On our second day, it was back to making the earth move, one shovelful at a time! However, we had an extra project tacked onto the job . . . mixing and pouring concrete to shore up a retaining wall. Our manly men handled this task expertly, although with some aches and pains left over from the day before. Most of us aren’t used to heavy duty manual labor, so we were bound to be a little sore and tired the following day.

Some tough chicas!

Todd, master mixologist

People & concrete . . . both need lots of agua!

Time to pour!

Double-checking the job

As we worked, we listened to music on portable speakers, which gave our mood a boost. In fact, our teens dug deep and even found some energy to do a little spontaneous dancing. The adults . . . not so much! We were content to rest in the shade and watch from the sidelines. J

Busting a move

Getting down

A break in the shade

Brooke, dirt diva!

Michigan made an appearance today

Next, we headed back to El Tablon for another afternoon of prayer walking with local church members. As part of visiting homes, we prepared gift bags for the residents. The contents included a large bag of rice and a variety of hygiene items such as shampoo, bars of soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. A big shout-out and thank-you to those back home who donated these items. We couldn’t have blessed them this way without your help and generosity!

Our chariot's interior

Fruit from a pick-up truck

Fruit directly from a tree

Ready for action

Inside the church in El Tablon

Divvying up the gift bags

Ready to serve

A typical home in the DR

After we returned to the church, we were treated to an impromptu concert by some of the musicians from the congregation. It’s impossible to really describe how amazing it sounded, but a few words that come to mind are . . . high energy, up tempo, infectious, fast paced, and uplifting. The style of the music was similar to Creole with a dash of merengue thrown in. There was absolutely no way you could sit still while they played. You had to get up, clap your hands, and participate along with them. If anybody on the planet knows the joy of the Lord, they do!

Jam session

Can't get enough of this sky . . . muy bonita!