Beautiful Beaches :)

Hey Everyone! It has been a while since we last wrote, but it has been so busy :)  Tuesday brought lots of rain before Chantal (the tropical storm). Despite that, lots of people drove (or swam :) to Bible study.  It was a great time, and everyone enjoys the fellowship and Biblical discussions that occur. On Wednesday, Chantal made an appearance and caused a lake to reform in front of the apartment building.  Because of all of the rain, we didn't go anywhere, but Bill still went out and gathered everyone for praise team practice that night.  Because of the rain, the car is still wet and smells a little funny, but it was nice that everyone could still come. :) The practice was beautiful and I love to listen to everyone praise God and sing their hearts out to Him, despite of the storm and no electricity.  I even had the opportunity to play my flute with the band while we practiced a piece for Sunday. :)  Thursday was mostly the same because the rain canceled the medical outreach Bethany and I were going to go to with Elizabeth.  That night, Bill took us to the English Church East Bible study where there were 24 people in attendance! Because of how new the church and Bible study are, this number is amazing and God has really grown the East church fast! 
The next day, Bill, Peg, Bethany and I drove to Boca Chica to pick up Mr. Bowdino from a hotel there and take him out to lunch.  He was here with the Brookside men's mission trip that worked with Miguel and Kristen Shaul in San Juan.  While picking up Mr. Bowdino, we talked to Miguel and Aaron for a little bit and they got the chance to meet Bill and Peg. Miguel and Peg had met before, but Miguel and Bill had never connected.  It is such a small world :) After a beautiful lunch on the beach with Joseph and Wendy, Bill and Peg's friends in Guayacane, we took Mr. Bowdino back to the hotel.  His team is flying home today and I pray for their safe travels. 
Today, we had the opportunity to go back to Boca Chica and help with the children's ministry there.  The children were so excited to see us again and we were very happy that Elizabeth gave us the chance to come back.  I love being there and singing silly songs with the kids and teaching them Bible stories.  When Bethany and I did the hokie pokie, they thought it was so funny :)  They are very smart and caught on  fast to the song, silly actions and all.  After the lesson and the songs, the children went outside and played a game similar to kick ball.  One of the little boys tried to get me to climb the tree in the school yard, but didn't understand why I was not going to be able to just scramble up the tree like he did :)  Going to Boca Chica is a great time just playing the with kids and loving them.  I can't wait to go back next Saturday :)
As we start the last two weeks of our trip, Bethany and I are so excited about all that God has done and is doing in the Dominican Republic.  Please pray for the church here as they are starting to look for a new place to meet and for the people in the church who shine Jesus' love so brightly to those around them. 
Thanks!
Emily