Dominican Republic July 26 - Day 3

Faded, torn edges, little voices calling out, “tres, dos, verde, UNO!". Next to them is another group of girls playing cards, just as tattered, just as loved. These cards along with this center for women and girls offer a fun, safe respite where they can learn about God, crafts and community. For the leaders, the morning has started long before the girls arrive. There’s cleaning and preparation for the day’s activities. We took a walk around the neighborhood, visiting the families of the girls that attend the center. We’re greeted with warm smiles! Around the houses are the girls’ creations proudly adorning their homes. It takes four of us WVC ladies to play with the girls, conduct the Bible studies and engage them in conversation. They’re a lively bunch, eagerly sharing their knowledge of God and the message of salvation.

The morning is done as the girls leave the center to go back to their homes and we take a break, have lunch and maybe a small much needed siesta. A hot cup of Dominican coffee with nutmeg helps us usher the second part of the day. Some days it is teenage girls and today, Tuesday, it is connecting with women. There’s socialization, sharing our stories, Bible study and crafts. Two things are impressed on me; the free hugs, the warm smiles, and open hearts. The second is how hard the site leaders work every day of the week, year round, year after year. The stable presence of this ministry in the neighborhood is remarkable. My prayer is that the seeds planted in these Giles will grow and help them come back to Christ, no matter what life brings their way.

- Ketty K