Let me just start by saying I’m so SORRY (once and for all) for not being an effective communicator. The Lord has been trying to grow me in the area of writing and instead of producing fruit I’ve been inviting fear and lies. My mind is allowing me to believe that I can’t write, my words aren’t effective and they don’t matter. See. Lies! But I digress. I’ll write another blog about how the Lord freed me of that lie, but right now I want to tell you about my experience in the DR.
Just a little background on what exactly we did. My team, Eklektos, worked with an awesome organization called Global Effect in La Vega, DR. Their mission is to bring hope and effective change in communities by empowering the local churches and pastors to bring about sustainable and lasting change. The goal is to come alongside the local churches who have the same vision and provide them with the equipment, tools or loan to better their community. That may look like micro-lending, water filters, youth outreaches, men’s retreat, building houses and much more. Like I said it’s an awesome ministry!
For the whole month our team had two major tasks. The first was building a new house for Chávez and the second was installing water filters. Chávez is the aunt of our ministry host who used to beg on the streets, but because of a micro-loan from Global Effect she was able to start her own business and open a restaurant. Her new business is doing so well, she was not only able to pay back the loan but also save enough money to build a new house, and we had the privilege of helping in that process.
Now I love manual labor I really do, but I found a new joy in distributing and installing water filters. It was a great way to provide someone with the opportunity to have clean water, but it was even better to present them with the opportunity to have everlasting life. We would go to very poor neighborhoods and work alongside the local pastors to give out these filters to the people in the community who needed it the most. Clean water is a huge necessity in the DR in general especially in the communities we were going to because sometimes it was either buy clean water or buy food. One or the other. So blessing them with the opportunity to not have to choose between two things I take for granted daily was beyond humbling.
Besides working, we did have adventure days which included a 45 minute hike to find the “secret waterfall”. Here, I spent 10 minutes on the edge of a cliff debating if I could live up there forever because I didn’t want to jump. True story, there’s even a video! Unfortunately because of my hesitation and fear of falling to my death it’s too long to post, but I eventually jumped and I didn’t die! We also found a local juice joint that became our go-to spot after a long day of working on Chávez’s house. We went to the most beautiful beach I’ve seen yet called Sousa, and I even tried my luck with waterfalls again and managed to jump/slide down 12 more at a national park called 24 waterfalls.
This month has been filled with so much joy, laughter, and growth! I’ve learned how to let go of control and become more flexible. I’m beginning to learn about submission and the strength that comes along with it when done correctly. I’ve learned that obedience is far better than sacrifice, especially when it comes to listening to the Holy Spirit (a blog on that is currently in the works). I’m learning that God is bigger than my fears, particularly when it comes to bugs?? Most importantly, I’ve been reminded that I’m not only God’s daughter and heir to the kingdom, but I bring the kingdom with me wherever I go! And God has given me His authority to bring the kingdom here on Earth!
I’m excited and eagerly awaiting to see what God has for me and my squad in Haiti. Continue to pray for our safety and health and that God will prepare the hearts and mind of every person we encounter to receive His love and gift of salvation.
Thank you for all of you prayers and support! I wouldn’t be here doing God’s work without you. My next deadline is coming up at the end of February. I have around $3,000 to raise. That number doesn’t scare me because I know God has called me to the Race and He will provide for the Race. If He puts it on your heart to be that vessel of provision just click the support me button ? I love you all!
Hakuna Matata
