First evening in the DR

We traveled today from Dr. Morquette's home to the location where we had transferred luggage last evening to see if there was a possibility that Gene's bag might have been spotted by someone honest.  This was not meant to be.  We are hopeful that whoever has the bag will find the devotional book inside and read it and receive a changed heart.  We have let it all in God's hands now.  The bag and all that was inside are all replaceable.  The loss is probably between $1500-$2000, so whoever gets their hands on it will probably have a field day.  It doesn't make it feel any better at this end, though.  But it is not the first time someone has lost something valuable in travels.  I personally lost a toolbox worth more than $1000 while working for a mission organization locally.  I know what it feels like.

After leaving that location Dr. Morquette took us to the airport where we were met by Claudy from YWAM.  Claudy then took us to the Dominican Republic border.  The ground border crossings usually take a lot longer than the ones in the airports and this proved true here.  We were told that we might have to carry our bags across, but we were fortunately able to be driven across by Claudy.  This was good as the walk would have been more than 1/4 mile.  Imagine carrying two 50lb. suitcases and two carry-ons that kind of distance.  Anyway we were met at the DR side by Todd, who is in charge of the guest house here in Barahona, Dominican Republic.  We are blessed to have limited Internet here at the guest house.

The DR is like a different world from Haiti.  Outside of Port au Prince we traveled over a mountain range and this was likely more than 3000' elevation and may have been more.  The view up there is breathtaking. 

Gene H. rode in the back of the pickup truck with Claudy's brother and all of our luggage. Once we were inside the DR the scenery changed drastically.  Farmers here actually have tractors, there are massive farms, the roads are much better, and there are trees on the mountains.  Since the making of charcoal is forbidden in the DR, the trees are not stripped off the hills like they are in Haiti.  The huge sugar plantations just are unbelievable, also they grow rice and bananas here in abundance.  And coffee, but we did not see that as it has to be grown above 3000 feet elevation.  The last few pictures are from the guesthouse with one facing toward the Atlantic Ocean from the balcony.

 Roads are being improved in Haiti and it looks like it is being done by a company from the DR.

 The mountains in the DR have trees...

 And the big Domino Sugar plantation must be thousands of acres.