Start with ONE!

This week has been filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, but as always God has stayed consistent. I am thankful for the stability I find in Him and praise Him for His promise in Romans 8:38-39.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

On Sunday I received a call to see if I’d like to work with a small group from Washington DC. I jumped at the chance to visit some of our ministries and to meet new friends in Christ. I was not disappointed J

Throughout the week we visited orphanages, a leprosy home, a rest home, a drug rehabilitation ministry and a day care. We encouraged, were encouraged and spent time crying out to God Almighty for the needs that stood in front of us.

Bedroom at a drug rehabilitation center

 

In one particular home visit I had to fight back tears while translating, when the Haitian grandfather insisted that we spend time praying for the mission team and their needs. This of course as we stood in his home surrounded by his grandchildren that were abandoned by their mother, that don’t have access to running water and often drank salt water out of pure thirst. With the needs that stood before him, this grandfather made time to reach out to others.

 

Then there was the home where the children slept on cardboard because the parents couldn’t afford mattresses….

The drug rehabilitation center where men slept in the loft on cardboard as well….

The day care desperate for more space, so they can welcome in more children…

The orphanage lacking resources…

The lady at the rest home with no family to visit her…

And the list goes on.

 

So what do you do when you face needs that are impossible to meet?

You start with one.

 

I hugged the children with no momma and we left our bottles of water with the family.

We provided mattresses for the rehabilitation center.

We prayed on the potential land for a bigger day care.

We played with the children at the orphanage.

I hugged and talked… and talked… and talked to the older lady with no family to visit her.

 

We weren’t called to solve world hunger. We were called to start with one.

It cost nothing to pray or play, hug or talk… and it was a mere $30 for 3 mattresses and 10 pesos for a bottle of water.

Sometimes we’re overwhelmed by the needs that stand before us. We’re called to start with one.

Matthew 10:42, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward."

It was a blessing to work with the Macedonia Baptist church group this week and I learned a lot! Of course, God opened the door for a little fun too.

On Friday I was able to celebrate the birthday of fellow missionary Jaime Snyder. It was fun to laugh and talk over lunch and ice cream, but, though I hope she gets her birthday wishes… I know God answered my prayer for friends. Despite the opinion of many, a married woman needs her girls J I’m so grateful for the ladies God has placed in my life!
 

Friday evening we had a blast at youth group. It was a smaller group… but I enjoy the more intimate times talking with my girls! However, on the ride home I realized just how short life really is. A dear friend of ours nicknamed Lindo was in a serious car accident the day before (he was a passenger) and had just lost the battle on Friday. Only 25 years old. We think we have all our lives to get serious about God… but we need to use our NOW. I know Lindo didn’t expect to enter eternity on Friday.

The weekends are always my favorite, but Robersy did a lot of travelling around to visit Lindo’s family and encourage some of the baseball players that Lindo coached. He said it went well… but of course it was hard to realize “he really is gone!” Prayers appreciated for Lindo’s family!

Sunday was a little more relaxed and we had some great fellowship with fellow missionaries and then were able to gather some baby clothes, diapers, bibs, etc. that mission teams have left to give to a couple with a brand new baby. God is SO good in how He provides!!! We were able to deliver the “goods” today and the family was thrilled!!!

Today was up and down today with unexpected delays and prolonged “adventures” but I got to work on patience and had the opportunity to pray a lot!!! I am SO blessed! I truly, TRULY am blessed. And I thank God for choosing to use me in this amazing country with so many needs around me… and learning to start with ONE.

Culture

Did you know… In the Dominican Republic a women, after having a baby, cannot wash her hair for 41 days or remove her socks for 41 day AND they often tie a string or bracelet around the babies ankle to ward off evil spirits. Interesting…

Favorite GAP (American students who spend 1 year studying Spanish, Bible and missions at SCORE) quote

Me: What is the name of the fruit/vegetable section of the grocery store?

Anna: The dairy section!

Me: Um, no. Ohhhh dear!

J

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!