Ricardo and Wilton always tell me, “It is better for you.” They are two of the sweetest people.
I recently had the opportunity to go to Batey 2 and stay overnight with Pastor Estela. What a wonderful experience! She served me lunch, dinner, and breakfast. We went to her church, walked around the community, and in the evening, I learned so much about her and her family. We watched baseball—Cincinnati Reds versus Atlanta. It was a really good game. The commentary was in Spanish, but I understood that it went to 10 innings and ended with a score of 11 to 10. Her husband loves baseball, so of course, I had to mention the Baltimore Orioles.
The generous hospitality was so special. I caught a guagua home—that’s the public transportation between the Bateys and Barahona. It felt like I was going to camp. Ricardo and Wilton told me to call if I needed anything. They even called to check on me afterward. Estela told me to write when I got home. So much caring. So much of “it is better for you.” They’re always saying things like that to make things easier—whether it’s a chair, a different way to distribute the MannaPacks, or simply trying to find what works better for me.
It’s been a while since I’ve written. July has been hot, and the seaweed has been ripe, but it hasn’t slowed down Ministerio Cristiano Amor y Esperanza. We’ve had some wonderful activities.
Our Summer Bible School was all about Noah—in a way you can’t imagine! It was so much fun. We actually held it in Batey 3, a new Batey for us, and we had over 100 children!
Another one of our activities was with the seniors in Batey Los Block. We did the cross activity, and it was filled with laughter, fun, and so much enthusiasm.
Listening to his heart and seeing the need for nutrition, Ricardo began a limited food distribution in Villa Central.
All of these activities are in addition to the regular weekly food distributions. I wish everyone could see what goes into loading the blue truck. There’s logistics, forklifts, cleaning, and planning discussions. I’ve even gotten to know the fruit lady and the egg man!
One of my favorite things is building relationships in the Bateys. I’ve developed a good friendship with Renata—she looks for me every time we go to Batey 9. There was some extra money for her project, so Francisco built a small bathroom outside her home. Ricardo, Wilton, and I took a day to paint it with rust-inhibiting paint. She was so happy. I love looking for her each time I come, and she looks for me.
I’ve also spent time with my friend Clara in Altagracia and with Bienvenido in Batey 9.
In July, it’s been exciting to see the second-floor slab poured on our Ministry Hub building project—so much work, and heavy work. Many of the workers carry the cement, rice, and beans on their heads—100 pounds—in this heat!
It hasn’t been all work. We’ve gone to the beach a few times with families. It’s such a joy to see them enjoy God’s beautiful creation here in the Dominican Republic. The rivers are icy, and the sea is warm.
Anny, Ricardo, and I have had many deep conversations—about the U.S., the world, and the Dominican Republic. We agreed that if people could just see how we are more alike than different, the world would be a better place. One day, Anny and I saw children playing Chinese jump rope. She played it as a child, and so did I! Who would’ve thought we’d meet each other in Barahona? Peek-a-boo also knows no cultural bounds.
Last week, I traveled back to the U.S. for a home visit. The hardest part of being in the DR is missing my family. Malcolm and I marked our 42nd anniversary on Wednesday, August 6. We’ll celebrate in person while I’m home. I’m so looking forward to seeing everyone!
As an added bonus, Malcolm, my mom and dad, and I are heading to Harrogate to see Brittany, Danny, Harrison, and Everett. It’s been since April—I sure miss them all.
I’ll be back in the DR in September, when it’s a little cooler, and we’ll be ready for more activities and learning experiences. My plan is to return home in December for Christmas and then come back for the month of January. That will complete my missionary experience.
I am so grateful—beyond words—for your support, both financial and, even more importantly, your prayers. There have been difficult times—mainly with transportation, communication, and homesickness—but none of it has been overwhelming.
As I’ve said before, I’m so thankful for technology. Malcolm and I talk at least once a day by video. He shows me what’s blooming and the projects he’s working on, and I show him what I’ve done and tell him about my experiences. I call my children often, and Ricardo, Anny, and Wilton and I message frequently on WhatsApp.
We have plans for two mission teams to come down and experience this amazing Barahona hospitality for yourselves:
Details are in our most recent newsletter and online. I would love to see you!
Also, our Golf Tournament is on September 26. Gather a group—this is one of our biggest fundraisers! It costs $10,000 to ship a container of food, plus the additional costs of rice, beans, eggs, and staff salaries.
If you’d like to continue supporting my missionary experience, you can make a secure, tax-deductible donation here.
All that happens down here is because one man, Steve Hull, heard God’s voice say: “Feed my starving babies.” Thank you, Jesus, that he followed that voice.
With love and hope,
Jacki
Are you ready to serve? If so, we need you for one of our upcoming Mission Teams! Registration is now open for our Fall and Winter teams. Click for info & Registration.
Online registration for the 2025 Golf Tournament Fundraiser is now available!
Click here for information & registration!