This morning I found myself in a little town on top of a mountain called Las Lagunas. As I sat in front of a house the color of Pepto Bismol, looking out at the most beautiful mountain ridge I have ever seen and talking to God, I couldn’t help but think: Im seriously going to miss the Dominican Republic. With just one short week left before we pack up and move on to Haiti, I started to make a list of what I’ll miss most.
10. The animals.
There are chickens, pigs, cows, and wild horses all over Padre las Casas. On the streets, in peoples homes, and roaming freely in open fields. Having lived in a city for the past few years, it’s been a strange but lovely thing to see every day.
9. Our apartment.
I know it sounds silly, but our apartment has become a haven these past weeks. Having a home to come back to after a long day of ministry has made transitioning into this new lifestyle so much smoother than I anticipated. I’ll be sad to leave it.
* My favorite spot in the apartment – the window sill. Especially at sunset.
8. The local food.
I love that children will climb up a tree, pick a guava / passion fruit / limoncillo and hand it to me. I love that men with machetes will hack off a piece of sugarcane and tell me to eat it and I love that I can get an empanada made fresh from a stand on the street.
7. Pastor Meco and our church family at Fuente de Paz.
I know I’ve mentioned Pastor Meco in previous blogs, but he really is a perfect example of what a Pastor should be: a light in the darkness. I truly believe this single church is what holds the community in Padre las Casas together.
It’s amazing to me how even a rundown shack can be beautiful if its a bright shade of blue. Every home here is unique and the way that people express themselves through color is irresistibly charming.
5. The people.
We have been so blessed to have our first ministry location be one that is so warm and welcoming. No matter how little someone has, they are overjoyed to share it with us. I have been invited into more homes for coffee or dinner these past three weeks than in my entire life. I’ve been taught so much through the incredible generosity that we’ve experienced here.
4. The coffee.
Coffee in the DR makes Starbucks taste like toilet water. It’s all grown locally and I don’t know how but every single person seems to know exactly how to brew the perfect pot. It’s so delicious that I can even drink it black *gasp*
3. The landscape.
The beauty of this island has amazed me. Not a single picture I’ve taken has been able to do it justice. When we are lucky enough to take a hike or drive through the hillsides, it takes my breath away. Each mountain boasts infinite shades of vibrant green with peaks nestled in the clouds.
2. The children.
I didn’t expect to feel so connected to them this quickly – especially with the language barrier – but it’s amazing how much love can be communicated without words.
& 1. Mayi. (pronounced Mahjee)
This little God-send has been our translator/life saver for the past three weeks. Because this is our first month and she has been with us since day one, she is as much a part of our team as any of the girls. I literally can’t imagine doing this without her and when we leave the DR her absence will be hard on all of us. She is my friend. She is my voice. She is 86 lbs of God’s heart and I have been blessed to know her.
* reading Compassion letters
