…to the people the Lord used to leave an imprint on my heart while ministering in the Dominican.
The most beautiful thing about Johanny is that she tried with all her heart to communicate with us – and though sometimes (most of then time) words did this no justice – her heart shined brightly through every smile, kiss on the cheek, hug, and invitation to their home. Her husband Christian and their little girls, Carolina, Catherin and Sara were warmhearted, loving, and free spirited. At Johanny’s house, I believe they knew and absolutely embodied what it meant to be family. They valued one another and what everyone brings to the table – be it singing, teaching, translating, drawing, etc. They promote their daughters, not out of pride or arrogance, but to build up and instill a healthy confidence about who they are. I believe these girls will never have to look anywhere else for their value because their Mommy and Daddy show it to them everyday through their words, behaviors, and love.
(the night we said goodbye to Johanny + the family – Lucas snuck into the all girls picture)
Pastor Selenda is a beautiful woman of God. Her passion for the Kingdom – for light and truth is absolutely and undeniably contagious. She emits healing, strength, and the peace of Christ wherever she goes. Her smile lights up a room – her wisdom is humbling to all ages. She inspires me…she challenges me with her grace…she blesses me, a sister.
Karinna was my little buddy. This girlie spoke no words of my language – and I spoke little of hers, but she knew I loved her – and she knew Jesus loved her through me. I’ll never forget the day I visited her house and handed her a photo of us. Starring at it like it was precious treasure. She showed her mom with a smirk on her face and hurried off to her bedroom. Placing it gently on a dresser, she ran toward me, looked back at it again, and jumped into my arms.
Ruth was a trouble-maker, good-hearted little girl. She was tough and sly – joyous and downright silly.
My little buddy below was always caught crying in the street. He usually had little clothing on – and seemed okay with that. During our last week of ministry we were able to get him to laugh – especially when I gave him a sucker!
Juan-Carlos is best described as a ‘grace-grower’. He drove me nuts for the first few weeks of ministry by jumping and hanging off me — thankfully a few of my teammates were much more gracious and were drawn to Juan-Carlos, allowing me to learn to love this rambunctious child from a distance. He’s one of those kids that makes a loud entrance into your life – but leaves a lasting impression.
Genesis – a shy, sweet little one (read Genesis to know more about this sweet little daughter of the King!)
Anthony was my bold and shy little buddy. The first day we visited Pastor Selenda’s church Anthony and his sister Ana greeted our team up the street. He took my hand and walked with us through the neighborhood – we’ve been friends ever since.
Ana was a little spit-fire who bonded instantly with my teammate Kayla. She was a smart girl, full of energy + charm!
Kender was our translator + good friend during our stay in San Juan. His sense of humor and adventure always had us in stitches laughing + full of questions about where in the world he was taking us. Kender succeeded in leading us on the “longest shortcut” I’d ever taken. He invited us into his home + made us some real Dominican food many times. I’ll will never forget celebrating Lucas’ s birthday, the slaying of a giant
tarantula, nights at the taqueria enjoying Dominican tacos, Kender’s sense of being on time, and his quotable phrases like “Why do you laugh alone!?”
tarantula, nights at the taqueria enjoying Dominican tacos, Kender’s sense of being on time, and his quotable phrases like “Why do you laugh alone!?”
Victor-Reyes — a man whose faith and genuine love warmed my heart. Watching his life transform before my eyes over the course of 2 weeks was absolutely humbling. He cried the day we left – and we all cried too. I’ll forever treasure this man’s friendship and his grandfatherliness toward me. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was an angel…
Kelvin…Mr. Handy-man at Pastor Selenda’s church – acrobat, joyful young man, and hungry for the Word of God. Kelvin looked up to our men Jeremy + Lucas – and was always at our side when we needed help with anything and everything. A neighborhood favorite…this young man makes everyone smile!
For every painted face and translated prayer…for every hand held, boo-boo consoled, hair braided, ball thrown, tear cried, question asked, VBS program attended – love was sewn into this community…and I believe with all my heart that place will never be the same. I know I will never be the same because of the love they showed me –
the Lord is moving in the D.R, at Selenda’s church + beyond! I’m thankful to have loved and been loved here!
