Letters from the Laras: Burnin' Tires and Box O' Puppies

"Hey! Be careful... they're burning tires down there."

Surprisingly, this is not the first time we have heard this phrase yelled in to our truck window. Tires are usually burned, as are rocks thrown, when people are on strike or protesting (in many cases because of electricity outages).

THIS, however, was the first time we had heard it on our street. It didn't come as a complete surprise as the electricity has been going off consistently each morning around 3am for the past week. Holy Heat Batman...

Robersy and I looked at each other and spoke at the same time.

"YEESSSSS!!! Let's join the riot!!! Let's throw a burning tire! These power outages have been awful!!!"

"Oh dear, that doesn't sound safe. Let's find another way home."

HAHA. I'll let you guess who responded in which way. Truly, Robersy and I could not be more different.

Then there are mornings like this morning.

"Oh my soul, babe, someone left a box of puppies at our front gate."

Looking shamefully at the floor. "It was me... I saw them at the end of the road last night and brought them closer so I could take care of them."

That one will shock you... IT WAS ROBERSY who brought the puppies home! (NO! We are not keeping them). BUT, OH MY HEART. A man who brings home PUPPIES <3 <3 <3

Any who. It's funny how God brought two crazy individuals together. Two islanders, but from a world of a difference in upbringing, culture, family, etc. united in the precious blood of JESUS CHRIST.

It blows my mind.

Then there are missionaries and friends who serve together from all around the Dominican, Michigan, Tennessee, West Virginia, Costa Rica, Ohio, New York, Atlanta, etc. Each from different walks of life, testimonies, family backgrounds and traditions. Again, so different yet united in such a precious bond named Christ.

I was reminded of the sweet bond as I watched a dear friend and sister from the Dominican slip out of church after Communion on Sunday morning. Her young daughter wiped tears from her eyes, but they weren't naughty tears... they were sad tears.

"Is she okay?" I whispered as she opened the back door.

"She's sad because Jesus died. It seems she finally "got" why we celebrate Holy Supper... I just gotta let her know that Jesus is still alive."

OH. MY. HEART.

I can't wait for the day I can share this same joy with my son as he comes to an age of understanding and I look forward to seeking advice from my sweet friend whom I had NOTHING in common with before Christ.

That unspeakable Joy I spoke of last week, unites HIS people, HIS body, HIS church.

I'm also MOVED TO TEARS when I know this "common bond" has led people, who have known us briefly or even just heard of us and our ministry, to support us as we serve on the mission field. We do not take it lightly. In fact, we pray over those who give and have given. We do not feel worthy, but we are sincerely honored.

Many of you were thanked for and prayed over as Robersy, Josiah and I drove from dealer to dealer to look at vans today. We can hardly believe the money has been raised through the precious saints in Bermuda (more specifically those who worship at Paget Gospel Chapel), and through other supporters and donors we should have the funds for insurance and touch-ups.

HOW?!
WHY?!

We are in AWE of your generous hearts and love for us that is only possible through a bond that began at the cross. THANK YOU!!!

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

Besides van-hunting we have been busily getting ready for the youth conference and camp as well as conjuring up new adventures for our youth.

Living as a Christian teen in sex-driven, party-centered lifestyle of the Dominican Republic is tough. And since there aren't the "after-school activities" or "summer day camp" options we have in the States and Bermuda many times teenagers find their own extra-curricular activities, which sadly leads to dropping out of school to parent a child or being involved in accidents due to under aged drinking and late night partying (we're talking kids that are 11 and 12 years old! And it's NOT shunned by the parents).

This is why we decided, even between planning and preparing for large out-reach activities, to begin "Youth Wednesdays." From 3-6PM on Wednesdays during the summer we'll provide a safe environment for the teens to "hang." We'll provide different activities each week but we're praying this will encourage them to meet with others in healthy activities at other times of the week too.

The Christian life is NOT boring... but in some cultures "fellowship" begs to be taught.

Pray that this might be a fun time for our young people and bonding time with the leaders.

So there you have it. Summer in the DR. We can't wait to see and serve with some of you soon and then the rest of you can pray for us as we face the summer HEAT!

BLESSINGS <3