Going Back

What: Mission Trip to the Domican Republic
Who: Leah and Talitha Wegel through Windsor Road Christian Church
When: June 11-18
Combined Cost of Both Trips: $3,800
Donar means to donate in Spanish, and Talitha and I are so grateful for all the support you give, financially or emotionally!

To me, going back looks like:

Being able to tell Madeline that I was only calling Daniela my daughter because she started the game. That it doesn’t mean I love Daniela any more than I love her. I remember Madeline shoving me away from her on that last night in the Dominican, telling me that she didn’t love me because I didn’t love her. I stood in the dark thunderstruck. Why would she think that? But she refused to tell me, she just kept pushing me away with her wildfire excitement. At the last moment, she admitted to me that she was hurt I called Daniella mi hija and not her. How could I explain to her in that moment that I loved her more than anything? How could I convince her when I was leaving the very next day?

Being able to hear little Wilfrie beat boxing as he plays in the dirt, glancing at me occasionally, shouting my name and grinning. I remember sitting on the rough concrete steps in Hato del Yaque watching him stack the dirt into little piles. All the while he puffed his cheeks with air and contentedly let out little noises to a rhythm only he knew. Well, he and God. He would glance up from his dirt and smile at me. We didn’t need to be talking; we were content to be together on that hot day in the dirt. But that last night, I held him and told him I had to leave. He cried and buried his face in my neck. I told him I would be right back but that I needed to set up the chairs inside, but then I could come back and keep holding him and keep avoiding saying goodbye. He cried when I put him down, and when I came back out, he was gone.

Being able to discover if that gnawing feeling in my chest on the plane ride home meant anything more than a sadness for what was left behind. If that gnawing feeling could have meant that I should go back, not just for this trip, but for years. If I am meant to be able to see Madeline, Wilfrie, Daniela, Paula, David, Eunelli, and countless others that I have met and that I haven’t each day.

I am hoping that this trip will bring clarity to what my next step in life has to be. I don’t want to need to ask for help, but more than I don’t want to ask for help, I want to go back. Thank you for reading what I have to say, for your prayers, and for your consideration to donate financially to this trip.

Thank you,
Leah Wegel

I ask myself, 'Why should I go back to the Dominican Republic?' or 'What does God have in store for me there?' With lots of prayer and patience, I feel like God has called me back to the Dominican not only show my love to the children there, but to give me an understanding of where I am with my walk with God; allow me to trust Him and follow His path.
The first thing I notice when I arrive in the Dominican is the hot, sticky air. I think "Great. Icky air for a whole week," but when you settle down into your rooms and get comfortable, that gross air isn't as bad. But, throughout the week I am thankful that I get to be in Hato del Yaque, even if it was hot and gross. I am thankful because you barely notice it; everyone is either too busy working or too busy spending time with the kids.

The kids, for me, are the best part of the trip. Of course it’s great that we can help with construction, but it is just as great to spend time with the kids in Hato del Yaque. You notice how excited they are to see the Americans. Running beside the vans we rode in, shouting Americano! Americano! Excitement bursting in their eyes with huge smiles spread across their cute, little faces. And sometimes one person is surrounded by a number of kids all wanting to play at once. When I look around me, it makes my heart melt. When kids who don't even know you walk up with a smile on their face, my heart skips a beat.
Going back to the Dominican, for me, is going back so I can continue my connection with the children and really listen to what God has in store for me. I want to show the kids God’s love; I want them to know that God loves them and that I love them.

Asking for help is not my cup of tea, but I would really appreciate the prayer, support, and consideration. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for your prayer. I truly appreciate it.

Thank you,
Talitha Wegel