God in the City

This month, most of our ministry has been spent inside our host’s home. Our host is also our translator, and Pastor of the church we are partnered with this month. We have really gotten to know his family well and we having been living life, in its various forms, with them.

We cook together, eat together, ride everywhere together in the family van (the AC broke this week, so we rely on the crack of the windows for some fresh air in true WR fashion).  We are definitely doing life with this family : )

Their house is located in the North side of Santo Domingo, so we are experiencing more of the city, rather than rural DR. And we love it! We get to see such varying contrast in the way people live and interact.

All day and night we get to hear the sounds of Santo Domingo…..car horns, music blaring, kids playing, dogs barking, public service announcements, and the general chatter of the people who enjoy sitting outside in plastic chairs talking and playing checkers with their neighbors.  While at times these noises are very distractive, they have become comforting and familiar.

Living is the city has been an experience our team has embraced.  However, to be honest, it hasn’t been the easiest for me. I won’t lie, I was bummed at first when I realized our team wouldn’t get to go to some remote town in the mountains or down by the coast. But I know God has plans for our team here in the city! He has proven Himself, and we have been able to pour into the family we are living with and into their church.  Everyone we have met has embraced us with hugs, kisses, and kind words….Dios les Bendiga! (God Bless you) being the most popular.

The Dominicans in the city need Jesus just as much as those living in the mountains. We can see that every time we ride around in the van. I have also seen God in various places. Our team has been blessed to get to visit a lot of different church services…one with 10 people (our team being 5 of them), another in a rundown neighborhood full of happy children dancing and singing out to God, and one very similar to a college/youth worship night in America where the band is loud and the screen displays the words to every song.

At each of these services, God was the center of worship. These people were gathering together to praise and give glory and honor to their Father! I felt His presence in each service. God has been teaching me to just enjoy His people here in Santo Domingo. To not worry about what I think I might be missing, and to just take in and enjoy the special moments He is allowing me to be a part of. And for that, I thank God!

—Thank you God for allowing me to see You come alive in others. Thank you for opening my eyes to the beauty of Your city. Thank you for calling me here to live with this family, in this house, in this city.—