Let there be light!!!

So I had started to write a super sad blog about learning to live without electricity… the ups and downs of no lights, no fans and no hot water. THEN, BOOM! Lights came on! I thought I was dreaming!!! However, while I had been writing, a handyman had been working on the box below since he was worried about our food in the fridge going bad! TOO COOL!!!

So praise number one… WE HAVE LIGHTS!!! Lol.

Of course there are so many blessings to share, HOWEVER, I’m writing my prayer letter tomorrow. Don’t want you to hear everything before it’s sent out J

So hold on to your seats and let me know if you do not receive our letter, but would like to!

 

rslara13@hotmail.com

AH-HA!

I know that the God’s Word is ALIVE, and the Lord has spoken to my heart many, MANY times… but I have to share my “ah-ha” moment of the day!

Today we had a group of ladies come and minister at the Lily House. We made candles and food was given out to the ladies. It was a beautiful time of sharing. Afterwards, though, we all sat down to share testimonies and one particular lady from the states brought me to tears. She shared how she had struggled in her walk with the Lord and even left the church for a time.

A year ago she began going to church again and decided to come on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, but her walk with Christ was still very rocky. On that trip she visited the Lily House and not only shared with the women but spent time with their children too… one of which is a precious special needs girl named Naomi. She can’t walk or talk, but she has a smile that can melt your heart.

Well this American lady met Naomi a year ago and this is what she shared with Naomi’s mother today… “Your daughter changed my life.”

Apparently this same lady had spent years working with special needs children before leaving the church and meeting Naomi brought all of those precious memories back again. Upon meeting Naomi, she decided to surrender and come back to the Lord!

Doesn’t it bring John 9:1-3 to life?! Listen…

“As he (Jesus) went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

WOW!!!!! “SO THAT THE WORKS OF GOD MIGHT BE DISPLAYED IN HIM.”

I highly doubt it was easy for Naomi’s mother to raise her, provide for her, feed her, change her, etc. etc. Can you imagine the struggles and thoughts that went through her head. And OH HOW PRECIOUS to hear these words today, “Your daughter changed my life.”

Without a word spoken by Naomi… she brought this American lady back to Christ.

“So that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

Thank You Heavenly Father, for Your living, breathing, talking Word… and your precious little servants like Naomi.

Baby, it's STORMY outside!

As I sit hear sipping a yummy cup of coffee and listen to the winds blowing outside I figured it was time for an update!

Games at youth group

Two weeks have passed since I last posted and so much has happened. The youth group that we started in Juan Dolio is up and running… full-speed! The kids are SO excited for a club of their own and they have already invited their friends. And we are GROWING! Our first week we had about ten young people (not including leaders) and this past Friday we grew to 48! Keep praying as we prepare from week to week and pray for our new leaders too!

Discipleship has continued to go well on the baseball field with Robersy and for myself at the Lily House too. It’s exciting to see growth! Keep praying for the young people we interact with each day. And as a BIG praise... the businesses are up and running. Salon, spa and gift shop! Open to groups for now and will be open to the public as soon as possible! GOD IS GOOD!!! 

Leche & Miel (Milk and Honey) - Spa, Café and Gift Shop

Recently I was inspired by a friend to list the things I love here in the Dominican. Of course, I miss lots of things from home, but I don’t want to miss the blessings that are all around me! Here are a few…

1.       Fresh (and cheap!) fruit and veggies. From mangos to papayas… they’re everywhere! Pick them from a tree or buy them from a market. DELICIOUS!

2.       A relaxed, slow-paced culture. It took me a little while to get used to this, but I love just sitting and talking with the people. They all have stories to tell J

3.       Baseball! I wouldn’t call myself a fan, but I love seeing kids carrying around their baseball bats like trophies. Such hope in their eyes with big dreams in their hearts!

4.       COFFEE!!! Good and strong J

5.       Bus rides and lots of walking. Although we are still praying for a vehicle, I love the exercise I get just walking around!

6.       Friendly people with BIG hearts. Dominicans are such a beautiful group of people!

This is just a start, but I’m thankful for the “little” things all around me.

Speaking of “little” things…as a final note, I’d like to introduce the newest member of the Lara family. Don’t get too excited, mom. Two-legged grandchildren will come in due time, but for now… meet Tonky. Chiquita is not exactly excited to be a “big sister” but we thought it would be nice for her to have some company since we’re in and out quite a bit due to ministry.

Keep us in your prayers as we continue HIS work here in the Dominican and please stay in touch - rslara13@hotmail.com!!!