Dominican Republic, June 12. 2012 (Tuesday)

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My! That’s what the team thought they were in for all week after day one. However, this was definitely not the case. Day two could almost be described as calm. That is if you would describe calm as swarms of children running for hugs and “caballo” rides and a nice lunch brea! . Using a new team strategy of having three translators and using floating team members, the chaos of day one was averted. Once VBS was actually underway, the kids had a little surprise for the team. They had prepared three biblical based dramas that they were hoping would teach a lesson, much like the team has been teaching them all week. Afterwards they proceeded into groups of crafts, recreation, and Bible study. In art, Allison led the kids in the making of bible bookmarks. The kids were allowed to decorate them with crayons. With each kid receiving only two crayons the room was bound for utter confusion. However, the new team strategy prevailed and the kids were starting to share willingly with each other. Bible study was more of the same. The kids learned about Joshua and Jericho and were even able to act out making the walls of Jericho collapsing at the Israelites screams. Recreation on the other hand is always quite chaotic, mainly because pandemonium is encouraged; but under the leadership of Caleb, Ashleigh, and Sabrina the day was saved. They taught the children how to play Ultimate Frisbee and the kids took to it like mosquitoes to Ashleigh’s legs. Afterwards, all the kids headed to the lunch line for a carbohydrate loaded plate of chicken, rice, and pasta. After leaving Cienfuegos Children center, the gang headed to downtown Santiago to shop at the local market. They were quickly bombarded with people trying to wheel and deal every knick-knack and clothing item ever made. The adrenaline rush from bargaining was an experience that will never be forgotten. Some of them took to it naturally; negotiating for the best price, and others--not so much; but everyone was still satisfied with their purchases. If one word could describe the difference from day one to day two it would be miraculous; something only Jesus saw coming. The day wasn’t in the hands of the team at all, it was truly being blessed by God.