Shannon's Corner

There is always a first for everything...and last week was my first time ever being a part of a Kids Alive Mission Team.  I am so very grateful and thankful to God in providing me with this opportunity to spend with the 18 adults and youth from Dayton, PA serving our ministry in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. One of the things my fellow riders in the car from Jarabacoa to Santo Domingo was discussing how awesome it is for teams to come and serve, to love on the kids, to be sponsors with some of the kids, and to bring donations.  But how amazing it is when those teams and sponsors are able to come bringing with them spiritual food for our kids and staff and missionaries.  As I arrived late Monday morning to the Care Center and met up with the team, they were ministering to the kids through their puppet ministry. This week gave me a glimpse into the lives of our missionaries who serve in Santo Domingo.  Being able to see them in their daily environment.  B...

When I was told about this Women's retreat I had mixed feelings.  One feeling was that I was not looking forward to being at the beach.  One feeling was that I was excited about being with my fellow missionary women and getting to know them more.  What a paradox...But before I go on to share about the weekend I did have a really good time of fellowship, study, and relaxation. I was asked if I could drive which I didn't mind as long as I either had directions or someone could tell me where to go since I had never been there.  It was a beautiful drive across the mountains even though it took all my concentration to miss the many, many potholes and to slow down for the speed bumps.  Plus just making the drive up and over the mountain as smooth as possible for those who get very car sick.  Thankfully we didn't have any problems.  Also very thankful that the van did not overheat and no flat tires.  We arrived safe and sound. Leslie had us divide...

SHANNON’S CORNER January 2017 I got to participate in a new tradition here in the Dominican Republic.  January 6 th they celebrate Kings’ Day, (Dia de Reyes), the day the Wisemen came to celebrate the birth of Jesus and giving him three gifts.  Us missionaries in Jarabacoa made pancakes and salami for the children and staff at the Ark Children’s Home in Jarabacoa.  We had a small devotion after breakfast led by the home director and then everyone received three gifts.  These gifts are their Christmas gifts.  Later, I got to celebrate with our children and staff at the Ark Children’s Home in Constanza.  One of the house dads led the devotional prior to everyone receiving and opening their three gifts.  It was such a delight and joy to see them all open their gifts and the surprise, wonder, and laughter as they unwrapped their gifts and tried out or played with their gifts My women’s Bible study started b...