Running out the door :)

I'm actually running out the door to be with a group today, but I remembered my promise! Enjoy some Monday munchies on this beautiful morning...

This week as FLOWN by!

Since Saturday (I didn’t say anything last week to spare the gross details!) I’ve been sick with a stomach bug. Monday and Tuesday I was actually forced by own body to stay in bed since I was too weak to stand up, so you would think there is not much to say in my blog… but you’d be wrong J

On Wednesday, after hearing about some conflicts happening at the Lily House, I decided to go in and talk to my girls. It seems whenever there is a new girl in the house many of the ladies forget how God also saved them from the streets, so jealousy and judgment play a big part. It’s disappointing, but it’s life. So it’s been good to sit one on one with my ladies and remind them how far they’ve come and of the ministry that they can have (while still in the house!) in allowing the same opportunity for the new ladies that come in. *Pray for the Lily House ladies! Pray that through the struggles and conflict, God will have the victory in each ladies life.*

Thursday was a highlight day for me. I spent some time talking to my Gran in Scotland. It is SO AWESOME to be encouraged by someone who also served as a missionary. She is such a strong woman, who was and IS totally surrendered to God. At 81yrs old she is still a feisty little thing (yes, I’m definitely her granddaughter!) and she’s even speaking at a ladies conference in a couple of weeks! WOW! She truly is woman after God’s own heart! She is a true, living example of a Proverbs 31 woman. As my Grandad suffers with alzheimers she still goes by bus EVERY DAY to encourage him and then spends hours in the Word! I hope I’m as cool as she is when I’m 81!!!

Afterwards I went and spent some time alongside the Lily House ladies and attempted to make jewelry. Apparently I do not have much artsy-ness in my genes. I was given several different tasks before eventually getting a pile of newspaper to cut in to tiny little strips for a Christmas project. I like to think that I’m more of an encourager ;) HAHA! I walk around and see how everyone is doing, laugh, talk and move on… But it was fun nonetheless. For the whole afternoon I was so blessed to share with these ladies, encourage them and pray for them!

In the evening I had the awesome opportunity to go with Robersy as he opened a new center of discipleship in Guayacanes. About 9 young people came and we studied the book of John. Robersy has such a gift of teaching! Those there participated and listened intently as he introduced this beautiful book of Jesus, the Son of God! I’m excited to see how God will grow this group, that meets under a sheet metal roof, in the Word. I’m also secretly praying that it’ll rain one week… simply because I LOVE the sound of rain on a tin roof J

Friday was a movie at youth group! I’m really growing to love these kids! It was a good night with an abundance of popcorn and the young people seemed to enjoy it all.

 

On Saturday Robersy and I travelled to Bani and got the awesome privilege of giving a blood sugar monitor to Robersy’s grandfather. Fabio suffers with diabetes, but a machine like this was out of his price range. So while I was speaking to a doctor about my medical problems, Robersy mentioned his grandfather and “boom” free blood sugar monitor! Of course we had to teach him how to use it, which was an adventure in itself, HAHA , but he did his first test and now he’s on track. THANK YOU DR. HUMPHRIES!!!

Sunday is my favorite day… as always… but this week was extra special. 2 of my discipleship girls and 2 others from the Lily House got baptized!!! I felt like a proud momma! So thankful for the work God is doing through this beautiful ministry… and I feel blessed to be a part.

I just realized that this is mostly about me… but Robersy is doing great! He is still coaching and discipling his kids. These kids truly look up to and respect Robersy so it's awesome to see him have a positive impact on dozens of kids that don't have fathers in their lives. *Pray for these young boys, that they might become men after God's own heart!*

Things I'm thankful for:

1. Those who have given towards our vehicle. Every little bit helps! We're on our way and Robersy is calling someone today about a second hand Nissan Frontier 2007 for sale! Right in our goal price ($15,000). We're going to check it out... so pray!

2. New girl friends! So thankful to have girl time when I can :)

Things I miss:

1. Scotland - all of my family, bagpipes, kilts, fish & chips, tea, scones, etc. I'm so thankful to have Scottish blood!

Verse for the week: Psalm 133:1, look it up! Isn't it true :)

 

Monday Munchies :)

Over the past several months I have learned some things about myself…

#1. I am a HORRIBLE blogger.

#2. I am totally OCD and need order in my life.

Ok, I’ve known about #2 for a while and so have most of my family and close friends J So I think I’ve found a solution! If I put it in my weekly schedule to send out a blog EVERY Monday then that solves my problem and you get to hear all the exciting things that are happening over here! So we shall attempt this! However, I want some topics for my blog. Maybe you want to learn more about the culture, common Dominican phrases, Score’s areas of ministry, or whatever. Be creative! Send me your questions and I’ll answer them J

As for this week, well it was pretty exciting! I have my regular discipleship on Tuesday and Wednesday (my Thursday disciple went home to have a baby… pray for Y!) and my Bible study with the Lily House girls, but Thursday was a special treat. I travelled with a bus load of Dominicans for a family picnic. Now, I have been to many picnics in my life… but Dominican’s do it well! Full gas cylinder, stove top, camp fire, domino table, coolers, rice, beans, fish, chicken, etc. The works! It was so much fun sharing with new and old friends as well as exploring God’s INCREDIBLE creation. I stand amazed at His handiwork. We have a VERY creative God. Thanks to a Dominican adventure man we swam across a river, climbed boulders and hiked up risky areas to reach a pretty neat cave. I was in pain the next day, but it was totally worth it!!!

Since I LOVE adventures I decided to take another one on my own. Ok, so it was just to San Pedro (about a 40 minute trip on the bus) but I was able to walk around my old “stomping ground” and find some great stuff at Jumbo. My favorite purchase was a rolling pin! How have I survived 6 months without one?! I miss baking!

Sunday is one of my favorite days of the week. Just being with other believers in His house… there is nothing sweeter. This week we also had the opportunity to sit in the midst of Robersy’s baseball boys. It was funny to hear them whispering amongst themselves as they wrote notes making sure they got every detail since they know their coach (aka Robersy) will be testing them over the sermon at the next baseball practice J

Time in the house of the Lord was followed by time in the house of the Pastor! Great time of fellowship with fellow missionaries and then a quick dip in the pool to cool off from this H-O-T weather J Skype with mom quickly became Skype with the whole family and it was great to hear the updates from home. Then we fellowshipped more with dear friends and I was off to bed for an early night.

So here we begin another week of ministry. Pray for Robersy and I go out and “make disciples” and lead others to HIS throne of grace! Of course not every week is as adventureful as this one was… but I’m thankful for the little adventures when they come along.

This week I am thankful for:

1.       Electricity… when we have it, I love it!

2.       A pool at SCORE… did I mention it is HOT!

3.       Rolling pins! Who invented them?! So much better than a cup.

This week I miss:

1.       Pumpkin spice lattes.

2.       Reese’s Pieces (I always miss Reese’s pieces! Lol)

3.       Family J This list is not in order of course, haha, but I miss my crazy sisters and parents! Praying hard that we can reunite at Christmas.  

Verse of the week: Matthew 11:28-30… go read it. It sums up this week!

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!!!

Blessed Beyond Measure

As usual, Robersy and I have no reason to complain. We are blessed beyond measure and so thankful to do what we do.

This past Monday we said goodbye to the FCA soccer trip and headed to camp. As at every event, I was placed at registration. I always laugh at this because I am the worst at understanding the million and one names these kids give. You’d think I’d be better because of names like Shaquinka in Bermuda, HOWEVER, these kids have their first name, second name, father’s last name and then mother’s maiden name ALL spelled phonetically and when asked, “How do you spell your name?” They proceed to just say it slower. Ohhhh heavens. LOL. Pastor Nathan, Robersy and new friend, Daniel (Score missionary from Honduras, who was also taking names) just laughed and left me scribbling down what I could J Haha!

We had about 200 kids register for camp, PRAISE GOD! Each day was filled with messages from God’s Word, games, challenges, songs, and just pure fun. Robersy and I were placed in various areas and it was exciting to watch these kids soak up the Word. On the final night, Robersy led the camp fire service where many shared what God had done over the week of camp.

Although I never like to mention numbers, we saw about 14 young people accept Christ and to keep the momentum of camp, we plan to begin Juan Dolio Youth Group THIS FRIDAY. Robersy and I have been asked to oversee this ministry so we covet your prayers as we prepare and train our team. May God ALONE be glorified.

This weekend was also a blessing as we dedicated the Lily House ministry and we were able to honour those who have had a part in starting this ministry and loving/training/discipling these women to the point where they are today. Only the hand of God could have brought these women out of the darkness that consumed them!!!  It is truly a miracle.

Speaking of miracles… to follow up my update on Lauren, read her testimony on her blog. An atheist taken over with drugs and alcohol finds Jesus in the Dominican Republic. Too cool…

http://ourfund.us/dashboard/participant/donation/24970/1555/1

Thank you for your encouragement and prayers. Robersy and I feel honoured to represent our home churches, family, supporters, etc. here on the missionfield. Without you all, it would be impossible!

GOD IS GOOD!!!

Atheists, Reese's Pieces and Trantulas

Honestly this week has been a blur! A week ago I was in bed with food poisoning and from there, the days have just flown. Of course, it could be because of the amazing group I had the privilege of working with this week!


Monday I met the FCA soccer team at the airport with a fro-yo in my hand (the first thing I had eaten since I was bed ridden J lol). They were quiet… yeh, that didn’t last long! Come Tuesday they were ready to get going! I was assigned with them to translate and help the team overall. We began with a soccer clinic in La Rinconada. The girls did great and enjoyed getting to know the Dominican children, but it was the game in the afternoon that literally left me standing with my mouth wide open…

Luci and I after hiking to a football clinic held in a village.
It was MUDDDDDDY!

We had scheduled a game with a local team from a local area (you’ll know why I’m being careful with names in a moment). We were excited, the other team was excited… everything seemed to be going great. That is, until we mentioned the name of Christ. In a country where they are open to Christianity, I was SHOCKED to be asked to leave because we shared the Gospel. The game was cancelled and the girls were upset, but we had no choice. It just reminded me how close we are to Christ’s return. Jesus is coming!

Throughout the week we were blessed with the opportunity to visit Pasitos de Jesus (a girl’s home) and Josiah’s House (a boy’s home). It’s always so special to spend time with kids who have a story to tell, a heart to mend and sweet arms to hug J

Other highlights were soccer games in Santo Domingo and San Cristobal, where the Gospel was preached and testimonies were given. One particular testimony, however, had me choking back tears as I translated. On the day that the team arrived, I was told that there were a few girls on the team that weren’t Christians, but there was one in particular that was openly atheist and was happy to attend devotionals and Bible studies (which were required) but made it clear that she would not listen. We agreed not to offend her beliefs and just  let God do His thing. Day by day, God worked on Lauren’s heart. She saw the hope in girls, boys and adults who owned nothing, but had Jesus… and through the devotionals and testimonies of other team mates that were getting serious about the Lord, she realized that she didn’t have to be saved when she was 3yrs old… she could start now! She shared her testimony at a game today and said, “It’s just so cool to know that there IS Someone out there and that Someone loves me very much!”

God is SO cool.

Rejoice with us! It is amazing to see God work on the hearts of mission teams who came to minister and leave being ministered to. I feel blessed to have worked with this amazing group of ladies!  And to top it off, the leader (Bob) managed to get me boxes of Reese’s Pieces that I have been missing so much!!! I am so BLESSED!!!!!!!!

Alright, it’s 1:03am and we have camp tomorrow so I am heading to bed… I hope I sleep well know that this little guy is close by…

Found him outside our front door when we came home tonight, LOL! SLEEP WELL J

P.S. Say a little prayer for my Lily House girls. The 3 that I’m discipling have a week of vacation. They’ve travelled to see their families and this will show us if they’ve grown depending on the decisions that they make. Pray that they will be strong! I know Satan is going to be working hard this week!!!