Rain

It's been raining here in Sosua.  Pouring at times.

I never know what the weather will be when I wake up or how the day will unfold... or what the Lord might speak to me.  But I know it's always good.

God is being so gentle with me, yet He's asking everything of me.  I kind of thought leaving my land, home, job, friends, and family was everything, but God is asking for more.  He always is.

How can I complain, though, when I've been asking the same of Him?

I realized this week that I don't want to seal myself in a bubble or limit the plans God has.  Thing is, I have to let go of some securities and open my heart for more.

I long to dive into the culture here, speak Spanish fluently, be out in the communities serving, be an empty vessel for the Lord to use.

But part of me is fearful to do so.  I'm finding myself afraid to fully surrender my spirit to greatest Spirit there is.  I've done it in the past, yet something in me has been anxious this time.

In my time with the Lord yesterday, I began confessing this fear and resistance,  asking Him to pour out His Spirit and help me surrender.

Remember that rain? Well, I was on the roof and saw the clouds coming in, then I felt the slightest drops on my arms.

I retreated to covering but nothing happened.  Then I felt God speak into me, "It will come.  Just like this rain, I will rain down in your life.  It is a process."  Not even 3 minutes passed by before the winds picked up and skies released a torrential down pour.

I'm so grateful for how He speaks to my heart.

Later at church, the preacher opened with Ephesians 3:20 which proclaims that our Lord "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us."


CONVICTED.

The last number of my blog address, 320, refer to this very verse in Ephesians.  God placed this scripture in my heart months ago as a promise of the work He plans to do around, in ,and through me.  God would put that right in front my face that morning.

I'm so glad He has a sense of humor.

God always keeps His promises.  He loves raining down incredible freedom, peace, joy, and love in His presence.  It doesn't always happen the way we think it will, but when we walk in faith and obedience, not in fear, His Spirit is there waiting to move, blow, and pour out in our lives.

A Week In The Life...

I'm so thrilled to be able to slow down and share this past week with you.

Last Thursday, a team from my home church arrived for a week of ministry and serving the Lord in a variety of settings.  What a blessing it has been to have their hearts on the field, for both the people of this nation and for me as well.  

Here's a somewhat brief run through of the week in stories and pictures...

Thursday

The team hit the ground running, passing out fliers for a concert outreach on Friday at Playa Chaquita.  We walked through barrios and immersed the team in the culture right away.  

Friday

We all traveled into Redenccion (Redemption) village for a children's outreach of fun and games.  Every child at the feeding program received a wrapped Christmas gift to their surprise.  It was such a special thing to witness the kids patiently awaiting the cue to open in tres... dos... uno!

That evening was full of praise and worship at the tent church as we had our old friend, Bobby, from San Pedro share the gospel through his music.   Such an awesome night with everyone on their feet.  Click AQUI to listen to some of Bobby's work!

Saturday

Started the day with another children's outreach, only this time in Paraiso (Paradise).  We painted faces, hoola-hooped, played kickball, and distributed small bags of toothbrushes, toothpaste, crayons, and coloring books.  We also gave the kids cookies and juice.  There is such a beautiful peace about this village that you have to experience to understand.  Upon our arrival, the kids were all outside singing songs about Jesus and couldn't wait to share the morning with us.

The afternoon was spent in one of two places for the team... either at the baseball field for a massive outreach or in preparing for the women's conference the ladies were putting on the following day.  

Sunday

What a busy, but extraordinary day.  We began by attending Pastor Lucien's church in Redemption Village for an incredible hour of worship and calling upon the Lord.  God truly ministered to my heart in this time.  Again, I couldn't understand the words, but the Spirit of God was in that room and He touched me through the loving embrace of a friend on the team.  After being here for 2 weeks and feeling those momentary twinges of loneliness, she wrapped her arm around me during prayer and rubbed my back like my mother does.  God knew I needed a mother's assurance.  He is a God who provides and nothing is too far out of His reach.

The rest of the afternoon was spent preparing and presenting a women's conference for the English speaking women of New Life church.   The theme was "New Beginnings"... how timely.  The women here expressed how blessed they were by the outpouring and testimony of the women on the team.

Monday

Thank you, God, for carving out a day of rest! We headed to the beach to soak up some sun and once there... ran for the hills again after a 5.1 earthquake shook the ground! It was the weirdest feeling.  But rest assured, we're all alive and well.  We even made it back to the hotel for grill night! 

Tuesday

The team was busy constructing benches for Pastor Lucien's church.  They worked so hard!  The day was closed with a visit to a New Mission's church at Bombita.  

Wednesday

The last full day on the field was spent finishing constructing the benches, installing a sink, shelves, and mirror in the bathroom, painting, and fixing up 6 swings for the kids on their playground.  It was quite a successful day! We got a personal tour from Pastor Lucien of the village and got to spend more time with the kids.

We ended the night with fellowship over dinner and sharing our favorite parts of this week.  It was truly a blessing to have the UCUMC team here this week!

Now... break! 

Say What Now?

Well, I've survived my first week on the field and decided I better keep you updated on this journey!

Let's see... what have I done?

Friday night we worshiped at a tent church at Playa Chaquita, which is a Dominican service. My bilingual bible became very useful at this point.  But the most beautiful thing for me was singing praises to the Lord.  Could I understand every word? No.  I probably understood only a quarter of the lyrics.  But that didn't matter.

There's something about praising the Lord with words your head doesn't comprehend, but your heart does.

My spirit was again moved during a prayer meeting at New Life church just last night.  The region of the north coast that we live in is teeming with people from many nations.  As we were praying for the future of the church, petitions were being made to God in German, Spanish, and English (some with British accents, too).  Even though I had no idea what was being prayed, the presence of the Lord was surely in that place as the nations were truly calling upon Him.

We had our first homeschool co-op meeting with other missionary moms today.  I am so excited for what God has planned!  As it is now, it looks like we'll have some sort of rotation with Science experiments, Spanish lessons, Math help, Dance Worship, Mission-minded Geography, and Group Dynamics.  The missionary kids range in age from 15 years to 4 years old, with possibly 20 kids involved! We have our first co-op set for next week, so keep us in your prayers!

This Thursday, a team arrives from my home church, UCUMC.  It will be a week full of ministry, construction, and fun.  I have been on the visiting side of mission teams before, but this will be my first experience hosting one.  Rick and Barb are great examples and I can't wait to see how God moves this coming week.

Thank you for your prayers! I can feel your love miles away.

A Visit to Redemption

Today we went into Redemption Village.

Barb prayed with this beautiful little girl.

The kids hammed it up.

We had quite a following.

My arm hair never ceases to amaze kids.

This little guy held my hand all through the village.

Tough guys.

Just 6 months ago, this little baby was in the hospital hanging on.  Look at how healthy she is now!

Only the beginning.  

Mi Casa

For inquiring minds… I made it!

It has been a long time coming, but I’ve finally arrived in Sosua.   It’s quite surreal.

Last week I said goodbye to so many dear friends of mine.  Not a day went by without crying.  I think I’ve reached my tear quota for the month of January and it’s only 11 days in!

Sunday at church was really difficult as I was reminded of the beautiful community God blessed me with in Florida.  I had found my true church family at UCUMC.  My tears weren’t so much about grieving the loss of these friends, but more of an outpouring of gratefulness for the love I’ve received through so many lives.  God has heard my cries for community and perfectly planted me at University Carillon to grow and flourish for this new season.  Thank you so much to everyone who has touched my life and spoken God’s word into me these past three years!

So… here’s a quick update of my life in the D.R thus far....


  I have unpacked and am settling into my new abode! The Suchers poured out their service and time ensuring I’d find my "home away from home."  They made up my room, and repainted and fixed up my bathroom, too! I’m so blessed by their hearts!

 I spent time with the Lord on the roof where He again assured me to simply rest and be patient in His timing.   Check out this view! 

I'm perfecting what I'd like to call the "cockroach dance" as I pranced around avoiding a giant cockroach before finally accepting that I needed to kill it... Guess I need to get used to that! (sorry guys... no picture of that experience).  Oh, I also successfully chased a lizard out of my bathroom... and into my bedroom last night.  I have no clue where the little guy is so I may have a roommate.

  

God has definitely been speaking into my heart the great need for prayer here.  It is our greatest weapon against the enemy and our direct call to God.  Whatever God has prepared, I must follow Paul’s words to “be on guard, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

HE will protect me.  HE will work out His plans and will. All we need to do is listen and be obedient, trusting fully in Him.

More to come, so stay tuned! Your prayers are such a blessing!

24 Little Hours

"What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours..."

Since the day God called me to serve in the D.R., there was not a doubt in my mind that He would provide for my every need.  I just knew that He would supply all the money I would need to live on the field and that He would move in people's hearts to support me financially.

And as of 10 minutes ago... I have received a total of $825 in the last 24 hours. Eight Hundred and Twenty Four DOLLARS.

Having to raise over $9,000 for the year in, oh less than 2 months, was a daunting task.  But get this... with love offerings, donations, and monthly pledges, I am only $700 away from the projected support needed.

That, my friends, is a miracle!

God is real.  He keeps His promises. He provides. And He is gooooood!

I just needed to post that for anyone who needs a reminder that we serve a mighty God who has EVERYTHING under control.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me financially, emotionally, and spiritually on this journey and for all your prayers!

Martha, Martha, Martha!

Ever had one of those days where you know what you really need, instead you turn to everything but that? Homemade chocolate chip cookies... College Football bowl games... leftover Christmas candies... reruns of "How I Met Your Mother" and "Big Bang Theory"...

These things aren't bad, in fact, they're all pretty awesome.  But they didn't satisfy me no matter how long I sat in front of the TV.  My stomach was full but my spirit was empty.

I was getting a headache after sorting through educational materials for the D.R. and thinking about all I have to do in the final preparations and packing this week.  So I walked into the kitchen for some Ibuprofen.  As I was reaching up, I heard within me...

"You're thirsty.  You know you're thirsty."

I knew that voice and it wasn't referring to just any water.  We serve a Lord who pursues us.

I withdrew to the secret place and just fell apart.   I was tired with my spirit running all day...

Today my sister went back to school  for the semester and my heart was grieving that loss... I'm stressing about choosing the best insurance coverage while I'm in the D.R....  I'm debating what educational materials to bring and what to leave behind...  I'm worried about being a good steward of my time in meeting up with dear friends before I leave and making time for packing.... I'm running out of time! No wonder my head hurt so bad.

After just crying and releasing my sorrows and concerns at His Feet, God spoke.

"A woman by the name of Martha welcomed [Jesus] and made Him feel quite at home.  She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word He said.  But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen.  Later, she stepped in, interrupting them.  'Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.'

"The Master said, 'Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself all worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it- it's the main course, and won't be taken from her.'"                    

  - Luke 10:39-42 (The Message)

God whispered to me, "Lauren, sweet Lauren, you're worrying far too much and getting your heart worked up for nothing... I've got this. Right here is where you need to be."


This week is going to be hard for me emotionally with all the goodbyes and wrapping everything up.  But I have to cling to Truth that God's got this.  He will carry me through and lead my every step. He is so sweet to me.

Besides... I had THE most invigorating communion with Barb Sucher and the Lord last night in prayer that has filled me with great expectancy for what the Lord is about to do this year.  We prayed boldly in the power of the Holy Spirit, and the ground shook.  So, while there may be sorrow and pain tonight, JOY comes in the morning! Nothing is going to keep me from living in that Truth!