DR Winter 2025: Day 6- Last Day!

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 Levi:


This trip has contained so much action with many good memories and lots of fun. Today, all that we had done definitely started to set in. Wth only 4 people at the table by 8am, when breakfast was supposed to be, you could tell we are all starting to get tired. And even though breakfast may have been a bit quieter than usual, a bit of bacon put a little pep back in our step. After breakfast we all grabbed a towel and some extra clothes to head out to the beach. It was about a 2 hour drive, and the view on the way there was really special. Inevitably a few of us started to get carsick, but it was a very fun drive nonetheless. One thing that has been great this week has been the food, but today for lunch it was back to my roots with chicken tenders, french fries, and bbq sauce. Fire! Then off to the beach we went to all laugh and swim together. That was an absolute blast, and being able to look at the mountains while swimming in the ocean is something I'll never forget. Before we knew it, it was time to change and get back into the van. Picking up some dinner on the way home, we had extra time to sit and enjoy being with one another. It's been really cool to watch the team continue to mesh as the week has gone on. Many songs later, we arrived back at the church to see some of our good Domican friends waiting for us. For many of our Dominican friends, today was the last chance to say goodbye as they head back to school tomorrow. These friends we will never forget as we have laughed plenty, ate, worshipped, and evangelized together. Emil, Joy, Danny, and all the others, what a pleasure it has been to do this alongside you. Thank you for all you've done for us, for me. You will forever be family, united in one body, with one mission, and the same Savior. It's been an honor to take part and participate in your ministry, and may it be blessed as you continue serving the Lord. We love you guys. 


Prayer requests


 - Pastor Tito and the church at Kefale as the continue on fighting the good fight

 - For safety of travels on our way back

 - That we won't come home without nothing, but instead, bring a spark back to come and make a difference with all we've learned




Braden:


Today we woke up at 7:30 for breakfast at 8. I made downstairs around 8:15 but luckily the food wasn't ready yet. We had breakfast burritos filled with eggs, cheese, bacon, and a little bit of salsa. Levi and I were unfortunately able to eat these twice for a bit of a road snack. After breakfast we headed back to our rooms to get changed and head to the beach at 9. In usual fashion, we weren't on the road until around 9:30. It was about a 2 hour van ride that included Dramamine and some pretty cool views. We drove to a coastal area where we were surrounded by water with mountains in the distance. The first thing we did was get some lunch from a local waterfront resturant. I ordered steak and mashed potatoes, which is simply one of the best meals there is. However I probably would've ended up with Mahi Mahi if I had been smart enough to turn the menu over. Everyone else got an assortment of pasta, chicken, and fresh sea food. After a good meal we all headed back to the beach. The weather was pretty overcast but the views were cool nonetheless. We swam and hung out in the ocean for about 2 hours. We then changed into dry clothes and prepared for the van ride back. We stopped to see some iguanas and goats chilling in the sun on a side road. After taking some pictures and chasing some iguanas, we got back in the van. I don't think any of us besides maybe Cheo or Mendoza expected a roughly 3 and half hour van ride back, but we made the best of it. I did so by taking a few naps. We stopped along the way to get some empanadas for dinner. I had pork empanadas with a Sprite for a good meal. After dinner we spent some time with our many friends we made down here in the Dominican Republic. It was definitely a little hard to say goodbye, but I can't help but appreciate all the fun we've had together. I would say that tomorrow is the day that I am looking forward to the least, but every good adventure must have an end. 


Prayer requests:


- Good rest

- Safe travels

- Staying healthy 












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