May was an exciting month for me. After 5 long months of waiting, I finally got to see part of my family! My father, mother, and sister traveled down to see me HERE in the DR!
It was like Christmas morning for me. I was anxiously waiting outside at the airport, sign in hand. Of course, my family was the last to come out, so I couldn't wait any longer and went inside looking for them. What a joyous reunion!
It was a powerful week for everyone. I was ecstatic that my parents and sister were here and couldn't wait to introduce them to the people in my life.
The 10 days consisted of a fair share of both ministry and relaxation. We visited Redemption Village and Playa Laguna, attended both church services at Playa Chiquita (Spanish) and New Life (English), and simply took in the beautiful scenery of the north coast with a trip to a few beaches and to the top of Mt Isabella de Torres.
I cried buckets when they left only to have my dad call me an hour later to explain that they missed their flight and were here till the following day... God must have known I needed another night with them.
After they really left, I began reflecting on how amazing it was that my family got to see what God is doing here and how He's using me. I was reminded of a prayer I wrote, several journals ago, asking that the Lord would bring my parents on the mission field... and that was even before I heard the call to live here.
God hears our prayers and answers them according to His will.
I guess I should go back to 2010, when the Lord first drew me to the DR (you can read more about this in my first blog entry). God was calling me to something big then and when Barb offered for me to come seek what the Lord might have for me here, it felt right.
I came home SO excited at the possibility of serving full time in the DR, but when I told my parents, they thought I was being irrational and irresponsible. It tore me apart. How could my parents not support me in what I felt God was calling me to?
I let the discussion lie, but I prayed. Ever since I traveled to India in 2009 on a mission trip, a seed had been planted to do long term missions overseas. I had been praying "send me, I'll go," for awhile when I found myself on that last minute trip to the DR...
It wasn't a coincidence. It was God. I couldn't ignore Him and I wasn't about to let my life become a series of "what if's."
So, what do you do in this situation? I prayed. I fasted. I closed my door, got on my knees, and cried to the Lord to make His will known, to soften my parents' hearts, to make paths straight, to give me strength, and to have His way.
God heard my cries and He answered me. Spring of 2011, I decided I would travel to the DR for an expanded exploratory trip that summer. I was so nervous to bring up the topic again with my parents, but I found the courage.
I about dropped out of my seat in disbelief. Both my mom and dad told me I had to go, that if the Lord was calling me, I had to obey.
Who are you and what did you do with my parents?
My heart was so overwhelmed with love and encouragement. I would have moved to the DR regardless of whether they approved or not, but to have their support was the greatest blessing.
That was why their trip in May was so special to me. Getting to see them interact with the people I do life with and to witness the poverty and desperation first hand was powerful. When my dad could hardly keep it together to ask the blessings at each meal, I knew God was doing something in their hearts.
God is so amazing and powerful. He is so caring and longs for us to come to Him. Whether that be for comfort, for guidance, for strength, or to plead for change and restoration.
I just love His faithfulness. And I love the family with whom He gave me to experience this awesome journey.
It was like Christmas morning for me. I was anxiously waiting outside at the airport, sign in hand. Of course, my family was the last to come out, so I couldn't wait any longer and went inside looking for them. What a joyous reunion!
The 10 days consisted of a fair share of both ministry and relaxation. We visited Redemption Village and Playa Laguna, attended both church services at Playa Chiquita (Spanish) and New Life (English), and simply took in the beautiful scenery of the north coast with a trip to a few beaches and to the top of Mt Isabella de Torres.
Feeding Program in Redemption
Redemption Village
Playing slap hands with the kids
Villa Paraiso
Teleferico to the top of Isabella de Torres
Playa Grande
Oh, and did I mention, not one but two trips for fish tacos at Gorditos?
Yum!
I cried buckets when they left only to have my dad call me an hour later to explain that they missed their flight and were here till the following day... God must have known I needed another night with them.
After they really left, I began reflecting on how amazing it was that my family got to see what God is doing here and how He's using me. I was reminded of a prayer I wrote, several journals ago, asking that the Lord would bring my parents on the mission field... and that was even before I heard the call to live here.
God hears our prayers and answers them according to His will.
I guess I should go back to 2010, when the Lord first drew me to the DR (you can read more about this in my first blog entry). God was calling me to something big then and when Barb offered for me to come seek what the Lord might have for me here, it felt right.
I came home SO excited at the possibility of serving full time in the DR, but when I told my parents, they thought I was being irrational and irresponsible. It tore me apart. How could my parents not support me in what I felt God was calling me to?
I let the discussion lie, but I prayed. Ever since I traveled to India in 2009 on a mission trip, a seed had been planted to do long term missions overseas. I had been praying "send me, I'll go," for awhile when I found myself on that last minute trip to the DR...
It wasn't a coincidence. It was God. I couldn't ignore Him and I wasn't about to let my life become a series of "what if's."
So, what do you do in this situation? I prayed. I fasted. I closed my door, got on my knees, and cried to the Lord to make His will known, to soften my parents' hearts, to make paths straight, to give me strength, and to have His way.
God heard my cries and He answered me. Spring of 2011, I decided I would travel to the DR for an expanded exploratory trip that summer. I was so nervous to bring up the topic again with my parents, but I found the courage.
I about dropped out of my seat in disbelief. Both my mom and dad told me I had to go, that if the Lord was calling me, I had to obey.
Who are you and what did you do with my parents?
My heart was so overwhelmed with love and encouragement. I would have moved to the DR regardless of whether they approved or not, but to have their support was the greatest blessing.
That was why their trip in May was so special to me. Getting to see them interact with the people I do life with and to witness the poverty and desperation first hand was powerful. When my dad could hardly keep it together to ask the blessings at each meal, I knew God was doing something in their hearts.
God is so amazing and powerful. He is so caring and longs for us to come to Him. Whether that be for comfort, for guidance, for strength, or to plead for change and restoration.
I just love His faithfulness. And I love the family with whom He gave me to experience this awesome journey.
In Isaiah (11:6) the prophet says "...and a little child shall lead them."
ReplyDeleteAs regards life on the mission field and within the "Republica Dominicana" you have become the teacher and role model leading me. Thank you for the patience and love you demonstrated during our visit. The experience was powerful and I still choke up whenever I give thanks.
I am so very glad we went, and I look forward to coming back. (Although when I remember your prayer - after a close call while I was driving - for the Blood of Jesus to cover us and the car to protect us, I'm still a little nervous!)
I can guarantee we won't always see eye-to-eye on all things, but the important thing is always maintaining eye contact. And by doing so our hearts will remain close even when our heads are apart.
When you were born the doctor told us there was no medical explanation why you survived -- He said you were a miracle baby and God had great plans for you. He was one very smart doctor.
I am very proud of you.
Love,
Dad