The Disciples and the Faithful Women

Every time I boarded our bus last week, I counted to 12 + 2. 

Concordia Theological Seminary Ft. Wayne (CTSFW) students + Erins.

Team members + LCMS Short-term Mission staff. 

The "disciples" and the "faithful women." 

One might say we were even...metaphorically, at least...following Jesus, if our week full of Spreading the Gospel, Planting Lutheran Churches, and Showing Mercy counts for anything?

My friend, International Center colleague, and tocaya Erin arrived in the DR two days after I got back from Peru. Her trip came about at the 11th hour; I can't help that an ideal opportunity to accomplish her goals cropped up mere weeks after her new manager suggested she strengthen the department's connection with missionaries serving internationally. My last team before home service arrived (into Puerto Plata for the first time EVER) Saturday, but first, brunch. 

I made the team dinner, inspired by a gallon Ziploc full of pao de queijo the Milagres family gave me when they were here most recently. When you can't get the oven to light so you can bake them, the Erins put their heads together and come up with a stovetop steaming method that sorta kinda turned out pretty good-ish.

Deaconess Naumann met us at the seminary to share about her work with the Mercy Center and VDMA project...the day before leaving for home service!

We attended Bible class and worshipped at Cordero de Dios in Licey on CTSFW's first of two Sundays. 

I introduced them to mofongo, a local specialty, for lunch. My go-to place lets patrons into the kitchen to give the technique a go. 

The parking lot was full, so the bus parked next door in what was basically someone's front yard. When the woman of the house requested saw a bunch of guys in clericals and requested a prayer for her ailing mother, we filed into her bedroom and obliged. I'm sure she thought we were Catholic, but who am I to turn down a God-ordained opportunity to bless someone's day?

The DR seminarians helped me organize a laid-back evening of volleyball with missionaries, youth from the HLBP group home, and members of the community. 

A light dinner and liturgy of evening prayer preceded a happy hour at the single students' dorm ("Golgotha"). 

I made it back from the world's fastest residency renewal appointment in time to catch the 2nd of two English lessons for students at the public school attached to Cordero de Dios. Sergiu kicked things off by teaching the story of David and Goliath.

A review of common baseball terms made the lesson relatable. 

The team played up the fact they were from all over to explain the concept of accents. 

Barely over 24 hours in and they're already Dominican, playing dominoes while they waited for homemade empanadas and arepas courtesy of a Venezuelan seminary family to be ready. 

Happy Dominican Independence Day! Here comes the parade!

We trailed it to near the local baseball stadium but left when it stalled so the participating politicians could address their constituents. 

Some of us (cough, cough, Erin) joined in for the final stretch leading up to the seminary.

The team had priceless facetime with Rev. Ted Krey that afternoon (Bible study) and evening (cookout), with a walk at the botanical garden in between. 

Bus Matins on the way to the Kilometer 28 Psychosocial Rehabilitation Hospital. 

Can I just say it was refreshing to have a team with multiple Spanish speakers so I could listen and observe instead of interpreting?

I think there'll be a mutiny if I ever come without BINGO. 

I quickly pivoted and switched up my plans for lunch when I learned the Hnos. Cortes (chocolate factory) Visitors' Center didn't have availability Friday but did...in about 2 hours.

The guys didn't miss a beat (no pun intended) when Rev. Idjon Fritz sang them his "Five Solas" song after the Wednesday evening Divine Service and then asked them for one. 

Thursday was a sit-and-listen kind of day: to AM seminary classes (pictured), to a presentation about various regional efforts during our weekly team meeting, to a deaconess panel, to Pastor Fritzler speaking on the seminary and Himnario Luterano...

It felt good to stretch our legs and walk from Iglesia Luterana Pueblo Nuevo to El Congo for a visit under "the tree" with Pastor Rafael. 

More listening (deaconess class) awaited when we got back to Pueblo Nuevo, but at least I fed them yaroa (loaded fries - a Santiago original) first. 

Three of the guys with the strongest Spanish led a Bible lesson on God's covenant with Abraham for the Concordia Lutheran schoolchildren Friday morning. 

When the kids were dismissed for class, we went upstairs to get ready for three nights in Santo Domingo. 

Oh yeah - sometime in between all of that they managed to hang curtains in the library storage room and straighten it up a bit!

Our first morning in the capital, we swung by the Columbus Lighthouse. I'm not sure if anyone believes Columbus's remains are actually here, but everyone was floored by grandeur of his mausoleum. Another "faithful woman," regional Business Office volunteer Ellyn (left), joined us. 

Beautiful spot for a picnic lunch and time to explore the national botanical garden, which dwarfs Santiago's.

Class is in session! Team leader Dr. Mayes had assigned a series of articles to read and discuss. 

Then, we divided into three groups for visits in the neighborhoods surrounding Iglesia Luterana Amigos de Cristo. My group, the largest, visited Braulio (because Maritza wasn't home)...

...Mari (because Maritza still wasn't home)...

...and Maritza, who'd been out shopping for supplies to make lunch for the congregation + team on Sunday! Another group stopped by on their way back to church and joined us. I was checking my watch by the end of our chat but not about to cut the experience short.

Speaking of church, of course there was an impromptu soccer game afterwards, as well as fruitful conversation on the sidelines.

My version of afternoon free time in the Colonial Zone looked like a golden latte and finishing my book. 

Five am came early on Monday morning, but the Erins were back in Santiago in time to end our time together the same way we'd started it - brunch - including a stop at home to unload. Check out the "cloud of egg whites" on top of my pancakes!

CTSFW had more facial hair, but I'll end my comparison of them to CSL there, so don't ask. Each was unique and wonderful in its own right, and equally valuable as far as producing future missionaries and/or parish pastors who are educated about how best to engage in international missions. To quote one of the thank-you notes various team members wrote me, "Let's do this again!"

Until next time, blessings in Christ!