Quarantined “on holy ground”

Sometimes we think of Ark Jarabacoa’s beautiful campus as holy ground, with structures built by God’s people to transform lives for His glory. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it certainly has served as a place to experience God’s protection and provision, while seeing His love in action.

Our kids have grown closer to each other and to God. Many of our older youth have been stretched to use their talents during these months – developing new skills and taking on additional responsibilities to help meet needs on the quarantined campus. Support teams outside the campus work together to plan activities for kids and staff so all remain busy, healthy, and thriving.

Toward the end of June, a “relief” staff team entered the campus for six weeks to support a special summer program. They were also able to relieve house parents who had been in lockdown on the campus since March, allowing them to go on a much needed two-week vacation.

Masiel tests the new hand-washing station. She is "playing" house mom to relieve house parents taking a break after being in lockdown for three consecutive months.

While summer break is full of games and fun activities, it's also a time to catch up on the basics – times tables, phonetics, etc.

Usually, the older youth at the Ark partner with summer interns from North America to teach the younger ones during the summer program. With travel bans, God has provided local youth to step in to assist.

Playgrounds and slides are rare here in the DR. Thanks to our generous donors and work teams, the Ark kids have these. Juan* loves the slide! (*Name changed)

Hot summers and watermelon juice! A lovely treat!

Houseparents Jenny and Jhonny hold a welcome dinner for one of our older girls who came to assist them with running their house.

Worship night for the Ark family on Casa de Misericordia’s (House of Mercy) porch. The gathering was complete with ginger tea, a Dominican classic.

In an odd sort of way, the pandemic has forged stronger relationships - between house parents and kids as well as between kids.

House parents Albert and Leidy not only provide a safe place for our children to live, but also an encouraging, loving, healing environment for transformation.

The summer program is in full swing! They are learning about Europe, enjoying Bible stories, and playing math games, Recesses are filled with running around and catching up with friends.

Our kids try out their masks after watching a video on proper mask use. It is unclear what schooling will look like this fall, but our kids are mask-ready.

House dad Jehovanisi leads a worship night surrounded by Ark families. House dads are important role models for our young people.

A hand-washing station under construction to ensure children's protection. We have put in place new protocols for residents and visitors for our kids' safety.

Mask practice begins! House dad Albert and some of the older Ark boys are sewing three masks per person for all of Ark's residents and employees.

Birthday party! Special celebrations and meals allow the children to be valued and reminded of being God's treasured beloved.

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