On a beautiful summer day (18 August 2011), 7 travelers took off from DFW Airport bound for the Dominican Republic. After a harrowing "almost" delay in Miami, we landed in Puerto Plata, DR where these musicians welcomed us.
We were taken in this open "truck" to our hotel - all 7 of us plus over 400 pounds of school supplies. It was quite a ride!
After his first experience watching me getting in and out, our driver (Frey) brought along a plastic crate which we used as a stool!
We were taken in this open "truck" to our hotel - all 7 of us plus over 400 pounds of school supplies. It was quite a ride!
After his first experience watching me getting in and out, our driver (Frey) brought along a plastic crate which we used as a stool!Our first ride to the school we were to help paint and ready for opening included a village "traffic jam."
The team members in the truck had to finally get out and walk - but Pastor Cheryl and I were riding in the car so we were able to "squeeze" by. The traffic snarl was caused by the red truck - it had only 3 wheels - the 4th had been taken for repair!
We set up the supplies for a photo shoot. This table's contents were donated by flight attendants from American Airlines (one of our team members was also a flight attendant).
The team from DFW New Beginnings: Pastors Ed and Cheryl Rebman, Joan Covert, Keith and Pamela Snyder, Lynn Boyer and moi (how do you like my painting clothes - from Goodwill).
We painted the new addition - to add 2 more classrooms (for 2 more grades) and a new library! This is a shot of the village houses built by a Canadian man - he comes in with his team and builds houses, a clinic and a school.
These 2 ladies were the first recipients of the Tootsie Roll pops we brought - a BIG hit!
This gorgeous view is what we saw most days from the hotel restaurant.
The team members in the truck had to finally get out and walk - but Pastor Cheryl and I were riding in the car so we were able to "squeeze" by. The traffic snarl was caused by the red truck - it had only 3 wheels - the 4th had been taken for repair!
We set up the supplies for a photo shoot. This table's contents were donated by flight attendants from American Airlines (one of our team members was also a flight attendant).
The team from DFW New Beginnings: Pastors Ed and Cheryl Rebman, Joan Covert, Keith and Pamela Snyder, Lynn Boyer and moi (how do you like my painting clothes - from Goodwill).
We painted the new addition - to add 2 more classrooms (for 2 more grades) and a new library! This is a shot of the village houses built by a Canadian man - he comes in with his team and builds houses, a clinic and a school.
These 2 ladies were the first recipients of the Tootsie Roll pops we brought - a BIG hit!
This gorgeous view is what we saw most days from the hotel restaurant. The second school sponsored by the Dominican Advance - is in Paradise Village. Our chariot took us there. 
The kids were so proud to point out their photos as well as those of their family members on the big photograph of the students from last year. This young man is a budding businessman. He yanked this huge avocado off a tree and offered to sell it to us. I bought it for about 3 cents!
We had some time to hang out at the beach with Laura and Mike and Josie. YUMMY food!
We visited the Jewish synagogue. (Did I mention we were in the village of Nazareth?) The Dominican Republic allowed over 600 Jews to flee Germany during WWII and settle in this village.
The lovely lady in pink is "Ela" - Glen and I will sponsor her education. She's a twin - her sister is in white.
This little cutie is Mariela - she's in the same grade as the twins and was my little velcro buddy the last day.
We had a prayer for the teachers before we left, too.
This is Mr. Madonia - the wonderful man responsible for houses, schools and clinics. He and all 8 of his children were touring the day we left.
We visited the Jewish synagogue. (Did I mention we were in the village of Nazareth?) The Dominican Republic allowed over 600 Jews to flee Germany during WWII and settle in this village.
The lovely lady in pink is "Ela" - Glen and I will sponsor her education. She's a twin - her sister is in white.This little cutie is Mariela - she's in the same grade as the twins and was my little velcro buddy the last day.We hung mezzuzahs on all the classroom doors and prayed over each classroom.
Remember all that silver and broken jewelry I sold? With some of the proceeds, I was able to help the team purchase this sump pump so there could be running water in the school. Pastor Ed is handing it to Dr. Kim Pensinger - Director of Dominican Advance.
We had a prayer for the teachers before we left, too. 
This is Mr. Madonia - the wonderful man responsible for houses, schools and clinics. He and all 8 of his children were touring the day we left.
A volleyball game going on in Liberation Village - a government housing project. Pastor Ed preached at their church. Quite an innovative net, don't you think?
These beautiful kiddos were standing outside (it was standing room only and STIFLING hot inside) during the church service.
This little doll was fascinated by my camera!
Hurricane Irene threatened us - but we went shopping anyway - in an open truck in DRIVING rain! I've not had so much fun EVER! One of the team said it was like going thru a car wash in the back of a truck. Josie (Dr. Kim's wife) was our guide! She's the giggler in white.
I got a high five from a shopkeeper - guess he'd not seen too many spaghetti heads!
The waves around the hotel were amazingly high. We sat in awe of nature. 
It was a little "iffy" for awhile but we got home on schedule - with a 1.5 hour delay due to Irene. Our biggest regret is that we didn't get to be there for the opening of the Nazareth school - and to hug the school children. ... Maybe you can join us on the next trip?
These beautiful kiddos were standing outside (it was standing room only and STIFLING hot inside) during the church service.
This little doll was fascinated by my camera!Hurricane Irene threatened us - but we went shopping anyway - in an open truck in DRIVING rain! I've not had so much fun EVER! One of the team said it was like going thru a car wash in the back of a truck. Josie (Dr. Kim's wife) was our guide! She's the giggler in white.
I got a high five from a shopkeeper - guess he'd not seen too many spaghetti heads!
The waves around the hotel were amazingly high. We sat in awe of nature. It was a little "iffy" for awhile but we got home on schedule - with a 1.5 hour delay due to Irene. Our biggest regret is that we didn't get to be there for the opening of the Nazareth school - and to hug the school children. ... Maybe you can join us on the next trip?
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