My freshman year of high school would have been the last year I needed to complete my foreign language credit. I struggled tremendously and was quite destraught when I saw an F on my report card. I never told anyone because I felt ashamed and stupid. To be honest, the word failure shouts at me from time to time and I have to fight against it by praying and speaking the truth of who I am in Christ.
Whenever my team leader, Ashley, asked me if I had any spanish speaking skills, I immediately responded, “Very little!” I did not think I would be of any help to my team but to my surprise, I have been the “chief translator” (according to Shelli) for my team since we arrived in the Dominican. I am completely blown away by how the Lord has used the knowledge I retained from over 8 years ago to bless my team and to help foster relationships with the lovely and sweet Dominicans I've come into contact with. Many times I've said, “Seriously, God! You are using ME of all people to translate Spanish?! Yo no comprende! I failed spanish.” Granted, I have a long way to go in perfecting my spanish skills but I am overjoyed for the ways He has allowed me to connect with Dominicans with the little spanish I do know.
Juan, our host Dad, pastors a church here in Santo Domingo and he asked our team if someone would share a testimony during their Sunday service. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to share my testimony of how God called me to go the World Race and how He has graciously and abundantly provided for me. I read some of it in spanish and the rest I spoke in english and Juan tranlated for me. The church members shouted praises to God as I spoke of His provision and faithfulness leading up to the World Race.
I am learning through this that I am not a failure. I have gifts to offer. I am weak, but with the Lord I am strong, bold, and courageous!
photo cred-Shelli Daniels
