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

Christmas Play in the Park

On Sunday evening, December 11, 2016, Peggy and I attended the musical production of "En Espera del Mesias" (In Hope of the Messiah) at the amphi-theater in the middle of the park near our apartment.  Attending with us were several other senior missionary couples:  Aitkens and Rasbands.  Although we couldn't understand much of the Spanish spoken and sung, we were impressed and pleasantly surprised by the quality and professionalism of the production.

We thoroughly enjoyed this play. The stage set was simple in portraying the typical side street of Bethlehem.  The script, taken from the scripture, was doctrinally based and also creative.  The lighting and music and the professional actors/singers were very talented and exceptionally good.  We walked away very spiritually fed and giving thanks that we attended.  It was a beautiful performance.

Angels and  the Creation of the World

The story began with the angel Gabriel and a dozen angelic dancers circling the stage, holding a variety of globes representing many planets and the creation of the world.

Gabriel and Mary

Then, next came the Old Testament prophecy of the Messiah from Moses and on through the entire New Testament nativity story.   The angel Gabriel the only real stretch doctrinally with his large wings. was very entertaining with His powerful and stunning tenor voice and striking blue and white costume,

The Narrator, a beautiful lady dressed in long, flowing white dress with a glittering star on a wire extending from her shoulders to above her head, represented the New Star in the heavens.

Mary Telling Joseph That She is With Child 

Mary and Joseph, the high soprano and tenor, provided the highlight of the show, with their tender performances of the nativity scene.  A few brief light-hearted comedic moments were given by the eclectic group of shepherds as they made their way through the audience to the holy city to see the Christ child.   Live lambs and goats brought realism.

The three wise men--large and husky--delivered powerful performances during their individual solos and as a trio with their strong operetic bass and baritone voices.  The finale scene--the tribute to the Christ-child and his birth--brought the perfect cresendo to a well-produced, beautifully delivered Christmas story.

The Three Wise Men

At this Christmas season, we found ourselves in a different place trying to feel the Spirit of Christmas here in the warm Caribbean.  For us, we found a moment of the Spirit tonight.  We are thankful to these talented and beutiful Dominican people for what have done to celebrate the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Our hearts are full of love and gratitute for His birth, life, example, atoning sacrifice and His resurrection for each of us.  We know He is the Son of God and Savior of the World! Randy

Randy and Peggy with Gary and Michelle Aitken 

San Jaun Self Reliance Graduation

It feels good to do good things.  One of those was to attend and assist with the Self Reliance Teacher graduation program in  San Juan Mesopotamia Branch.  Our friends from Parawon, Utah--Elder Kent and Sister Kay Wilson--invited us to spend Saturday evening and Sunday Nov 19-20, 2017 with them, helping them with one of their missionary projects.  Teaching the Dominican members to be self reliant is one of the major goals of the Caribbean Area Presidency.

Kent and Kay Wilson and San Juan Self Reliance Class

The Wilson's train stake employment specialists, and district and branch leaders the skills necessary to help their members create and improve their own business, obtain greater education, the Perpetual Education Fund, save money, budget, etc.  Promoting sel reliance is a worthwhile and inspired program!

District Pres.

The District President talked and we could feel his spirit as he congratulated the participants  and encouraged them.  We travelled three hours one way west from Santo Domingo to San Juan, DR to help with the graduation program.

Randy provided some well received music, Hazme andar en la luz' or Teach me to walk in the light.  The people were so excited to complete their two-month long, once-a-week training.

The Wilson's have done great work!  It was touching to watch these humble saints as they work toward greater success in life.  After sharing muffins and orange juice refreshments, we enjoyed a late night Dominican chimi (hamburger) and chinola at a Doris' corner cafe--Barra Surena.

Kay and Peggy at the Barra Surena Corner Cafe

She and her employees were so fun letting us go in the back and watch how she makes chinola.

The friendly cook

Doris making Chinola Juice

We spent the night at the El Lebano Hotel, a clean, no frills hotel in the middle of the city as the drive back to Santo Domingo would have been long and dark.  Leaving the hotel, three young men had washed our car and came up to the car as we were approaching and started to shine and buff the exterior.  They wanted a " propina" or tip for their service which we gladly accomodated their wish.

"Is it ok if I have a tip too?"

Another little boy, standing close by, who wasn't part of the group, didn't get a tip and had the sadest look on his face.  We think he was a good actor and we smiled at his Oscar-winning performance as we made sure he was taken care of too.

San Juan Countryside Farming

After sacrament meeting and saying goodbye to these beautiful, congenial saints, we enjoyed a nice leisurely drive through the country back to Santo Domingo.  It was a good weekend.

Sister Castillo, Kay and Kent Wilson, San Juan, D.R. 

As we reflected, we love the Wilson's and felt honored to be asked to join them in this special and memorable experience.  Their time to return to the U.S. is near and we will miss them.  

Angela, Maddie and Nicholas Visit

Our daughter Angela and two of our grandchildren, Maddie and Nicholas, came to the Dominican Republic for a five day visit from November 10-15, 2017.

Pathway Class

It was so good to see them.  In a short five-day period, we packed in a whirlwind adventure of the island and all the things we do on our mission.  It started with a late arrival and pick up from the Las Americas International airport.  Randy was getting nervous that maybe they had gotten lost.  Almost 45 minutes after their expected entrance at the arriving passenger corridor, they appeared.  Yes, they made it! We greeted, hugged and said "Bievenidos a la Republica Dominicana."

It was Thursday so their first activity was joining us for our Pathway class at the Institute building and meeting our fun students.  Nicholas immediately made a new friend--a very congenial and absolutely fun guy--Jose Ortiz.

Jose Ortiz and Jenny Merejo

After a good night sleep, we were all ready for the full Dominican experience.  We were so excited!

The next day and a half was spent checking out some historical sites and hanging out at a gorgeous condo and beach in Juan Dolio, DR.

Prior to leaving to see "our friend Juan," we stopped off at the old Colonial Zone to get a flavor of Chrisopher Columbus, the explorer and discoverer of the Dominican Republic and the Americas in 1492.  As you enter the old city, there is a charm and feeling of stepping back in time to Spain and Spanish America.  The extremely narrow streets and Spanish-type architecture make this experience fun and unique.

Colonial City

The Colonial Zone has the oldest Catholic cathedral in the Western Hemisphere "on the plaza." First though, it was spending money at Fredy's at the "yellow stairs."  Lots of souvenirs!  We love Fredy. It was good to see him again.  He loves our money!  Next, it was walking the plaza, the Christopher Columbus monument, hundreds of pigeons cleaning up the visitors food offerings and taking a leisurely stroll along the pedestrian shopping street, Calle Condie.

Nicholas Calle Condie

We finished the Colonial Zone with a welcomed slice-of-pizza lunch at the Pizzarelli Pizza on the corner of the plaza.  Tasted so good.  As we leisurely strolled Calle Condie we commented, "Wow, it is comfortably warm!  It's the caribbean and someone has to serve here, right?  The kids loved the warm weather.

Window Shopping Calle Condie - Colonial City

We concluded our time in the old city.  Juan Dolio beach, our next stop, is so relaxing and amazingly beautiful.  We couldn't wait! From the city, we drove 45 minutes east to this quaint, small Dominican town.  We couldn't believe it--there were only two other couples near the pool and the entire massive resort complex besides us and no  one on the beach.  Wow! "we owned the place."   Angela, Maddie and Nicholas had so much fun swimming in the gigantic pool just outside our condo door, snorkeling and swimming in the warm Caribbean ocean, building a sand castle, and collecting a huge assortment of sea shells.

Our beach-all by ourselves.  

A moment of surprise happened when one of the sea shells began to move.  The little crab, still living in the shell, decided to quit playing dead and make his get-a-way to safety.  We were all mesmerized watching this one inch shell slowly move along the sand leaving his exit trail.  Fascinating!

After a very fun afternoon on the beach, we drove into downtown Juan Dolio to see the night life, hang out on the street with the locals--introducing Angela, Maddie and  Nicko to Dominican night life--and go to our favorite Juan Dolio pasta restaurant.  The Pizza/Pasta Restaurant had closed early so we found an alternative Italian restaurant close by.  We enjoyed a delicious fettuccine and shrimp dinner sitting outside on the patio.  You can't come to the DR without experiencing the joy of a tall glass of Randy's favorite Dominican drink--Chinola (passion fruit).  Sooo good!  Maddie and Nicko loved it, especially after Randy bought a bag of Chinola in the store and showed them how to make the drink at home.  Dinner was another cultural experience.

Let's see...Juan Dolio or...?

We got up early on Sunday morning, checked out of the condo and drove back into Santo Domingo to attend our ward--Piantini Barrio.  We wanted the kids to meet our Sunday friends.  Next, we drove to one of our special places in the DR--Valiente Branch.  Meeting Julio Ogando, the branch president and his little flock of saints, was special for Angela, Maddie and Nicko.  Valiente was praccticing for their upcoming Primary program so it was fun to see how the church program is the same through out the world.  The three seemed to be very comfortable talking (or trying to talk) with members and missionaries in both English and a little "Spanglish."

On the return trip to the city, we stopped at our friend Ines Rosario's second floor apartment and enjoyed barbecued ribs and pasta lunch. Ines had visited the U.S. just a month earlier, stayed in our house and met Angela and her family.  It was so much fun for Angela, Maddie and Nicko to visit Ines in her home with her two children.  It was a memorable afternoon with our special Dominican amiga.

Ines Rosario and  kids

On Monday, we drove to San Cristobal to visit Mary Linaqua at her doll factory to let everyone see how the Dominican "faceless" dolls are made.  This trip was very educational!

Pick up a little fast food for dinner?

Along the way we enjoyed the sites and sounds "on the street."  Speeding motos, chaotic auto and bus traffic, street vendors selling about everything you could need in life right at your window, delivery motos carrying freshly baked bread, an eclectic assortment of fruit stands,
hanging goat carcasses for sale and plenty of people.  This is life in the Republica Dominicana  Amazing what goes on at the street level--and it doesn't cost anything for this entertainment--it's free!

Returning to the city, we stopped for lunch at a real Dominican restaurant--the Provocon.  We ordered grilled pollo, arroz con guandules, habichuelas, y chinola.  At this outdooor, neighborhood, restuarant, we got to enjoy some real Dominican food to the background noise of the street along with a couple of friendly pigeons landing near the table expecting to lap up any leftover offerings--another cultural moment.  It was fun for Maddie, who is studying Spanish, to be able to read the menu and at least think about talking a little Spanish. She is still a little shy to converse with the natives though.

Mobile produce delivery service

Fruit stand on every corner.  Very convenient.

Santo Domigo Temple

Angela wanted to have a Dominican shopping experience so we picked up a few items at the local National grocery store before attending Family Home Evening at the Missionary Training Center next to the Santo Domingo Temple.  Meet all the senior missionaries that we work with and watching Randy sing a Winter Wonderland parody to Elder and Sister McGuire who were completing their mission provided more opportunity to see what goes on with Nana and Papa's mission.

Tuesday morning, the departure date, was an extra- special moment on the trip.  We all attended the Santo Domingo Temple and Randy, Maddie and Nicolas did baptism and confirmation ordinances for Randy's grandmother's family Dora Ella Duncan.  Angela brought these family names with her from her Family History research and we were able to have this amazing temple experience as our final Dominican finale.  We took a few minutes to walk the temple grounds just enjoying the beauty--the assortment of palm trees, well manicured grounds, and the single-spire, tan and marble Santo Domingo Temple.  It felt good to be with our family.  We feel deep love and thankfulness all of our children and grand children.  We also know that because of the gospel and our Savior, our family is really what provides true happiness.

The kids finished their final packing and it was off to Las Americas International Airport to say goodbye.  After a quick lunch, we hugged, said, "te amamos" and watched them get into the security line knowing that we would again see them in about four months when we complete our mission.

Saying goodbye Las Americas International Airport

We had a special time together, one that we will always remember.  Nicholas summed up his feelings as he whispered to us in English, "Nana and Papa...

,,,Can't I stay just a little longer?"

Beautiful Sabbath Morning

      Last night Dec 2nd, we attended a baptism of one of our English students in the Independencia Ward whose name is Wilfredo Valdez. He bore his testimony afterward.

Wilfredo "Miguel" Valdez

It was one of the most powerful testimonies I have heard in a long time. He has been truly converted. He's read the Bood of Mormon and testified of it's truth . He also testified of the restoration and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. He testified of the truthfulness of the gospel today and of President Monson's divine calling. The spirit was so strong. I knew how much he wanted to be baptized because I've never seen anyone so excited for it. It was a very rewarding experience for us to witness.

     While there, another student of ours came in holding a large white envelope. Mariely Howley, a convert of one year, had received her mission call.  I'll never forget the day she and her boyfriend (a member) came into our office and he told me that she wanted to join Pathway, but wasn't a member. I told them she needed to be a member and she said she would be soon.

Mariely Howley Gomez

She joined the church shortly after that and registered for Pathway the next semester. She started to come to English class and her boyfriend, Jose Luis, came with her until he left for his mission. She is now in her third and last semester of Pathway. Last night before we left to go home, I asked her if there was somewhere that she'd like to go on her mission. She said she'd be happy with anywhere, but she would really like to go to Chili. Well, guess where she got called....Chile! The Lord blesses these faithful young people, who are strengthening the membership of the Church here.
     Today, we attended the Independencia Ward Sacrament meeting. Mariely bore a powerful testimony. She has such a strong foundation and is definitely ready to share with others. We are excited for her.
    Ian Gomez, another young woman from the Institute, who will serve a mission to Chile also, came in a couple of minutes late and sat next to me. Then, our sweet Nelly bore her testimony for her last time before she leaves on Wednesday to enter the CCM here, waiting for her visa to Lima, Peru.

Nellly Luciano 

Wilfredo offered the closing pray for the meeting. We were so surprised that the ward has grown so much since we had visited in August to invite students to attend Institute. We now have so many friends in that ward, many of whom attend Institute. What a beautiful meeting with such a wonderful spirit. People lined up on the front row of the chapel to bear beautiful testimonies. There was never a break in between testimonies, just one after another.
     After we left the Independencia Ward, we went to the LaPaz Ward, where we have a former student, Fabio, that is investigating the church attends. He had been coming into the Institute to visit us and has come to have us help him with his English. One night he came in and asked if one of us would read the Book of Mormon with him.

Anabel Luciano,, Ian Gomez and Nelly Luciano

He is such a sweet young man. We hadn't seen him in awhile, so we asked some of our students from the same class if they knew him and two of them did know him.  They told us that he comes to the activities in their ward, but hasn't been attending church. So Elder Park called the missionaries and asked about him. Elder Emery said, "We had a miracle this week.  Fabio called us and asked to meet with him and he committed to attend church this Sunday." That is why we went there. To check on him and re-establish our relationlship with him. When we talked after Gospel Essentials class, he told us that he had a job and wasn't able to come to class anymore but that he would come to the Institute after work and we could visit and read together again. He has enrolled in an English class two nights a week (this would be a 'real' English class at a University).  He is driving for the power company, but wants to learn English so he can get a better job. He hates driving in the bumper-car atmosphere here. We were excited to hear he is moving forward in his life. It makes such a difference in their lives if they are making progress in becoming self-reliant. They are happier and more likely to feel the spirit because they are happier.

Us with President Julio Ogando

We also drove out to Valiente Branch and visited President Julio Ogando, our dear friend forever. His branch is growing, with three baptisms today and three scheduled for next week.
It was a great Sabbath day! We feel so blessed to know these wonderful, faithful people.

We love you all and miss you.
Peggy

Leper Colony Painting Project Continued

On Saturday November 19, 2017 we carpooled with Elder Gary and Sister Michelle Aitken (Orem, Ut) about 45 minutes west of Santo Domingo  to Nigue, DR. to finish a major service  project--paintiing the exterior of the housing complex at the Leper Colony of Our Lady of Mercy (Leprocomio Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes).   This was a great project!  It helps a group of people with leprosy.

Several weeks ago we started the project by scraping and painting the walls a medium-dark brown. Today, we finished by adding a bright white accent trim around the top of the interior courtyard area and the major entrance ways.

We all felt great satisfaction seeing how the finished trim really made the place look complete--almost new.

The Housing Courtyard Finished

The Catholic Sisters, who manage this health humble-care facility, expressed for the overall tenets, how pleased and appreciative they were for the work.  Elder and Sister Benedict, senior missionaries, were the project leaders and did an amazing job getting the paint purchased and providing overall organization and leadership.

Michelle Aitken

The weather was a little cooler today dropping from the high 80's to the low 80's with a breeze making if quit comfortable to complete our four-hour work.  As we painted, it was fun to see most of the residents gradually come from their rooms to sit in the courtyard, say hello and watch us paint.

Residents Watching the Painting

I'm sure they don't get many visitors so to them this was exciting to see new and different faces from what they are normally used to.  It made us feel good to smile, say hello and enjoy these good people.  Peggy made friends with several of the residents.

While painting, an elderly lady, Mary, dropped out of her wheelchair to her knees and with no feet and on her knees, crawled into her room and dragged out her room fan asking Peggy to paint it.

Elder Gary Aitken

With the fan almost painted, it was back into her room this time pulling a small rusty bedside table to the court yard.  Touching sight!

Peggy Painting Mary's Table

With Mary by her side, Peggy made the table come back to life.  Mary was thrilled.  Then Peggy made another gentleman Domingo smile when she went up to him, crouched down by the side of his wheelchair and asked ?Como esta usted hoy? Como se llama?  Como has estado?  Mucho gusto." (How are you today?  What is your name?  How have you been?  Nice to meet you Domingo")

Peggy and Domingo

 Initially, he seemed a little sad and was onery.  When she left him, he was different; a little happier.  For a few minutes I could tell he enjoyed some friendly conversation and attention.

 On the way home, we all shared our experiences and tender feelings of gratitude and thanksgiving for the opportunities to help and serve.  We concluded that this was a good project.

Randy Scraping Old Paint With Harvey 

Although we share a different faith, we do share a common love of the Lord Jesus Christ that makes us brothers and sisters and children of our Heavenly Father.  A great experience that will be cherished forever!  Randy

Leper Colony at Nigue

Saturday, November 5, 2016, was the International Day of Service.  We had a very special, unique day. We joined with our missionary friends, Gary and Michelle Aitken at 7:30 am and drove about 45 minutes west of downtown Santo Domingo to Nigue, Dominican Republic to the "Leprocomio Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes (Leper colony of Our Lady of Mercy).

Scraping and Pinting Apartments

Three Catholic Sisters are in charge and provider overall management.  There are about 25 to 30 residents who live there. It's a small compound with the dormitories in a circle with a courtyard in the middle. At one end of the courtyard is a kitchen and at the opposite end  is a small infirmary.

On the outskirts there is a laundry, and a small bowery, and grotto. An asphalt driveway encircles the area, with a large garden area outside of the living area.  Most of the compound is covered with grass and plants. It's quite nice and well kept.

San Cristobal Member Providing Trimming Service

All of the housing units are concrete with two to four apartments per building. Our task was to scrape the old  paint off and repaint the outside.

Scraping Old Paint 

We also cleaned all the rain gutters out and cleared the drains. After painting, we swept all the old paint up and cleaned up the sidewalks. Many of the young men who were there from the San Cristobal Stake cleared the garden area and prepared the ground for planting.

Preparing Garden Area for Planting

Our friends, Elder and Sister Benedict, the welfare missionaries, were in charge of the project. Before we arrived, they had delivered two new washer and dryer sets and a large commercial stove. They had previously only had one washer. LDS Charities donated the appliances.  Carlos Zometo representing the Asociacion Dominicana de Rehabilitacion (ADR) and the Club Rotario, a Dominican donated a dozen wheelchairs and "Charities Anywhere,," volunteers from Utah and Washington, put them together and fitted them to the patients who needed them.

Donated Wheechairs 

It was really touching to watch as they placed the patients into their wheelchairs. Some of the bed-ridden patients will now be able to be mobile because of these chairs.

The Benedicts arranged for Charities Anywhere to bring medical supplies to stock their infirmary. They brought several large suit cases full of supplies, then left most of the luggage with the young adults from the San Cristobal Stake to take on their future missions. The young adults were thrilled, to say the least.

Organizing Medical Suppies from Charities Anywhere

It was a spiritual experience for us to visit with the residents there. Of course, since we don't speak a lot of Spanish, our conversations were short, but heart-felt nevertheless. Leprosy is a debilitating disease that destroys the nerves in the extremities as well as other symptoms. Many of the residents there had fingers that were shortened from the cartilage absorbing into the bloodstream. Some had deformed feet, hands, and legs. Most had the scaly sores that are typical. However, all were friendly and appreciative of our service.

Resident Receiving a New Wheelchair from Charities Anywhere

At about 12:30 pm there was a "Closing Ceremony" where Sister Innocencia officially accepted the supplies and the appliances given to them. It was really cool and many souls were touched.  San Cristobal Stake President Eurison Herediua and Charities Anywhere Founder John Clark spoke.

Sister Innocencia Closing Ceremony

Afterward we had our friends take a picture of us by the sign with Sister Innocencia.. She wanted one also.

Elderr Park, Sistter Innocencia and Sister Park

What beautiful Nuns these two angels are. It's amazing how these Sisters will sacrifice their whole lives for the Lord. There's no doubt in my mind that they will be in the Celestial Kingdom. (Of course after they receive all the ordinances of the Gospel). If I could be half as selfless as these amazing women, I believe I could be transtlated! (I think the only reason why they're not, is because they're needed to desperately.)

Sister Geralin, Sister Christy Benedict and  Sister Belkis Receiving New Stove

We thank the Lord for our opportunity to learn from others and to serve those who are in such desperate need.  A better person today because of yesterday, Peggy