Since we left Seattle, we have begun building relationships with the people of Altagracia. It simply amazes me how happy these people are with so little. The first latrine was built yesterday with many Dominican hands joining ours. The bonding is meaningful and productive. We are learning from them and they are learning from us. Yes, we have discovered there are many ways to attempt to build a latrine. We were amazed at the excitement from the family and neighbors as the boards were hammared. The woman of the household sat and watched the process all day.

The children came from everywhere as the COTN van pulled up and honked the horn. We were greeted with hugs and smiles and a genuine eagerness to be with us. We had about 55-60 children to teach in the morning and about 30 in the afternoon. There were chaotic moments of excitement, happy singing hearts and attentive listening during our story about the girl named Maria who got rid of her germs by washing the germs away with soap and water. Such a simple idea for us and an enormous task for them.

There is not even a sink at the school where we taught outside under the covered outdoor teaching area. The children have a breakfast and lunch served to them every day. The older students assist the children in washing there hands before they eat with a bucket of water. They pour water on their hands, the children soap up and then someone pours more water on their hands to rinse. The waster water is caught in another bucket.

I will post a few pictures for you. God is definitely here helping us each step of the way. More to come....