Hey!! We are officially over half way through our time here in the Dominican! So many mixed feelings about this. If you read my last post then you know a little bit about what God is doing in my heart right now. But I would really like to take the time and tell y’all about what this crazy life here on Hope Mountain is like on a daily basis.
Anyone who knows me knows that I HATE waking up early in the morning. At home it was a daily struggle to drag myself out of the comfort of my bed every morning. However, when you’re an introvert living life with 40 other people day in and day out, adjustments have to be made if you would like to keep your sanity. Now-a-days getting up early and having alone time with the Lord is a huge part of my day. Typically I will get up just in time to watch the sun rise over the mountains from the tree house in the rain forest that we are currently living in. Magical. The Lord never fails to leave me in complete awe of the beauty that He paints across the sky each morning.
The past few days I have been diving into the book of John and reading about Jesus’ teachings right before he was crucified. In these teachings Jesus tells his disciples not to worry or be troubled because he is leaving them with peace. Not the kind of peace that can be found in worldly things, but rather a peace that is found in Jesus Christ alone. His love for us is so immense. These passages have been a great reminder for me to look to Him to fulfill my needs instead of trying to find fulfillment in myself or in other things around me
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Only through Him will we ever be truly satisfied and truly at peace.
After breakfast and morning devotionals we usually split into our teams and begin ministry for the day. Depending on the day, ministry can be anything from prayer walks through the streets, to chopping banana trees in the rain forest, to moving 300 cinder blocks for construction. I never really know what to expect but everyday is a new adventure.
Between all the ministry we still find time to do the little things that make this beautiful life extra sweet. Everything and anything from taking freezing showers at the waterfall, hanging out at the basketball court, telling bedtime stories, having foot races with street kids, playing in the rain, getting to know our amazing hosts, trying new foods, worshipping as loud as possible in a hurricane, and so much more.
Life here in the DR can be challenging and exhausting, but God is doing big things in my life and there is no where else I’d rather be.
