After a month in the Dominican Republic, it has become difficult to think about leaving here. When your daily
routine and schedule is set for some period of time, and without change, you get used to it. You become immersed in it…almost as if there were “no place like home,” A.K.A. the Dominican Republic. Everything from the culture, the food, the people, church, relationships made with the locals, the sounds, naked babies in the streets, to the scenery, it all intermingles together. I will miss all of these things greatly because of the limited time spent in each.
I think the one thing I will miss most will be time spent with our contacts Miguel and Krisitine, and their two children Boogah (Nicole) and Tika(Samantha). Miguel (a godly man led by the Holy Spirit) and his wife felt there calling to the Dominican Republic nine years ago in which they have been serving ever since to share the Gospel and raise up Dominicans to do the same. Their ministry “Dominican Rising” has brought many Dominican’s from the ages of 18 and up to step out of their comfort zones in order to share the Gospel. Miguel also sends them out on their own two week mission trips funded by the coffee beans we have shelled and roasted on ministry days. This family’s genuine devotion and servant-like hearts have helped transform the Dominican Republic and also my perspective on a few things. Miguel’s own personal leadership and selflessness have taught me a couple of things. We have the power to call and raise people into life and into what God has for them, and also that a leader doesn’t always have to lead, but keep his people together. Miguel reflected this character all month long in the D.R., and forever I will be grateful to him for that.
Although the Dominican has been refreshing and great, it also has been tough. It being our first month with new people, growing in relationship with five strangers can be extremely difficult. Personalities don’t always mix, you get tired of seeing and spending the whole day with people, and eventually feelings are hurt. As tough as these things may be, it’s important to put your differences aside and humble yourself before others. It’s very difficult and not what we desire as selfish people, but as soon as we can let go of “self,” God can began to create and mold us into the people He has designed us to be. If we can’t do this one un-simple thing, we are one giant step away from where God truly wants and desires us to be.
In saying this, thank you God/Dominican for the troublesome and difficult times. Thank You for the perseverance and tongue taming, and also for a method of conversing without ripping one another’s head off. It wasn’t always rainbows and butterflies, but even in the toughest times God is the same as He was yesterday, today, and the same tomorrow. As much as I’m going to miss the Dominican, I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen in Haiti. The unexpected and unknown is exciting. Challenges unseen and untold, growth as a body of believers, and the chance to marvel in God’s plan is incredible. I just hope it’s as good as the D.R. has been. I just have to relax a little, lower my expectations some, and allow God to continue to break me and mold me into the man He’s called me to be. Thank you for your continual prayers and support, and please continue to lift myself and team up daily. We are in constant need, and growth is a must. Also thank you for your patience and kindness, and I can’t wait to share what else God is doing in my life and the places that we are going. Love you All, and God bless you each in your daily lives. Remember to resist the devil, and he will flee.
Adios and until next time, Andrew
