Tuesday…and a HUGE surprise for Karin

Today started out like most others, except we were in Santiago instead of Santo Domingo. We grabbed breakfast and then loaded up into the van to head to a Christian school in Santiago. Patricia and Hector had brought their kids along to Santiago because of the possibility of Gustav becoming a hurricane and they didn’t want to be apart from the kids. Once we got to school, we found out that Jorge, Pamela and Hector all were skipping school for the day! They were pretty excited-especially Hector since it was only his second day of school!

Once at Santiago Christian School, the guys set up and started playing for the school kids during their lunch periods. The children in the school LOVED the music. In fact, some even collected “tips” for the band! Several groups came to eat and enjoy the music. Then one teacher asked if the band would play for his class. So they stayed another hour to play for them.


One “God Thing” for the day was once we got to the school, the elementary school principal came out to watch the band and hear the music. Karin was walking around taking pictures (of course!) and suddenly was face to face with the principal. She was shocked because the principal looked really familiar, but Karin thought there was no way she could possibly know her. After a few more glances, Karin just had to ask her if her name was Eileen Baas. IT WAS!! Eileen Baas was Karin’s piano teacher during high school and was her church’s organist in Milaca, Minnesota! Eileen had moved down to the DR just a few weeks earlier to be the school’s principal. She said that some of her friends had retired, but she felt like she had another adventure to do and so she took the job at Santiago Christian School. It was a huge surprise, a great taste of home and just one of those little blessings from God…the icing on the cake!

After we left the school, we went to lunch at a great little restaurant and had some great fellowship with the Santana family. Suzanne shared a devotion from Hebrews 1:1-4 that was just a great reminder of how amazing our God is and the grace that He has bestowed upon us.


Next, we headed to the Centro De La Cultura Ercilia Pepin, which is a school/cultural arts center. The people who came to this gig were so interested in jazz and the stories behind the songs. It was really neat to hear Jason’s heart and the history of the songs in English…and in Spanish (through Suzanne). Afterwards, many people wanted to hear more about how the guys got into jazz, how often they play, where they work, what other musical ventures they are involved in. It was once again and incredible demonstration of the heart of the Dominican people. They want to be invested in your life. They want to know more about you. They are sincerely welcoming and warm.

After we packed up from the gig at the cultural center, we needed to pick up our luggage at a pastor friend of the Santana’s home. We thought we would just pull up and throw the luggage in, but the family had prepared hot chocolate, cookies and bread for us. We went inside and were able to just relax and spend time together. It was so refreshing.


The father, Newton, took Karin outside to show her his backyard so she could take pictures. Then he jumped up into trees and picked some fresh guavas and avocados.



The avocados were huge…as big as Jason’s hand!

Eventually, we needed to say goodbye and head back to Santo Domingo. I am continually amazed at the people we have met so far. The people of the DR have truly blessed us.