Our travels to the Dominican Republic began early Saturday morning, with a 6:00 AM flight. Despite the early start, the trip was smooth and uneventful. Now, we’re settled in and soaking up the warm weather—sending warm thoughts to our friends back in chilly Virginia!

Sunday was spent exploring the capital city. The historic old buildings and churches were breathtaking, and we were fortunate to take a guided tour that included a visit to a chocolate factory. We wrapped up our day in the city with a late lunch featuring live dancers and a delicious lunch of local dishes.

Later, we had the privilege of attending church with Pastor John Mendes. We’ve known Pastor John for several years and have been inspired by the growth of his church in Ramon Santana, a larger town outside the sugarcane fields where we typically spend time. His message, “The World’s View vs. God’s View,” was great and deeply impactful to everyone on the trip.

This trip has already been a wonderful mix of exploration, connection, and inspiration, and we’re excited to see what the rest of our time holds!