What a Day!

I’m so thankful.  This morning my friend Carol invited me to eat dinner with their family tonight.  I accepted, little knowing how much I was going to need a time to relax and be refreshed with friends in Christ.  You see, today was ‘one of those days’. 

The morning class (with our Young Married Women) went well, and I was looking forward to the afternoon.  The Treces (our thirteen year olds) are one of my favorite groups.  They are old enough to grasp some of the more abstract ideas, but still young enough to not be 'too cool' to pray out loud or participate. 

Oh, my.  I’m not sure what happened, but they were wild, wild, wild!    

I started by reviewing our discussion about the daisy and the need to have deep roots to nourish us.  I showed them our flower, which has died.  Why?  Because I didn’t take care of it. 

I showed them the pitiful sight, to demonstrate what happens to us when we do not stay rooted in Christ.  Our roots is where are character grows, I told them. 

Then, I started talking with them about characteristics like patience, respect and self-control.  About how as they grow up, these characteristics will become more, not less, important.    

As I talked, the girls interrupted me, whispered to each other, mocked me when I used incorrect words.  I felt myself becoming more and more frustrated.  Each time I asked the girls to listen, they stopped talking for a minute, but then immediately began whispering or making comments again.   

Thankfully, there were only seven of them.  If all 15 had come, I don’t know what I would have done.  I tried to remind myself that they came, without having to be there.  And that this was a chance for me to demonstrate the love of Jesus by being patient but still firm.  I did a lot of slow breathing, and was thankful that my lack of Spanish meant I couldn't have gone off on a tirade, even if I had wanted to! 

I kept reminding myself that most of them don't know any better.  Many of them have parents who often model the opposite of self-control, kindness, patience.  Is it any wonder the Treces do the same? 

It was only 90 minutes, but it felt rather longer and as they left, I have to admit to breathing a sigh of relief.  I’ll be doing a lot of praying between now and next Thursday, that’s for sure!

And now, I get to go over to my friends for dinner.

Thank you, Father!  You are so good to me! 

Thank you, Jesus, for not quitting when people were more interested in seeing You perform than in hearing Your truth.  Teach me to love them as You loved me, long before I had a clue how lost and broken I was. 

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for prompting Carol to invite me over for dinner tonight.  You knew how much I was going to need this time of refreshment!  Strengthen me for Your work, tomorrow, next week, next year.

Lent and Love

I just ate my final piece of Dove dark chocolate until Easter Sunday morning.  Tomorrow is the beginning of Lent, and as I’ve done for the past several years, I plan to stop eating chocolate and sweets. 
The one exception will be sugar in cafecitos (the super strong, super sweet, super delicious Dominican coffee served in most homes).  It would be seriously close to impossible to drink without sugar.  Plus, most women serve it with sugar already stirred in.

I asked one of our Dominican staff about Lent yesterday.  I’m thankful I did, because from what she told me, I think there’s just too much ‘baggage’ with it here to attempt to talk about it right now.  Perhaps next year (si Dios quiere) when I have a much better grasp on Spanish, and a much fuller understanding of the community, I can give it a try. 

Yesterday I met with our Adult Women.  I had planned to share I Corinthians 13 and other passages about how we are to love each other.  As I skimmed through I John, my eyes stopped on 4:10, which says, This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us. 

It suddenly occurred to me that I was starting at the wrong place.  All the verses about how we are supposed to love point to God’s love for us in Jesus.  I thanked the Holy Spirit for His insight, put aside the verses about OUR love, and started looking for those which teach about GOD’S love. 

What a gift the Bible is to us!  Verse after verse showing God’s love.  I settled on nine, which I shared with the Women.  It seemed to go well, and I was pleased when some of them shared their thoughts, too.

Searching for Animal Pairs

This morning started with our Little Girls and the story of Noah.  Along with the story we played “Memory” with cards I made gluing pairs of foam animals onto index cards. 

Adding our Memory Verse (Gen 9:13)
to their pictures

I also had them do a ‘multi-media’ craft.  Doesn’t that make it sound so fancy?  Take ocean/island scene paper, then have them glue pieces of yarn for the rainbow, small popsicle sticks for the ark, and more of the foam animals, and voila – multi-media!

This afternoon I met with a group of our teens to continue discussing the importance of being rooted in Christ, and how our character grows through those roots.  We read the story of Sadrac, Mesac y Abed-negó refusing to bow to Nabucodonosor’s golden statue.  (The teens tried to help me pronounce these names, but I never did get the king’s name right!)

To help teach positive characteristics, I made another Memory game, this one with one of the pairs having a characteristic such as Patience or Self-control, and the other having the definition.  After the game I asked them to give definitions in their own words. 

One of the most interesting discussions was about Forgiveness.  If someone asks you to forgive them, you should forgive them.  Okay, I said.  But, what if someone does something wrong, but doesn’t ask for forgiveness?  Should you forgive them?  No. 

I tried to share with them what the Bible has to say about this, but they didn’t seem sold.  Needless to say, I hope to continue building on this in the weeks to come!

I miss Daisy like crazy, but am also thankful for the ways God has been at work in my time alone.  I still struggle with understanding and being understood.  I still feel out of my depth with trying to come up with crafts and lessons.  But, slowly but surely I am feeling more at home. 

I am humbled and excited to see how He uses this time.  I pray I continue to allow Him to move in me, changing my plans for His glory.  What a great God we serve!!

My Kingdom for Some Earplugs!

It’s 8:30 on Saturday night, and the music out back is already going strong.  They’ve been doing sound checks, and I swear I hear an accordion playing bachata!  It’s Carnival season, and from what I understand, each weekend builds on the next, the frenzy reaching fever pitch next weekend. 

This morning before 5am someone was driving through the neighborhood with music blaring, shouting through his amped loud speaker.  I couldn’t catch what he was saying, except when he started chanting “Carnival! Carnival!”  That’s commitment.

A lot of people from down in Santo Domingo have weekend homes here in Jarabacoa.  One of the houses behind me is one of these.  During the week they have local folks living there who enjoy playing Spanish Christian praise music.  This is great, although they have a repertoire of three CDs, and seem content to play one, and only one, on a constant loop. 

On the weekend they are replaced by revelers, with loud, loud music, and the microphone needed to announce… well, I’m not sure what exactly, but every so often the music is interrupted by someone announcing stuff to loud cheers. 

Tonight it sounds like a live band instead of canned stuff.  Hopefully at some point they’ll need to take a break… although no doubt they’ll have recorded music ready to go.

Yeah, I might be a little frustrated right now!  I woke up at 4:45 this morning (see above!), and know my typical 10pm bedtime coincides with when dinner is typically served, followed by dancing into the wee hours.  I’ve had a long, tiring week, and I’m facing a night of very little sleep.  All the noise should drown out the roosters and dogs, however, so there’s that!

When I ask about Carnival, I get varying opinions.  More than one person has told me about how someone had a gun and shot two people last year during the final night of the celebrations.  That happened downtown, not over here, so please don’t worry about my safety!!

February 28 is Día de la Independencia, so I’m expecting next weekend to be loud and strong all through the long weekend.  After that, I’m hoping it dies down, as it’ll be Lent. 

I’m not sure how Lent is seen here.  It’s my understanding that a lot of the more evangelical protestant churches have tried to distance themselves as much as possible from any of the Roman Catholic traditions.  This means there is very little focus on liturgy or the church calendar. 

For example, nothing was said about Advent at La Vid, the church I attend here.  I know there are valid reasons for this, but I think at times we can go a bit overboard, tossing out some of our rich heritage in reaction to some of the negative things that have grown out of it.

I hope to talk with the women about what they think about Lent.  I also hope to explain the significance of the 40 days of remembering Jesus time in the desert, and our preparing our hearts for His crucifixion. 

Then, depending on how they respond, I may suggest ‘giving up’ things like gossiping, and ‘adding in’ things like reading the Bible every day. 

But, that’s all for next week.  For tonight, I’m trying to resign myself to another five+ hours of noise.  Best charge up my Kindle, eh?

Love and Plans

Friends, we serve an amazing God. 

As I drove to El Callejon this morning, my mind was still on my lesson for the Young Women, but with much more of an openness for wherever God was going to lead.  I thought about my desire to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified, which made me think of how much He loves us.  How everything changed because of that love.  Love. 

I got to El Callejon and wrote “pero no tengo amor, no soy nada” (but if I do not have love, I am nothing).  This is, of course, from I Corinthians 13.  I wanted to hear the women’s perspective on love, especially within their ‘marriages’.  To hear their thoughts on the ‘love’ chapter.  And, I wanted to be able to remind them of God’s great love for us in Jesus. 

I waited.  A little before 10 one woman came.  The weather and other things kept the others away.  For one moment, I wanted to just cancel.  Take the easy way out and thank her for coming and tell her we’d try again next week.  But, God had answered my prayer, and sent just the person He wanted to come. 

So, Leocadia and I met.  I was determined to not just launch into our lesson, but live it. If I have the perfect lesson on love planned out, with lots of important thoughts, but don’t actually show love by caring about the other person, I am a noisy gong –or, in El Callejon, a crowing rooster!

And so, I asked her about herself, her family, how she spends her time, what she likes to do. She lives a ways outside of El Callejon, but likes to come to the Site to be refreshed by learning more about the Bible, and to be able to share and talk about things she can’t elsewhere.   

When I told her I wanted to share a passage of the Bible, she eagerly grabbed a Bible, and asked if I wanted her to read it out loud.  Yes, please!  Hearing I Corinthians 13 read in Spanish made me stop and really concentrate on what it said. 

At times I dismiss this chapter because I’ve heard it so many times.  But, sitting and talking with someone who was not familiar with it added new life to my understanding of the passage. 

We talked about why ‘romantic’ love often seems to fade away.  How a lot of times we look to the other person to be our everything, when they cannot be.  How much we still need to learn about loving others the way Jesus loves us.  How love is not always easy, but when we ask God for His strength, He gives us the ability to love with patience and kindness.     

As we talked, Leocadia shared stories from her life.  She told me about the premature birth of her daughter – just 3 pounds 5 ounces.  How eleven children were delivered in the hospital that day, and only her baby lived. 

How she didn’t know what to name her, and so opened her Bible and saw Génesis.  The doctor said it was a strange name, but she told him that was going to be her name.  How Génesis has remaining health concerns, but is a growing four-year old. 

As our time ended, I asked if there were ways I could be praying for her.  All her requests were for her three children.  That’s love.

If the other women had been able to come, I don’t think we’d have had the opportunity to have such a great conversation.  Allowing the Spirit to guide things, in His way and in His timing, allowed me to share His love in a way I would not have been able to had I kept to my plan.  Today was nothing that I had worked out, and that made it perfect.

Clueless

Yesterday four Regent film students spent time filming in El Callejon. They are making a documentary about the community for a senior project.  They interviewed some of the people in the community, including some of the women who come to the Social Work site.

They also interviewed me, asking some really good questions. It made me realize how much I do - and don't - know about El Callejon. In 4 1/2 months, I've learned a lot about the community and rhythm of life. But, there is so much yet to learn!

I'm beginning to realize that long-term ministry is much more complicated than coming on a two-week outreach. Duh! Yeah, that's probably pretty obvious.

It's like any relationship. We can all 'play nice' and be friendly on the surface. You say Hello to the cashier, you exchange pleasantries at church, you smile and talk about surface stuff.  There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s all a part of beginning relationships.  But, at some point, it has to go beyond that to really be a relationship. 

In a lot of ways, it was easier to come to El Callejon for just a couple of weeks.  I could connect – but on my terms, and then, I was gone.  Now, I have to connect in a way that builds on last week, last month.  I have to connect in a way that impacts how we relate next week, next month. 

Don’t get me wrong – it’s good, and I know this is what relational ministry is all about.  But, I have to admit that it is hard for me.  Hard because of the barriers. Language, yes, but cultural, as well.  I’m learning how much I have to learn about how the people of El Callejon approach life. 

Angela shared yesterday about having to go to several neighbors in order to collect all the ingredients she needed to make lunch.  Today, she may have to do that all over again.  She said, We’re not like you Americans who can plan ahead. 

She’s right.  I have enough food in my apartment to last for several days, if not an entire week.  I have enough money to go and buy another week’s worth of food for myself.  As I shared with the film crew, I’ve never once had to pray for my ‘daily bread’ in the way the women of El Callejon have to.

When I prepare lessons, it is from a certain way of seeing the world, a certain way of reading the Bible, of understanding how things work.  But, when my listeners don’t have the same view, how can I help them see in any meaningful way?

This morning I have a lesson with our Young Women.  And… I don’t have a clue what I’m going to do.  I’ve prepared a lesson on Joy, but now I’m wondering if any of it will resonate. 

So, I’m analyzing all of this stuff, which is kind of hilarious, because it’s exactly that which seems to most separate me from the women of El Callejon.

The whole notion of planning everything out, looking at it from all sides, fretting and dissecting, all of that is foreign to those who are waking up not sure of how they are going to get food today. 

What do I do with all of this?  I have to admit, I don’t know.  And, I truly hate not knowing!  How would I cope with having the most basic things, like my next meal, be so far out of my control?  How would I approach my days, my relationships, my understanding of God, if this was my reality?  Hmm…

Father, You know that I desire to serve You in El Callejon.  As the days and weeks go by, I’m learning more and more how much I don’t know.  I’m so lost right now!  Please take these feelings of confusion and bewilderment and somehow use even them for Your glory. 

Thank you for taking me out of my comfortable little world and allowing me to experience more of You through the people of El Callejon.  Today may I surrender my need to be in control for Your perfect plans.  Whatever they may be. 

An Unexpected Lesson

Last week I talked with the women about our emotions, and what God tells us about them in His Word.  Little did I know, my lesson for them was also going to be a lesson for me!  

We read several passages talking about how Jesus expressed a variety of emotions, verses teaching us not to allow our emotions to cause us to sin, concluding with the story of David and Bathsheba and Psalm 51. 

Then, to connect the lesson in a more tangible way, I gave each woman a red construction paper heart, and told them it represented their hearts.  Each of us has things that have happened in our lives which have caused our hearts to be hurt, to be less than clean.  I invited them to write on their hearts some of those things. 

As an example, I showed them how I had written on my own red heart phrases like Mom’s death, and Husband leaving.  I had torn the heart in several places, as well. 

I then showed them a White heart on which were written the words of Psalm 51:10:  Create in me, a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me.  I told the women that no matter what has happened in our lives, through Jesus, God offers us clean hearts.

I was hoping that this would help the women share some of their concerns and struggles, and also give them a reminder of what God has done in their lives, and promises to continue to do.

Well…

Some of the women wrote and tore and seemed to understand.  Several of them however, dutifully tore their hearts, but I think only to please me.   A couple of the older women kind of, well, I guess I’d say ‘fussed me out’. 

They told me that I needed to stop being sad about my mom dying of cancer.  (I had also shared a couple of weeks ago about her cancer in an attempt to say how important mammograms and self-exams are). 

Death is a part of life.  My parents died a long time ago but I don’t think about it anymore, one of them told me. 

One of the pointed to her head and said, You’re too much up here.  My spouse had other women.  That’s not important.  You need to take all of that and put it out of your mind.

I was rather taken aback, to say the least!  I did my best to be gracious, but very honestly, it was hard!  I wanted to defend myself and explain that I don’t really dwell on this stuff, I was just trying to relate to them. 

Hmm...Even though I truly was trying to relate to them, I was doing it in a way that assumed that they also placed a high value on dissecting and analyzing and discussing all aspects of life.  After all, “An unexamined life is not worth living” (Socrates). 

That’s not necessarily how the women of El Callejon see it, however.  For many of them, tomorrow is a new day, so why cloud it with dwelling on bad stuff from the past? 

Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow, to consider the sparrows and the lilies.  I don’t think this means we are never to think about how our lives are impacted by a loved one’s death or by troubled relationships. 

But, perhaps too much inward staring isn’t healthy, either.  As the women pointed out, I do spend an awful lot of time in my head!  (The fact that I’m still thinking about this four days after the fact is pretty strong proof!)

I pray that as I continue to teach the women, I will also be open to their words for me.  That as we read the scriptures together, I will be able to put aside some of my own pre-conceived notions of what it says, and read it again with fresh eyes. 

And, I pray that as the Holy Spirit leads, we will all learn more about this amazing God we serve, who has all of our yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows in His hands. 

Exhausting and Exhilarating

Exhausting and Exhilarating.  That about sums up my week.  Preparing hour-long lessons and also coming up with activities and/or crafts for several different groups of women, teens and girls is tiring. 

Having to figure out how to do all of it in Spanish… exhausting!  But, I’m doing it.  Not always all that well, but, through the power of the Holy Spirit, I’m doing it!

Yesterday I had another group of teens in the morning, and our Adult Women in the afternoon.  Today I had our Young Married Women in the morning and our Treces (thirteen year olds) in the afternoon. 

I start each group by telling them that I still have ‘Las orejas Americanas’ (American ears).  They typically laugh, and then jump in to help me out when I can’t remember how to conjugate a verb in the past preterit, or have trouble pronouncing words.

In between groups, little girls stop by for homework help, or just to hang out.  Our big tables offer a lot more space than any of them have in their small homes.  I love having all of them chatting away – even if I can’t catch a lot of what they’re saying. 

If one of them says something they shouldn’t, they all kind of stop and look at me.  Then, I can remind them that God wants girls who are beautiful and precious to use word that are also beautiful and precious.  I don’t have a clue what they’re saying bad, but love that they’re still young enough to ‘tell’ on themselves!!

I’ve also had women come in, or stop me as I walk, to ask about Daisy or chat about themselves.  In smaller groups, and especially one-on-one, I can follow most of what they say.  I’m hoping to spend even more time in the coming weeks getting to know several of the women a lot better. 

One fun thing happened yesterday – I actually understood Ramona telling Luz that I can’t understand when they speak too fast! :O)

Today I also was able to go and visit one of the young women who recently had knee surgery.  I’m excited to say, I could actually understand 99% of what she said!  As I left, her little girl (almost 2) said, “Adios Mama” to me.  I might have melted a tad!!

I’m thankful for this time of complete Spanish all day long, although I have to admit, it is tiring!  I’m so blessed when one of the women takes time to say something a second (or third!) time, or tries to use other words I might understand better. 

Today a few of the girls (aged 12) came by to talk, and offered to come and help out whenever I needed it.  Instead of feeling put out, I was thrilled! 

I pray that as I allow these precious women, teens, and girls, to help me, I will be able to help them, too.  And, really, that’s what it’s all about! 

It’s not about me coming into their world with all the knowledge, wisdom and right answers.  It’s about striving together to learn more about the amazing God we all serve.  That’s so worth the exhaustion! 

I praise God for His good gift of times of exhilaration, too.  They give me energy to keep on going, confident that in my weakness, He is strong. 

P.S.  Please continue to pray for Daisy, as she continues to heal.  I love hearing everyone in El Callejon asking about her!  What a testament to the way God has used her to impact lives there!  I sure do miss our chats, our fellowship, striving together for the sake of God’s glory.

Simón Dice

This morning I headed to El Callejon for my ‘solo’ month.  And, nothing like starting out with a ‘bang’, attempting to explain the Fall of Man to ten energetic six to ten year olds.  The girls were in high (and naughty!) spirits.  

At one point as they were fighting and grabbing markers out of each other’s hands, all while writing “Dios ama todas para siempre”(God loves everyone forever) on the white board, I just had to laugh.  The consequences of the Fall, were there, right before my eyes! 

Along with telling the story in Genesis 3, we played a game of “Simon Says” or Simón Dice with a small twist.  If Simón said to do something, they were to do it.  However, I used another name, like Juan or Susana, they were not to do it.  If they did, they’d be out. 

I tried to use this to help explain that Eve (and Adam!) listened to a voice they shouldn’t.  How it’s important to listen to the voice of God.  I’m not completely sure I was successful! 

They seemed to grasp most of the details, although they argued about some of it, and I couldn’t really tell what was being said.  I am earnestly praying that I don’t miss any really critical unbiblical comments this month!

In the afternoon I had one of our two groups of teen girls.  Our lesson was another inspired by the “It Takes Courage” book. 

In this lesson, I had a real flower, and a fake flower.  My amazing friend Mary Ellen found a lovely gerbera daisy with bright red flowers.  It’s fun, because, of course, I work with Daisy… In Spanish it’s called a Margarita.  When I told the groups that in English we call it a Daisy, I don’t think they believed me!

The lesson was about character and behavior.  The roots, which are hidden, but support and allow the flower to grow, are character.  The visible leaves and flower represent behavior. 

We can see the behavior, but it’s the character that determines it.  The roots draw in nutrients and water, just as our roots in Christ draw in His life, allowing us to grow into young women who reflect Him.

The fake flower has no roots, and so will never grow.  Also, when strong winds come (the hard stuff in our lives) the fake flower has no roots, and so is easily blown away. 

If we put the fake flower into the ground next to the real flower, it still won’t grow.  We can have family and friends who are rooted in Christ, and that is a wonderful thing.  We should be near them.  But, if we do not have our own roots in Christ, we’re still never going to grow. 

The word for Behavior is Comporatmiento.  Having to repeat that word multiple times was a challenge, to say the least!  (Character is Carácter, mucho más simple!!)  Last week we presented it to the Treces (thirteen year olds) as well as the Pre-teens last week, but then I had awesome Anna to translate for me!  Thankfully, the teens are used to me now, and helped out when I stumbled.

We ended with Jeremiah 17:8:

They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.

Oh, how I desire this for these precious teens!  And, of course, for all of those who enter our Social Work site – and beyond!  For myself, too!  To have no fear, because in spite of the storms, the heat, the drought, our roots are deep in Christ. 

One of the Spanish words for ‘deep’ is profundo, which I love!  May my hope, my strength, my confidence be in the profoundest part of my soul.  And from there, may I bear fruit for the glory of God!

P.S.  Daisy had her surgery, and it went well.  She is in a lot of pain right now, and the recovery will take some time.  Please continue to keep her, her husband, and her three children lifted up to our Great Physician!

Teaching The Fall

I’m trying to figure out a “Fall” activity to do with our Little Girls.  I don’t mean Fall as in a season of the year, but The Fall.  The Fall of Man in Genesis Three.  For the past two weeks we’ve worked on a little booklet to help them remember the Days of Creation. 

How wonderful to see them use their books to tell us that on the Fifth Day God created birds and fish and whales! 

But, what’s a way to help remind them that in disobedience, mankind spit in the face of all that perfection, and ate of the Tree? 

A few years ago I was in Mexico with my wonderful friends Geraldine and Jerry.  We spent time touring around, but also helping with some local ministries. 

One day we drove for more than an hour up and down curvy roads to a small and poor community.  We were joining a group of missionaries, who visited every couple of weeks, to lead a time of singing, share a Bible lesson, bring small gifts and ice cream, and do a craft. 

The day we were there about 50 kids and adults came to sing songs and hear the story of the Fall.  After the Bible lesson, it was craft time.  We had everyone sit down on the ground, and each person was given a piece of white paper on which a snake had been drawn in a big circle.  Along with the coiled snake was a separate forked tongue. 

Everyone (from little kids all the way up to men in their 60’s!) wanted to participate.  We jumped in, handing out lots and lots of crayons to color the snakes, and then helping bring scissors and glue - and even more crayons. 

After the snakes were cut and the tongues glued on, it was time for the crowning decoration – Glitter!  We were all covered in it, our sweating faces (and hands and arms) sparkling in the sun.  We attached strings, and watched as the little kids ran around, their snakes trailing behind them. 

It was a cute craft, but...

I want the girls in El Callejon to learn why the world they (and we!) live in is so far from the perfection of Eden, when God saw everything He had made and called it Very Good.  That Satan is very real, and still wants nothing more than to see us rebelling against our Creator. 

To me, having fun decorating the snake from the Garden makes him something less harm- and hate-filled.  Like the glitter, Satan offers all things colorful and shiny.  Like the glitter, the curse we live under sticks to us, showing up even when we think we’ve showered it away.

I know, I know, I’m probably over-thinking all of this.  But, to me, this is important.  How do you teach little ones the big, and sometimes difficult, truths of the Bible in a way that conveys the seriousness without completely losing them – or worse, freaking them out so bad all they get are nightmares? 

As the kids ran on that hot and sunny day in the little community in Mexico, several of the snakes tore apart, getting caught on shrubs and fences.  Before we said goodbye, the ground was littered with the remains of the craft; bodies, tongues, heads, all being ground into the dirt. 

Fitting, really, as God promised a Savior who would defeat Satan, crushing his head. 

That is our hope and assurance.  Despite our turning away, God provided a way back into relationship with Him.  The joy and glory of that is made even more so when we understand just how much of a mess we’re in.  And, so, I want to share this well!

Hmm… I’m no farther along.  Anyone out there have any ideas? 

Cows and Motos and Cowboys, Oh my!

You need to be alert at all times driving here!

Hi, everyone!  This is a picture of what was on the main road into Jarabacoa as I drove home yesterday evening. 

The cows seemed to enjoy 'visiting' the drivers.

It kind of sums up my life right now.  Just as I think I’m cruising along at a good pace, with my activities and lessons well-planned out  – Wham! – cows!!  Everything gets ‘bunched’ up and jumbled, as things start moving at various paces in all directions. 

The cows eventually got herded off the road by the guys (cowboys?), and the rest of us, motos, cars, trucks & SUVs started moving again.  No one got super upset – at least, there weren’t tons of horns honking or people shouting.  It’s just a part of living and driving here. 

Heading down to the river.

I pray that I continue to learn this more tranquil outlook on life.  I tend to get a tad bit freaked out when the ‘cows’ of my life intrude.  Those unexpected things that get in my way and slow me down. 

The weather this week has kept folks from coming out to the Site.  Holidays and days off of school have also brought our attendance down.  My planned activities have had to be adjusted.  But, that’s okay.  Or, at least, I’m learning that it’s okay!

As I wind down this two-week outreach, I’m going to be sad to say goodbye to Krista, Jessica & Rachel.  (I hope you’ve had a chance to check out the Social Work site blog to read about some of our adventures together!) 

We’ve had time to hang out and get to know each other better this week, and that’s been great.  How fun to hear how God has been at work in their young lives (they are 18, 19 and 19) and to remember His work in mine as I’ve shared parts of my story.  He truly is amazing!!

I hope that whatever ‘cows’ or other obstacles show up in your day, you will also be reminded of God’s work in your life.  That, even in the seeming chaos, He is working out all things for your good and His glory.