The last bus pulls away through the big iron gates, taking with it the children I came to love in one weeks time. As I stare into their eyes while we blow kisses back and forth and wipe tears off our cheeks, I wonder where and what exactly this bus is taking them too. For the children of Mocha, Lajas, San Fuego, for these beautiful little boys and girls of Dominican Republic streets, dumps, broken homes, and poverty, our one week camp was a small escape from what each day serves to them. I fell in love this week. I'm obsessed and addicted to what I encountered in this time and I break thinking about what life has in store for these precious souls as they return home and continue living in what is their reality.
Before I delve into further explanation of the kids, I'll tell you a little bit about where I'm at location wise, physically, emotionally, etc. This time so far has been surreal for me. Sleeping in hammocks under the trees and stars, bathing in a fresh water pool among caves and ruins, fresh mangoes and bananas on every tree. No mirrors, no malls, just the beauty of the earth and the connectivity of human souls. I could live in this sweet simplicity every day for the rest of my life; and I'll tell you why. Life here hasn't been about me. It's not about what I want, it's not about who I want people to think that I am, it's not about the things that I wear or the way that I look. Life these last few weeks has truly truly, a million times over, been about love. It's been incredibly humbling to feel the presence of The Lord day in and day out, as I have felt his love and been flooded with his peace in ways I didn't know existed. I have been overwhelmed by his spirit, and I'm so joyful and beside myself with thanksgiving. Overall, the people here are kind and beautiful. The culture is full of good food, lots of plantains and rice pudding. Loud speaking, tons of dancing, happiness and that Latin like chaos that I absolutely adore.
On the subject of love, I think its important for me to inform you all that my heart has been officially destroyed and rebuilt. When the DR teens (ages 12-17) were here, I was a team councilor. For five days we ate together, we slept in tents together, took them to shower/bathe at 6:30am, played games together, listened to stories together, ran races, made drawing together, laughed, cried and danced together. We did not stop being together, for a second. Seeing that they speak zero English ( English camp next week), and I passed notes and drew pictures through every Spanish class I've ever taken, this would have seemed like a real feat. There was no feat however, as we were able express everything that needed to be communicated. I told them in broken spanish that I loved them. I kissed their heads, I hugged them and told them how beautiful, smart, kind and funny they were. They brushed my hair, kissed my cheeks, held my hands and told me all the compliments they could think of in Spanglish. With every ounce of ourselves we loved. This exchanging came not from myself, it did not come from the kids. It was a love from the father, allowing us to feel his utter adoration for his children, using us as his vessels to pour into one another. Christ did not just allow me to bless, but I was incredibly blessed by those around me. Even thought the kids are returning to their lives at home, I rest in the fact the they got a chance to experience the gospel in its truest form. Joy and love living life together under the grace of the father and his creation.
I'm so thankful for all of you as you have encouraged me in this journey. The beginning of a season can be so challenging, but all of you have been so steadfast in both financial and emotional support that I have been able to enter in very peacefully. I was snorkeling in the Caribbean yesterday:) Turquoise warm water, white sand, fresh fish. Its always always been one of my dreams to be here, so know that I'm having an incredibly fun and amazing time as well!
My verse this week has been "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). I encourage all of you to meditate on this even in the chaos of what is going on around you. Let God meet you there, and take advantage of the small quite that comes with just letting his presence be your resting place. I will be praying for you all, and my hope is that you will continue to bless me with your prayers.
All of my love,
Lexi
