Vinings Lake Dominican Republic Mission Trip

i don't even know where to begin.....i wasn't even on the trip.....but that doesn't mean i wasn't influenced by it....Heidi, Craig, Ava and Carter, Peter, Hollie, and Hope WERE on that spectacular team........along with many other families and individuals who gave a week to minister to the Dominican people.
i cannot look at the pictures without tears and having my heart be swallowed in so many emotions....
i guess i am profoundly affected by the fact that this team had the Godly insight to take their children along...something not often done...why...for heaven sake...they would be in the way....they might get sick...they will fight....they will get too tired....they will not be entertained enough...a LOT of exuses NOT to take children...but that didn't hinder this team...do ya think maybe GOD had something to do with that decision???? Definitely!!!!...they were told by the missionaries there this is not commonly done..if ever....but i think they set a NEW precedint for taking children....
i am overwhelmed at seeing my precious grandchildren holding hands, singing, talking, playing, and yes, even KISSING these precious precious Domincan people....what a bridge to gap....only a child can bridge it so PURELY!
of course i am EXTRA EXTRA moved by our little Hopie, who unabashedly approaches these children and ministers to them! i am moved beyond words.....thank you LORD for your blessing and wisdom to privilege our family with a HOPIE! she has many many more ministerings...i know...cuz i have been praying for that since before her birth....
i especially love the story Pete told in church on Sunday how he "suggested" that Hope give away her BABY ALIVE....and she resisted and did NOT want to....Pete was somewhat disapointed, but did not argue....let it go...later she told him in their hotel room...."GOD TOLD ME NO!"..........and i, for one, BELIEVE IT! :)
please GAZE upon these pictures, these beautiful people...aren't they amazing?...do you not LOVE seeing our children and adults loving on them?....
WHO is the RICHER for this mission trip?.....those going????......the Dominicans????....those who hear of the wonderful testimonies birthed on this trip????.....the missionaries?????
thank you to each one of you and for the sacrifices made to make the trip possible...
thank you to my son, Peter, i am SO proud of you and so moved EVERY day how God is working in your life and making you a LEADER for HIS KINGDOM....
let these pictures BLESS you...and yes, i know...some are repeats....i KNOW!........i love them so much!
i inserted a little Mary Englebreit picture in there, showing three girls of different race, playing together...i thought it was appropriate....and you know me and M.E. ....we're tight, ya know....