The rest of the story.

On Saturday evening we gathered for sundown worship, praise and testimony time. The consensus was that every one of us has been blessed abundantly and our cup is running over in gratitude for this experience. Besides gaining a richer blessing of walking close to Jesus, we were able to reach out and help a multitude of people that He loves so dearly. Their life will never be the same and neither will ours.

We left the compound for our long ride to Santo Domingo on time and with a heart satisfied from service and merry with anticipation of our 2-day vacation. The bus ride didn’t fail in its reputation for chills and thrills. There was an added bonus as Nelson the driver decided to take a detour and bring the bus to his humble dwelling place to show us his little home. As reported to me by Nancy D, Nelson stopped the bus right in front of his house on a tiny little street. Not caring about the build up of honking vehicles behind and in front of him that were unable to pass. Brian Caster, (alias Castro on the hotel list) had a front seat right behind the driver. He offered in the beginning of the ride to sell it to the first bidder of $5. As the ride continued the price went up to $10. And then as Nelson blocked the little street with the huge bus and had to have his friend come out and make all the blocked cars back out onto an awful intersection so the bus could get out, Brian raised his price to $25. A cheap price for a front row seat to such a spectacle.

The resort was so beautiful and luxurious that if you didn’t leave the premises, you would never know you were in a 3rd world country. There were only a few reminders in the hotel of where we were. Such as the warning not to drink the water that was right over each sink and the warning not to throw paper in the toilet. The roosters crowing loudly all morning was the only other reminder. The beach was pure white sand, that some how did not get hot, in spite of the soaring heat. The water was crystal clear and warm. It was the ultimate picturesque beach scene for those who crave the calming influence of warm water. There were many activities to enjoy and I know several of us enjoyed just watching the fun had by others. Karen and Roger N., Ellen and Hank P., Mary and Gary K. took a wild ride on the banana float ride and were determined not to fall off. But as the driver made his last pass near the beach, they went flying off in unison as the skilled driver made his quick practiced turn. Andy D., and Eric Y. did a little water skiing, as many of the others either lounged in the sun or water. Many played volleyball while a large group went on a city tour. Joan N. went on a very, very, long wind surfing expedition. After having her first lesson, she took off just fine and with the help of the wind, soared on the water for what seemed to be forever. The only problem was she couldn’t get back and we could see her far in the distance carrying her wind surfer. Another fun activity was to have your hair braided and most of our young people took part in that. And all took part in having a wonderful relaxing time. Well almost all…the Wagner’s and Young’s spent most of the first day in the office trying to sort out the mess of 3rd world administration problems at the hotel. But after that was solved, all was wonderful.

David, Suzanne and Nikkei M. had such a great time that they just don’t want it to end. So David said when they get home he was taking the seat off the toilet to preserve this adventure a little longer.

Elise D. retrieved a very real looking mouse out of the garbage can in front of Delores K. and we thought we would have to do a little C.P.R. on her after that experience. It seems that this particular mouse had made its way around and into several of the people’s beds and suitcase’s. I wonder if Jordan W. might know anything about how this came about?

Bill Foote has developed such a tolerance for cold showers that he forgot to use the hot water while at the resort.

Frank Burtnett was actually spotted relaxing while leisurely eating a dinner that he didn’t have to cook. I heard that several of the folks when trying to track down Bob in the huge crowd, just used my easy to spot red hair for a marker, and then they would find him.

This trip has caused Jenna B. to come to the conclusion that she wants to be a peace corp worker. I wonder how many other of our youth have been set aside for the Lord’s work after this experience? I know for a fact they have all been changed. There is no need to measure their bicep to see how hard our young men worked. Just look in the eyes of Nick B., David D., Max T., Jordan W. and Miles M. and you will see the strength.

At the airport, the skycap that came to push my wheelchair questioned me as to what we were doing and about the shirt with the Berkshire Mission logo on it. Finally he came right out and asked me what church we were with. When I told him, he was so excited that he could hardly contain himself. He happens to be a Seventh Day Adventist that has been in this country for 2-years. His name is Sam and attends the S. Windsor, Ct. church. He was a teacher in Ghana, Africa and is now making a life for himself in the states. The excitement in this man was so tremendous; he just could not do enough for us. He refused to take a tip for pushing the chair, and then continued on to help up with the loading of all our heavy luggage and crates, refusing to take any thing for the effort. His smile was as bright and happy as could be and I know that he felt like he was helping Jesus when he helped us. Oh, that each one of us would have that experience and that excitement when we come in contact with another believer! This is the 2nd time that I have had a S.D.A. end up pushing my chair at an airport and having an experience with the Holy Spirit because of it.

We each go home with a greater appreciation for the simple things in life and take nothing for granted anymore. We have been forever changed by the service of love.

These are just a few of the stories that have taken place in the lives of the Berkshire Mission team. More are yet to be told as years go by. Some will never be told other than through a tear in the eye of a soul so moved and changed, that words will never explain. You will have to touch that tear to understand all that has taken place.

Thank you for being part of our mission, for your support and prayers. Thank you for your touch of love across the miles through your emails. May you always know the love and peace that passes understanding and may you always have the desire in your heart to reach out and help that hurting soul and remind them in all ways, that Jesus loves them.

Because He lives, we can each continue on with a smile.

Smiles to you,

Jennifer Young, Berkshire Mission Reporter