shaun…
i went to D.R. about 10 years ago with World Changers, and up to that point, missions was a class I took at seminary, and something I threw money at from the safety of my pew.  DR totally and completely changed everything.  Our hosts took us to and by several landmarks, one of them being the estate of a guy who’d made his fortune in tobacco… unbelievable the contrast between that place and what existed just blocks from there.  On the last day of our stay, they took us to a beach on the north shore where rich Europeans vacationed at resorts, while indigenous vendors scratched out a living along the beach.

At that time (and even now?) DR was the third poorest country in the western hemisphere, and it just blew me away (and still does) that the richest of the rich can, in good conscience, sleep at night in the comfort and security of their little paradises (paradi?), when right outside their windows the people suffer.

Thanks for the reminder… I’ll be praying for you and your team as you minister there.

Reminds me of driving into Kibera in Nairobi. The way we drove was through the area where many of the ambassadors to Kenya live. Palatial estates, then suddenly the odor of burning garbage, and the same kind of sights in your pictures. The contrast couldn’t have been greater.

Yeah, I’ve felt that way even in Costa Rica.

A friend of mine went on a missions trip to Costa Rica a few years ago, and they were there on July 4. They got invited to the American Embassy for a 4th of July celebration. She said outside the gate were children asking for food and money, and inside the gate they were grilling up a July 4th BBQ and having a grand ol’ time. She was really bothered by that, obviously, and with good reason.

I was in Barbados for spring break with Campus Crusade, and it was very much the same thing. Billion dollar homes belonging to Oprah, and the hotel where Tiger Woods got married for billions of dollars, beach resorts where I could note even afford to stay for a night...and people who can barely afford a home. It really is something I don’t quite understand.

I think almost all third world countries have a bit of that contrast.  I know I have seen it in various places.

Thank you for sharing pictures.  I makes me be able to better picture where my Compassion child, Jason, lives.

It not only happens in third world countries, but right here at home too.  Ever walk around the neighborhoods near the White House?  Malibu v. South Central L.A.?  It is shameful that the contrast exists, but worse that it exists among those who claim to be so “good.”

Shaun,
Will you get the opportunity to lovingly confront some of those who are living the “big” life while those around them suffer in such poverty?  If so, what would you say? 

Beth

All I can say is the tears are stinking my eyes as I stare at that precious little boy and then glance at the trash on the ground. 

It’s hard to wrap my mind around it all.  From the marble floors to the trash floors, and I am certain they are close in proximity. 

Wow.

As I was scrolling through this post and just the top part of the first picture came into view, I thought I was about to see a picture of the opulence you described. Its absolutely amazing that poverty can exist amidst such natural beauty.

I sponsored Genesis in DR after subscribing to your feed.  If you run into the cutest little girl on the island, tell her the Thomas family says hi.

Thanks for your work Shaun!