A Look Back…

As this year is drawing to a close, I’ve been thinking about all that has happened to bring me to where I am today.  It’s hard to believe that I’ve almost been here for four months now!  SO many things have come together to make this all possible and it’s easy to see God’s hand in all of it.  No, life here has definitely not been perfect or even easy, but it has been life-changing and rewarding, and right now, I wouldn’t want to be any other place.  I have definitely been relying on Prov. 3:5-6 more than ever, especially with everything that has happened recently and missing family and friends during the holidays. 

Some of my family and friends came and visited me for a week.  It was exciting and funny to introduce them to my new life.  Let’s just say that they are very American, and you can’t take a country girl too far away from the country or funny things are bound to happen!  We had a great time exploring areas that I hadn’t even gotten to see yet!  Beach time was a must of course, plus lots of time catching up and laughing non-stop!  They came the day that I was robbed, so it was great to have them here for support and to take my mind off things for awhile, even if mom did demand that I was going home with them after she heard what happened.  I talked her out of that one of course! 

   

While they were here, we got to go to the school twice so they could meet my kids!  The second time we went down, the kids threw me a birthday party.  As I walked in the door, they sang “Happy Birthday” in ENGLISH and then they counted to 30…not sure if they were just showing off or thought I’m old…either way, I’m so proud of them! 

 

On December 23rd, we hosted a Christmas party at the school for the preschoolers and older students.  We made 60 cupcakes and packed 60 backpacks full of a Bible, popcorn, a candy cane, lollipops, a salvation bracelet, a pencil, and an orange (which I bought from the same student that always gives me oranges…his mom was shocked at such a large purchase)!  Shawn shared the real meaning of Christmas to the students.  We also recognized three outstanding students for their behavior and grades.  They received a certificate and a nice backpack supplied by John and Karen Shaffer.  The kids enjoyed singing, making crafts, and eating their snacks.  They were so impressed that I knew how to make cupcakes (from a box!)…these kids are definitely good for the self-esteem!  Some students were asked to share what they were thankful for.  One student said that he was thankful for the opportunity that he was being given because of the school…I still smile thinking about him saying that.  It reaffirmed my place here all over again.  This school is impacting these children and they realize what a great opportunity it is for them.  As I was leaving, quite a few students came up to me privately and asked if I was ever coming back.  It broke my heart that they thought I might never come back after the robbery.  I assured them that I would be back and that they better be ready to learn more!  The love that they show me amazes me over and over again!  When/if I leave, it will break my heart to think that I may never see my kids again.

   

Christmas here was very strange.  I had a good time with my new family and friends but it just wasn’t the same as home, especially since it’s still in the upper 80’s here.  No chance of snow for this girl :(  But I’m not giving up on miracles :)  Although my aunt and uncle gave me some “Snow to Go” and two of my friends creatively cut out snowflakes, put them in a envelope labeled “Special Delivery.”  I was given instructions to open the envelope, hold it over my head, and shake it…and it snowed it the DR!  I guess people know I really like snow huh?!

As we’re getting ready for the new year, please pray for the following:

• I’m still trying to figure out my transportation situation since my bike was stolen.  Safety and money are both issues that I need to consider, but I do know that I miss my bike; three weeks without transportation and independence have been very strange!
• We are looking for an armed guard to be at the school while we are there during the day.  Eventually, we hope to build a wall around the school, but that will have to wait until money is raised.
• The students and their families and also the community surrounding the school.  The men that robbed me lived very close.  The other teacher and the students knew the men.
• Our safety.  Another American missionary here was robbed at gunpoint last week.
• Wisdom as we work in the community and just in our daily lives.
• The Ears to Hear Radio station, Shawn, and the young men helping him to start the station. 
• Short-term mission teams that will be coming down soon. 

Thank you for your continued support and prayers…keep ‘em coming!  I can’t wait to see what God is going to do down here this coming year.  I know I didn’t expect what has happened so far, but I’m enjoying the ride even if I can’t see around the next curve.  It’s impossible to even begin to share everything that has happened with you, but this will hopefully bring you up to date!  Which reminds me to ask you to pray for my future after my committed time is up here in June.  I have no idea what is going to happen, but either way, it is going to be extremely hard to say goodbye to one group of people or the other. 

Hope you had a great Christmas and enjoy the new year!  Be prepared to step out in faith and do what God is calling you to do.  It’s not always easy, trust me, I know, but it will be worth it!