Here is one lesson of many that I have learned from the people of the Dominican Republic. Give without hesitation or second-guessing, for that is what Christ has done for us. We read this and we hear about Christians giving around the world, but is there a cut off where ones says, “ nope that is it, or this is mine not yours. Let me explain.
Today I was blessed to do laundry with my teammate Chris. We headed up to our hosts house because he informed us we could use his washer. This washer is nothing like I have seen ever by the way. The family helped us navigate the machine in spanish. We headed back to hang our clothes on a line, when we remembered that the old lady who lives behind us offered her clothesline in the sun for us to use. We head down to her house to ask if we could use it. This was a task in itself trying to communicate. The lady who asked us to call her “Joyba” preceded to take my underwear out of my bag and put it up against herself like she was going to wear it. My first reaction was “oh no not my underwear I need that, how am I going to get that back”. She handed it to me then preceded to take Chris’s shorts and do the same thing as if she was seeing if it would fit her. Why was I so protective over my underwear? It was obvious the lady needed them; she has been wearing the same clothes since we arrived. Jesus calls us to leave all of our possessions big or small and give them to those who need. I have more than enough; my best friend insisted I bring 15 or more pairs to last me. (thanks whit) As I processed my reaction and how I was selfish in my thinking, I reflect on how generous and Christ like the people of Arroyo Cano are. Their actions toward our team and each other is something I hope to take with me forever
This is how generous the people of Arroyo Cano are:
1. They feed us all the time
2. Let us use their laundry soap and washer
3. They are always very patient with us when trying to communicate
4. Everyone always greet us whenever we go anywhere
5.They let us live in their church
6. They let us cook in their kitchen
7.They teach us how to cook Dominican food
8. Kids give us fruit daily (one little boy knew I liked grapefruit and the next day I wolk up and he was standing over my tent with three grapefruits for me)
9. So much more this blog would go one forever!!
The main thing is the people of Arroyo Cano know how to serve others like Christ did. High preference for others and not themselves. I am so blessed that my team has made the decision to serve one another daily, and everyone is continually striving to serve like Christ did. This morning, Bekah wolk up early and made breakfast for everyone, also Justin sanitized everyone’s water bottles. I am truly grateful for each experience and lesson I am learning. My challenge to you who are reading this, is how can you serve someone today? How can you show just how much you love someone and how much you prefer that person over yourself? Sometimes actions speak louder than words; I know this since I do not understand any Spanish, other than Hola! I am guessing it doesn’t look like giving someone a pair of your underwear, but maybe a simple cooked meal, or quality time spent or simply doing some laundry for someone.
