We visited the capitol city of Santo Domingo. Kendra thought that it would be good for us to see the historical sites. I’m so glad she took us around the city. We saw the oldest street, the first cathedral and the oldest school. Amazing! But the true highlight was getting a tour of a church in a poor area of the city.
We had the opportunity to visit with Doris, Raul and their pastor, Elbin Jose Castillo, at Communidad Christiana de Restauracion in east Santo Domingo. This church was planted in the middle of a very poor and dangerous part of town. It was wonderful to see their work with 75 pregnant girls from the months of their pregnancy through to when their children are three, at which point their partnership with Compassion International kicks in as they care for children holistically through high school.
We were impressed by their water purification efforts through a plant provided by Healing Waters (based in Golden, Colorado), which produces clean water at 1/5 the market price, allowing them to provide clean water much more cheaply, while at the same time providing a cottage industry for 24 families in the area. They are hoping to increase the distribution sites to 50, providing even more income for families, as well as safe water for even more people. This is especially important since drinking tap water is very unsafe in the city.
They welcome teams of people to come and help them in their efforts. They recently purchased a home on the same block as the church and will be converting it into a medical clinic. There is always something that needs to be done. If you would like to help, let me know and I can help you make a connection with them.
Enjoy some pics from Santo Domingo.
The Alcazar de Colon, America's first castle, once the residence of Viceroy of the Indies, Don Diego Colon, a son of Christopher Columbus.
The door of the castle.
The eternal flame of the Dominican Republic. It is in the museum that holds the remains of many of the DRs heroes.
An original painting by Rafael on the ceiling in the hero museum.
The Dominican Republic flag is the only flag that has an image of an open bible on it.
Street dogs are everywhere. We could not resist this little guy taking a nap.
Catedral Santa María La Menor (Catedral Primada de América) - The first cathedral in the Americas.
Inside the cathedral. At one time, Columbus' remains were kept inside this building. They have been moved, however, the remains of his niece are still there.
The back of the cathedral.
The bell tower of the cathedral.
A monument to the unborn child. Abortion is illegal in the Dominican Republic.
The University of Saint Tomás of Aquino, today Autonomous University of Santo Domingo.
This is Raul & Doris with their son.
This tiny storefront water purification station provides clean water for thousands of families.
Girls from the church's after school program.
