Wow! I can’t believe my first month of the Race is over. I’m sitting here in Puerto Plata, DR for debrief and am overwhelmed by the way the Lord has moved this month. I have learned so much about myself, my squad mates, and God’s character. I can’t tell you how many times people told me before I left, “You’re going to come back changed”. Not that I didn’t believe them, but I had no idea how much change would happen in just 4 weeks.
I’m definitely sad to move onto Haiti with a different ministry and not live with my entire squad or hear Ruben’s joyful voice in the morning, but I know that God did exactly what He needed to through me and it’s time to move on to my next chapter.
One of the many things I’ve been praying for since starting this journey is for the Lord to enhance my memory and not allow my mind to forget what He’s done each month. So, I sat down the other day and reflected on what I’ve learned since being here in the DR and how God’s moved. Here are the lessons, truths, memories, and reminders that He showed me.
– I learned how to differentiate my voice from His and just sit in His presence.
– I was reminded of the importance of staying in communication with the Lord and having daily quiet times. No excuses!
– HOPE Mountain is a shelter for Lajas de Yaroa. It’s a safe place where those who seek, come and rest.
– I strengthened my desire for intimacy with Him through prayer.
– Humility builds character.
– I’m not God!
– I do not have the power to change the hearts of others.
– I cannot do anything in my own power.
– God answers my prayers and always hears me, even when I don’t have the words to say.
– We asked for rain due to an 8 month drought and it POURED! God is faithful and merciful!
– We anointed the Dominguez family, protecting them from the enemy and praying over them; sealing the doors and windows from any evil spirits in God’s holy name.
– We helped build Nani’s house and ministered to him, his friends and neighbors by showing God’s love through action…aka digging dirt.
– Community is so important! Take advantage of the lives surrounding me whom I can learn from. It’s rare to be surrounded by people running the same race as you, with the same mission and heart for the nations. Change is evident when I invest in community.
– Hard love is still love and it’s meant to call me and others higher.
– Don’t walk into new relationships with preconceived thoughts or judgments.
– NO EXPECTATIONS!!! Don’t put God in a box.
– God is the only one who knows my life’s plan; trust Him!
– Language barriers do not prevent the Gospel from being shared.
– Allow space for God to move and He will!
– Challenge myself to include God in EVERY moment of every day. Don’t run to others first and seek their advice.
– Vulnerability produces deeper intimacy with the Lord and others.
– It’s okay to not be okay.
– Although plans don’t always go accordingly, the Lord will provide.
– Smiles go a long way.
– Take time to slow down and listen.
God is so good, guys! I know that He is always shaping and molding me, so there’s probably another laundry list full of things He’s teaching me in this moment that He hasn’t revealed to me yet.
I can’t thank you enough for all of your prayers and encouragement! Please lift up the Dominguez family here in the DR as they continue building the Kingdom and face spiritual battles. Please pray for me as I spend the next few days taking a deep breath before heading over to Haiti and for hearts to be open to the Lord when we arrive.
Much love,
~A
