A Surprise Reunion

While on a recent trip to Santiago to meet with Elder and Sister Healey at the Santiago Institute of Religion, we accidently ran into one of our sweetest and dearest students, Hermana Nelly Luciano. About one month ago, we bid farewell to her as she entered the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Santo Domingo for her mission to Lima, Peru.  Nelly attended our Institute classes, she taught us Spanish, and we worked closely with her on the Institute Student Council.

Nelly Luciano Santo Domingo Temple Endowment

We knew we would see her again briefly during her three-week stay at the MTC before she left on her mission.  While awaiting her visa to Peru, her ultimate mission. she was temporarily assigned to serve in the Santiago, Dominican Republic Mission.  We had just parked at the Institute and were getting out of the car when we noticed Nelly and her companion walking through the parking lot. She had visited the Santiago Mission Office, which is on the third floor of the Institute building, when we noticed her and called her name.  Recognizing us, she screamed "Elder and Sister Park!" and came running across the parking lot to greet us.  We hugged! and shared about 20 minutes of catch-up news explaining that she was on her way to the Santiago airport to fly to Lima having received her visa.

Hermana Nelly Luciano Santiago Mission Office

Expecting to spend a months or more, she only spent about two days in Santiago.  What made this unsuspectful meeting so eventful was that when we said "goodbye" in Santo Domingo a week earlier, we thought this would be the last time we would see each other in this life.  She told us that her father and mother and her younger sister Anabel, who we know and adore also, were meeting her at the airport in about an hour for her send off.  She was so excited.  She explained that her father (non-member) and mother (less active), who orignially were not pleased with her decision to serve a mission, were now supportive and were planning to give her money and a positive send off.  This was a major answer to both hers, ours, and many prayers.  We had an amazing and tender moment with our young friend.  We wish her much success.  She will be a great missionary!  When you are around Nelly you cannot help but feel her love for the Lord and the restored gospel, and her family and friends!  She is amazing!

Nelly, Peggy and Anabel 

A Day in Paradise

We spent a most fabulous night and day in an enchanting spot on the island, called Punta Rucia. Randy has been planning for us to go on a snorkeling trip with Elder and Sister Healey from Santiago since Thanksgiving. We met them in Santiago at 11:00 am on Tuesday morning Jan 3 and drove to the northwest corner of the Dominican Republic.

Elder Gordan and Sister Rinda Healey

As we got near the town of Punta Rucia the roads went from paved to dirt to deep mud.  So deep in places we thought we might lose the Civic.

Entering Punta Rucia, D.R.

The scenery was absolutely gorgeous though, with lush jungle forests. Of course, when you get outside of the large cities here, the people are very poor and the homes are very humble. This little village was just that, but there was no trash and the little wood houses sat right on the road. Some had thatched roofs, but many were tin-- rusted tin, with holes. The little children were happy and many of them waved as we passed.

We arrived at our hotel, Paraiso Ecolodge. about 2:00 pm. The hotel was a three-story concrete building with six rooms on one side of the little dirt road and the restaurant and beach were on the other.

Paraiso Ecolodge, Punta Rucia, D.R.

There was a cactus garden and the walkways were very pretty rose-colored concrete with large leaf fossil designs pressed into them. It looked like we could have been in Mexico. Each room had a balcony and they were very modern and clean inside.

Across the road, everything was outdoors, but had covered dining areas, a bar and very clean and modern dressing rooms and restrooms. The open-aired lobby and restaurant sat on the beach and was breathtaking.

Outdoor Restaurant and Hotel Lobby 

We hurried to our rooms, changed our clothes and went straight to the beach, where we walked swam and visited. That evening we ate on the top floor of the restaurant. It was pretty quaint, but it was nice to visit and hear the ocean breaking on the beach below us.

View from Hotel Lobby

A Friend in the Hotel Lobby

It was the next morning that my expectations were so far surpassed of anything I could have imagined. We had a yummy breakfast, then climbed into a small outboard motored boat. put on our life jackets and took off for "Paradise Island." On the way, our guide, Pavo, stopped several times to let us look into the ocean, that was shallow enough in places to see the coral below and fish in the crystal clear water.

As we approached the "island" which is really a sand bar, he stopped again to let us snap a picture. I laughed at the size of the island. It was not fifty yards long and 20 wide.  It had huts of palms where the resort staff handed out snorkeling gear and served water and soda from coolers. We disembarked and left our flip flops and towels on our boat. We were fitted with snorkeling gear and I told Pavo I wasn't very confident in the deep water.

Paradise Island, Punta Rucia, D.R.

After he helped me get my fins on, he took my hand, as Randy followed us and off we swam into the deep water. It was the most amazing snorkeling experience I've ever encountered.  Now grant it, I've never been in the deeper waters, so my snorkeling experiences are limited. But Randy has and he agreed, this place was awesome! Pavo never let go of my hand and I learned without fear to clear my tube and keep swimming, which I hadn't done in the past. I usually stand up and clear it out or if I'm deeper than I can stand up, I panic and start heading for shallower water. He took us over the top of the reef and we were hovering inside. He stopped and let go of me with Randy close by and dove to the bottom and pulled up a sea urchin. He had me feel it and then he put it into my hand. As he pulled it off of my hand, it sucked and tugged a little. It was so cool. We saw the most beautifully colored fish! Bright yellow trumpet fish to bright turquoise fish with hot pink and yellow stripes. I am so glad I "swallowed" (literally) my fears and went on this amazing journey. I've never been able to imagine when people tell me about snorkeling. Wow! is all I can say about it.
I have learned in life that when you push yourself outside of your comfort zone, you are always rewarded. You grow a little bit each time. If you give into your fears, as I have also experienced, you miss out on that growth. You also miss out on some really amazing experiences.
It has been like that with this mission. Yes, I was pretty nervous about leaving my country and coming to a non-English speaking country and spending 18 months trying to teach and communicate with no Spanish at all. I had to take a leap of faith and humble myself and allow the spirit to guide me. I'm so very grateful that I am here and that I've been able to meet so many wonderful friends, teach the gospel, and experience this beautiful culture of the Dominican Republic. I'm grateful to my Heavenly Father for the gift of the  Holy Ghost, who teaches me, guides me and comforts me when I need a hand to hold on to. I'm grateful for Randy, whom I know the Lord sent to me to help me through this journey of life. He gives me a little push when I have doubts. I pray that if anyone of my family and friends wonders if they can serve a mission, that they will take the leap of faith and go forward, not knowing before hand the things that they should do and trust in the Lord. (1 Nephi 4:6) You never regret when you trust in the Lord, but you may regret if you don't.

fNow, back to my naritive. We floated smoothly through the calm waters inside the park. The river seemed to wind and twist in so many directions, I thought we'd be lost, but no fear! There it was! It suddenly opened up into the massive blue ocean once again.What a treat! Pavo Pointed out large pelicans nesting in the trees. We watched as one launched from the water and flew effortlessly to a branch high above.

The Return Trip through Mangrove Trees

After arriving back at our hotel, we had a lovely lunch on the seashore before heading for home. As we reflected about our experience, all agreed that the name, Paradise Island is the perfect name for the small sand bar in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.

It really was the highlight of our outings from our concrete city here in Santo Domingo. (Don't get me wrong. I love it here, but it is like any large city in many ways and nice to get away from once in a while)

We love our mission but we love to go on an outing occasionally, when we have down-time. We have enjoyed every minute of our lives here in the Dominican Republic. Peggy

Breakfast Service Project at the MTC

We and six senior missionary couples made breakfast  for 28 missionaries on Christmas morning. The regular MTC kitchen staff received time off to celebrate Christmas, so the senior missionaries stepped in to cover.   For the second year, serving these young missionaries is a unique and memorable experience for us getting up at 5:00 am. to prepare so the young missionaries can stay on their 7:00am breakfast schedule.   We love it.  

Los Elderes - Josh Richards front right

The senior missionaries: Colin DeWitt, Jim and Christy Benedict, Jon and Paula Fuller, John and Florencia Olsen, Delores and Carlos Martinez, Gary and Michelle Aitken and us prepared breakfast burritos, cut up fruit, cinnemon rolls, mexican rice, refried beans, and juice.  It is a work of joy!  

Jim Benedict, Colin DeWitt, Peggy, Paula and Jon Fuller, Christy Benedict, Ella Romney

Our South Jordan neighbors and good friends, Gary and Connie Mayer's grandson, Josh Richards, is here at the MTC preparing to serve in the Santo Domingo West Misision.  For the second time in about three weeks, we got a chance to see Josh, talk with him,and take a few pictures to send to the Mayer's.  It is a fun moment.  

L-R Gary Aiken, Paula Fuller, Colin DeWitt, Jim Benedict, John Olsen

Also, one of our local students from the Institute, Nelly Luciano, was also here at the MTC,  She is waiting for her visa to go to Lima, Peru.  We hugged, laughed and shared a fun reunion with her.  She is one of those special friends we have come to love dearly.  Our time on Christmas morning at the MTC is a good time to serve and be with our missionariy friends that we have come to love.  

L-R Sister Nelly Luciano and Sister Luchin

President Romney, the MTC president, gave a nice short Christmas address to Elders and Sisters while eating. He is so enthusiastic as he reminded us all about whose work we were about and it was an extra-special day to be celebrating His birth.

Presiddnt Romney Delivering a Christmas Message

  
After breakfast, we attended Sacrament Meeting at 9:00am, with all the Elders and Sisters.  Three sisters and three Elders gave short Christmas talks.  Pres. Romney said that all the missionaries get a chance to speak to each other during their MTC stay.  Some spoke in Spanish and others in English, 

Las Hermanas

Lots of fruit and a big burrito

Later that day, Peggy and I opened presents from our kids and the grand kids. sang Happy Birthday to Peggy for her birthday, took a senior citizen nap, had a late afternoon dinner with other senior missionaries and Skyped our children.  A great Christmas day.

Equipment Service Project

Elder Jim and Sister Christy Benedict invited us to assist them with a special humanitarian project-- delivering a gurney to a small public hospital in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.  The Church provides the funding to purchase needed equipment for worthwhile humanitarian projects around the world.

Jim Benedict, Peggy, Christy Benedict Delivering the Gurney

Elder and Sister Benedict have been very assertive in searching out and finding organizations that can use assistance throughout the D.R. They provide the leadership and other senior missionaries assist in providing labor and other help with delivering and installing equipment etc.

Mobile Examination Gurney

Typical Examination Room

We were humbled by the simple, austere facility, minimum equipment, and what appeared to be many patients waiting for services.  Elder Benedict, a retired obstetrician/gynecologist, from Logan, Utah, explained to us how the examination tables the Church provides, will assist the doctors and nurses who have to exam the many patients and move the patients to the various rooms around the hospital.

Touring the Hospital with Doctor Mary

Currently, patients sit in chairs rather than being able to lie down when the doctor tries to see what is wrong with them.  Dr. Mary, hopsital administrator at this small public hosptial, was so appreciative of the two exam tables and other equipment that had been  delivered   It feels good to help people in need.  We have been with the Benedict's on other humanitarian projects and enjoy sharing in their missionary assignment.

Public Hospital San Cristobol

English Class

December 2016 brought us the the end of another semester.  We finished teaching our basic and intermediate English class at the Institute of Religion.  This semester's classes were our best.   Every Tuesday afternoon from 5:00-6:30 pm, Peggy and I taught about 15-20 young adults English.  Peggy taught the beginning English speakers who can't speak any English at all and I taught the intermediate class.

Randy's class- L-R.  Juan Luis, Ney, Candy, Wilfredo, Sonia,
Mariano, Roberty, Pantaleon , Bladimir

Randy's students can carry on a basic conversation but struggle with pronunciation of certain words and need to expand their vocabulary.  To get them to talk in English the students come to the front of the class and answer the question,  "Tell us what you did this last weekend." We also read stories for comphrehnsion and write vocabulary words and phrases.

A highlight from our class was the baptism of Wilfred Valdez.  What an amazing young man!  "Elder and Sister Park, I have a surprise for you.  Will you come to my baptism?" he asked.  "Absolutely!" we responded. He was baptised about a month ago.  An amazing young man with a strong testimony. We have really grown to love Wilfredo.

Another one of our students, Mariano, gives us both a piece of Mango candy each week.  Mariano is just a very happy guy all the time and you love to be around him.  He says, "Teacher, this (candy) is for you!"  He is thrilled to give us his little treat every week without fail and we are so excited to receive it.  It is really good candy!  After you melt the outer candy shell there is bubblegum on the inside.

Mariano's Mango Candy 

Peggy's class changes a lot because new students enter all the time with little or no English skill whatsoever. The students who have been coming for awhile are starting to be able to communicate a little. There are several students that are not members of the church and that is exciting to see the others reach out to them. A couple of weeks ago one of Peggy's students, Wanlly, who is not a member, told Peggy that if she ever quits coming, it's because she has found a job. She has been looking for a job for quite some time. When one of Peggy's other students Candy heard this, she took Wanlly's resume to give it to her company's personnel office to see if they could give Wanlly an interview. It's people like Candy, who reach out to the Wanlly that give the Church it's good reputation here.
Our institute is the only place around where students can get some English training that doesn't cost them. We are certainly not professionals, but we really care about the people of the Dominican Republic. We hope we are being of some small service. They are an amazing people with incredible faith.

The Spirit of Christmas on the Temple Grounds

On Christmas Eve, with our scriptures in hand, we walked a few blocks from our apartment to the Santo Domingo Temple.  We decided to enjoy the quiet morning and reflect upon the life of our Savior, His birth and this special holiday season.

The Temple was closed for the holiday so we leisurely stolled along the sidewalks that circumnavigates the temple grounds enjoying the beauty of the well manicured lawns, beautiful flowers, the towering palm trees, and the peaceful spirit that exists in this holy place.

We paused and sat on one of the outside benches, reflected on our experience here  in the Dominican Republic, read the Christmas story from Luke 2 in the New Testament and the prophecies of the birth of Christ from the Book of Mormon.  

It was just nice to sit and enjoy the peacefulness of the morning in an amazing place.  We counted our blessings and the Spirit confirmed that we were involved in the work of the Lord.  This was a simple experience, but yet one that we will always remember.

Pathway Graduation Dec 2016

Our Pathway class graduated Thursday Dec 22, 2016.  We were called by our Area Severty, Elder Julio Acosta, to teach the third semester Pathway class in September 2016.  We have grown to love these young adults who have decided to improve their academic skills in preparation to go on to BYU Idaho for a university degree.  The graduated students are Angel Mejia, Arianna Santos, Franklin Evangelista, Frederick Perez, Garrison Lebron, Jenny Merejo, Mariely Gomera, Rocio Canar, Sonny Diaz, Jose Ortiz and Simon Cararona.  This was our second graduating class since we have been in the Dominican Republic.

Randy, Peggy, Jose, Garrison, Simon, Frederick, Franklin, Angel, Arianna, Sonny, Mariely, Jenny, Elder Acosta

Randy conducted the graduation program and sang "Hazme andar en la luz" or "Teach me to walk in the light" in Spanish with his loaned guitar from his friend Jose Luis Diaz.  Thirty-five people attended at the Santo Domingo Institute of Religion building.

Three of our students Mariely, Jose, and Franklin spoke and then Peggy offered a few words of encouragement and even spoke a few words in Espanol.

 Elder Acosta, provided the key note address, He is a very inspiring motivational speaker with an emence love for the Gospel and the Pathway program. At the end, we presented our students their well deserved certificates of completion.

They were so happy especially knowing that they would not have to attend another Thursday Gathering class!  We enjoyed so much watching them come forward one by one to receive their certificate with their family members smiling with pride.  There were even a few tears of joy!  We enjoyed a banana, oreo-cookie, vanilla pudding parfait refreshment after we posed for many pictures.

We will miss this fun group.  It always amazes us how close you can become to a group of people.  In a short time they have become our special, eternal friends.  They have truly enriched our lives.  We love the Pathway program.  Peggy and Randy