Independent

It has been a day of much activity as the Dominican Republic celebrates it's independence.

In fact it's been a few days of much activity with some of my favorite Dominicans and we were glad to have some fun on this holiday too.

Between Bible studies and discipleship we had a few adventures with the youth as well including...

a sleepover on Thursday-Friday with 3 boys, 

a sleepover with 2 GAP girls on Friday-Sunday 

and a final sleepover with 5 boys on Sunday-Monday.  

Youth group led by the teens on Friday.

Baseball activities on Saturday morning.

And a visit to a youth group in San Pedro on Saturday afternoon.

No wonder Josiah has slept so well the last few nights!!!

But instead of blabbing about all of it, tonight - before I hit the sack - I'm going to leave you with a few photos to enjoy.

So, HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY DOMINICAN REPUBLIC... and goodnight dear friends.

Wishy Washy

Last week I started a blog.

In fact, a time or two I opened the blogging site to continue only to have no words to express my heart.

To tell you the truth. Sometimes serving on the mission field can be down right discouraging. 

"Oh Sarah! Don't be harsh."

Wait a second.

Missionaries around the world leave their homes (parents, siblings, friends, houses, favorite foods, comfy beds, LANGUAGE, ELECTRICITY, SAFETY, etc.) behind to take the Word of God to those who might otherwise never hear it.

What a tremendous sacrifice! Right?! :)

But what happens when those same people, who you gave up the world for look you right in the eyes and say, "Thanks... but no thanks."

Oh my heart!

Last week there were a few rough nights where I struggled to sleep since I was so disappointed. I wasn't feeling sorry for myself, honestly. I was sincerely disappointed. 

The very same girls that I had come to serve and even given up other ministries in order to serve in a deeper capacity all had a super secret meeting, pricked their fingers and made some blood pact to gang up against me (I'm sure! Just sure of it! lol) and said, "Thanks. But no thanks!"

Of course, this isn't the case... I don't think... but there are just times we face while serving on the field when we look around and say, "What am I doing here?!" 

That was last week.
This week we've not found a moment to breath.

We've had teens over at the house as well as held Bible studies, discipleship, meetings, etc. They can't seem to get enough!

Their inconsistencies make my head spin!



I believe some of our teens may have journeyed out to the wilderness with Moses :)

In my Quiet Time I'm studying though the book of Numbers (as I believe I've mentioned before) and it is quite incredible to say the least.

One week the people of Israel are like, "WOW!!! God you are AWESOME!!!"

Opened the sea! BOOM!
A little fire and cloud action! WOOOOHOOOO!
Sent food from Heaven! KA-CHANG!
Protected us from our enemies! BERMP-BERMP!

"GOD, you are the bomb diggity!!!" they seemed to proclaim!

Then the next day...

"WAA. WAA. WAA. God hates us. He has forgotten us! We're hungry, thirsty, bored, lonely, etc. Should have just let us just die back in Egypt."

I'm not kidding... read it for yourself!!!

It seems inconsistencies are not something new.

SOOO... How do we serve the wishy washy, inconsistent people God has placed in our care?

We remain consistent.
When their parents, and those that ought to be consistent in their lives, aren't.

We love them, even when they don't desire our love.
We are there for them, even when they couldn't care less.

Just as God DID for the people of Israel.
Just as God DOES for us today.

Cuz one day they'll come around and I don't want to miss the opportunity to point them to Jesus.

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As I shared... it's been a busy week!

Lots of teens, lots of needs.

But I want to share some prayer requests so you know specifically how you can be praying for us.

1. Our health. Robersy and I think we may have gotten a parasite from the water. Bleugh! Starting a treatment today and praying we'll be back to feeling better soon. Josiah has been a little off too so we're praying it's not a parasite as well.

2. Our truck. Although it was supposed to be ready at the end of December, we continue to wait. Pray they can get the parts needed and that they get the job done and do it well!

3. New van? We've had a couple of people offer to help us purchase a van so that we have a safer and more efficient way of getting our baseball boys and teens around. If this is what God wants, pray we'll find an affordable, second hand vehicle soon!

Valentine's dinner at our Pastor's home.

PRAISES!

Thank the LORD for our teen team. Those who love and serve our teens well.

Thank the LORD for the opportunity we have to serve here in the Dominican. Although not always easy, we are truly grateful and couldn't do it without the prayers and support of many people back home!





Thank the LORD for those who love us here on the field. From those bringing us goodies from abroad, to those who lend us their vehicles or take us on errands, to those who invite us over, to those who encourage us.

Thank the LORD for the cooks, cleaning ladies, security guards, missionaries, church members, GAP students, teenagers, etc. who have become like family to us while our family is so far away.

#blessed.

Our Favorite Ministry

OUR LITTLE BOY IS ONE!!!

I know this is where we update our friends and supporters about our ministry and what God has been teaching us, so it's with greatest joy that we share our most important area of ministry in the life of our son, Josiah Norman.

We've learned a great deal over the last year and to be honest, it has NOT always been easy. There have been tears and frustration, but much laughter and joy as well.

Our dapper gentleman is now walking and running, eating most things and loves playing with other children.

He talks to himself mostly, in a language we do not speak and carries a baseball bat or glove with him around the house. Daddy is training him early.

He gets his dance moves from his dad... and let's face it, other than his coloring he is purely his father. He also claps and laughs when we say, "YAY, JOSIAH!"

He is still obsessed with outlets and despite outlet covers, he finds a way to them so we praise Jesus for the power outages sometimes :)



Josiah gives the best hugs and has started to kiss (though very slobbery) and blow kisses too.

He chats to his grandparents in Bermuda, Auntie Bex, Auntie Debz and Uncle Kyle weekly and we do our best with family so far away. He's also become very fond of his abuelo and abuela in Bani and they ADORE him too <3




Josiah looooves animals... especially our dog Tonky. They climb all over each other and Josiah likes to pat Tonky right on the head. We're working on being more gentle.

Josiah has 8 teeth and others are coming in, but his hair is taking a while, Not to worry, less to scrub during bath time... which he also loves!

Our little boo boo makes friends with most people and particularly loves being friendly with the people on the bus. He often times puts his hands in ladies purses and is cute enough to get away with it.


Needless to say, we adore our boy with all of our heart and it was a joy to celebrate his first year of life on Sunday. Of course daddy had games up his sleeves and there was plenty of fun and CAKE! (Thanks LILY HOUSE!) for everyone.

We are grateful for those who have poured in to our little one's life. From babysitting, offering vehicles for pediatrician appointments, bringing us diapers/wipes and simply loving our little boy.

THANK YOU! Love from the Laras <3