Great is Thy Faithfulness

It's been exactly one month since I returned from the Dominican Republic.  These past few weeks have been filled with new adventures as I found myself in the mountains of Colorado, the "hill" country (in comparison) of Georgia, the prairie fields of Illinois, as well as the sea-levels of Florida.

Climbing Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

 

The "mountain" views of Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia

During this time, I have had the chance to share and speak with two bible study groups and a few monthly supporters that have prayerfully supported and blessed me with the opportunity to express my gratitude for their participation in this mission. 

6:30 am Women's Bible Study of First UMC in Mattoon, IL

And this journey of gratefulness has only just begun! 

I head out in a week to Dilley, TX where I've been invited to share with the youth and congregation of Christian Faith Center, another strong supporter of the mission.  From there I make my way to Freemont, NC the following weekend, where I will meet with Pastor Doug Johnson (remember: Africa and B2BU Ministries, Inc) and his wife to share with their congregation all that the Lord has done and is doing.  

And well... that takes me right up to Thanksgiving.  I've quite literally hit the ground running, which I believe is a blessing and gift from the Lord as I've had little time to look back on all I left behind... another reason for my blogging hiatus.

The mere fact that this isn't a normal furlough and I won't be returning to the DR is new to me.  It's entirely foreign.  I don't think this has fully settled in just yet, but I know the Holy Spirit will be there to comfort me when it does. 

So, I'm sure many are wondering... 

What became of Lauren's beloved dogs? 

Did she sell her Jeep? 

What about the princesses and squires and mothers in Loma de los Chivos?  Who will lead them in Truth?

When I announced two months ago of God's prompting for me to leave the DR, I mentioned how dreadfully heartbreaking it was in announcing this news to the girls. I also shared how I couldn't leave until I sold my car and had clarity on what to do concerning my dogs.  

My God is forever faithful and has yet to put me to shame.  I knew that if He was calling me to leave,  He was obligated by His own Word to cover all the bases.  Besides, He led me to the Jeep,  shepherded me to Loma de los Chivos, and gave me Lucas and Princesita without my direct asking in the first place...

As I saw it, He had to pull through for me.  Has He ever given me any reason not to trust Him?

The very evening that I posted the blog announcing my plans to leave, I received a Facebook message from a fellow missionary in the area.  She mentioned having read my post and expressed her condolences over the possibility of leaving my dogs.  In doing so, she shared how a friend of her's in the DR had devastatingly just lost her 2 dogs and that perhaps she might be interested in adopting Lucas and Princesita.  

I was grateful for her lead and suggestion, but I'd be amiss if I did not confess how walls went shooting up in my heart as I wanted to hold on even tighter to my dogs.  

"I can't let them go to a stranger..." I huffed to myself. Yet, I committed them to the Lord once more, knowing that He had their best interest in mind, just as I did.  

For anyone who has never owned pets, just skip this next section... But for those who have, you know how these animals become family.  I used to think God just gave me Lucas for protection, but I know that His purposes ran far deeper for this loyal companion.  

Living alone for the last two years, it was good for my soul to come home to two living creatures who depended on me for sustenance and affection.  Studies even prove that petting animals releases endorphins and Lord knows how seemingly depressing some days had been returning from the village.

Witnessing two dogs flourish and playfully run about in their elements brought such joy to my heart.  Thinking back on it, I almost forget the countless soiled diapers retrieved, holes dug, or animal parts recovered from the trash.

Lucas and Princesita had become like children to me, and in becoming so, I ultimately wanted what was best for them... even if this meant saying goodbye.  

So, I went to sleep that night in tears as I told God, "if I can't take them with me, You have to find them a good home..." 

I awoke the next morning and divinely knew what I had to do. I can't describe it any other way, it was as if God downloaded a file in the software of my mind and I understood His plans. This was something I had to experience for His name's sake and glory.

Understanding that the very best for Lucas and Princesita was to stay in the Dominican where they can have space to run and be allowed to bark relentlessly didn't lessen the blow for me.  The initial pain was nearly unbearable, yet necessary for the experience with which God had for me.

Laying in bed that very morning, God told me that there will come a time in my life when I will be faced with parents and guardians who will choose to leave their children out of the deepest of love in hopes of providing a better future for them.  In order to sympathize and understand the gravity of such a sacrifice, I had to walk through this experience of leaving my own "children," my dogs. 

I began sobbing in my bed before my feet even hit the ground.  

I don't know what this looks like yet, but I am so grateful that God has allowed my heart to experience such emotion that I could never have comprehended without Him. 

I contacted the lady my friend had led me to that day and learned that her two dogs had been poisoned after escaping her yard.  Unfortunately, this is not uncommon and something I personally prayed against every night with my dogs.  I knew right then that it wouldn't be a good match and she agreed, but would keep her ears open for possible homes.

Not even a full week later, I heard back from her that she knew of a gentleman, by the name of Juan, who expressed interest in a dependable guard dog.  She told Juan my desire to keep the two dogs together, showing him a picture of both Lucas and Princesita, and he was more than willing to consider adopting them both.

Three weeks before I left, Juan came out for the first time to meet the dogs and continued doing so weekly up until I departed.  This transition proved not only beneficial to Juan, Lucas, and Princesita, but to me, as well.  The dogs were able to get accustomed to Juan, Juan to the dogs, and I to the idea of entrusting them to another owner.  Through these last three weeks, God settled His peace that passes all understanding in my heart in releasing them ultimately into His Hands (Philippians 4:6-7).

Needless to say, I was a blubbering mess the day I finally decided to take Lucas and Princesita to Juan. I tried expressing my gratitude towards him for his kindness and care in taking my two dogs but all that would come out was tears and intense sobs.  

Leaving Lucas, my light-bearing guard dog of  two years, and Princesita, my "sweet-thing" of nearly one year, was one of the hardest things I've ever done.  These two were more than dogs to me.  They were God's answers to my cries for protection and friendship in the loneliest of days.  Lucas and Princesita affectionately revealed to me levels of God's love and faithfulness that I previously had yet to know. 

Yet I exalt God for His faithfulness, once more, for providing them a home where they can continue to bestow protection for my fellow brother and flourish as they were created.  I choose to rejoice in the years I had with them and will forever be grateful for the lessons learned and the life abundantly enjoyed. 

As goes my Jeep. I had several people express interest, but no real takers.  I began to worry that I'd never sell it.  

One day, I prayed that God would go before me in all ways as I committed the selling of my Jeep for His glory.  I knew I wouldn't be able to receive the amount at which I paid for it, but hoped I wouldn't be ripped off entirely.  I was offered a price lower than I had expected and quietly bucked at it until God spoke, "Would you sell it at this price for my Kingdom's sake?"

"YES, LORD! It all belongs to You!"

The person who had originally looked at it for said Kingdom price ultimately chose not to buy it.  So I still had possession of  my Jeep up to the day I left.  However, just two days before my departure, missionary friends who recently returned to the island from furlough reached out to me about test driving ol' sweet "Liberty."  

I had a knowing hope in my heart that it would sell before I had to leave and wondered if this could be it.  My asking price was above the price God had set, so I was just waiting to see what would happen.  Having learned that this missionary family is beginning ministry in a remote village where a four-wheel drive would come in handy, I knew if the right price was offered, it was theirs for God's glory.

The God-ordained offer was made, the papers were signed, and the keys were handed over all within 24 hours of my departure! If you want to get real specific, the final transaction was made just 5 MINUTES before I left for the airport!  

Now THAT'S God's faithfulness!

Now, about the princesses and squires of Loma de los Chivos...

I had been seeking the Lord's guidance as goes an exit strategy.  God had been abundantly faithful in my coming into Loma and I prayed His blessing in Deuteronomy 28:6 that my going out would be no different.

Leaving is never easy.  We often don't understand why God would have us do a certain thing but ultimately we have to trust that if He's leading, it is good.  I began slowly pulling out of Loma ever since I returned from Africa, ministering one-on-one through personal goodbyes.  In these visits, I was able to express my gratitude for how graciously individuals had accepted me into their homes this past year and answer questions they might have as to why I'm leaving.

I have to believe that God was moving through this testimony, as well, that even when it doesn't make sense, we must still trust and obey.

The most incredible part of the story is how God's hand is truly upon this small village. Just weeks after the Princess and Squire ceremony back in April, my friends Dario and Rebeca approached me about a discipleship curriculum they had used in children's ministry when they lived in Santo Domingo.

Want to take a guess at the name of this curriculum?

King's Castle

Friends, I'm telling you... I couldn't have planned this better myself.  ONLY God is sovereign enough to put the pieces together like this.

I realize now that God led me to Loma to till the soil and plant seeds.  He set me there to begin speaking the truth of how valued and precious His sons and daughters are to His Kingdom.  I believe He used me to instill a royal significance into the lives of His children to prepare them for what lies ahead.

When I asked God if I was to take part in leading King's Castle for His new princesses and squires of Loma, He told me my role had been completed.  Someone else was to now take these beautiful princesses and strapping young squires on the next leg of the journey as they begin learning deeper truths of God's word.

My last Saturday with the girls and boys was both a despedida (goodbye) and a celebration.  We all gathered to rejoice in all that God had done this past year, retelling stories and lessons learned.  As a parting gift to remember this past year together, I complied photo albums for each family with pictures from the very beginning to the royal ceremony and beyond.  For many of these children, they don't own tangible photos of themselves, so I knew this would be a cherished memory in recounting all that God did in our time together.

As a culminating activity and an introduction to the surprise that awaits them with King's Castle, we had a competition to see which team could build the best castle out of toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, and cardboard boxes.  Before doing so, we discussed what Jesus meant when He said we must build our house on the Rock... and, by George, they got it!

It was to be the last lesson we shared together and the ultimate truth I would desire for them to know.

When we build our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ, nothing can tear us down (Matthew 7:24-27).  He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) and if we place our trust in Him alone, we will never be put to shame (Romans 10:11).

Would God be anything other than faithful to the very end?

We know in Philippians 1:6 that "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus."  

My friends, what God has begun in your life, He is faithful to see it through.  I pray that my journey in the DR has encouraged you to believe in the exceedingly abundant faithfulness of our Father and Savior. 

I have the most incredible peace dwelling in my heart knowing that not only has God provided for my missionary friends a Jeep to traverse into the remote villages of the DR for His glory, or found a secure home for my beloved dogs who will forever hold a place in my heart, but is also continuing the good work He started in the lives of His own in Loma through the dedication and obedience of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Dominican chapter of my life has been completed, and how beautifully written it was! My God is the author and perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:2)... who better to write the story than He?


... and I am confident the best is still yet to come!

Princesitas, Escuderos, y Chivos... Oh My!

For the first time ever in Footprints in the Sand history, I have a guest blogger! I figured it might be enjoyable to read about my family's long awaited visit in August through my father's eyes.  So bear with me... I inherited my sense of humor from him...

~

Hola!  I’m Lauren’s father, Mike Ferguson, and I was asked to “guest blog” regarding our recent trip to La Republica Dominicana.

Having only visited Lauren once before during her first year there in 2012, we were long overdue for a visit, as she was ever vigilant in pointing out.  That first visit was an emotional roller coaster – I was unprepared for and saddened by some of the more raw elements we saw up close (crushing poverty, prostitution, etc), and quite frankly, I was worried about Lauren’s safety.  Driving a rental in the traffic craziness was just added stress.  And to wrap that trip up, I caused us to miss the window to check bags on our return flight, resulting in an unplanned extra night’s stay.  Whoopsie!

Suffice to say, 3 years later, our return visit was a different tale.

Lauren met us in Santiago on arrival and “chauffeured” us throughout the visit in her 13 year old Jeep (which is in remarkably good shape!), so I was able to take in the sights as we traveled. She chaperoned our visit to ensure we were not overwhelmed at any point – and she had inherited some much appreciated oscillating fans that made sleeping without A/C in August quite pleasant.  Plus, we intentionally and deliberately built in “fun” activities- visits to the beach, a father/daughter SCUBA dive, and a side trip to “Monkey Jungle” where we communed with the squirrel monkey population. I even worked in a day of golf alongside the ocean – and I rarely even play golf in Florida anymore.

Golfing on the beautiful north coast with an old friend

Lauren is in the middle with the green fins and I'm to the left of her

     Haven't you always wanted a monkey?!                  Sister Kathryn and Mom Brenda with the monkeys


We were also excited to meet Lauren’s “fur-babies” and protectors, Lucas and Princesita. While quite protective of Lauren and very wary of strangers, both of them immediately took to us like old buddies.  While they are both definitely true “Dominican Dogs" (roam freely and do what they want when they want where they want) they clearly respect Lauren as their “Alpha” and respect the boundaries set... more or less. They aren’t allowed in her current house and both will sit right at the doorway, but on several occasions we found Princesita sitting on the rug just inside of the door, or sticking her head through the screen to test the limits.

Tia Kathryn with her perro niece and nephew                                             Princesita doing her thing.  

Princesita “checking in”

But one of the things we most wanted to experience was the village where Lauren has spent the preceding 13 months working with the young girls and boys.  As you know as a reader of this blog, she was led by God to the village, as well as the books The Princess and the Kiss and The Squire and the Scroll (both translated in Spanish), as a tool to not only help the young girls of the village see a different path and choices for their lives but also help the young boys understand important choices in their own lives.  They were abundantly blessed with a visit from the author Jennie Bishop for a “Royal Ceremony” to mark the end of the story.  So we were quite excited to meet the princesitas (princesses) and escuderos (squires/shield bearers) of Loma de los Chivos (The Hill of the Goats).

Lauren with some of the kids of Loma de los Chivos where we all met.

Lauren informed the girls we would visit on Saturday around 4pm.  Upon our arrival, it was quite apparent they had “prepared the way” and were excited to meet her mother, sister, and father.  I was tickled to hear that when asked by one of the young boys prior to our visit how she planned to introduce us, Lauren told him we would go casa to casa.  He strongly objected, saying that, as her father, I was important, and if another important person -like, say, Barak Obama-visited the village, he would not go door to door, but rather, everyone in the village would come out to meet him.

We parked outside the village as is Lauren’s practice, and before we were out of the car, girls began to assemble.  They had clearly put on their best in order to make a good impression and were excited to see Lauren.  As we walked into the village, our entourage grew as we stopped and said “Hola” to the adults sitting outside their homes.

I was shocked when we reached the location where Lauren has read to the children as there was a large gathering of girls and boys waiting for us.  Lauren introduced us to everyone assembled, and we were directed to prime seating befitting “The POTUS & First Family.”  The children introduced themselves, with the older kids introducing their younger brothers and sisters who were too intimidated to speak.  And then the prepared program began!

There were songs, stories, skits, and dances performed for us.  We heard (in Spanish) how much they love and respect Lauren, and I was thanked for allowing Lauren to be there.  Lauren had just shared with the girls days before that she would be leaving in the next couple of months, so there was some pleading with me not to make her come home to the US – but Lauren explained that our trip was not connected to her decision to leave, and I was not there to take her home.  I’m not sure all the kids believed that, but we assured them that was the truth.

And then they asked us to tell stories about Lauren growing up.  After a few stories about a sledding accident, a spray gun mishap,  and having to pull the car over for a spanking, I secured Lauren’s OK to share about her birth.

Now, I’ve never been able to share the story of her birth with a dry eye, but I swallowed hard and began.   As simply as I could explain, with Lauren translating, I shared that when she was inside her mother we were told there was a problem, and she needed to be taken out early through surgery.  When she was born, we discovered there was a true knot in her umbilical cord that prevented her from receiving nutrients and oxygen, and the doctors told me I should prepare to say goodbye to her.  They did not believe there was much of a chance she would live.

I was heartbroken, and as I sat by her incubator in tears, I prayed to God for strength.  I told Him that if it was His will that she should live, she would be His.  She then proceeded to get stronger and did better each day.  When she was released from the hospital, the nurses told us a miracle had occurred as they did not believe she would survive.  Her doctor then told us that he could not explain her recovery medically – he actually gave us a copy of her lab work at birth and pointed out that the results were simply incompatible with life.  The only explanation he could offer was that we had experienced a miracle and that God’s hand was on this child. (He also told us that in spite of this miracle, we still needed to raise her with a strong hand and discipline her as needed – and boy, was that ever prophetic!)

I’m not sure the story adequately translated, but I know they saw the tears in my eyes as I retold it, and all who were there listening knew it came from my heart.

When all stories were told, prayers were said, and much hugging occurred, we retraced our steps back with an even larger entourage in tow.  As we reached Lauren’s car, an attempt was made by some of the older girls to hold Kathryn hostage in exchange for Lauren to stay, but through prolonged and skilled negotiations, we secured her release.  It was good to see the positive impact Lauren has had on not only the young girls and boys of Loma de los Chivos, but also the mothers who came out to meet us and share their thanks and well wishes.

On Sunday we attended church services at Oceanside Christian Fellowship, which is held at Ocean Village in outdoor shelter on the edge of the beach, looking out at the prettiest shades of blue in the ocean.  I kept hearing the words to “How Great Thou Art” running through my head as I looked at His handiwork on display.  Better than any stained glass man has ever created!

Our view from Oceanside Church services

Oh yeah, I should probably mention that we brought back a little of the Dominican with us...

Lauren, Kathryn, and Brenda conspired on the adoption of “Lulu,” a sweet beagle mix in need of a home.  Very well socialized and generally calm (she does get excited a dinnertime!), we were able to carry her on the plane and fly her under the seat in front of Kathryn.  And we had much help to ensure all paperwork was in order, as well as getting us to the Santiago airport to negotiate the hoops to allow her to leave the country.  The US Customs agent was befuddled that we would adopt and bring back a Dominican dog. When the agent asked for an explanation, I just pointed to Kathryn, who was beaming brightly, and she waved us through.

Zoe, our miniature dachshund, continues to try to remind Lulu who came first, but they seem to be tolerating and even enjoying each other at times.  Like all true sisters do!

In closing, speaking of los chivos, I would be remiss if I did not share we took a day trip over the mountains to Tamboril, and were directed to a highly recommended local open-air restaurant.  And the special that day?  Why, Dominican Chivos, of course!  I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but we went with the flow and found the dish to be muy delicioso... No “kidding!”

Trust and Obey

It's already September... Like you need to be reminded...  I'm sure every store known to man has been buzzing with "back-to-school" campaigns for a good two months by now, NFL football is back (woot! woot!), and everyone and their mother is going caffeine-crazy to get their hands on a Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Man, when I was younger, the grown-ups always said silly things about how quickly time passes, when us kids knew better...we had an exact countdown to how many days till Christmas and it always felt forever away.

Well, I guess that qualifies me as being a grown-up now.

Not only is 2015 flying by, but when I begin to think about how this time 4 years ago I was preparing myself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to leave my family, home, and land for the God I love, it hardly seems possible.

The twists and turns the Lord has taken me on since then were inconceivable.  But looking back, I can see now how God has taken me from strength to strength and faith to faith to where I am today.

To think, it all began when He sent me to live under the same roof as the missionary family I was sent to homeschool.  It was a blessing and relief to have this as security when I first moved here. Then three months out, quite literally, a mischief of rats herded me out of my one room apartment up the street to a place I could call my own for the next 10 months. I fulfilled my year assignment in homeschooling from that base and it was also there that I even got a taste of motherhood, caring for Mariflor while the Suchers were on furlough for two months.

When I was released from homeschooling, but not from the Dominican, God opened the door for me to walk alongside Cups of Cold Water with Mike and Terica Williams. Living just a stone's throw away from the village and children to whom I was ministering, the Lord brought me to a place of greater dependence than I knew before.  My Spanish began improving, my confidence began rising, and my cries unto the Lord began increasing....

Remember Lucas? My case in point.

Though I didn't ask God for a dog, I did cry out for protection, and His sense of humor never fails.  I really didn't want a dog (gee thanks, Mike) but I couldn't turn this puppy away.   I learned to care for another living creature everyday- chloroxing the house after his de-worming treatment, disciplining him after chewing up my shoes, training him to respond to commands, and learning deeper truths of forgiveness when he shred my beloved bible to pieces.

If that's not love, I don't know what is.

It was also there in Zion that God spoke powerful prophetic words over me in Isaiah 54 of His plans to give me more children than she who is married, and for me to lengthen my tent cords and strengthen my stakes in Him. There ended up being over 100 girls in my classes spread out among the 3 villages I was teaching in... The Lord most certainly was faithful to His words!

And I remember precisely the moment God told me He was my "cloud by day and fire by night" and to "get ready" because He was about to move...

I was scared out of my mind.  He had me lay it all down, and like with Job, I was given the promise that my latter days would be blessed more than my beginning... All I knew was to trust and obey.

As my Good Shepherd, He led me out of Zion into Sosua Abajo, where I have called home for over a year now.  Oh, the space for which I had been crying out! The bountiful breezes, surrounding peace, and abundant lawn for my four-legged friend to romp around chain-less!

I was completely on my own, no ground mission with whom I was affiliated anymore.  Yet knowing that I would need counsel, God brought alongside brothers and sisters in Christ, both here and abroad, who mentored and discipled me in this new chapter.

It was on a random car ride that I discovered Loma de los Chivos, and there's no doubt in my mind that the Spirit led me to the very spot that day where I now park my car every time I visit.  He revealed His next task for me and the only instruction I was given was to "go."  No matter how much I pleaded for more direction, He gave me no agenda other than this.

The Lord wasn't kidding when He said the best was yet to come...

God fulfilled my heart's desire of reading to children as He unfolded the truth of His love and purposes for the girls and boys through the storybook The Princess and the Kiss.  He strengthened my resolve to wait till marriage in light of revelation of His purposes of blood covenants.  He expanded my sphere of influence to that of the mothers and eventually the adolescents, as well.  

My heart could not even fathom all God had in store.

And who can forget the divine connection with Jennie Bishop, the author of the books I was reading to the girls and boys, and the founder of PurityWorks?!  Or the fulfillment of a Spirit-anointed vision of holding a royal ceremony for God's princesses and squires?

Oh, and let's talk about that dream God sent me just a week later that led me to accept an invitation to travel to Africa this summer.  The beauty of God's children in Tanzania both captured and rent my heart in new ways.

Can you imagine  for a moment with me what could have been had I refused to step out in faith at any point along the journey?

That is why, when God made it clear to me this time that my season in the DR has come to an end, I have had to cling to His faithfulness once more.

I admit, I have been struggling with this new reality as the past few months have been filled with deep mourning.  I knew this day was coming, but I couldn't have prepared myself for its weightiness.

With the heaviest of heart, I finally found the strength to share this truth with the girls in Loma de los Chivos.  I couldn't anticipate the sorrow that would be released that afternoon as I had to assure passers-by that no one had died, only that our mourning was in response to my soon departure.  It was possibly one of the saddest days of my life.   I can't even allow myself to think about it without hysterically breaking down in tears.

What God did in my "latter days" here has been more bountiful and beautiful than I could have imagined.  Life-long friendships have been forged, life-transforming biblical truths have been planted, and life-altering faith has once more been increased.

There still is not a day that goes by that I'm not weeping, so I ask for your prayers of comfort and discernment. One of the hardest decisions I'm having to face at the moment is what to do with my two closest friends.

There I go again... where are the tissues?

You know, I didn't ask God for these two, so how did they bury themselves so deep in my heart?  The Lord first sent me Lucas and then, when his separation anxiety made it difficult for me to leave the property, the Lord blessed us with Princesita.  Dogs need like-minded companionship just as much as we humans do.

I don't want to say goodbye, but if it's the Lord's will for me to do so, I want them to go to an affectionate home that will love, provide, and care for them.  Lord knows if there is a way for me to take them with me, I would in a heartbeat; however, not knowing for sure my future living situation,  I'm concerned that being constrained to the American life of chained walks and indoors would be difficult for these two when they've become so accustomed to roaming the land freely.  I also don't want to separate them as I know the main reason Princesita came to us was for Lucas.

Ultimately, I trust God and am asking Him to have His way in my life and theirs.  He has proven Himself faithful time and time again, and although weeping may tarry in the night, joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5).  God has shown me what He can do with our complete surrender.

I'm trying to value every moment with friends here and soak up every beauty the Dominican Republic has to offer.  I still must sort through what needs to be sold, donated, and discarded- some furniture, kitchenware, odds and ends, oh, and my car.

I'm looking at leaving the Dominican Republic within the next month or two as I await further confirmation to book my ticket back.  There's no reason to prolong my stay when I know the word has been given.  I know I can't leave without finalizing the selling of my car nor without peace in my heart concerning Lucas and Princesita... good grief, would someone just buy me a year supply of tissue boxes already?

So, what's next?  Funny how God works... I don't really know.  For now, upon my return, I'm hoping to travel a bit to speak and share in churches across the states that have faithfully supported me.  I'm viewing the coming months as a sort of furlough because I know whatever lies before me will be even greater still.

The Hymn "Trust and Obey" is playing on repeat in my heart, so I will leave you with its lyrics below.  Sometimes a song captures all we need to say.

When we walk with the Lord 

in the light of his word, 

what a glory he sheds on our way! 

While we do his good will, 

he abides with us still, 

and with all who will trust and obey.  

Refrain: 

Trust and obey, for there's no other way 

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.  

Not a burden we bear, 

not a sorrow we share, 

but our toil he doth richly repay; 

not a grief or a loss, 

not a frown or a cross, 

but is blest if we trust and obey. 

(Refrain)  

But we never can prove 

the delights of his love 

until all on the altar we lay; 

for the favor he shows, 

for the joy he bestows, 

are for them who will trust and obey. 

(Refrain)  

Then in fellowship sweet 

we will sit at his feet, 

or we'll walk by his side in the way; 

what he says we will do, 

where he sends we will go; 

never fear, only trust and obey

(Refrain)

Called, Part 2

In Called, Part 1, I shared how going to Africa was yet another leap of faith.

Though the very thought of accepting the invitation made my heart beat nearly out of my chest, I had to still my heart and remember God's faithfulness in times before.  Both India and the Dominican Republic fell into my lap in like manner and I can't even imagine where I'd be today had I "pulled a Jonah ."

With India, God enlightened the eyes of my heart and began speaking to me in a way I never knew before.  He took me deeper into Himself, and He in me, as He planted the seed "for all the world to know" of His Son.  At the time, I had no idea what God was laying before me, but I knew I wanted to follow wherever He would lead me.  Some call it adventure, others call it "the wild goose chase"... I just knew I wanted more.

With the Dominican, where do I even begin?  My first year homeschooling missionary kids, my second year transitioning to Cups of Cold Water and starting an empower girls' program, and then being brought out to Loma where I've been for the past year... I've witnessed God's movement in ways I can't explain.

But I believe the real reason God brought me to the Dominican Republic was not for a ministry or mission to others, but for Him to bend and break and crush and refine and burn away and carve and mold and transform me for His glory and in preparation for what's still to come... not that this process is ever complete.  I have been through trials and testings I would never wish on anyone, yet every single time, I have come up from the wilderness leaning on my Beloved and will continue doing so (Song of Solomon 8:5).

This last year alone, God began revealing to me His heart and purposes behind covenant relationships, specifically how God created marriage between man and wife to reflect Christ's relationship to the Church, and the significance in how we ought "not stir up or awaken love before it pleases" (Song of Solomon 8:4).  I've been fascinated by Him in this revelation that seems so simple yet so intricate as Jesus' body broken and His blood poured out was and still is an invitation to drink of the marriage cup as He proposes to a wayward bride.

This video journal by Mike Donehey of Tenth Avenue North still blows my mind as he humorously yet poignantly lays out the significance of what Jesus did at the last supper. You HAVE to watch this.

These last 3 years, God, in His redemptive power, sent me to minister to young girls to reveal the truth of who they are and who they were made to be in Him.  This ministry has expanded beyond my expectations to boys, young women, and mothers, too.  

Yet through it all, I now understand that my calling has never been to teach children, start up a program, mentor young girls, or preach purity... it has always been to reveal Jesus Christ. 

Now, getting back to Africa...

Like Mike Donehey said in his video journal, I figured I've been with Jesus this long... let's see how far this "rabbit hole" goes.  God made it very easy and very clear to me that He wanted me on that trip.  And, well, my God never acts without a purpose.

As I shared before, God opened my eyes to the simplicity of life and being humbled by the selfless service we received from our Maasai brothers and sisters in Christ.  But I knew there was something more God wanted to show me. Something more I was supposed to see. 

And then it hit me like a ton of bricks sitting in brother Lucas' living room our last full day there.

Up to that point, we had been doing bible school and spending time with the kids.  I made a point of attempting to memorize names... I say attempt because some names are quite interesting and, well, when there's over 100, it can be difficult.  But there must be great value in our names if God knows them all (Isaiah 43:1) and it's something that has been placed on my heart to do. 

This was our first day together, and as you can see, this little group consisted of all girls....  Toeme, Gracie, Angelina, Napokeke, Magde, and Maria.

Pointing at each girl, I would point back at myself, say my name, and wait for them to give their own before going into a sort of "name game" down the line.  One more lesson... though none of us spoke the other's language, God's love is its own and translates all. 

Want to take a guess at their ages? Around 8 to 13 years old.  It's funny how the Lord does that, especially since this was a pivotal age in my own life.  It has been fun sharing with my Dominican girls, who are also between the ages of 8 and 13 years, the similarities and differences between their cultures.  

However, there's one that I haven't felt comfortable sharing just yet. 

After lunch Thursday afternoon, Pastor Rogers called us all outside, telling us we "had to see this!"  We all stepped out onto Lucas' front porch and saw a group of young Maasai boys walking off in the distance with makeshift bow and arrows, fully adorned in Maasai robes, jewelry, and limestone paint.

Pastor Rogers standing with the group of Maasai boys with Lucas and the rest of us on the porch

Upon inviting these young boys over, we discovered that they were on a journey into the "jungle" to meet Maasai elders from whom they would learn their tribe's traditions.  If we understood correctly, these boys were all circumcised together on June 20th as part of their rite of passage. 

Nothing establishes a brotherhood quite like that.   We tried asking which among these boys was the "leader" but no one was willing to own up to it.  From what I've researched, the "Olopolosi olkiteng" , or chosen chief of the boys, is a position not desired and considered unfortunate as they shoulder the group's sins.  Whether or not this is a belief held by this particular group of boys, I cannot say, but can you imagine what the truth of knowing Jesus could do?

We came back inside and found our seats in Lucas' living room.  Having just learned of the rites of passage for young Maasai men, I was curious and nervous to learn the rites of passage in place for my new friends Toeme, Gracie, Angelina, Napokeke, Magde, and Maria.

What I learned broke my heart.  In like manner, according to Masai tradition and as early as 10 years of age, girls are circumcised to ensure their satisfaction in marriage is found only in serving and caring for their family.  Although female genital mutilation is illegal in Tanzania, it is unfortunately still practiced among many in the Maasai tribe and Muslim religion.

I can't even begin to explain the emotions that were swelling inside me upon hearing this.  I was indignant, sad, confused, upset, but at the same time holding it all in out of respect for the culture.  

Pastor Rogers went on to explain that girls are often given into arranged marriage before even leaving their mother’s womb… and to men as old as 50 years their senior.  The practice of having multiple wives is not uncommon to Maasai culture, which I also learned is one of the biggest struggles the church faces there.  

"So, when is the marriage consummated and becomes official?" I was having a hard time formulating my words at this point.

              "Often times, the girls are sent to be raised in the home of their husbands while they are still young."

"What I think Lauren is asking is when do they become physically intimate?" Doug more pointedly asked my question as words were getting lost in translation.

              "Well," Pastor Rogers took a few seconds to pause and find right the words, "You remember the young lady we met yesterday? She is 19 years old and has 4 children.  I can't say an exact age, but you can guess."

Pastor Rogers with the young woman, fellow wives, and their children

At this point in the conversation I'm trying to inconspicuously wipe tears from my eyes, attempting not to lose it in front of everyone.  I couldn't stop thinking of the girls in the village and wondering whom among them have been circumcised and pledged in marriage already.

What does one do with this sort of information? You want to help, you want to do something, but is there really anything we can do?  Even if God called us to do something, tradition is a hard thing to break.  Besides, their traditions and customs have worked for them thus far.

My mind starts reeling...  what do you say to the men with 4 wives who recently accepted Jesus? Do you counsel them to choose one wife and discard the others?  The women would be shamed if they are cast off, having no other means of provision.  I then start thinking how horrible it would be to suddenly be denied physical affection from one's spouse, but then again, after having undergone female genital mutilation, it might actually be a relief.  

As I process and judge these traditions according to God's word, I'm immediately frustrated and torn...

As I mentioned before, God has so beautifully revealed to me in detail His design for marriage this past year, strengthening and fueling my resolve to wait until marriage. And there is a reason for that.  But then I think... what about all the great kings and men in the bible who took more than one wife in addition to many concubines, not the least of whom being King David, a man after God's heart.  How do you begin reconciling that? 

And look at Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Most scholars say she was probably somewhere between 12 and 14 years of age. She and Joseph did eventually consummate their marriage to one another after Jesus was born.  If this age was appointed by God back then, is it any more wrong today?

In my humanness, I want to right what I perceive to be wrong, but I know there is no easy solution.  The roots to these customs run generations deep and who are we to judge?

When my brain succumbs to the confusion of it all, I know the only answer is Jesus.  

I find myself being reminded of the story of the woman at the well in John 4.  Jesus, a Jewish man, asks a Samaritan woman for water... He's already crossing religious and social barriers in doing so.  He then offers her living water, to which confuses her as He had nothing to draw this water from...

 "Jesus said to her, 'Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'  The woman said to him, 'Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.'

"Jesus said to her, 'Go, call your husband, and come here.' The woman answered Him, 'I have no husband.' Jesus said to her, 'You are right in saying, "I have no husband'; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband.  what you have said is true.'"

Ouch.  Talk about being called out.

Though this woman had never been legally married, she had been married to 5 different men in God's eyes as the result of becoming "one flesh" with them.  Essentially, she has desecrated a sacred covenant.  Is this really any different than what is happening in America, the Dominican, Tanzania, or any other parts of the world?  

Did Jesus shame her and cast her out for this?  No.

Knowing who she was and with whom she had relations, Jesus still offered and revealed Himself to her as the Anointed One.  It didn't matter what she did before, but what mattered was if she would partake of this living water.  And she did.

"Many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony, 'He told me all that I ever did.' So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed there two days.  And many more believed because of His word.  They said to the woman, 'It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world."

Where am I getting at with this? 

The problems of this world are not ours to fix.

God has only called us to reveal His Son Jesus Christ to a world that so desperately needs Him.

My heart still aches and grieves for these beautiful girls in Tanzania, but before I left I could hear the voice of my Lord saying, 

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”                            

Isaiah 43:19 

Through the faithfulness of supporters to B2BU Ministries, Inc., the second building of Tumaini School is being completed.  Tumaini, in Swahali, means “hope” and there is not another word more poignant to describe the impact this school is already having on this community… and it has only just begun.  

The first school building nearly complete

 The second building in progress

As a teacher, I have witnessed firsthand the impact a godly education can have on a child’s self-worth and confidence, and I can only imagine the plans God has to restore hope and transform lives for His glory in the fulfillment of Tumaini school vision.  

       

I went for a week, but a piece of my heart will stay forever.  My God has yet to fail me in proving He is able to do far more abundantly than all we can ask or ever imagine…

You can read more about Maasai customs and traditions at  www.maasai-association.org/ceremonies.html