Dining Out and Partying In

It’s been another full week in El Callejon.  We welcomed four new outreach participants (3 students and 1 leader) from Hopewell, New York.  This team has been coming down for years – in fact, all three students were here last year, although not at our Site. 

We love when students want to come back, because it shows the impact Students International is having, not just on lives here in the DR, but on them, as well. 

From helping the women cut out fabric, to giving the Treces (13 year olds) advice about obeying their parents, to playing with the kids who stop by, the students have jumped right in.

On Thursday mornings we have our Young Women’s group, along with all of their little ones.  The students did a great job caring for the kids (ages 8 months up to 4). 

That night, they got a yummy reward for all their hard work when we went to Denis’ home for dinner.  It’s one of our favorite parts of the outreaches, as it gives students the opportunity to be in the homes of some of the people of the community… and it means delicious Dominican food! 

When one of the students took a third helping, Denis told her she was going to get a “bebe de comida” (Food Baby).  She has hosted Semester Students for the past three years, and they’ve taught her some English, as well as some of our sayings.  It was wonderful to hear how God has been at work in her life, and yes, the food was amazing! 



Taking pictures of the sunset.

On our way back to the truck, we stopped and looked out at the beauty of the area.  The sun was setting, painting the sky red and pink, and we were surrounded by lush green hills and vibrant flowering trees.  What a creative God we serve!

Friday afternoon we had our semi-annual birthday party for the three younger girls’ groups (ages 5 up to 13).  All the girls were invited and we celebrated the birthdays of the first six months of the year. 

Birthday girls!

We told them they didn’t need to dress up, but our younger girls (5-10) came in party dresses.  They love the chance to get fancy!  Even though they looked all grown up, they soon dissolved into laughter and screams as we played a variety of games. 

Our Treces explain the next crazy game.

Our Treces helped lead the games, and it was fun to see them taking charge.  Some have been coming to the Site almost all of their lives, and we continue to pray for them as they grow into beautiful young women.

We’re looking forward to next week, when each of the students will lead one of our groups.  We love the opportunity to see their faith in action as they share with our girls, teens and women!  Lives truly can be transformed as people from different countries, cultures, languages, are united in the love of Jesus.