Wednesday, February 25th, 2015

This morning, most of the men went to Ascension village to work with Bill And Donna in their feeding program. The river crossing just before entering the village tested the driving skills of Chico (brother of Manuel our driver from many, past trips), as the water was high recent rains in the surrounding hills. Seven of our men assisted several young people distribute of soup and juice to 150 kids. I was told that our youngest man, Jordan, got right into the swing of things, perhaps not wishing to leave the impression than Canadian young men were afraid of work. Jordan has spent years working in lumber mills so he knows about hard work.

(Pictures coming later)

Most of the ladies spent the morning delivered, sorting and shelving supplies at the Pregnancy  Resource Centre. Some of the supplies will have to wait until new shelves being made by the guys are installed and painted.  In the afternoon, the men got busy cutting boards and screwing them together with measurements which were obtained by a couple of the guys in the morning.

Cathy with the Hockey Bags of Supplies

The Ladies Team Unpack, Sort and Stock Shelves

The Medical Team Sorting Drugs

Jim and Evan Assemble a Walker

Nana Bea Gives the Walker a Test Walk

The ladies spent part of the afternoon at an orphanage, which turned out to actually be more of a foster home.  It turned out not to be what was expected.  It was founded and funded by a humanitarian group from Europe (don't have any more details just now). Some of the approximately 25 children are indeed orphans, but many have been removed from homes by Dominican Authorities for various reasons.  The children ranging in age from 4 to 12, mainly girls, are cared for by a staff of 8 or 9 people.  Parents of the foster kids can visit and have a place to stay overnight. The kids attend school in the mornings and appear to be healthy and happy.  They enjoyed some crafting with the visitors.

The 'Orphanage' (Casa Ninos Felices)

Some of the Happy Children

Helen Uses Her Years of Primary Teaching

I should mention that our medical people on the trip have spent a couple of half days at the Pregnancy Resource Centre to assessments and teaching.  They have also been kept busy tending to sick members of our team, for which we are truly grateful.

The Outside Crew



The Inside Crew