about to leave, I happened to spot a tiny gold speck at the top of the hill. "Uno mas! Uno mas!" I yelled to the front of the bus. I'm pretty sure that means "One more." Whether I said it correctly or not, it got the attention of the teacher and driver. This sweet little child would've walked about 2.5 miles to the church had we left her there.

The little girl is the gold dot on the right of the road.

All smiles in front of the church's new floor (in progress here.)

Upon our arrival at the church, the kiddos poured out of the bus, screaming and jumping with excitement. These people are so full of love, joy, and acceptance. Adults and children alike were so happy to see us. They greeted us with hugs and handshakes for the second day in a row. They have amazing manners and make sure everyone feels welcome.

Bailey and Rebecca

These beautiful boys and girls cannot wait to grab the hand of one of us and declare, "Mi American! Mi American!" ("My American.") Bailey's tender heart drew so many children to her, but one particular girl didn't want to leave her side. From the moment we stepped foot onto the church property on the first day, Rebecca claimed Bailey as "her" American. They were inseparable, and it made my heart swell to see them walking around holding hands. Bailey tried to "share the love" a little more on Friday, and made it her mission to make everyone feel included and special.  

Brayden with several of his new amigos.

As some may know, Brayden is quite shy. He is also extremely talented as an athlete. The cool thing about boys is that once they find out they have a sport in common, they are instantly friends-no matter if they're shy or not. Brayden never stopped playing with his new friends. We had to remind him to take water breaks. (Unfortunately, I did not have his nonstop energy, nor did anyone have to beg me to drink water in this heat!)

Chris, Kris, Pastor Bona, and Zach mixing concrete for the church floor. Sorry for the time/date stamp on these. It's off.

My idea of a Selfie!

What I enjoyed was hanging around, loving on these kiddos. Look at all of those faces and smiles. I am definitely leaving a piece of my heart with these children!

He is a mute neighbor, and will benefit from having the loving church near his home.

"...Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." Matthew 25:40

See what I mean? Aren't you in love?! Love, Angela "Not Quite As Much of a Germaphobe" Cox