For over a week now, the bathroom in the home we are staying in backs up with raw sewage through the drain in the bathroom floor, the drain in the shower floor, as well as the toilet. At first we thought it was just an accidental occurrence, however a week later it is now a daily, deeply nauseating experience. The power randomly goes out for hours on end, and the water runs only when it wants to run. After a 10 hour day of ministry in the hot and humid Dominican sun, non stop team mate interaction, and an entirely unfamiliar diet, sometimes cleaning yourself is the only comfort we can hope for…and that comfort has rarely been a reality.
However, the situational obstacles listed above are far from defining my experience here in La Vega, The Dominican Republic. They are a lens with which to see; a lens that seems clouded at first (and believe me it has felt clouded) but has actually provided deeper clarity. God has a brilliant way of revealing himself and exposing the brokenness within us through uncomfortable situations. When those situations stack, and more and more comfort is removed, we have the opportunity to gain deep insights into who we are and who God is. Notice I said *opportunity* this is because the growth offered in these situations is a choice. It is often easier to only see the poop that is all over the floor, the sand in your pants, and the stench of your own BO without ever noticing or dealing with the heart condition behind whatever our situations bring out in us.
God has been teaching me to be content in all moments. Whether it’s going three days without a shower, pooping in a toilet that won’t flush, or sleeping on a leaking (busted, irreparable) sleeping pad, I am taking the opportunity to grow. Through all of this I am finding clarity in who I am, and how God loves me, even when the situation is poopy. Clarity even when I am confused or uncertain, clarity into areas I need more of Him, and clarity into areas I need to grow more and heal deeper. He is showing me how to lean on him in ways I have never had the *opportunity* to at home.
Despite all of the literal and metaphorical poop, we have honesty had an incredible start to our race. I am blown away by the resilience, integrity, and positivity of my team through all we have experienced together in our first 12 days of ministry. God is pulling us together in beautiful and honest ways. Our ministry host, Junior, is not only an incredible host to us, but also an incredible host of the light of Jesus Christ in this city. From playing with kids at the Haitian school down the street, to discipling the teenage youth that are a part of our host organization, and praying for the sick in the public hospital we have already experienced so many things we have been dreaming of.
My race is here, its real, it’s happening, it’s a blast, it’s uncomfortable, it’s hard, and it’s beautiful. It’s a walk through an unfamiliar city, with unfamiliar friends, hand in hand with the most familiar companion, Holy Spirit. We are truly living like locals and are in awe of the brokenness as well as the love that are both ever present here. We will be continuing ministry in La Vega through the second of February and then we will be off to Haiti. I know many of you have been patiently waiting my first post from the field and I appreciate that patience, I appreciate the letters in my month 1 envelope, I appreciate the imessages, I appreciate the prayers, and I appreciate knowing how many people are state-side loving me from a distance, thank you.
Challenge from your World Racer: What is God trying to show you in your poopy situation? In what ways can you take a deep breath, and actively decide not to respond the way you normally would? What is God trying to speak to you in the midst of the situation, and in what ways is he inviting you into an *opportunity* for growth, healing, and deeper understanding of yourself and of Him.
