SA - Reflections, Lia

Lia:
Going to South Africa was an unforgettable experience and a pleasure to serve others as well as to work for God. I enjoyed every moment from the second I stepped off the plane. After meeting Roger & Meg, they kept a tight schedule for us to run on including: going to Burlington- an informal settlement, the Dream Center- an AIDS hospice, worshipping at Westville Baptist- Roger & Meg’s church, painting at Sydenham & Lambert Road, attending different youth groups, and worshipping on Sunday morning with the church in Sydenham. I learned how to serve others whether it was painting on a hot day, telling a children’s Bible story or sharing an encouraging testimony that brought a smile to the less fortunate. If I had to do it all again, I would do it in a blink of an eye.

SA - Reflections, Topher

Topher:
Seven days in a foreign country, what is there not to say? Not only were my eyes opened wide to a new and very different culture, but along with that came many experiences and lessons that have molded me in such a short period of time. From meeting Zulu families living in settlements with no water, electricity or basic necessities, to Indian families of 10 living in a one-bedroom house, my sense of appreciation and my former indifference to what God has blessed me with was abruptly challenged. Throughout the week I was continually challenged to not take what I have for granted, and instead to cherish my blessings and utilize them to their fullest extent. God showed me how to be a leader by serving others throughout our week, such as sweating buckets while painting at Missionary Baptist and Lambert Road Baptist. My idea of being a leader took a full 180 when God showed me that in order to be a godly leader, instead of simply telling others what to do; I must first take the initiative to do it myself, and to serve God and his children by doing so. The Bible says that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and I thank God for opening my eyes to this command he has asked of me.

SA - Reflections, Melissa

Melissa:
This past week was the best of my life (all 16 years of it). It was the most fun I’ve ever had, but it has also been a week of rapid spiritual growth. I can’t say which day had the most growth, though. The very first day we were in South Africa, we were thrown into the country’s culture by having orientation with the missionary, Roger, then going to Burlington’s youth group. Right away I saw differences between this informal settlement’s youth group and my church’s because most of these youth were from 10 to 12 years old. I shared a short testimony for the first time on the trip. One of my favorite parts of the week was the time we spent with the Lambert Road youth on Friday at youth group and on Wednesday when we painted there and then went to the beach for ice cream. The most important thing that I learned this week was, “in the beginning God…” which means that if God is first in your life, He will be in everything in your life. I also learned that people sometimes perceive things differently than the way they are meant and that comforts others through the comfort He gives you. God has been teaching me to let others help me even if I don’t need help and to accept the comfort people give you and to never take anything for granted.

SA - Reflection, Janice

Janice:

Where do I start with what God has done in my life?
In Africa in 8 days and 8 nights counting the flights
I was raised in church and know wrong from right.

But on this trip I saw the broken and weak
I saw how families that are poor, sick and weak
Walking on the streets with glass with no shoes on their feet

Forget what’s on the TV about those who live with AIDS
That won’t wake you up unless you see ‘em face to face
Sharing with them God’s amazing love and grace

I loved every minute of sharing the truth
Telling them that their lives are living proof of God’s mercy
Not knowing when God can make ‘em go poof

Painting and serving in churches in need
Was awesome getting close to others doing work during the week
Doing things to expand the Kingdom in all the heat

Travelling far to see what God does outside of the US
Using missionaries in SA relying 100% on God, no stress
It’s so encouraging helping me to minister my best

Roger’s stories of all his adventures of missionary-ing
Amazing how he’s been through so much listening
To him, I knew God brought him through everything

He stressed that “In the beginning God”
Soaked in us like butter on corn on the cob
God won’t see Roger sleeping on the job

Everything about the trip was just all Jesus Christ
He brought things to my mind bringing light
About him working in the world day and night

SA - Reflection, Kevin

Kevin:

In the beginning God. That is how everything in your life should start with. Rpger Hesch was the man who taught me this and that I should see first the will of God, then I shall reap the benefits. Burlington and Sydenham were the places we went to see and help out with the Informal settlements. There I learned that I live way too comfortable of a life and was not appreciating the things I have enough. I now plan to try and keep them in my mind in America to keep myself humble and conservative. Bongani’s enthusiasm and way he looks at life gives me hope that even in a terrible situation and environment can I praise God and live a happy life. Then the houses we visited with Judy and Priscilla, showing me the photos opened my eyes to the spiritual warfare that is happening. As well, the beauty of SA truly inspires me and is breathtaking to see roll by. All of these elements came together for me in the period of one week that formed my own Quest. I thank the Lord for this trip that helped me grow and understand that God works everywhere.

Time to Celebrate

Today, family, mentors, youth leaders, and pastors joined the Quest 9 Teams for a day to share and celebrate. The SA and DR teams related pieces of their story and began the process of trying to translate their experience into the movement of everyday life. Funny, challenging and inspiring stories filled the room.

As promised, photos are being added to back stories on this blog. And student stories will be added in the days to come. Thank you again for your prayer support, please don’t stop. Continue to pray for Questies as the process and apply their experience. Pray for the people of the Dominican Republic and South Africa.

All present and accounted for!

All present and accounted for! We thank God. The SA team dealt with two cancelled flights one going and one returning. The DR team dealt with two in the last 24 hours. And somehow ended up on St Thomas on their way home!

But God is good and he provided, kept them safe and delivered them to Northborough in the midst of a snow storm! Thank you for your support through
prayer!

Tomorrow we share and celebrate God’s goodness. Keep watching for stories from the team members and hopefully lots of photos!

Thank you again. God is good.

SA - back, DR - half-back!

The SA team is napping in Northborough awaiting the arrival of the DR team which is currently in the air. Wait until you hear their travel stories. God has worked miracles today! Keep praying.

For family, mentors, youth leaders, and pastors the Celebration will begin tomorrow at noon. If you have a change in your plans please reply so we will know. Keep reading we have more to share.

Heading Home

Pray for our two groups as they travel to New England. The SA team is traveling now and the DR team departs in the morning (Friday). We will let you know when they arrive in Massachusetts. Keep checking for students to share their personal stories on the blog in the days ahead.

DR-- Living Water!

It was our last day of ministry today and what an interesting one it was! We began by heading out to La Canela again to actually begin the water purification process with the small portable system, 2 250-gallon drums (tinacas), and a cup of salt. The children soon surrounded the familiar bus of gringos while we were coming but today we couldn't stop to play. They watched in amazement and confusion as Simon (the believer who is heading up the community cooperative to bring both pure and LIVING water to his neighbors) and his children were learning how the process works.
The excitement came when the local firetruck came into their narrow road to fill up the tinacas of water with our very own Robert(o) and el Pastor Ken mounted on top! While they were on their firetruck adventures, the team was able to share with Yalissa (one of the 3 teen leaders/Simon's children) some encouragement about the importance of having a daily devotional and a small group Bible study. We then shared One-Verse Evangelism visual illustration with Romans 6:23 on the sand in Simon's workshop which became an improptu yet clear presentation of the Gospel with a crowd of onlooking neighbors! Praise God for these unexpected opportunities!
We left La Canela and went to the local Monumento here in Santiago of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic. We got to see and pray for the entire city from the top and soak up some of the beauty of the history and artwork of the country. We also had a quick opportunity to visit the local market as well.
In the evening, we returned to La Canela for the inauguration ceremony where the team shared the skit again, a few songs (which were a big hit) and the stomp. Most importantly, we were able to partner with Simon, local believers and Marsha to not only present pure water but LIVING water through Christ! It was a joyful time followed by lots of hugs, kisses (it's a Dominican thing!) and some sad goodbyes. La Canela has certainly made an impact on us and we pray that the Gospel message has made an impact on them!
Tomorrow is beach day and any last minute ministry things that need to be wrapped up before getting on that plane! You are all in our thoughts and prayers! We can't thank you all of you enough! Dios les bendiga!

SA -- Finishing strong

Our time is winding down here in Durban.

Yesterday afternoon we had a really interesting experience...you'll have to ask us to get all the details, but we went to an Indian neighborhood called Eastbury and did some house visitation with two ladies (one American and one South African Indian) who work at the Eastbury Baptist Church.We got to meet some Hindus and some Muslims and talk to them about what they believe.

Today we visited the Victoria Street Market, which is in the center of the Indian business district here (India Indian, not American Indian!). So much to take in: spice shops with sacks full of chili powders and curry blends, craft shops galore, shops selling beautiful fabrics for saris, and the "Sangoma's market" (shaman's market) filled with both legitimate herbal remedies and bits and pieces of all kinds of things used in traditional African ancestor worship. We saw Muslim men and women in traditional garb (some women head to toe in black), heard the call to prayer from the mosque down the street while we ate our lunch at "Chicken Cottage" on busy Grey Street. We shopped for souvenirs at several shops and prayer-walked past a Muslim shrine, through the crowded central train station, and the open market.

In the afternoon we headed to our last service project at Lambert Road Baptist Church. The church has a new pastor and an even newer youth group. They've only met four times! We were with them on Friday night for fellowship and today (after school got out) a bunch of the youth came to church and we all worked together on the old educational wing of the church, sanding, varnishing and painting some Sunday school rooms and offices. Someone else showed up to cheer us on....MONKEYS!!!! Right here in town! Several moms and little ones entertained us by jumping around in the big tree by the fellowship hall. Topher got some great photos! After work we had supper, took a bus down to the beach and got ice cream....all in all a great time together with the Lambert Road youth.

Wow...tonight's our last sleep at "The Royal Palms" and tomorrow we finish packing up our stuff and fly out just after lunch our time. Thanks for praying for us as we journey home again. Pray the weather allows us to arrive on time. Watch for our personal blogs coming soon. Lots of love to all of you!!!!"

DR-- A Thanksgiving of Skittles

Hola!

Reporting from sunny Dominican Republic where we the breeze today was a nice change of pace and making it extremely hard to think about our close return! Thank you to our loved ones who are keeping us grounded by reporting temperatures of back home. :\

We begun the day by passing out invitations/tracts to the neighbors of La Canela to the inaugural ceremony for the water purification system tomorrow evening at 5pm and prayerwalking the neighborhood as well. We then played beisbol with the neighborhood kids-- or more like we were being schooled on beisbol by the neighborhood kids.

After lunch, we were sent to the local park in La Canela where we practiced, played basketball, tried to teach futbol americano and had an outdoor service at the park. We were able to sing silly songs, worship songs, share testimonies, the skit and the stomp/rap. Afterwards we were able to hang out with our new friends and talked more about Christ's love for them. Please join us in praying that our listeners will continue to ponder the Truth they heard tonight and will allow themselves to be transformed by it.

Pray also for our continuing ministry with the La Canela community and our service tomorrow night. For all the moms out there: Everyone is well, everyone is eating, everyone is sleeping (relatively well), and everyone is wearing sunscreen.
Los amamos mucho!

FYI: this is the website for the water purification system that we are working with the community to implement through New Life International Ministries: waterfortheworld.com :)

SA - new week, new opportunities

(The SA team has limited internet access. They are doing fine just not able to blog as often. Meg, our contact, has shared some brief bits of information.)

Monday the group traveled about one hour outside the city to Tala Game Park. The group rode through the park in open safari Land Rovers. Tala has rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and 16 species of antelope.

In the afternoon the group returned to the Dream Centre. “We distributed the shampoos/conditioners and the socks at the Dream Centre...I believe that every patient in the building got them, along with the 'Living in Hope' booklet. The socks were a HUGE hit! Another lady prayed to receive Christ at the Dream Centre on Monday afternoon and our 'treat supper' at the Butcher Block near the B&B was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.”

Most of the school supplies the group brought were given out as a special treat from the team to the kids (from both settlements) that came to Sunday School and/or church in Sydenham on Sunday morning, while some of them remain with Zuki for her children's ministry to use in the weeks to come (crayons etc).

Today, Tuesday, the group is painting the Recycled Church. “I just called Roger to ask how the church-painting is going and he said that they had already finished two coats on the walls and were starting on the floor (I didn't even know that was in the plans). Some friends at Westville helped connect us to a paint-store-owner that gave Roger a discounted price on paint that was better quality than the cheap stuff; so we got good quality for a mid-range price. God is good.”

“We've had great weather throughout (although warm). Roger crashed and took a two day break for a sinus infection on Sun/Mon...I am glad that he is better!!!”

DR-- Still Running!

What a day! We headed out to La Canela this morning and met with the 3 teen leaders we met last night and who, along with their father, Simon a community leader, will work throughout to maintain the water purification system and be a continuous light to their neighbors.

We begun the day split-- muscle men/women to begin the labor of mixing cement and laying down the foundation of the water drums and the rest of us who sang, played games, told Bible stories and shared the gospel with the neighborhood children and youth. It's simply unbelievable and inspiring how content the kids are in spite of their limited resources. For many of these kids, happiness and material possessions don't seem to be connected (a shock to our American lifestyle)!

Our muscle men and women did an incredible job for day 1 and will be finishing up tomorrow. The afternoon consisted of playing beisbol on the field with toy balls and sticks with the kids. Prayerwalking was an amazing and eye-opening experience! Our tour guides-- our 3 teen leaders-- are very knowledgeable about the neighborhood. We prayed with believers and non-believers alike in the area for the issues that plague this area and were surprised at their honesty and willingness to pray with complete strangers!

Your students are learning a lot of Spanish, soaking up the culture, eating plantains every day and opening up their hearts to listen and see the Lord everywhere. God is not only moving in powerful ways in the country but in the team as well. No doubt it is due in part to all of your prayers... GRACIAS GRACIAS GRACIAS and please keep them coming!

Pray that we may be effective in spreading the gospel in La Canela tomorrow and be flexible with whatever plans come our way throughout the day. Pray also that God may continue to speak and mold the team as they learn to become more like Him. Finally, pray for safety and health... hasta la proxima!

DR-- Creativity, Flexibility and God's Love Overflowing!

Hey loved ones!

What an unbelievable couple of days it has been on "our" part of the world. From playing basketball under the hot sun all afternoon, to not having any running water, not being able to take showers and having to depend on church members' homes, to worship experiences that have transcended language and cultural barriers where God's love was/is overflowing!

We began Saturday with more preparation at Iglesia Bautista San Francisco de Macoris (Pastor Gabriel's church; YEC '06), a home-cooked Dominican breakfast (Mangu!) and an afternoon of playing basketball and football with young people from the church and the neighborhood. In the evening, (after joyfully hitting the showers thanks to the generosity of church members!) we experienced God through the worship and fellowship and were honored to be used to share His message of hope and redemption through testimonies, songs, and the Everything skit (which translated really well!).

The Sunday service was a bittersweet-- a celebration of God's faithfulness and truth and a sad time to say goodbye to part of our Dominican family that we've come to love, even in this brief time! Parents & friends, you should be proud at how flexible and willing your students have been even through the numerous changes-- no complaints or questions asked! Many of our Dominican brothers & sisters were impressed by their willingness to EAT anything given (and go for seconds!)... we certainly love our chefs!

After lunch meant we had to dash to Santiago for ministry in Los Santos where the students sang worship songs, performed their stomp & rap, played with neighborhood kids and where our very own Ken and Rob baptized 6 growing believers in front of numerous witnesses!

We just finished our water purification training with Marsha Davidson. Tomorrow we will be the 1st team to install this system in a neighborhood called La Canela. We will be working with teen leaders who will be the ones maintaining it to provide pure water for up to 1,000 people! Pray for us as we work to physically give clean water here and prayerwalk the neighborhoods to share LIVING water! We're excited and humbled to be a part of it all! Que bueno es Dios!

SA - A full day, Sunday

We had a great day. This morning, we went to the "recycled church" (a church building in a shack settlement that has just been built from bricks that were salvaged from a house that was demolished....the team will be painting the inside on Tuesday)...Janice led the kids in a Bible story in SSch; during the worship service (2 1/2 hours long!!!) Kevin and Melissa shared some beautiful testimonies and the team did their sign-song. This afternoon was relax time at the beach...it was a HOT day and the waves were great. This evening we were at Westville Baptist, (Debbie and Barry’s church, YEC ‘08) which had a special service with visitors from two "sister churches" (both Zulu churches) so there was a mix of white and Zulu culture/music etc...really nice. Afterwards, Pastor Brian Naidoo, Eileen and Lesa (Lesa attended CrossWalk ‘07) appeared and we all went out together for ice cream...that was fun for the kids to see Lesa again, and Brian and Eileen enjoyed meeting everyone.

Tomorrow morning is our animal game drive, and in the afternoon we return to the Dream Centre. The guys led four men to the Lord on our last visit on Saturday...praise God!

Please could you pray for Roger...he was out of commission today with what appears to be a sinus infection that came on rather suddenly he'll go see the doctor tomorrow.

A note from Meg Hecsh,
Parents/families of Quest 9/SA (including parents of Susan and Ben A)....we are SO enjoying your kids! What fantastic ambassadors they are, both of Christ and of our nation....the best! As I introduced the team to the Zulu church where we worshiped this morning, I told the congregation how I was reminded that God's home is big enough for people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. South Africa has ELEVEN official languages as a nation. Quest 9/SA has FIVE: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic, and American Deaf Sign Language! AWESOME! I was going to use the phrase "melting pot" to describe the team, but then realized that would make NO sense to my listeners, so I "translated" to a more African image: a delicious stew made carefully by a great cook with many different ingredients blending together to make one fantastic aroma and taste. The congregation understood!

SA - Lessons in appreciation

How do you show your appreciation for a gift so simple as socks and shampoo? We learned today that in the Zulu culture, a person will clap 2 times before they receive a gift of which they are truly thankful. Such a simple gesture, that one would miss, if they were not looking for it.

Our morning involved a visit to the Dream Center- a center that provides intermediate and hospice care to people living with HIV/AIDS. The students split up to visited both the male and female patients, offering prayers for comfort & endurance though the pain. Our new friends were so gracious in their acceptance of our small gifts and we are looking forward to spending more time with them this coming Monday afternoon.

We left from the hospital and headed straight for Sydenham to help Zuki with her children's ministry. Topher shared a story with the children and we all enjoyed singing and dancing to our favorite Sunday school songs. During the play time, we had a good laugh watching the young kids run circles around Ben D. with the soccer ball!

After a quick lunch on the go, we went back to Burlington & met Michelle. With her we visited the families of the students being sponsored. What a sobering sight to see the conditions in which these families live. Most children in this community are living without 1 or both parents- most likely lost to AIDS. Homes the size of a small bedroom would house at a minimum 4 people (adults and children). We learned today that because this is an informal settlement (houses made of packed mud & tin sheets; hundreds & thousands on an empty spot of land), there is no school built in the area. For children to go to school, they would have to take transport that would take up to 2 hours each way- not to mention the cost of transport. So needless to say, most of these kids do not go to school because families can not afford to pay for food, much less transportation. Again, a sobering realization.

This evening was relaxed- Roger & Meg arranged for a great meal of "chicken a la king", with some of the members of their team here in Durban. Good conversations and some laughs were had by all.

We are heading into a great day of worship tomorrow at Missionary Baptist in the morning and Westville Baptist in the evening. We will also have our first chance to swim in the Indian Ocean!! Can't wait!! Did I mention that temps have been in th high 90's?!!

Thinking of all of you and hoping for the best at home!

SA - Friday was amazing

What an amazing fist full day of ministry we have had. We settled nicely into the B& B after our long flight. After some orientation with Roger in the morning, we heaed out to visitt th black township of Burlington. One of our New England congregations has graciously supported 12 children to go toschool this year. Our grls shared testimonies at the youth meeting, and then were surprised by a dance presentation by some of the Zulu youth. lots of drums & excited dances!

In the evening, we divided into 3 small groups & visited 3 different youth groups around the city. Ben D & Lia shared at Missionary Baptist in Sydenham at Sizwe & Zuki's church. We will be worshipping with this church on Sunday & painting with them later in the week. Topher, Janice & Ben A went to Phoenix Baptist & took part in their youth time as well. This is an Indian church that we have made connections with in past trips. Kevin, Melissa & Susie visited with a very new youth group (only their 3rd mtg.) at Lambert Road Church. Theirs is a mixed youth group involving students from their community. By the end of the night the 3 smaller groups joined together at Lambert Road and helped teach "round-robin" table tennis! We will also be painting the youth room with Lambert Road later this week, hoping to build more connections with Gareth & Michelle, the new pastoral couple & their youth.

SA & DR Saturday Schedule

With one full day behind them the groups are now settling into a steady pace. A second night of sleep always helps. On the schedule for groups Saturday:

SA - The team visits the Dream Center located two blocks from their lodging. The Dream Center is a hospice for those who are infected with HIV/AIDS. Many are there for treatment and will return home, others will not. The group visits with those who are intersted in talking and will offer to share the hope of Christ and prayer. Pray for the team as they share and then process this experience. Many of those they meet are only slightly older. In the afternoon they will visit with two youth groups. The first in the informal settlement of Sydenham and later in Burlington.

DR - The team returns to San Francisco for a time to help promote the local church by meeting and talking with people in the city. The group will work alongside members of the congregation. In the afternoon the group will enjoy a time of fun, worship and teaching with the teenagers of the congregation. This will give the Questies real one on one time to connect and relate. Pray the San Francisco congregation will be encouraged and Questies to be stretched as they connect.

DR - Saludos, Saludos, Vengo a Saludar!

Hey outside world!

Q9: DR reporting from San Francisco de Macoris. We are in the DR-- safe, sound and WARM. We've begun our full first day of ministry with Pastor Gabriel and the congregation here and have already learned that nothing really goes as planned in the DR (... or in general). Despite not running with the original plan of ministry on the university campus here, we've had an amazing opportunity to already make some great friends here, practice and develop some new skits, songs and stomp routines, walk and experience the beautiful city and even more beautiful people and (just as important) eat some home-cooked Dominican food! GOD IS GOOD!
We miss you all and can't thank you enough for your prayers!
we gotta run!

Love,
your kids

In-country and active

The day Questies have prayed and prepared for has arrived. Both groups are in-country and active. We hope you consider yourself a part of the Quest team as you journey along in prayer.

The groups will begin posting when they have access to a computer with internet connections. This will vary for the two groups. We will try to fill in the gaps with some of their scheduled plans so you can pray for each team.

Friday - The SA team has orientation today to become familiar with their surroundings. This afternoon and evening the team will divide and visit youth groups in Durban.

Friday - The DR team will spend the day with Pastor Gabriel (YEC '06 speaker) on a local college campus, meeting and talking with students. Students love to practice their English and many of the Questies can practice their Spanish. In the afternoon they will lead a workshop about youth ministry for the San Francisco Church leadership.

DR team safe and warm in Santiago!

Hi Alyson,

The DR team arrived Santiago safe and sound last night with no problems. It was great to see them, we got them settled and had some pizza around 11pm. (They arrived a half hourish late). Christy told me the SA group had arrived safely so that is super- praying both groups will have a meaningful encounter with culture and Christ, and I know they will bless many lives!)

Blessings, Marsha Davidson

SA Quest team arrives safely in Durban!

Dear Allyson:
With God all things are possible.
The team arrived right on time with all bags, etc. We introduced them to Mugg and Bean for a snack supper and they are all tucked in at the B&B. Time for me to go to bed also. Tomorrow we start...

IHS
Roger

SA & DR up, up, and away

For the SA team it has been an interesting day. A cancelled flight gave the team the opportunity to practice flexibility which is so important. At this time the SA team is crossing the Atlantic Ocean heading for the continent of Africa. This is a 17 hour leg of their three leg trip. They will land in Johannesburg mid morning EST and then transfer to a short domestic flight wrapping up their travel to Durban, South Africa. After settling in and good night’s rest they will begin orientation and service on Friday. They will blog from Durban as soon as they have access to the internet.

The DR team arrived this evening in Northborough. Snow, rain, flooded streets were a challenge but everyone arrived safely. Tonight they had a time of orientation and connecting. They fly out of Boston late-morning tomorrow and after a stop in Miami they arrive in Santiago, Dominican Republic tomorrow evening. Like the SA team they will kick off their service on Friday morning, heading to San Francisco to work alongside our friend Pastor Gabriel.

So welcome to the Q9 adventure. A few things you can pray for as you remember the teams.
* Pray the SA team will be able to sleep some during their long flight and that they will clear customs and arrive safely in Durban.
* Pray for safe travels for the DR team, with smooth transitions and safe arrival in Santiago.
* Pray both groups will adjust quickly to the warm climates.
(For those of us in New England that is a real challenge!)
* Pray for the teams as they connect and begin serving.

Thanks for your interest and support! You are an important member of the Quest team.

SA the journey begins

The South Africa team arrived in Northborough last night in the midst of snow and woke this morning to freezing rain. Pray for them as they travel today. There has been a change in their schedule (crew not weather related). Pray that all connections are made. Watch for an update later today with more news.

Here we go!

Welcome to the Q9 blog! We are excited to have you join us on our journey. Currently we are in the final stages of preparing for our trips.

This year marks the ninth year of Quest. This is the eighth year a team has traveled to the DR and the second year a team has traveled to SA. More than 115 students have participated in Quest. This year's team represents 12 congregations.

A few reminders; the two Quest teams will be traveling and bloging at the same time and their messages will be blended. Each group will write a blog when they have the opportunity but this is not always a daily possibility. We hope to describe people we meet, places we visit, things we do and the impact of our experience. Obviously, a short blog will not express the depth of each day so we look forward to sharing with you when we return.

Here’s our team:

Quest 9

South Africa – departure, Wednesday, February 13
Melissa, Hope Chapel MA
Kevin, Middletown RI
Ben, Hope MA
Topher, Friendship CT
Janice, Casa de Oracion MA
Lia, Ressurection CT
Faculty
Susie, Hope Fellowship MA
Ben, Friendship CT

Dominican Republic – departure, Thursday, February 14
Natalie, Manchester CT
John, Friendship CT
Mike, Derry NH
Ashley, Middletown RI
Tory, North Park CT
Hope, Daybreak VT
Libby, New Life NH
Josh, Friendship CT
Tito, Casa de Oracion MA
Kelsey, Brookridge MA
Faculty
Ken, Hope Chapel MA
Itamar, Casa de Oracion MA
Rob, Friendship MA
Abby, Casa de Oracion MA

We appreciate your prayers as we make final preparations, travel to Massachusetts and on to our country's of destination. Ask God to prepare us for what lies ahead. Thanks again for joining us!