DR Mission 2

Greeting from the Dominican Republic:
We all pray this newsletter finds you in the best of health and under the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Our trip here was not without excitement. As we departed Clifton Park, the roads seemed clear until we got to Kingston area where the meatball sized snowflakes covered the road. Everyone was wondering where was Shaq (our driver from previous years). Some of us took a nap, and some of us prayed, as we hit all of the rumble strips!
Pops, tells us that three times we had confirmation from Delta personnel that there was no baggage embargo. However, shortly after arriving to JFK, we were informed otherwise. So, we began checking bags only to find out that we were being limited to 46 pieces of luggage. Twelve additional bins had to remain at JFK. We began sorting what supplies were needed and not needed. Then, the grace of our Lord and Savior came and softened someone's heart. All bags would be allowed; but for a price. So, Doc (Rich Kasulke, MD) and Kevin began racking up their Capital One Air Miles... credit cards were flying from one agent to the next. We made it through check-in except for Connie & Doc; our two token terrorists who had to be searched. While sitting waiting to board, El Viejo (AKA Pops) discovers he is seated in the same seat with another person. And so the adventure began.
The flight was crowded. We arrived in the DR to a balmy 87 degrees; no missing bins; all team members accounted for and then the customs agent arrived! Doc said, "Stick Connie out front." After speaking to the agent, Connie's Passport was taken; he returned and asked how many people were in the team. We asked everyone to get in a line, much like the rioters at Buen Pastor; only to have Dominicans try and sneak through with us. Customs was essentially flawless.
The team heads to meet Karen Carroll at the reception area. While Doc, Kevin, Connie and Lisa are off to rent the vehicles. Then our annual circus begins! Kevin has the money and the credentials, but discovers that his wife has his passport!!!!! So off he runs, through security checkpoint, out of the airport and onto Dominican soil as though impersonating OJ Simpson; leaving behind his Capitol One Venture Card, his driver's license with the Alamo man!!!! They never let Kevin back in, but we managed to smuggle him a van key. We were then on our way to the Don Juan, our new hotel, set in a quaint community; tucked back on the beach directly across from the container dock. The rooms were small; every room different; peeling paint and a closet built for one! We miss the Barceló!!!!!!!!