This month I am in the Bonita city of Santiago in the Dominican Republic! I could not be more blessed to be here, really and truly. When we arrived,we were welcomed by hundreds of people waiting for Pedro Martinez but we equally enjoyed their welcome just as much as the parade of him coming through the airport. We saw a beautiful sunset on the beach and mountains as we drove off to our location in the valley to work with ICM.
As we came to the house where we are staying we assumed that it was a community house that the church hosted or even the home of the pastor. No,it’s a house for us and other missionaries that come to work with with the church! We have a solid roof over our heads,toilets, and showers!! I cannot believe it. I am so amazed. I know that personally I knew that we had the possibility of living in our tents,all sleeping in one room, or in a hut. But here we are sleeping in a castle !! We are so blessed!
On Sunday when we were walking to church, so rainbow covered the whole city. It was beautiful! It reminded me of Noah and the Ark and God’s promise through it all. He is here and so present and will never cease to be. We just have open our eyes and seek our eyes to find Him.
Daily we walk to a city about a half hour away to minister to the community and share the gospel with them. We are focusing on creating relationships with them and praying for them. The people here are super welcoming and invite us into their home to get to know them. I step out of my comfort zone daily as we speak with everyone. I’m learning that language isn’t just words. Here, language goes to hand signals,driving, food, personal space, siestas, living, clothes, everything. Some American sign language like love means not so awesome things here,same with surfs up don’t do it here!
It is so amazing to see how Papa is showing up in both teammates and the community. Everyday seeing everyone’s smiles is so encouraging and praying that everyone would be open to all that we have to offer them. We have seen healing for a little girl’s asthma, made relationships with those who have welcomed us into their home and I can’t wait to see what is next!
God is moving so much here and I am so excited to see what else God has in store for us the rest of the month. Next Wednesday we will be playing with the children in a cow field again and doing skits. It is so surreal and just amazing to be here.
Peace &Prayers from the DR
-gwen
