As we get up for our 5th day, I can’t help but wonder if we will ever finish a project. A project so simple at home, but so difficult here in the DR. Our group is always eager to work hard and accomplish as much as possible in the little time we have with the family we are helping. I think each year we overwhelm the interns at MOH. Mission work always involves hiccups, as we left the home base this morning, our bus got a flat tire. Of course, no jack, no wrenches, it’s always a make due with what you have kind of situation.
Yesterday the roof was completed, and the walls repaired. Today we were supposed to put the family’s belongings back in their house. However, when we arrived everything was already back. Ugh, another change in our plans.
During the installation of the new roof, what little ceiling they had was ruined. We decide they should have a new ceiling. The interns shake their heads at us and ask how? Getting materials here is hard and we need power tools. We speak with the pastor, and he loves the idea. Dave heads to the hardware store for the 4th day in a row. Tim and the pastor go along. The ladies start looking around and realize they put the mattresses back in the house that should have been thrown away. We decide they need new mattresses, but where do we get mattresses in the DR? Women don’t give up, we have credit cards, a bus and a plan. We actually found a mattress store and got exactly what we need. We were so excited you would have thought we won the lottery. Patricia even tried it out to make sure it was comfy. New wrinkle, how do we get 3 mattresses back to the house? They won’t fit in the bus. The bus driver does some amazing talking and gets them to agree to deliver the mattresses before 2pm today when we must leave.
The last two mission trips the kids seem to be obsessed with our sunglasses. So, this year we brought some sunglasses to give the kids. They were so excited to get the sunglasses. They even posed for a wonderful and funny picture.
We went back to the house and our guys had the entire ceiling done. They worked hard and were exhausted. It was almost time for us to leave, but no mattresses. We said we couldn’t leave until they were delivered. Who would have thought we could be so stubborn about mattresses? Just as we are losing hope, the truck arrives, and we begin to hoot and holler. The driver is honking and waving at us. The family is very happy, we take pictures with the whole crew, the family and the pastor.
This was by far the best day of the trip for me. I reflected on the simple things I take for granted in my life, like buying a mattress or having a roof and ceiling over my head. I had such a feeling of joy and purpose just buying a mattress.
As we planned for this years trip, many things were happening in our personal lives. I was beginning to think God wasn’t on our side about going. Everyone kept saying God doesn’t give you more than you can handle. I thought they were wrong, and my faith was being tested. Because of today I now know God isn’t testing us, he’s pushing us to find the best version of ourselves through helping others and our faith in him.
Stephanie Reis
