A back alley with uneven steps, stray dogs with flees, and little pink houses with white trimming. We were welcomed into Dejanira’s house. A very tired, but bright eyed mother of 2. We were only supposed to go in and stay for an hour, but it turned into a whole day type of thing. First we were talking and laughing. Then the day turned into teaching the whole family how to play Phase 10. (I always keep a deck handy) I only got to the second phase, because who knew Dominicans can kick butt at a card game we taught them. After we were demolished in Phase 10 we were pulled up to our feet and began dancing to the most peculiar Spanish music. The family began teaching us a modern salsa. It was one of the most amazing days. To top it off Dejanira invited us to cook traditional Dominican spaghettiI and fried plantains with her. I was living my dream; In a house of a local, dancing, laughing, and cooking with a family. Literally getting hands first in people’s lives and culture. Throughout this amazing experience, something inside of me was unsettling I just wasn’t fully satisfied. Something I thought I had hoped for and dreamed of was happening right in front of my eyes. I was living out one of my hearts deepest desires and I couldn’t grasp the concept of what more I wanted. I sat and asked God what it was that had burdened me. God stirred in my heart, he told me that nothing is going to satisfy me, no person, no experience, no item, nothing. He is jealous for my desire to be with Him and that only he can fully satisfy me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to meet and build a relationship with Dejanira and her family, but I can not seek nor look for satisfaction in people or experiences. The fulfillment I desire can only come from him.
