Strike!

There was a general strike in the DR today, meaning all workers stayed away from work to protest. We've not really learned what they are protesting (will have to look that up!) We did hear this morning that a police officer in our local area of Barahona was shot and killed. Perhaps that's why our local hosts would not let us out of the compound all day! Yes, we were held captive in Casa Betesda during the strike.

Not bad duty, actually. Still got three wonderful meals and access to the swimming pool. But our planned day working in Altagracia was lost and we fear that might mean we don't finish the five latrines and definitely had to cancel one day of hygiene education that cannot be made up. We made the best of it by doing some chores around the Casa that our wonderful hosts had suggested. An additional project was to organize the tool shed, alternately called "The Bunker" or "The Man Cave." This space contained tools, supplies and assorted items that needed sorting through and organizing. I was especially hopeful we could inventory the tools so future teams would know what was here and not be told to bring all carpentry tools (like we were told.) We located a fair supply of tools on site that we could have used but didn't even know about. Some of us are leaving our own tools here to supplement their supply. Hopefully, future teams will be more productive because of it.

Our team is still in synch and lovingly supporting each other. God is at work! And best of all, we've enjoyed wonderful times with our Dominican hosts (and the American couple who host us at the Casa.) A special highlight was the worship service at Altagracia yesterday, where children of all ages and adults each hugged us after the service. We hope to develop an ongoing relationship with this fledgling church.

Our hearts are full and especially appreciative of our Southminster family who made this mission possible.