Newtown, CT Elementary School Massacre

If I had a flag, it would be at half-mast

If I had a gun, it would be available but unloaded

If I had the words, I would comfort the survivors

If I could reach, I would hug those parents

If I had a wish, it would be to stop him

If I had a time machine, I would warn those teachers

If I had the answers, I would know why

If I knew why, would it hurt less?

If I had a magic wand, I would make the pain disappear

If I had a voice, I would yell and scream

If I had a threaded needle, I would sew up broken hearts

If I had a candle, I would illuminate the path to healing

If all the wounds heal with time, let time pass

If all the prayers could be heard by those hurting

If all the tears could be uncried

If all the blood could be sucked back inside

If all the bullets would melt into a metal door of protection

If all the shots heard could really have been the "pans falling"

If all the crazies could be confined

If all the guns were owned only by good guys

If all the children could feel safe where they should be

If all the hate in the world were overwhelmed by love

If all the evil they saw could be erased from their memory

If there is vengence, let it be God's

If there is justice, let it be swift

If there is love in my heart, let it forgive

If there is peace, let it prevail

Back to the DR!

You're wondering what this is! We are using all manners of technology to get the word out about our upcoming mission trip to the Dominican Republic! 

Daylin and I are blessed with the opportunity to return to the DR for the 3rd time this year. Since we've been in the past, we have established lifetime relationships with the people in Boca Chica, the village we stay in while we're there. These people are precious to us, and to Jesus - that's why we have to keep going back. To continue spreading His love to the people of the DR.

We would love to count on you as a partner again this year. Either financially or in prayer - hopefully both! If you have never partnered with us in the past, allow me to explain. The trip will cost approximately $1,250 each so we need to raise $2,500 for both of us to go. If you are able to sponsor us financially, you will help with the following:

* Installation of water purification systems in several locations including an orphanage, transition home for men and the prison. Waterborne illnesses are rampant in the places we visit. 

* Medical clinics in possibly two Haitian refugee villages, possibly a Dominican village and possibly at La Victoria, a maximum security prison for men who desperately need to see the hands and feet of Jesus touch their lives.

* Work in the city of Guerra, where the orphanage and several small churches are located. Last year we painted the walls and railings in their city park yellow. Doesn't sound like much but it made an impact on the city. Some of our contacts have said that the park is now a bright spot (literally and figuratively) in the city which was once cloaked in darkness. This year we want to do more improvements in the city, to have some sort of worship service in that park and another prayer walk around the park (we did this last year and if nothing else, it piqued curiosity of the town folks!) 

* Assistance to the local churches in the village we stay, Boca Chica. We have established relationships with a few of the pastors there so we want to do all we can to help their church's as their needs dictate. We are still in the process of determining those needs.

As you probably know, with mission trips to foreign countries, plans often change many times and could end up being completely different once you get where you're going. But these are loosely our plans. We want to do what the people of the DR need and spread some Jesus-love in the process. No matter what we end up doing, rest assured, your donations will be used for their good and God's glory!

There are two ways you can donate monetarily towards our trip...
* Mail a check made payable to Triad Community Church to our house: 4415 Garden Club Street, High Point, NC 27265
* Give online at www.TriadCommunityChurch.com and be sure to notate that it's for Daylin's and my trip to the DR (our church has another mission trip to Kazakhstan so we need to differentiate.)

Please take just a few minutes to check out these videos of our past trips. I'm not trying to tug at your heartstrings but I want you to see where we go and who our friends are down there. They are awesome so I want to show them off! 

2011 Trip -http://youtu.be/toRRPdMjx28
Tarantula 2011 - http://youtu.be/Md-i7pWE_wc (the person saying "OH MY GOSH!!!! at the beginning is ME!)
"This Little Light of Mine" - http://youtu.be/3Xhl83w2HLE (one of our pastors teaching the kids to sing)

THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking the time to read this and hopefully partner with us this year. 

Love, 
Kim & Daylin