On a cold, very dark Saturday morning, our intrepid team met for our trip to Newark Airport to fly to Santa Domingo. Led by Al Sagosz, our team of Susan Miller, Sam Chevalier, Melissa Widdis, and Sheryl and Jim Powers made it safely to the bustling city of Monte Plata in the Dominican Republic. We were made to feel very welcome by Ramon, his wife Juana, and the staff of the Eva Russell School. Saturday was spent settling in and discussing our "to-do" list.

Sunday morning we walked to church for a moving service. Al was introduced to the congregation and through an interpreter, introduced the rest of the team. Again we were made to feel very welcome. The rest of Sunday was given over to planning our activities.

The week passed quickly. Sue, Sheryl, and Melissa hosted a workshop for the teachers. Al, Sam, and Jim worked on tables and benches for the new orphan home, and the women worked with the students. We also visited the two existing homes and the summer camp that is under construction, and went into Santo Domingo to buy supplies and books for the school.

One of the jobs needed was the painting of the exterior of the school and dormitory building. We were able to get that settled on Monday, and painting was well underway by Friday.

The kitchen staff fed us very well. We gained a new appreciation for rice and beans and the use of limes in cooking. The Dominican coffee was outstanding.

We did have a few mishaps -- on two occasions we had no water for a few hours. The cold showers were invigorating and amazingly brief. Every morning we awakened to the sounds of motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, and crowing roosters.

The best part of the trip was meeting the children. They are full of life and have big dreams. The students at the Eva Russell School are rejected from the public school system because they can't afford books or uniforms. Additionally, each child has lost at least one parent; some have lost both. The school provides them with a loving, Christian environment. They also get breakfast and a hot lunch. The teachers and staff are very dedicated.

The team thanks you for your whole-hearted and generous support. Together, we can make some of the children's dreams come true.

Jim Powers, 2007 DR Mission Team