Taco Bell... oops... I mean, wedding bells!

Well, the countdown is ON! 

5 days until we begin Robersy’s first official trip to America!!!!!!!

We are honored to not only attend, but participate in my baby sister’s wedding on August 30^th! YAY!!! God has shown Himself clearly in every detail of her special day and has reminded us of HIS perfect timing. I look forward to the book she’ll write about all the events leading up to her wedding day… cuz it’s sure to be a bestseller J

For the next 3 weeks we plan to write the occasional update on Facebook and probably post lots of photos (we know you want to take the journey with us!), but we do not plan on writing any blogs (unless we have lots of time!) and we ask for your forgiveness in advance if we don’t get back to you as quickly as you might like.

We have decided to give a basic overview of our trip so that you can pray for us. We’ll be in 3 different states visiting churches, supporters, family and friends. It’s an exciting time, but a busy time! Pray that we’ll be able to meet with as many people as possible… but get a bit of rest too. We are exhausted from summer ministry and look forward to a few days of doing nothing! 

I actually found a great quote in the book I’m reading ("Overwhelmed")… “The Bible calls those who will not work lazy, but it calls those who will not rest disobedient.” So honestly, we’re looking forward to some rest as well J

We are borrowing a phone while we’re in the states so if you’d like to call please let me know and I’ll get the number to you.

Here’s a VERY general version of our schedule… If you’re in the area and would like to see us please send us an email or FB message!

Aug 23^rd – Aug 31^st Held hostage by my little sister and family J

Aug 27^th – Missions presentation at Clymer Baptist in Sabinsville, PA - COME AND SEE US!

Sep 1^st – 4^th Dulles, VA and Washington DC

Sep 4^th – 6^th Newburg, Pennsylvania and an overnight trip to Lancaster, PA.

Sep 6^th – 8^th Buffalo, NY – Attending The Chapel at Crosspoint - COME AND SEE US!

Sep 8^th – 10^th Syracuse, NY

Sep 10^th – 15^th NYC

We look forward to seeing MANY of you and pray that God will be glorified through this trip!

See you soon!

5:45am wakeup call!

Over the past few days I have been able to sit down and read my new book, “Overwhelmed.” It begins talking about a Pastor who loved ministry loved his church, loved serving… but little by little he came to the point where he literally couldn’t wait to get out of this world, even to the point of contemplating suicide! It wasn’t that he was desperate to be with Jesus (although we should look forward to that too), but he just wanted to get away from the craziness here on earth!

Doesn’t life get that way sometimes? If you’re involved in ministry you know what I mean. It is not 9am-5pm Mon-Fri it is literally 24/7.

And you might say… well, Sarah you have time to sit down and write a blog AND this is your day “off” so at least you have one! But here is the to-do list written on a 3x5 card next to me.

     1. Send encouraging note to (then there are a few names written)

 2. Make plans for visiting Boca Chica brothel on Tuesday morning

 3. Finish laundry for Boca Chica street kids

 4. Research how “not wiping” after using the toilet can affect your health (LOL!!! We have to educate!)

 5. Send email to land lord

6.  Prep devotional and discipleship material for the week

·        

Please understand my heart; I’m not complaining (pinky promise!), but it doesn’t take long for days to get filled up, months to fly by and in a couple of years you’re contemplating just getting out of this crazy world! I know many of you feel the same way. It doesn’t matter if you’re a mom or a doctor… life gets crazy.

This is where I’ve found the joy of getting up early and going to bed late J

Who wouldn't want to get up early with a view like this!

Most of the time I’m up and walking the dogs at 5:45am, followed a run to just clear my head (and burn calories! Haha) and then time to just sit with the Lord before my busy day begins. Then around 9PM my bed is calling my name!

You see, I can NOT do life without my Savior. He’s the One who breathed life in to me, called me to the Dominican Republic and who holds my future in His hands. I physically, spiritually and emotionally NEED HIM.

Maybe the morning is not you’re thing… then carve out some time for Him in another part of your day!

I don’t want to be the missionary looking for a way out when there is still so much to do! What about rest? YES, we NEED to! But then let’s get the job done.

Here are some highlights from “getting the job done” this past week:

Camp - a couple weeks ago... more photos on FB.

    1. Two AWESOME discipleship times with 2 lovely ladies reflecting on how God has transformed their lives and praying for what He has planned for the future.

  2. Devotion time at Lily House where we opened up about areas where we are struggling and then focused on praying for one another.

  3. Street ministry with a few visiting ladies and GREAT conversations with several women. We even confirmed a brothel visit for tomorrow. Pray for this!

   4. Robersy was out with a team all week. Playing ball and preaching the Word!!! Men got saved, seeds were planted and a LOT of pizza got eaten, according to our director, John Zeller.

   5. Celebration with Robersy’s team for the boys who got good grades at school (this is close to Robersy’s heart since he dropped out and spent years finishing school… he graduates at the end of this summer!!!) and a sad goodbye to Robersy’s right-hand man, JJ (SCORE intern). We miss you JJ!

    

 6. Sixth anniversary at the church in Los Fundos. Six years since beginning church under a mango tree. Praying for many more years of growth in this sweet church.

   7. On our ride home from church with our Boca Chica boys we had some pretty deep conversation on Christianity. The boys have a LOT of questions and the 45 minute drive was a great time to talk them through. Pray for many more chats like this. God is moving!

You see… busy for the Lord is a JOY, but be mindful to always place each day in the Savior’s hands and avoid getting overwhelmed. REST in Him :D

Isn't God AWESOME?!

As I sit here with my fresh mango/strawberry smoothie, busy putting together a schedule for our time in the States... I can't help but rejoice in all the blessings we have experienced during our time serving here in the Dominican. We have not only met some amazing people, but we have watched the very hand of God move right before our eyes!
Robersy and I have started a praise jar because we don't want to forget all that God has done, even on our bad days.

Although I don't have the time to write out a report of the last year, let me give you a review of some blessings from this past week.

1. Last Sunday-Monday we had the blessing of spending time with Robersy's family. I LOVE HIS FAMILY! We loaded the truck up with his grandfather, stepfather, mom and cousin to play dominoes by the ocean. Relaxation!

2. Tuesday-Friday I translated at the Lily House for gardening classes. I actually have a new appreciation for those who grow their own vegetables and herbs! But the added highlights was watching one of our Lily House girls get SO excited to see the seedlings grow. She is learning responsibility as she takes care of the plants. Growth in her, growth in plants... double blessing!!!

3.  I also translated for some salon classes as the Lily House too. I had no idea how in depth a haircut could be, but watching the Lily House girls grow in confidence made it all worth it!

4. This summer I've had a young lady from a local girls home shadow me a bit to learn how to translate. We actually split up this week (both at the Lily House) and it was neat to see her confidence grow too. Pray for her this week as she translates for a family visiting the home! This one is all on her own :)

5. Before the storm came on Saturday-Sunday, I was able to get all laundry done and the house cleaned. Men don't understand how excited this made me... but you ladies do!!!

6. The storm wasn't horrible... but we got a LOT of much-needed rain!

7. On Saturday Robersy and I FINALLY had a double date with some fellow missionaries. It was nice to get away for a bit and of course, to get to know our friends a little more too!

8. That same Saturday night when Robersy dropped the couple off, leadership gave him a little package that had come in the mail. 2 books from a friend in Bermuda/USA :) A book about a Christian baseball player for Robersy and a book called, "Overwhelmed" for me. I don't know if she understands the perfect timing of these books (especially the one for me! lol)... but needless to say, I've started reading it already :)

9. Sunday (yesterday) we were not only blessed through the worship and sermon (which was awesome AND 3 of homeless boys came!!!) but we were able to fellowship with other missionaries during lunch too. We are SO thankful for our team!!!

10. While leaving SCORE a few ladies on a short term mission trip (we met them a while ago, but they're back) handed us a gift bag. Much needed toiletries for Robersy and I. They joked about a red, girly poof being for Robersy, but they had no idea that just before we left for church Robersy's poof finally fell apart and I said, "Hey, let's just wait until we're in the states to get a new one." He will use that red, girly poof after all, haha!

11. This is a sad blessing... but we said goodbye to an intern/friend that has served with us at the Lily House. The exciting thing is that she has TRULY been a blessing to the girls, myself and the team. However, we're excited to see how God is going to use her wherever He takes her next! We'll miss you April!!!

12. On the way home from church Robersy received a call from a mom of one of his baseball boys. Some of the boys had been fighting and like a true "father" we drove right over there, sat down with the 4 young boys and was able to give them a Biblical whooping (in Word and scripture... don't worry! lol). Thankful for how God is using Robersy to grow and mature these young men!

I'm telling you. We see the hand of God in the most awesome way! We are grateful and truly feel unworthy for the blessings that flow. Thank you to those who read this and pray for us and our ministry. We pray that each day we continue to see the hand of Christ working in His precious people.