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