"What do you mean they're not on the bus?"

My heart skipped a beat.

"What do you mean they're not on the bus?"

"I'm sorry ma'am... the tour bus had been sitting there for 45 minutes waiting for them and they never got on."

"Impossible! My husband put them on the tour bus an hour ago!!!"

"Well, it wasn't our bus."

My heart dropped! 

I had lost my parents. 

They had raised me for 27 years before giving me over to Robersy on April 6th, 2013. Never once letting me in harms way. Keeping a pretty good eye on me. 

Then they come to the Dominican for 2 weeks and I lose them!!!

After several phone calls, prayer and a panic attack I got the call - "We apologize, your parents were here the whole time... it was another couple we were looking for."

SERIOUSLY! 

We can laugh about it now, but yesterday I was NOT laughing. In fact we did not laugh when they came back either. We were told "6:45 pick up at Costa Caribe" by the confident tour guide. 

So I called in the middle of the day to confirm. 

No answer. 

No biggy, they were in Los Haitises so I assumed there might not be a signal.

Then I called around 6:00, then 6:30, 6:45 - Robersy drove to Costa Caribe - 7:00, 7:15, 7:30.

I'VE LOST THEM AGAIN!!!

At 7:35 I finally got hold of the guide, that was no longer with the tour group.

"They should be arriving in Boca Chica by now."

"OK, my husband is waiting in Juan Dolio (15mins away) - but where are they in Boca Chica?"

"Oh, I don't know! They left me in San Pedro an hour ago."

"Arrrrggggg..."

Thankfully around 7:45 (after many Watsapp messages to my sisters apologizing for losing our parents) my mom called to let me know that they had arrived at a hotel close by and were waiting for us in the Lobby.

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!! 

Reminds me of some other people that got lost.

Only a few days ago I was reading Exodus about Moses, Aaron and those scallywag (that's a real word right?) Israelites!

Moses had been having some awesome time with God up in the mountains, but since he took a little longer than expected, Aaron gathered up golden jewelry and made an idol that looked like a cow. In no time the Israelites were worshiping and sacrificing things to this inanimate object!!!

God prompted Moses to leave the mountain and see what the people were up to. 
I feel as though I can sympathize with Moses now!

"What do you mean they're not still following you LORD???
I left them there 5 minutes ago!!!" 
(Sarah's interpretation)

Fear. Anger. Panic. 

As much as Moses' heart ached with sadness for the apparent loss of God's people... I imagine God's heart ached even more so. 

He loved them. 

He rescued them. 

He sustained them. 

And they simply walked away because Moses (and ultimately God) was taking too long.

Friend, don't walk away.

If you have been saved and changed by the incredible grace of God don't walk away because you don't get answers fast enough or see results in your time frame. 
Waiting isn't always easy. That's where TRUST comes in. But He is faithful. Soooo faithful.

I'm thankful to see the faithful hand of God this week.
Even when it's not in my timing :)

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I LOVE ministry! I love to teach and disciple and minister to women and teenagers. So being at home has not been super easy. However, having this "down" time has allowed me to be very attentive to the prayers being answered all around. 

I have an uncle that lives in the Boca Chica area and has done for the past 20 years. I've tried to get a hold of him and wanted to make contact, but didn't know how. In December Robersy and I moved to a new apartment in a whole new area... and wouldn't you know... it is the SAME STREET that my uncle lives on! Still... we didn't know which apartment he lived in, just that he lived in a certain apartment complex. One day my parents decided to go on a walk around the neighborhood and JUST BY COINCIDENCE (HA-HA...) they ran in to my uncle at a house I walk by several times a day when I walk the dogs!!! Last night we had the opportunity to have dinner with him and since the connection is now made, we're hoping this might open opportunities to share more with him about the Lord and what God is doing here in the Dominican! 
God is too cool!!! 

We also had the opportunity to minister in Los Montones this past Saturday as we took our youth group to link up with the one out there. It was LOUD! and CRAZY!!! But the Gospel was preached and we were excited to see 2 young people come to the Lord <3

Apart from these blessings, it has been GREAT to have my parents here over the last 2 weeks. We have had our adventures, we have laughed, we have cried and we've had fun. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have them here to see their grandson and although it'll be sad to see them go, I'm grateful for the blessing of having them here to help me in these first few weeks of being a momma. Robersy has loved it too as he's had the opportunity to slowly ease back in to ministry while knowing I'm well taken care of :) 

On the tour that they were lost on :) LOL.

Grandma and her baby boy :)

Grandpa and his grandson, Josiah :)

Phase 10 has become part of the nightly routine

We got to relax a little :)

Dad hitting some baseballs :) He actually did really well!!!

That's what we've been up to this week. How about you? Have you seen God move in your life this week? If not... don't lose hope. He us faithful. His timing is PERFECT.

Where is the off switch?!

Since our little bundle was born 11 days ago we have laughed a LOT.

This is our happier times :) Story time with momma.

We've also cried and wanted to scream...

But mostly we've laughed. 

Yesterday took the cake.

My parents, Robersy and I took Josiah the capital in order to "declare" him. Thankfully he is now in the system and officially exists according to the Dominican Republic.

On the way home we stopped to grab lunch and after feeding Josiah I could smell... and feel... that he need to be changed. 

Mom and I grabbed the diaper bag and headed to the little family bathroom to change him.

As soon as we got his diaper off it's like the "on" switch was pushed. 

Pee and poop EVERYWHERE!!! 

All over the changing pad and changing table... all over our hands and on his clothes too. Mom rushed over to the sink to wash her hands so we could get a clean diaper on him and I just held my hands over his body screaming and laughing until she came back. Only to double over when my mom kept accidentally knocking the automatic hand dryer to make the matters that much more hilarious!

Poop.

Pee.

Hand dryer.

Crying baby.

Mother and grandmother laughing so hard!

I'm sure anyone who was walking by that family bathroom would have thought there was a serious issue. But thankfully we survived!

I've loved the sweet memories and times of laughter we've already experience in Josiah's short life. Still, I love the little moments that he is fast asleep and life is quiet for a time. 

Mornings have always been my favorite time of the day (as I've mentioned many times) and thankfully that part of my day has remained some of the quietest time. I'm able to sit out on the porch and listen to the world waking up as I spend time with the Lord.

I am continuing to read through the Bible (with a guide) and this morning I spent some time in Exodus. 

Reading about the tabernacle and God's specific instructions for the altar, Ark of the Covenant and even the table for the bread just blows my mind. So particular! 

Just meditating over those few chapters got me thinking about why. Everything in it's perfect place in it's perfect way. Measured and clean and beautiful. He wanted and expected it to be perfect. It was for Him. God. Jehovah. Creator of the universe. Lover of my soul.

He deserves the best.

Makes me look at my life and wonder if I'm giving Him all He deserves. The way I walk and talk and live. If He desired the best for the tabernacle, wouldn't He want the best of me as His living and breathing temple?

Does He think we'll be perfect? No, He knows us even better than we know ourselves.

Does He deserve perfection? He deserves so much more.

So today, I chose to give Him my best. I'm aware it can get messy (probably even messier than Josiah's bathroom fiasco) but thankfully, as He lives in me and through me, I pray that I can offer Him even a sliver of what He deserves. 

My life. My love. My soul. An offering to the Most High God.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In between the times that we've laughed and cried (and slept) we've had the privilege to see God's hand continue to move in our family and ministry.

This Sunday we were able to dedicate our little Josiah to the Lord before our church, family and friends. We wait to see all that God will do in our son's life and ask God for His guidance as we lead him to know Christ in a very personal way.

We were also able to celebrate several other "sons" as they followed the Lord in Believer's baptism. We're so thankful to see the fruit of a ministry that began with only a few boys before God allowed Robersy to be part. We've been blessed to see it grow to over 70 boys, several of whom we've seen come to the Lord! God is good!!!

We appreciate your prayers as Robersy gets back in to ministry this week and as I try to find my new "normal." God has already been showing me ways to be used from home for now. He is SO faithful!

Looking forward to sharing more next week!

Introducing...

Happy Monday!!!

Wait... Tuesday?!

What day is it???

I'm so happy to have the health and energy to post on this lovely Tuesday afternoon while my sweet little boy rests and I do too.

We have been in our home for 2 nights now and things are going well in this first week of Josiah's life. He sleeps well (as most newborns do), nurses well and is generally a happy baby.

Robersy and I are completely and totally in love <3

On Friday we made our way to the clinic and waited for the final decision regarding a natural birth. Josiah had still not engaged his little (BIG) head and was not in a good position at all. At almost 42 weeks and almost 9lbs the fear was that he was just not able to get "down" for unknown reasons and that if we left him much longer to continue to grow we would face some other complications.

Robersy and I prayed and prayed and PRAYED about it. However the doctor was only going to go through with a natural birth (or at least induce and attempt even though he was not engaged or down) because I was begging her to let me deliver naturally. We tried exercises and this child would not budge!

I'm thankful she wanted to please me... but at the risk of my sweet boy, I couldn't follow through with it. So Robersy and I were at complete peace about the C-section.

I'll spare you the details from the OR, but I will say that I have no doubt Christ was with us in that room. I can't describe the peace I felt. Robersy and I talked and prayed as I watched the whole operation in the reflection of a lamp. HAHA! It was awesome! They even allowed my sister, Deborah, to be there in the room since she had changed her ticket to be there. She took photos and they even brought her to the side with the doctors as Josiah's head emerged for the first time :)

Robersy, who was not keen on being there, turned in to Superman (a really good looking Superman who looks AMAZING in scrubs might I add, lol) and even cut the cord.

Our experience was incredible and from the time this little bundle was conceived until this very day we have witnessed miracle, after miracle, after miracle.

The doctors and anesthesiologist all took money off of our final bill (and no... we didn't hint or ask. We did pray though). 

We have received help, counsel, offerings, visits and even meals during these last few days to take the load off.  

Special friendships have strengthened as we have seen TRUE love and sacrifice as I have never seen it before.

We have been loved and cared for more than we could ever imagine.

I'd love to mention names and specific details but I know each and every person who has been involved in our son's life until this point (that even includes  the emails, messages, comments, phone calls, etc.) is all poured out from the love that only our Heavenly Father could give.

Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!!!

Without further ado... here are some shots from this week's "adventure."

Here we go!!!

Trying to keep in touch with our family and friends

We had a lot of time to wait! Just kidding. Debz, Robersy and our friend Jaime played as we waited.

My hottie doctor, hubby and best friend. Love this man!!!

So proud of him :)

My son! So IN LOVE!

Daddy is SO in love too :)

As is Tia Debz <3

Josiah Norman Lara Ward

Birth cert. says 11:50 but ankle bracelet says 11:45. Oh dear!

Welcome to the world little buddy <3

Lara Family of 3!

Trip home. First thing to do is meet his brother and sister :)

Josiah Norman Lara Ward - 8.7lbs - 20 inches long - February 5th , 2016

Due in January!!! Or February? Maybe March?!

I remember a post that someone put on my Facebook regarding pregnancy.

"Every month has an average of 30-31 days... 
Except the last month of pregnancy, which has 42,015 days."

I laughed when it was posted, but it has brought me to tears throughout the 42,000 days that I have gone through already :)

Ok. So it hasn't been HORRIBLE. I am actually thankful for a very healthy and somewhat easy pregnancy. Up until the last few weeks I had asked Robersy for ONE foot massage in my entire pregnancy. I continued in ministry until my sister arrived. And even this morning I swept and mopped my house on my own (Debz polished the furniture. She has been helping too!)

*NOTE* This is NOT to make others with difficult pregnancies feel bad, I am just sincerely and truly thankful for the pregnancy that I have had (P.S. You know how they say God won't give us more than we can handle... He must know I'm a wimp! LOL)

But on Monday I cried. At the Obgyn. While still on the table. TMI? 

Frustrated that my body won't do what I want it to do (aka give birth... and believe me I have tried almost EVERY natural method to induce, including a double shot of Balsamic Vinegar. BLEUGH!) in the time frame that I had hoped. 

Knowing that my sister, who flew down from PA to hold my hand through the scariest event of my life, is leaving this Thursday after waiting around with me for over 2 weeks.

Feeling heavy, bloated and in quite a bit of pain with very little sleep because my arm is almost always tingly or completely asleep and I have to move and stretch and try to find a position that gives me the most relief so I can sleep a little in between trips to the loo.

But as we were leaving I couldn't help but hug my doctor. She is completely going against what the Dominican culture has taught her.

With most other doctors, my kid would have been out right at 40 weeks (or whenever they could fit me in at the hospital) and only by c-section (the Dominican Republic has the highest rate of c-sections in the world -C-section ‘Epidemic’) . My doctor has respected my decision to birth naturally (unless there is any emergency health situation for either my baby or myself) and has encouraged me through my entire pregnancy in order to have the healthiest pregnancy possible.

She has been great. 
And that is my human doctor. 

God - my Spiritual doctor - has been teaching me and growing me in the last few weeks to have the healthiest relationship with Him as well. 

At the beginning of the year I chose Psalm 42:1-2 to represent the kind of relationship I want to have with my Savior this year. I want to crave Him. Desire to be in His presence. Seek Him before all else. I want Him to be my everything.

Funny story - sorry, it involves my dogs!

Last week I was walking my pups and this kid, who was riding his bicycle to school, stopped me. "Excuse me. Are those... (squinting his eyes and staring for a bit) ...are those street dogs?" HA-HA!

I looked at Chiquita and Tonky who very clearly look like every other dog you'll find on the streets of the Dominican Republic. "Um, kind of. They were street dogs, but we rescued them, cleaned them up a bit and taught them how to be house dogs."

He continued to stare.

After a creepy amount of time just standing there I said, "Well have a good day at school."

He couldn't believe it.

These 2 dogs that look a lot like every other dog you'd see, had something special. Something that stood out. Something different. That had been rescued and changed (although I literally just went and spanked Tonky for barking at the truck in front of out house... again. Change happens slower in some. LOL!)

That's what I want in my life. People to see that I kind of look normal (although right now I stand out a little. Have people never seen a pregnant person before?!), but there is something different. They might not be able to put their finger on it right away, but after a second or two I pray that Jesus shines so brightly through me that there is no denying it is Him who rescued and changed me for HIS glory.

So, basically. This time at home has been some good growing time. Frustrating? YES! Painful? YES! Loooooonnnng? YES! But worth it in order to learn a little and grow a bit more. FOR SURE. 

And even more of a blessing because Robersy has been able to continue in ministry and continue to preach and teach and disciple, so we have celebrated new life in Christ Jesus for a few boys on his team and in the youth group.

God DOES have a plan. We are blessed to be a part.
We continue to wait on His timing for our little one. Praying for a safe delivery.


Now a TIDBIT from 
Little Debbie (sweet as can be, lol)... 
Debbie Crocker (she loves to bake and cook)... 
my baby sister, Deborah Horton.

I arrived in the DR 2 weeks ago fully expecting to spend the majority of my time holding a plump, smiling, little nephew.

But alas.

Josiah has yet to grace us with his presence.

Shopping for fruits and veggies

So instead, as the Lord would have it, I've had the opportunity to help Sarah (or at least try to) leading up to the big day, whether I am here or not.

We've had some fun and relaxing days on the beach, getting pedicures at the Lily House and even baking cookies. For being over 9 months pregnant, Sarah can still get around! 

On other days we've gotten things prepared for the baby or cleaned up around the house.

I have enjoyed my time here in the Dominican.

While being here I've also been able to have a small glimpse of the ministry that God has called Robersy and Sarah to. It is clear that God knew what He was doing when He called them here.

I've been able to see a little bit of what goes on in Sarah's small group with the GAP students, her ministry at the Lily House, meet a bunch of Robersy's boys, went to youth group, been present at SCORE night, attended church and have had the chance to just hang with some of the Laras friends. 

Learning to drive

One of the experiences that impacted me the most was having the opportunity to go to the streets with Sarah. For those of you who know me, you know how God has given me a heart for victims of human-trafficking so it was very eye-opening to be able to meet women that are currently prostituting on the streets of Boca Chica.

Making tostones

Two things stood out to me during our time. The first being how these women simply crave to be loved. When they saw Sarah they would run up to her, give her a hug and of course ask her how in the world she was still pregnant. The second thing was how easily Sarah was able to show them that love. There was no condemnation, just a desire to show them the love of Christ. It brought John 13:34-35 to reality.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another."By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

I saw the same in Robersy with his boys and I am not surprised that this love has lead many of them to Jesus.

He is literally on top of Sarah's belly!

As my time in the DR comes to a close I'm certainly thankful to have been able to witness the impact that Robersy and Sarah are having here in the Dominican, by the grace of God alone.

Love him!!!

Prayerfully I'll be able to hold that plump jelly bean before I return to my hunky hubby, but in the meantime, I am thankful that the Lily House girls let me love on their sweet babies for now.

On a side note, a gentle request for everyone to stop praying that Josiah will be born on THEIR birthday. I mean, I get it... but he can't have 10 birthdays and I think he's getting confused. Bless his little heart. LOL!

Thank you all for the love and care that you have my sister, brother-in-law and nephew. Keep encouraging them since, as I know from experience, ministry has it's highs and lows. They need prayer in all things.

Thanks for letting me take over your blog, Sar :)

Talking to animals and the naughty fig tree.

I talk to my dogs.

There I said it.

It's true!

They know when I'm upset or discouraged, many times I share praises and exciting things that happen in my life. 

Chiquita in particular was adopted during a VERY difficult time in my life and poor thing got an ear full as I battled with some pretty dark feelings regarding life, love and ministry. Although she never said a word, she cuddled me as I cried, ran with me when I tried to release the stress, she was always there when I felt like no one else was or could understand me. My sweet girl :)

On my recent trip home I actually found a picture frame that describes our relationship perfectly, "Who rescued who?" God used my dog - even when I couldn't find the strength to talk to God Himself. 

However, I'll admit... there are some times that I talk to my dogs, random stray dogs and even the piglets next door so I won't be considered crazy for talking to myself. lol.

I know the "non-pet people" are shaking their heads right now. HAHA!

But this morning I laughed as I did my devotional. The book of Mark records Jesus talking to a tree! See I'm not so crazy after all :)

But what a beautiful lesson. Mark 11:12-14

"When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, 'May no one ever eat fruit from you again.' And his disciples heard it."

Uhhhh! Poor Figgy!

Can you imagine his embarrassment? 

(Hey, Jesus talked to him... let me give him a personality!)

The God of all Creation walks up to him for a snack, and he wasn't ready. Poor fig tree didn't know He was coming! If he had known surely he would have prepared!!!

Of course as the chapter continues we see Jesus teach a lesson of faith as they return and see the fig tree all withered up and dead. (v.20-26)

But God stirred my heart in regards to my walk with Him.

Am I ready at all times? 

I want God to find me ready and serving and growing and learning all the time! I want Him to find me faithful and fruitful. I want to give Him my everything and not be found empty when we finally meet face to face.

Not just on Sundays. Or Wednesdays. But every day. 

Does this mean I can't rest? Heavens NO! Even Jesus took time to rest. But don't waste your life thinking you're "living it up" with the world... when at the end of the day, you're just a fruitless tree. 

It's 2016 friend. Get out there and do something great for the Lord!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been a great week for us here in the DR.

Baby Josiah is NOT here yet :( But we're excited and ready! Someone does arrive today though, MY SISTER!!! Wooohooooo. Thankful to my brother-in-law for letting me borrow her for the next few weeks. Praying Josiah comes soon so she can cuddle him lots before we meet again :)

Robersy said goodbye to his group from last week and got down to business with the believers on his team. They've started up discipleship again and are putting in to practice what they are learning.

In BIG NEWS Robersy, Josiah and I have been invited to Atlanta in July with 10 of his youngest baseball players. Robersy was asked to chose 10 of his most faithful players and they will play against/with teams in the Atlanta area linked with Parkway Baptist. We are excited for the opportunities that lay ahead this year. Pray that things will go well with the boy's documents and that this can be a very successful trip!

This week I finished up at the Lily House for the time being. I'll be popping in and out until baby comes, but I hope to be back as soon as I can. Thankfully Lily House is gaining a new missionary (Karleigh Jenko) today so timing works well, but be praying for her too. It's definitely not easy leaving home, even when you know God has called you to serve overseas.

Street ministry went well on Thursday. Although I wasn't able to be there, I was able to communicate with some of the girls via WhatsApp while I was at home and my ministry partner was able to get tracts in to several girl's hands and visit a few girls too. Pray for Mieke and Marcia as they continue to have an impact in the Boca Chica area. I'll get back there as soon as I can too :)

We appreciate your prayers as we wait for the arrival of our little one. Continue to pray as we learn to balance baby and ministry and of course take the time to rest... when we can. 

God Bless and HAPPY MONDAY!

Coffee-catching baby bumps and phone-catching puddles

Have you ever watched something happen and it felt like it was occurring in slow motion? 

That was my Sunday. Goodness me. After hardly sleeping the night before and just trying to get out of the door in time, we hopped in the car and Robersy asked me to pray for our drive to church and for the service. I gave him a little glare that I hoped read, "I'm too tired to talk to Jesus." He smiled and said, "Go ahead..."

"God. I need you today. Amen."

My most sincere prayer. Ever. LOL.

Little did I know, God would teach me something through the very words He placed on my lips.

After dropping Robersy at music practice I bee-lined it for SCORE. Surely they'd have coffee. 

Sidenote: I have been pretty good at avoiding caffeinated beverages during my pregnancy, however, there are SOME DAYS that a woman, who is growing a human being, needs some extra assistance. 

I enjoyed sitting with a few bus drivers at breakfast. They took bets on whether I was having twins or triplets while I quietly ate my pancake. 

After finishing up, Anna (a good friend and fellow missionary) and I started the walk over to the church. I just needed to grab my Bible from the truck. Balancing my coffee, 2 bananas (requested by Robersy) and my phone while opening the door... it all went down hill. There went the phone. In to the ONLY puddle in sight. Then the coffee went shortly after.

"God. I RRREEEAAALLLLLYYYYY need you today. Amen."

Thankfully the circumstances didn't get me down (Anna is my witness!). Not sure if it was the coffee in my system or the Holy Spirit within me, but it was just another reminder that I need HIM. 

This morning during Robersy and my "Monday Morning Prayer Time" we got chatting about our need for the Lord EVERY day! Good days, bad days, sunny days, rainy days. We are reminded of the verse that Pastor Nate shared briefly yesterday found in 2 Corinthians 12:9. "But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

The Spirit stirred my heart to jot a note beside the verse "When we doubt His promises, we doubt who He is."

If He says His grace is sufficient. THEN IT IS SUFFICIENT!
If He says He will give us a way of escape from temptation. THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY OF ESCAPE! (1 Cor.10:13)
If He says He will never give us more than we can handle. HE WILL NEVER GIVE US MORE THAN WE CAN HANDLE. (Also, 1 Cor. 10:13)

How do I know? Because I know God is who He says He is... and if I doubt what He says, I doubt who He is.

This week God showed us our need for Him over and over again. In the good and bad.

God worked through Robersy on the baseball field. Preaching, playing and fellowshipping with Dominican and American college aged boys for His glory!

God allowed me to encourage, teach and talk with girls at the Lily House AND encourage others that I've met on the street using WhatsApp (this has become one of my favorite and most useful ministry tools, by the way!).

Although I wasn't able to go out this Thursday, my ministry partner did! She was able to meet up with some ladies and share Christ with them.

Robersy and I were blessed and encouraged throughout the week by groups, fellow missionaries, students and even some of you through your messages and posts. 

We were able to get some things we still needed for Josiah this weekend and today at our appointment the doctor says he's still doing well! Strong heartbeat and almost ready to be here. Countdown is still on (and Robersy still hasn't gotten the hang of the advent calendar... oh well! More for me! HAHA!).

Friends, may our daily prayer be, "God. I need you." because in the good, bad, phone-falling, coffee-spilling, sunny AND rainy days may we admit that we can't do this crazy life without Him. AMEN?!