As expected, the Doulos campus was moving and shaking with the preparations for expedition night last Thursday (April 14th). Each class had pretty much finished all their learning content, so they were working hard to complete and polish their products-- whether they be giant displays, orations, or multi-faceted presentations, these students were working hard. With the help of Stef, the work team from Mosaic church, and some spirit-led planning the vast majority of the art projects for every grade was accomplished prior to that Thursday of campus prep. So mostly I was able to make the rounds to all the classes and pass out art supplies that students requested and deliver their art projects. I also spent the day hosting my parents for their first day in the DR!
Ma and Pa Emig arrived the night before expedition night. We were lucky to have them here during the most exciting week of the semester. They were able to see the prime example of the learning/teaching model Doulos uses and celebrate with us and the community in the achievements and hard-work of our students. It was probably a lot to take in but we balanced it out with a few days on the beach to zone out on warm sand, rolling waves, and cool breezes.
Keith and I, along with some other friends, are going to the Easter vigil at the monastery tonight. This morning I was reading through the missal in order to prepare myself in the liturgy before tonight (the services at the monastery are all in Spanish, and sometimes it is hard for me to follow unless I read the liturgies beforehand). I felt caught in the liturgy of the baptism. Prior to today, it has never struck me so strongly that the ritual of baptism follows so perfectly in the purpose of this service-- the remembrance of all the good things the Lord has done for his people and the celebration of the resurrection of Christ Jesus. During the rite of baptism this prayer will be said over the water:
" Father, you give us grace through sacramental signs, which tells us the wonders of your unseen power. In Baptism we use your gift of water, which you have made a rich symbol of the grace you give us in this sacrament. At the very dawn of creation your Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the wellspring of all holiness. The waters of the great flood you made a sign of the waters of Baptism, that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness. Through the waters of the Red Sea you led Israel out of slavery, to be an image of God's holy people, set free from sin by Baptism. In the waters of the Jordan your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Spirit. Your Son willed that water and blood should flow from his side as he hung upon the cross. After his resurrection he told his disciples: “Go out and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of Baptism. By the power of the Spirit give to the water of this font the grace of your Son. You created man in your own likeness: cleanse him from sin in a new birth to innocence by water and the Spirit."
