We have just taken off from Minneapolis headed back to the Dominican Republic. This is our 5th trip to the DR and our 10th trip with Mission of Hope. I’ve been struggling trying to find some inspiration for this first post for our blog. As of yesterday, I still had nothing. A team member yesterday sent a thought for the week, a quote from St Vincent de Paul – “the poor have much to teach you. You have much to learn from them.” My initial reaction was that quote could sound a bit condescending. But as I reflect on our many experiences over the years on these trips, I realize we have been blessed by the wisdom of that great saint of charity. A week ago, the daily readings included the gospel from Matthew when Christ said to his disciples “do not store up treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also your heart will be.” I recently heard about a billionaire who was playing polo with the royal family in England when he was stung by a bee and died suddenly of anaphylactic shock. I know nothing about him, but he likely had every worldly treasure and was probably envied by many. But then he had nothing. He certainly had earthly treasure, I have no idea if he had heavenly treasure. I have witnessed the joy of faith and heavenly treasure in many folks we’ve worked with who have no earthly treasure. They have shared that treasure with us through our opportunity to have a relationship with them, even a short one week relationship. Last year we spent the whole week working in a woman’s home to declutter, rebuild walls, kill a few thousand cockroaches and provide her with a new fridge. Many in her neighborhood pitched in to help in many ways. They did not have ‘earthly treasure’ to share, but shared time, friendship, smiles, hugs and joy. Our last day at her home, she shared that the night before was the first time in a long time that she had slept the night. That feels like heavenly treasure. We look forward to another mission week of heavenly treasure, in whatever form it is offered. Dave Berg