The Ohio State University Round 3 in Santo Domingo

(Kate and Amanda with Melindina at Wed night church)

O - H

I - O!

For the third year in a row, buckeyes from the great state of Ohio, journeyed to Santo Domingo to share in what God is doing there.

I had the privilege of spending the week with this fabulous group of my peers as they spent time with one another caring for those in need.

Amy Davidson working with our therapist Aquilino

to help Guillermo gain muscle tone

Dr. Pillai teaching Dr. Nuñez pediatric techniques

Katie helping out with a well baby checkup

Nate playing with the kids in the community!

This amazing group showed the love of God through various projects including laying block on a house in Cielo, moving dirt at the mission to fill in a hillside, a children's program and serving at the leprosarium. As several as the staff commented, the group from Ohio State had a different connection to the children than others. Students from OSU came to the DR ready for God to work in their lives and the Lord did not disappoint. Perhaps most exciting of all, was the day Clint gave his life to Christ and the baptism that was later held for him at the hotel pool!

I was so grateful for this time that I was able to spend with friends from the states. It can be lonely here at times. And its not easy being away from your own culture and language for so long. I am so thankful to have had a few days to spend with friends whom I love and to be able to see how much the Lord has worked through the mission to impact their lives and those of the community.

Looking forward to being back at The Ohio State University in two weeks time to share about what the Lord is doing here.

GO BUCKS!

Blessings,

Anna

Spring Break Week 2

(This is about a week late... oops, more later)

How many people get to have 3 Spring Breaks? I am so excited because its Wednesday night and The Ohio State University is sending a team to the DR that arrives on Friday night for our 3rd Spring Break trip! GO BUCKS!!

Right now there are two groups here: Wesleyan Christian School and North Carolina State University. They have continued the work of the previous group on Dominga's house. As well they have been giving vacation bible school classes in the Haitian church and working with the community.

As well I have received photos from a friend who is in Port au Prince with Youth with a Mission (YWAM). They are working together with several other organizations in an effort called Mision Rescate (Mission Rescue). Mission Emanuel has been providing them with water from our Provision del Cielo water plant (over 40,000 bottles so far) and medical supplies as well.

Provision del Cielo H2O in PaP

Preparing food packets with water to give to patients & families

Taking the much needed food and water to patients

Patients in the waiting area

Spring in the Clinic

Spring is upon us and that means students from North Carolina, Ohio and Colorado are utilizing their Spring Breaks to give hope here in our community.

This week there are college students from UNC Chapel Hill, Wake Forest and Salem College building the foundation for a house, pouring concrete for a maintenance building and working in our physical therapy and pediatric clinics.

Here are some photos of volunteer students working on projects at Mission Emanuel and in the community:

Pouring cement for a maintenance building

Lindsey, Robinson, Oscar, Rob and Dr. Nuñez

after the doctor and team cleaned Robinson's badly infected finger

Rob scrubbing the infection out of Robinson's thumb

Blessings,

Anna

Fundraising

Hello again,

As you may be able to tell from the increasing frequency of posts, I have gotten in the rhythm of updating everyone on things here a little bit better. I've also got a newer, faster internet that allows me to make posts in under an hour (and a computer that doesn't die on me) !!! :)

I thought I would dedicate this post to talking a little bit more about my ongoing fundraising efforts. I feel that the Lord has led me to stay here for another two years, which means He is going to provide all that I need and more in order to live and work in the community!

My current fundraising goal for September 2010 to August 2011 is $36,000. The breakdown is $10,000 to buy a car and car maintenance and $26,000 for all of my living expense.

Monthly Living Expenses:

Rent $165

Propane $15

Health Insurance $50

Cell Phone $60+

Internet $60

Data Back Up $15

Food, Water and Toiletries $200

Savings and Retirement $200

Child Sponsorships $82

Tithe $80

Taxes $200

Gas $200

Car Insurance $100

Clothing $50

TOTAL $1592 monthly

$19,200 for living expenses ($1600*12)

+$2700 Plane Tickets

+$2900 Fees for Processing Funds

+$600 Conferences and Training

+$200 Immigration Fees

+$400 Mailings

= $26,000

$26,000 Living Expenses

$10,000 Car + Maintenance

----------------------------------

$36,000 TOTAL GOAL

For those interested in supporting me, you can give online at missionemanuel.org/support or can call 1-877-422-9200 to setup direct deposit or to give a one-time gift. Just remember to mention my name: Anna Bianco or write it in the memo line.

Checks can be written out to "The Gathering / USA, Inc." with my name in the memo line and mailed to:

The Gathering / USA, Inc.

1220 E Concord St.

Orlando, FL

32803

Thanks to all who have supported me financially, by writing letters, sending me Facebook messages and especially for all of the prayers!

Blessings,

Anna