Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

It was a once in a lifetime opportunity! On Saturday, we went to visit the set of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition which was filming just 10 miles outside of downtown Lexington. This was not just any visit. Thanks to my college friend Rick, we got to have a real behind the scenes look at the show. You see for many years Rick was the Production Coordinator for Team Bravo. While Rick "retired" from the show last season, he introduced me to Jeremy (on the left) and Brett (on the right).

Jeremy is the Production Manager for Team Bravo and Brett is the new "Rick." They went out of their way to welcome us and help us to see how the show is put together. They answered all of our questions, gave us a tour of the production facilities, and set us up in the VIP area. When we were ready to leave on Saturday, they invited us back for the reveal on Tuesday. Needless to say, the girls were excited. We went by the Candy Factory and Fancy Pastry to get some goodies for our new friends.

On Tuesday I picked the girls up from school and headed out to the build site. It was quite the party atmosphere. Loud music and excited people - 2000 plus strong. The crew practiced moving the bus, took lots of video of screaming crowds, and generally whipped everyone into a frenzy! Just before the family came home, Brett came and got us and put us in a great viewing spot. It was moving to be there when the family came home and they first saw their new house.


After the reveal, we went back to the production trailer to say goodbye to Jeremy and Brett. While we were there, who stopped in but designer Paul DiMeo! He was very friendly and talkative. We discussed where he was from (Philadelphia); where he was living (LA); and who our favorite designer was (Paul of course!).

Our EMHE experience was fabulous and certainly memories that we will not forget. Thanks to Rick, Jeremy, Brett, and everyone else who made this an event to remember!

Till next time! Lee

Friday in the DR

I really stretched my comfort zone on Friday. Dr. Mark asked me to help
out in the dental clinic. So for three hours I handed instruments to
him, held scared kids' hands, and saw more teeth extracted than I ever
expected. I gained a new appreciation for dentists as well as how
important dental care is for overall health.
In the afternoon, we dedicated the clinic and then went and did our last
visits. We said our goodbyes to the staff and headed to the hotel for
our last night. A group of us lingered playing dominoes until 11pm. A
good last full day.
Lee

Wednesday and Thursday

On Wednesday, a group of us worked on laying some more block at the mission. When we finished what we were given to do, we found other jobs to do. Following lunch, I went to visit my new sponsor child - Jovanca. She is a two year old who goes to the Nazaret school. She was very shy, which is understandable. Her family was very appreciative of our sponsorship. I'll post pictures when I return.
In the evening, we had a nice cook out at the mission, and then had a worship service. The most moving part of the service was the beautiful liturgical dance by some of the high school students. Their dancing reminded me of my own daughters' dancing. I began missing them as well as wishing I could share this experience with them.
Also on Wednesday, we said goodbye to Megan, Cathy, and Margaret as they headed home. They were great companions on our trip and will be missed.
Thursday, dawned, and we said good bye to Walt who was heading to Santiago to spend some time with his daughter. The rest of the group went to the Leprosaurium which is a resident facility for those suffering from leprosy. The residents rarely get visitors, so the visits from mission groups from Mission Emanuel are looked forward to. We prayed, sang, and visited with them. It was wonderful.
After our visit we returned to the mission, and I worked on wiring lights in the ceiling of the new conference room. Before I knew it, it was time to go back to the hotel. This evening we will go out for a nice dinner and a tour of old town Santo Domingo.
More to come....
Lee

Tuesday in the DR

Today we finished the walls for the house we were constructing. Then after lunch I went visiting the people in the community. First we saw Raphael and Enelcida and Raphael's mother; then we went down to visit Brailo whose daughter just had serious heart surgery. She is only 8. She is recovering nicely.

This morning the Director of the mission asked me to be the backup preacher for Wednesday night. I got started preparing; then the primary preacher who had become sick started feeling better. So I will not be preaching. But that's OK. I have a great start for a sermon I'll give in November.

It's getting late so I'll head on to bed.

Grace and peace to everyone.

Lee

Another Good Day

Today began early with breakfast at 7 a.m. and our bus ride out to the mission. We spent the morning in 95 degree heat laying cinder block walls. In my four years of trips, this definitely was the hottest I have been. After three hours, we were ready for lunch. We had a nice lunch; and then after lunch we held a memorial service for our dear friend George. Many people spoke, we read some scripture, and then laid George's ashes to rest on a hill overlooking a lush river plain. It was moving and meaningful.

In the late afternoon, after returning to the hotel, we rested and debriefed the day. Then off to a fantastic Italian dinner and back to the hotel for some much needed rest. I am looking forward to a new day tomorrow...but first a good night sleep.

More to come...

Lee

We have arrived

We touched down about 1:30 pm, and were met by the staff of Mission Emanuel. Our 40 minute ride was uneventful. We were all sad that Tom was not with us. This will be a much different trip without him.
I was having some emotional moments as I thought about George and his absence. It is nice to have a connection with him through his daughter Megan. We all are looking forward to helping her see the DR through her father's eyes.
More to come...
Lee

Heartbreak!

Well, after an hour drive and about 45 minutes waiting to check in, we discovered that Tom's passport had expired. This stinks. Tom was sure he had one year left, and as group leader, I should have noticed this more than a month ago.
I ask for copies of passports and usually check them. However I had a copy of his passport from last year and I just didn't.
Lee