Isla Saona

We decided to join our senior missionariy friends for a Saturday "get-a-way" to the island of Saona just south of the National Park of the East (Parque National Del Este) between LaRomana and Punta Cana.

Getting off bus Dominicus Beach National Park East.

We boarded a comfortable "over-the-road" tour bus at 7:00am and rode about three hours to the Playa (Beach) Dominicus.  We commented that this was the first Saturday we have had as a "p" day (play day) since we started teaching English at the Valiente Branch on Saturdays.  The ride was relaxing with a lot of conversation with our friends:  Gary and Micelle Aitken (Orem), Jon and Shauna Duke, (Bountiful), Dr. James and Kristy Benedict (Logan), and Colin DeWitt (Gilbert, Arizona).  Arriving in the National Park, we boarded a large catamaran with about 20 others for a one hour ocean ride to the northwest corner of the Island. Along the way we enjoyed soft drinks, LOUD latin music and watching the crew line dance the bachata and merengue AND the fast salsa.

Catamaran Ride from Mainland to Saona Island

Peggy and I even tried out some of our Dominican merengue moves in the group line dance when they grabbed the norteamericanos for the group moment.  Funny stuff!  About ten minutes before arrival at Saona,  it started to rain grande gatos y perros  (huge  and cat sand dogs).  Everyone on board huddled together under the boat canopy to try to stay a little dry. Then miraculously the sun came out and it was amazingly beautiful.

Four hours of enjoying the sun, swimming, some good chicken/fish, salad and pasta lunch, all the soft drinks we desired and searching for shells and other treasures along the beach, made this a very nice day.  The only negative was that there was no snorkeling or at least good snorkeling.  I love to snorkel.  No coral reef and fish.  However, everything else made this experience a big Wow!

Catamaran anchored off shore Saona Island

The Caribbean waters are so warm and clear AND gorgeous.  Walking the beach, with a soft warm breeze, palm trees lazily swaying, and being with your best friend and others makes for a special time.  On the return trip it rained again only this time it was a deluge.  We were spared getting drenched (even though we were wet from swiming) because  Peggy brought her trusty umbrella. Prggy and I shared with a young lady and we huddled together to survive the head on downpour. We laughed and had a great time.

Walking the Beach Saona Island

Saona Island,, D.R.

By the time we arrived home it was dark and we were very tired. It was nice to spend the day with our friends. Randy and Peggy

Baseball Season Begins in 2016

The Dominican Republic baseball season began Friday night Oct 21st.  Peggy and I purchased tickets for 12 other senior missionaries for the kickoff rivalry game between the Santo Domingo Licey Tigers (blue Randy's team) and the Santo Domingo Escogido Lions (red and black Peggy's team).

Tigers (left) Lionns (right)

The missionaries, Park's, Fuller's, McGuire's, Aitken's, Duke's Lyle Mason, John Olsen, Sister Walton, and Sister Stringam met at the MTC and carpooled about five miles to Jaun Marichal Quesqueya Stadium.  It was an intense and exiting game until the fifth inning when a literal downpour temporarliy halted the game in a the 3-3 tie.   Right from the start the Lions jumped on the Tigers for two runs in the top of the first and a run in the second to go up 3-0.  Peggy was trash talkin,' and dancin' the bachata.  Not to worry, the Tigres came

L-R Jon & Shauna Duke, MIke & Sharon McGuire, Elaine Walton,
Jon & Paula Fuller, Jean Stringam, Park's, Gary & Michelle Aitken,
John Olsen

storming back in the bottom of the 4th with three runs to tie.  The blue fans (home team) were going Dominican crazy!  The salsa music was blasting; the drums poundin' and the blue side of the stadium was taking their turn to celebrate.  Just when we had all finished eating our delicious chicken and cheese empanada (yum, yum) it started to rain.  All the missionaries were saying, "Oh thankyou Elder and Sister Park for buying the tickets 20 rows up from the field under the canopy."  We stayed dry while watching all the of the fans in the more expensive seats close to the field scurry for cover.  We laughed and enjoyed watching the rain hoping it would be over quickly so the game could resume.   Not to be.

The grounds crew rolled out the plastic tarp that covers the infield, but in the course of 30 minutes had to drain off the large pools of water that had collected on it.  We left at 10:00pm seeing no end to the rain.  We had a busy Saturday schedule the next day so no need to be dragging the next day.  We read in the  newspaper that the game resumed at 11:00pm with the Tigers ultimately winning 4-3 (yes!!).  It was a great night with gerat fiends.  Everyone commented on how much fun Dominican baseball is, especially those that were there for the first time.  We ran into several of our students that we hadn't seen for awhile--Jaime Viscaino, Andres Anderson and Candy Brito.  Jaime loves baseball and we enjoyed talkin' ball!  Randy.

Far left - Jaime Viscaino and his LDS Church team

Ocean Baptism

Saturday night, October 22, 2016, a mission/stake baptism was held in the ocean at Boca Chica. There were 48 baptisms and eight were from Valiente.

Pre-baptism Meeting Andres Chapel, Boca Chica D.R.

The baptism program that was supposed to begin at 4:00 pm in the Boca Chica Andres Ward  chapel actually began about 6:00.  I've never seen so many missionaries. It looked like a Zone Conference. The chapel and cultural hall were filled to capacity with an estimated 300 people as four large buses and many guaguas (vans that they use as small buses) dropped off members near the church. It was a long wait, but Elder Park and I got to see two of our former Funval graduates: Julio Canetti, who has perfected his English skills immensely! I'm so proud of him! Another, was Luis Feliz, who we called Feliz. He is a happy guy! He is one that we thought we wouldn't see again, but now happy to say that we did.

Ocean Baptism

After the program of President Corbitt and Stake President Alverez speaking, we drove about 10 minutes over to the beach, arriving about 7:30. It was dark, but that didn't deter the Dominicans. They just go with the flow and never get nervous or upset. You never have to worry about the weather. It's always the same. It had cooled down to about 80' and was very pleasant.  About 200  lined the beach and watched the missionaries, members and baptismal candidates wade out about 100 yards for this special ordinance.  We didn't stay too long because we couldn't see very well.  It was pretty cool, but I don't think they will do that large of a group again or at least not in the dark.

The McGuires, Sister Jean Stringham, Sister Elaine Walton, the Martinezes, the Aitkins and Elder Park and myself were all there to witness this unusual but extraordinary event.

Elders Lecca, Frampton,  Baptism Candidates, Julio Ogando (right)

The Valiente Bus for the Ocean Baptism

The next day, Sunday, we again drove to the Valiente branch and watched the new members receive their confirmation and the gift of the Holy Ghost.  There was a strong Spirit in this special sacrament meeting.   We are thankful for this special experience.

Valiente Graduation

After five months of teaching English at the Valiente Branch in east Santo Domingo, we held a graduation ceremony with 200 attendees.  Due to the small chapel area of the church building, we had to hold two sessions--at 9:00am for the children age 5 to 12 and at 10:30am for the youth and young adults.

Valiente English Graduation

Branch President Julio Ogando conducted. Elder Park sang, "Teach Me To Walk in the Light" in Spanish and English. It was really nice. Pres Ogando spoke and Sisters Park, Martinez, Aitkens, and McGuire all said a few words. Then we handed out certificates to the younger group. We then served muffins and soda. At 10:30am we began the same ceremony for the older group, with a few additions. We had a motivational speaker and our dear, youmg friend Alwin and Elder Frogley sang "Rock of Ages" with Elder Auger accompanying them. It was really nice for these young people that have so very little to look forward to in their lives. We all noticed that the girls were dressed in their very best and many of the boys wore ties. (Only the church members own ties) They hung around for awhile afterwards, letting us take their pictures and visiting. Some of them had a parent with them. Many did not. Many people work on Saturday.

Randy Singing "at Graduation

One little girl wouldn't sit down after she received her certificate. She stood next to the senior sisters smiling and waiting for Elder Aitkens to take another picture. She is about six. Today at church, when she saw Sister Park, she was so excited still. Another of our special students, is Jose. He studies and every week he comes up to Sisters McGuire and Park and says,"Good morning, how are you?" then answers us with, "I am fine too, thank you." He is so excited to be 12 on January fourth. We will miss him. He is there early every Saturday. Maybe he will keep hanging around the church on Saturdays.

Peggy and Jose at Graduation

It was a great day and we were very tired as we returned to Santo Domingo for a little rest before returning to the beach in Boca Chica for a Stake baptism in the ocean.

We appreciate the senior missionaries, McGuires, Aitkens, and Martinezes for their help the last few months, as well as Daniel Allred, Alwin Nunez, and Jose Rodriguez.  Many missionaries helped us also. Elder Frampton lead the charge for us since he was the co-zone leader in the beginning. He is leaving for home in two days. We will miss him. We appreciate President Corbitt for his support and assigning Valiente branch with extra missionaries to help teach.

Sisters Park, McGuire, Arihanny Soriano  and Martunex

There were sixteen convert baptisms from this English project. The young people and their parents were so impressed with our love and concern for them and wanted to know more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is due to the faith and love of Branch President Julio Ogando. We love him so very much. He is just like another son.

Peggy and Randy

FunVal- Our Third Class Conclusion

We recently finished teaching our third Fundamental Values (FunVal) group.  This four-month class began in mid July 2016 with 20 young men and concluded with a final gathering class at a local church building.  As we sat together in a circle of chairs, the FunVal training leaders, Basilio Guzman, and Isidro Avelino, lead the guys in sharing their thoughts and feelings of love and appreciation.  The spirit was intense. There were a lot of "thank you so much Elder and Sister Park for what you have taught us" and "thank you to my brothers..."

3rd FunVal Class

It is amazing to us how much you can come to care for and fall in love with people with whom you share a significant part of your life.  Watching their personal growth in testimony, gospel knowledge and ability to speak English has been a special experience and thrill. This group started with less English skills than the past two that we have taught, and have struggled to achieve the level of English they need to be hired in the four months allowed for training. We told them if they have faith, and work hard, the Lord would bless them with the gift of tongues.  He will make weak things strong (Ether 12:27).

 Reflecting back, we marvel at their improvement.

 Each young man has a story to tell of personal sacrifice and hard work as they move forward to receive employment as a customer service, telephone call center employee.  As each one goes their way in life--some we know we will never see again--we feel excitement for them and yet. are touched with feelings of melancholy and sadness.  We will miss them.  They have become eternal friends..  The guys are Ramon, Kelvin (class leader), Wellington, Luis Perez, Yeuris, Davies, Luis Mercedes, Jean Carlos, Enrique, Mateo, Gil. Jean, Milton, John, Jose, Alan, and Steevenson.  It is fun for us to receive a What's App message that says, "Elder and Sister Park, I got a job!"  We celebrate their victories and share their disappointments when they are told to come back again after more practice.

We are looking forward to November 26, 2016 when we will attend their FunVal graduation ceremony with David Clark, FunVal founder.  It will be good to see them again and hope that when we do, they will be employed.

Necktie Exchange with Basilio

After everyone had left the room, I shared a fun and tender moment with my friend Basilio, the local director. As is tradition for eternal friends, we exchanged neckties (corbatas). He received my yellow with small polka-dots tie and I got his red and grey stripe.  Life is good.
Randy

These young men seem like sons to me. They have such a loyalty to us and they share their amazing stories of conversion, re-activation, life struggles and testimony with us. They always give me big hugs and are so glad to see us. How I love and pray for them.  Peggy

Bapstism Felix, Fermin, and Juan

I received a telephone call from Elder Frampton, a special young missionary that we work with in.the Valiente Branch.

Felix, Fermin, Maria, Domingo, Juan at S.D. Temple

"Would you and Sister Park be able to host Felix, Fermin and Juan Calsado and several other of the Valiente Branch members for a light dinner after we give them a tour of the temple?"

Fermin, Domingo, Maria, Felix, Juan at S.D. Temple

Welove helping the missionaries so we ended up hosting four missionaries, three investigators and several branch members in our apartment for a light dinner.  It was a great night.  I had an opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with Feliz, the 66 year-old father.  He could not speak English but with my little bit of Spanish, we were able to communicate.  A delightful man who is exited about the gospel.

Juan, Fermin, Elders Frampton, Salazar, Lecca, Domingo, Peggy

Felix and his two sons, Fermin, 24 and Juan 30, were scheduled to be baptized a week later.  After the temple tour and dinner, the missionaries, Peggy and I shared our testimonies. The Spirit was very strong.  I asked Felix and Fermin how they liked the evening and they said, "Exellente, muy bien, maravilloso!."  This was a good night.  We loved this experience.

Three days later, I received a phone call from Elder Frampton asking me if I would baptize Feliz and Fermin.  I was very surprised, honored and excited!  Fermin and Juan both attend the adult English class at Valiente every Saturday.  I would see them and say "Como estas? and they would always say, "Bien, muy bien."  The night at dinner I seemed to really connect with them, especially with Felix-- very humble, kind and friendly gentleman.

Felix, Roberto, Maria, Elder Nelson

Atthe baptism the following Sunday afternoon, a family I baptized about a month previously, Josesito and his wife Laura were there.  Laura shared her testimony at the baptismal service.  Her testimony was very touching and powerful!  I was a little nervous with so many people watching trying to remember the baptismal prayer in Spanish but all worked.  The Spirit helped me to remember.  They were so happy as we hugged.  It is amazing the spiritual feeling you receive watching someone "Come Unto Christ."

L-R, Elder Lecca, Felix, Fermin, Juan, Randy, Pedro,

Elder Frampton 

During Juan's baptism, a unique experience happened.  The older branch member, who baptized Juan, couldn't completely immerse him after three attempts, so Branch President Julio Ogando asked me if I would baptize Juan.  After the service, I apologized to Juan that it took him four times, but gently teased Juan that he now was "really clean"  having been dunked four times.  We laughed and hugged.  He felt the Spirit and was happy.  This was a special service and memory for Peggy and me.
Randy.

 

Exploring in Samana

After our Valiente English on Saturday afternoon, September 17, we decided to go for a long drive to the northeast corner of the country--the peninsula of Samana (pronounced saw ma naw).

Alwin Nunez, Randy, Jose Rodriguez

Friends have told us how beautiful it is and having never been, we decided to "go exploring."  Two of our young friends who teach English with us each Saturday, and that we really enjoy being with--Alwin Nunez and Jose Rodriguez--went with us.  It was a very relaxing get-a-way. We enjoyed the verdant, green countryside,  numerous rice fields, rolling hills and steep mountains along our 120 mile, one-way trip.  We passed by the Los Haitises National Park, which was very arid compared to the majority of the landscape we are so used to seeing in this tropical island.  There were only about three small towns along the way. Samana is a tourist area known for whale-watching in February and March during the annual whale mating season.

Catholic Church, Samana, DR.

We walked the streets, looked into the shop windows, checked out a few gift shops, talked to some of the local shop owners, gazed across the gorgeous bay, bought an ice cream cone and marveled at the architecture and beauty of the local Catholic Church in between rain storms.  A quaint little town.  We liked it.

Peggy - singin'  in the rain

On the return trip, we enjoyed getting to know each other a little better by playing the game, "What is Your Favorite...?   We were surprised at some of our answers and curious about others saying in Spanish, "En serio?" (seriously? )  It was a good afternoon.  We had a chance to appreciate this beautiful country and enjoy some time with our friends.

Boca Marina Restaurant

Arriving back in civilization from the country, we met the senior missionaries in Boca Chica for dinner at the Boca Marina restaurant--a gorgeous place right on the beach.  A good way to end a fun day.  Many treasured memories.

Valiente English Class "On the Street"

I had an unique experience at a recent Valiente English class.  Five young men who were "hanging out" in front of the church building were not attending English class.  Approaching them with an invitation them to attend one of classes, but realizing I only had a few Spanish question phrases and a less than comprehensive vocabulary under my belt, I quickly knew I would be faced with difficulty in communicating and a lot of "attitude." I wasn't quite sure what to do.

English class "on the street"

The idea quickly came to me that I should take their picture using my I Pad.  This little technique breaks down barriers, at least, it seems to work every time with younger kids.  So, why not here? Dominicans love to have their pictures taken.  I made instant friends!  I took a few pictures of the group and immediately they were smiling and laughing with me.  After five minutes I was asking them if they knew any English and then without them realizing it, I began teaching them English on the spot.  We started with vocabulary words about baseball and the clothing that they were wearing.
Then, simple greeting phrases etc. and along the way, the importance of learning English as a second language.  The classroom had moved to the street!  While I was talking to the group, I realized that they had gathered around me and they were learning English whether they knew it or not...and having fun.   This was a small, tender mercy building a friendly relationship when it could have easily resulted in a strained or negative situation.  A blessing!  Not sure where the future will go with these young men, but for now, we connected and I know that they will have a positive impression of the Church and our Saturday English class.  Randy