Even though the seasons here don’t often find a way to change, it only felt natural to celebrate the beloved holiday of Halloween here in the Dominican. Fall has always been one of my favorite times of year, mainly due to my love of my family’s Thanksgiving celebration. Being such, we brought decided to bring the season to us. These kids love to have a good time with music and friends, as do all teenagers, so we planned a Halloween party in the Outreach center in Rio San Juan. The day of, my girls were so thrilled and excited for the fiesta later that evening. They even begged to come early and help with decorations. We spent our discipling time that day decorating goody bags with pumpkins, ghosts, and any other scary goofy things we could think of. I was so proud of one of my girls, Estefany, especially as we planned for the party. During this process I was able to see how much she truly wanted to use this opportunity to help and serve others. Through decorating all the bags for the kids, hanging up streamers, and blowing up balloons, for maybe the first time, I saw her put a great amount of effort into something for other people. This was so encouraging to me, and now that I think of it, I need to tell her this and how proud I am of her.
So many others showed up at 5, an hour early, and hung up streamers that said ‘Sangre!’ or ‘Blood!’, they blew up many balloons and punching balloons (you can imagine the excitement once they figured out how to use those!), they set out plates, and many other things to help us. The decorating was maybe just as fun as the party itself, watching all the kids scurry around the room in complete chaos to set up for the perfect Halloween party!
We had sodas, cookies, and even a real jack-o-lantern that Jordan and I carved the night before! As all the kids started to arrive they became instantly moved by the blaring music of Michael Jackson in the room. These kids LOVE Michael Jackson and have a dance to probably every one of his songs. One of my favorite parts of the evening is when the song Thriller came on. Suddenly, as the song started and began picking up speed, 7-8 of the kids lined up in a row and started doing the Thriller dance. Thankfully I was able to record it on video. One of my disciples Graisy let down all of her hair then put it in front of her face and started walking around the room like a mummy. On the other side of the room we had a line, probably 15 people deep to bob for apples. In another corner we had water bottles with glow sticks in them set up for bowling. Then to top it off the other 30 kids were painting each other’s faces and every balloon they could find. Complete chaos could probably not fully describe this experience. As crazy, and messy, and overheated it was in the space, it was such a neat time we were able to share with the kids. They felt comfortable around us, sincerely wanted to bring their friends, and tell others about what we are doing. I pray for more experiences like this one, where the kids can come and truly be themselves and know they have a home in the outreach center.
This Halloween was special to me because I was able to see how my kids want to serve one another and just how comfortable the feel around us. Plus, it was a blast! Keep us and our ministry in your prayers. We are thankful for your support and encouragement for all of us and our disciples.
Love,
Audrey
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