Hello pals!
It is crazy to think that month one is pretty much over— in two days, my squad and I will be traveling to Puerto Plata for debrief before our departure for Haiti. During these five days we will meet with our leadership team and coaches to debrief how the first month on the field went.
In this blog post, I wanted to share a poem that I got to share with my entire squad and host family last night for our squad talent show. This poem is a free verse “You are…” poem that I wrote giving praise to the Lord and how I experienced Him this past month here in the DR. There will be a video coming soon, but for now, enjoy!
Fun fact: I have had a love and passion for reading poetry since middle school, but just started sharing my poetry with others and actually writing more this month. It’s crazy how I stepped into something new, but it feels so natural.
————
9/4/18 Month 1/Dominican Republic
”You are…”
Lord, you are…
the mountains and the ridgeline I wake up to and say good night to each day this past month, Lord,
the sweetness of the lollipops I buy at the colmados up the street,
the calm and soothing wind that kisses my cheek each day and night on the porch above my head,
the bumpy, terrifying, laughter-filled bus rides that take us to and fro throughout the Dominican,
the sporadic rain storms that roll over the mountains bringing cleansing and healing.
You are…
the sweet, simple prayers of Angie during prayer sessions,
the Biblical truth being shared through Katie Martin,
the worship songs of John and Victoria,
the spirit-filled voice and declaration of of Gisele.
You are..
Tyler’s heart and vision behind the eyes of his camera,
the laughter and wisdom LeAnn has to offer,
the faithfulness and loyalty of Cimone’s spirit,
the friendship and safety of Sarah Hickman,
the boldness and authority in Hannah’s declarations.
You are…
the serving hands and heart of Alexa,
the direction of vision of Amanda’s mind,
the joyful laughter and atmosphere-changing demeanor of James,
the comfort and guidance of Grace,
the healing and loving person of Sarah Pippin.
You are…
the talent and widsom of Abby’s mind,
the graceful song and humor of Alison’s being,
the strength and courage of Jordan’s spirit,
the warm and nurturing embrace of Shelby,
the bright colors and joy that radiates from Emily’s soul,
the wisdom and stories that John carries on his heart,
the power and peace found in Victoria’s voice.
You are…
the encouragement and creativity within Elle’s whimsical heart,
the healing and purifying spirit of Elsie,
the boldness and daring desires behind Charity,
the companionship and shared smiles with Ashley,
the stillness and beauty of Levi’s mind,
the authority and godliness spoken through Christian,
the fierceness and peace-bearing heart beat of Laiken.
You are…
the safety and gracious heart of Katie Schroeder,
the unashamed and joyful fountain that is Mantha,
the teachable spirit that brings spark to Kasey’s eyes,
the compassion and reaffirming words of Claire,
the grace and stealth of Lauren,
the helping-hand and love-seeking vision of Amy.
You are…
the cuddles and snuggles of Sandy and Chiquito,
the hospitality and coziness of the Domingeuz family,
the lush green trees of the jungle,
the hope of the DR that are the dreams of Vicki and Ruben.
You are…
the sunrises and sunsets of each day,
the constant music playing in the community,
the rice, beans, and arepas that Margo cooks,
the helping hands and loyalty of Noni,
the birthday celebration of Ruben and his family,
the white birds that fly on the horizon,
and the wispy clouds of the mountains.
You are…
the coffee we drink in the morning hot off the stove,
the community full of ”holas” and “como estas?” as we pass the brightly-colored houses,
the snacks and sodas we buy from the colmados on the street,
the animals that call Hope Mountain home.
You are…
the freedom I have tasted,
the lessons I have learned,
the growth sparked within,
and the endless grace and mercy which I have found all in the DR.
————
A piece of my heart will lie in the Dominican Republic.
Love,
Julia/Jules
