Nurses on a Mission 2020

Nurses on a Mission 2020 had our closing meeting tonight. Lots of laughter, lots of tears- it was a beautiful time of sharing! God has blessed us over and over and tonight He did it again! We came as 18 individuals and we are leaving as a team! Ephesians 3:20: “Glory be to God! By His Spirit working in us, He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever dare to ask or dream!” and He certainly did! Adios amigos!!

Our last day in the DR- kind of sad. We are sad to go but anxious to see our families and friends. Today we had planned to go to a waterfall, but all the recent rain prevented us from going. We had a good day in spite of that. We toured a local hospital- surely made us appreciate our facilities. Sometimes we need to see a different perspective to truly appreciate what we have. We have learned many lessons about that this week! We ate lunch in the city and went to a popsicle shop- yum! You may see one of these in Knox County in the near future. We also toured the Colonial City and visited the New World’s first cathedral- absolutely beautiful. We saw the sun for the first time in a long time!

Our last clinic is over- our time has gone very quick! Today was another amazing day- we saw about 230 people! We were able to give each one vitamins, a toothbrush and other medications. We were able to give each family a “family pack” of a handmade cloth and hygiene items. We started the day with the pastor saying a prayer of blessing. It was “frio” (cold) here today and rainy. Cold to Dominicans is much different than cold to Hoosiers! God has truly blessed our work this week and we are truly grateful. I believe we have all been changed. We have a day off tomorrow before we head north. Adios! A late entry: Several of our team decided to take the plunge tonight! In the cold, darkness we took a polar plunge into a pool- brrrrr! Lots of screams and laughter- but another memory to add to our all ready full memory box! How very blessed we have been!

Today we were in the community of Los Martinez.  We were warmly welcomed by signs, singing and dancing. The pastor prayed a beautiful prayer to open our clinic. It was a rainy day but we were surrounded with love. We met so many wonderful people- they were so thankful! Our team is doing good work and being blessed in so many ways. We came to be a blessing but are finding that we are the ones being blessed.

Another great day today! We saw saw 45 families (200+ people). People of all ages cam through today. Beautiful children, dressed in their Sunday best- all with beautiful smiles. We were able to give everyone medications, hygiene packs and toothbrushes- thanks to many generous donations! Happy 20th birthday to team member Jasmine! Everyone is well, the food is delicious. Last night there  was a wild game of Spoons! Lots of screaming and laughing. We are growing close as a team- working and playing together. We are forming a bond that will last a lifetime. Tonight we are going to church in El Batey, the community where we served yesterday. We are looking forward to worshipping with our new Dominican friends.

First day of medical clinics- it was great! We were in El Batey, a local community filled with sweet people. The students did a great job! We worked hard and met a lot of wonderful people. The people we met today touched our hearts and made us feel welcome.