THE REPORT FOR THE 2009 NORTHERN DIOCESAN MISSION
TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

 This is the report for the ELEVENTH Dominican Republic mission trip which took place on FEBRUARY 27th - March 8th, to San Pedro de MarcoIs. We are blessed to share with all of you the work of the team as they brought Healing, Comfort and Hope, to some of the world’s poorest people and we know that this would not have been possible without your contributions, your prayers, your support and your enthusiasm!

This year’s 2009 team lead spiritually by The Rev. Blair Biddle, Deacon Vicar of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church consisted of 21 member medical team. To compliment and work along side the medical team, one person worked on a pure water project to bring education and do hands on work on an existing water purification system already present in Buen Pastor. The medical team consisted of 2 MDs, 2 PAs, 1 RPT, 7 RN’s, 1 Pharmacist, 3 translators , a prayer team and support persons (ages 14 and up), who traveled to the barrios (slums) of Gautier and Las Flores and in and around the city of San Pedro de Marcois. The Medical Team saw a TOTAL OF 904 patients in five days, treating a gamut of illnesses including skin rashes,, ear/throat infections, high blood pressure, upper respiratory infections, major infections of hands and feet,, and “gripe” or flu. Twelve high powered hearing aids with a programmer were taken to the clinic to be given to a local school for deaf children in San Pedro de Marcois.

The North Country Mission Team & their friends in the Dominican Republic in Feb. 2009

 However the majority of illness continues to be caused by water born intestinal parasites causing diarrhea which leads to severe dehydration especially in infants, small children and the elderly. (Please see Paul’s separate report for more details). The Pure Water Team member saw patients in Gautier who suffered from water born parasites educating them about the importance of clean water and it’s role in prevention of sickness. They also were able to link up with community leaders to arrange for further distribution of an inexpensive/simple water purification system. We were able to talk to some patients who have been using the system since last year successfully. In Buen Pastor he was able to hook up and begin to run the filtration system that had been put into place by another church team prior to our arrival.

Spiritual healing took place at the medical sites as each patient left the clinic being given the gift of a small cross and being anointed and blessed by our prayer team.

One of the most wonderful parts of the mission continues to be our opportunity to worship with our Dominican Brothers and sisters. And each morning we circled up praying the Lord’s Prayer simultaneously in English and Spanish with our Dominican brothers and sisters. Our clergy were invited to share in leading these worship services along side the Dominican clergy, The team was also inspired daily each morning by team member’s homilys reminding us that the most important aspect of the mission is our sharing of God’s Love, pure and simple, by our smiles, hugs and presence there.

The Dominican Republic Mission Team 2009, once again thanks you for your generous donations, your support and your prayers. This mission has continued to grow because of the support of so many in our community and beyond!

It is truly one of our richest blessings to be able to share the greatest gift of all, God’s Love.

Sincerely,

Robin Baxter - Lay Team Coordinator – St. Eustace, Lake Placid
The Rev. Blair Biddle - Spiritual Leader – St. Paul’s, Keesville

“FOR I WILL RESTORE HEALTH TO YOU, AND YOUR WOUNDS I WILL HEAL, SAYS THE LORD”. JEREMIAH 30:17

“SO YOU SHALL SERVE THE LORD YOUR GOD; HE WILL BLESS YOUR BREAD AND WATER”. EXODUS 23:25

Mission 2010 Update
February 26th-March7th 2010

The Northern Diocesan Mission to the Dominican Republic is shaping up to be about a 27 member team. It is being coordinated by Robin Baxter RN (St. Eustace Church) and our Spiritual Leader, The Rev. Blair Biddle Deacon Vicar, St. Paul's Keeseville.

Our Healing Prayer team will be lead by The Rev. Maureen Demler, Deacon at Clifton Park St. George's Parish.  We have 3 MDs, 2 Physicians Assistants, 5 Registered Nurses and a wonderful team of "runners, gophers etc…."

We have room for 1 or 2 more if folks are still interested. Approximate cost per person is $1450.00.  Please contact Robin Baxter at 518-523-9472 for more information.  God Bless and thank-you for all your prayers and support!