Day 31: Fun with the Crazies

Charly, Reimy, and Griseli happy as can be!

     I woke up today knowing that I needed to go see them.  Today isn't my usual day to go to La Otra Banda, but I woke up with a heavy heart knowing that I wanted every chance I could get with them.  You know how you will do crazy things for the people you love?  Well that happened...

     I am going to give you a little cultural fun fact real quick: Let me explain to you what a concho is.  It is a form of public transportation in the Dominican Republic where you cram 7 or more random people into a 5 person car.  4 in the back, 3 in the front and yes there is a center consol.  Each concho has a route it drives and you wave one down, squeeze into the car with sweaty random people, and pay your 20 pesos.  If you're wondering why that's not illegal, we are on the same page.  Oh and did I mention there's motoconchos (motorcycle versions) as well?  Mom don't hate me.

     Anyways, each day I usually take around 3 conchos to get to the community I'm working with.  Let's just say I took 9 conchos in all and was determined to see my sweet/insane/giggly children.  When I got there, without a moment to spare the laughing and loving began.  Climbing trees, climbing hills, climbing piles of trash, and having a good ole time.  Luckily I had a few Dominican friends from the community with me, and they were able to cook for the kids who wouldn't have eaten until dinner.  I was able to tell Griseli why I do things like this and why I came here.  I kept it simple and short just saying that whenever I accepted Christ in my heart I was filled with so much joy and love and I want so bad for others to know that as well.

     I realize that God might have put my entire life back home on hold and called me to this trip and made it possible solely for this family.  I am doing good things with the others but this is where my heart pulls me.  They are the only thing I think about all day and I want so bad for them to know that they are loved.  How am I going to leave them?  I don't know yet, but until then I want to plan something special for these kids.  I don't know what that looks like yet, but I ask for prayers on how to go about it and that God will just use me to bring his light into these children.  T-minus 10 days until home, lots of work to do, so little time!