Palo Seco 2.0

So much has happened here in the DR since our last update! 

In May we hosted a team from the University of St. Francis.  They bring down medical and veterinary team members allowing us to serve both people and their animals!  This is a huge service to our communities as their animals are often their livelihood.  Animal vaccinations, de wormers and more were offered to horses, cows, goats, pigs, cats and dogs.  They also did spays and neuters for cats and dogs.  It was a busy week! 

Goat vaccinations

Cleaning wounds and diagnosing disease via blood tests

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In early June, Carl Thompson, the owner of the mission house that we use (our teams refer to it as Palo Seco) came down to visit his home.  He also informed us that he now desires to sell his house and the surrounding farm land.  While we certainly understand his need to sell and officially part with the property, we are also sad to see Palo Seco be sold.  The house holds many memories for us and for our teams.  We had an engineer come out and evaluate the home.  None of our recent volunteers will be surprised to hear that the house was deemed unsalvageable.  The foundation and walls have cracks that are beyond repair. 

For many years, we have dreamed of building a Mission House on property that FUMSIL has in El Llano.  This property was originally purchased 15+ years ago to preserve the source of potable water for the town.  Keeping our eyes planted firmly on the Lord, we are taking the steps necessary to build our own mission house in El Llano.   We are excited for this next phase and all that it will mean for our volunteer program -- improved accommodations with more space to relax and unwind after long work days.  We have lovingly referred to this project as Palo Seco 2.0, as the design will have elements of the old house (outdoor seating, wrap around porch) but with the much needed improvements (water pressure, toilets that flush and no holes in the roof!!). 

In light of this new undertaking, we have decided to host two fundraisers in the United States this August.  Dr. Angel, Adam, Kailey and Fr. Rafael (FUMSIL president) will travel to Michigan to meet with friends and supporters, sharing this new project.   One fundraiser will be in Pinckney MI and the other will be in Belmont (Grand Rapids area), MI.  Please consider purchasing tickets and coming out to support this new project -- and get a hug from Dr. Angel too! 

For more information about the fundraisers including ticket sales, click here.  

The small brook that runs through the site of the future Mission House

Adairys, Dr. Angel, Kailey and group at the property

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Amid all of this excitement about our future, we have also had some bittersweet sadness.  Our dear friend, Olivia Kumke -- BBOH Youth Outreach Coordinator, has finished her term of service with BBOH and decided to move back home to the United States.  We are so sad to see her go but we know that she will be back to visit.  She is a very special young woman and we are grateful that God called her to serve with us.  Several people from El Llano have said it best "Olivia has left her fingerprint on us and it can never be removed!" 

Olivia's going away party

Last staff picture at the Dance Recital 2025

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Please be in prayer for us as we continue to discern the future of the Mission House!  We look forward to seeing you at the August fundraisers! 
Buy your tickets here!
Pinckney tickets not yet on sale but will be soon!