We’ve been here in the DR for 10 days. That’s it. It’s kind of felt like a really long time.
I had a mini freak out a few days ago because it hit me (like, really hit me) that the Race is 11 MONTHS. So much has happened in just 10 days, and I’m going to be doing the dang thing for OVER 300 DAYS. Wow oh wow, Lord be present.
But it really has been so good being here. Due to a bit of a switch-a-roo a couple weeks before Launch, my Squad ended up having our ‘All Squad Month’ right off the get-go, Month 1. It’s incredible for all 33 of us to be together and build into our Squad’s community. It’s also a little overwhelming. 33 people in one space together all the time is A LOT. But it’s been so rewarding to get to spend this month with everyone before we break off into our teams for ministry in Haiti next month (Yes, you heard that right—we’ve been confirmed for Haiti!!).
We’re staying with a ministry called HOPE Mountain right outside of Santiago, DR. Our day-to-day work consists of helping our hosts with administrative tasks, housekeeping and groundskeeping on the property, community outreach and intercessory prayer. I don’t think any of us expected our ministry to look this way. In reality, before we arrived here I pictured myself running around with kiddos or building a house or teaching in a school. But that’s the cool part about how the Lord works things out-it’s never about what we do. He’s called us to come alongside our host family and assist them in whatever way we can to help further their ministry. May His will be done, not mine.
The view from our bedroom window!
Here are some random blurbs of things that have happened:
- Our flight from Fort Lauderdale to Santo Domingo was delayed 5 HOURS. But, the airport had a Steak N Shake so all was ok.
- I attempted to wrangle a horse named Dominguez after he escaped from his stall.
- It hadn’t rained here in over 4 months. When we arrived, our hosts showed us the waterfall on their property and it was barely a trickle. As a Squad, we prayed for rain, and WOW God has provided (to the point where my clothes never seem to have time to dry on the clothesline!). I kid you not, it has rained almost every day for the past week. It’s a small example of the Lord’s provision and an indicator of His faithfulness to our group throughout the Race. Here’s the waterfall a couple of days ago:
- Our host family was plagued with sickness when we first arrived and their three girls were in the hospital for almost a week. Praise Jesus everyone is back home and in good (and sassy) spirits!
- We had our first adventure day yesterday and drove out to the beach! Snorkeling and a real cheeseburger may’ve been involved.
This blog has felt entirely random, but that’s pretty indicative of how the beginning on the Race has felt. To my family, friends and supporters—it’s actually happening! After months and months of preparation, we’re here. I couldn’t have made it without you.
Would you please pray for the health of my Squad and our ministry hosts, for God to move in the Dominican Republic in BIG ways, for renewed spirits of joy and peace for every member of J Squad, and for all of us to be fully funded?
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” -Philippians 1:6
He has begun a good work, friends. Please don’t hesitate the reach out-I’d love to say ‘hey’ whenever I get spotty wifi 🙂
Until next time,
K
