As we landed in Santo Domingo on Friday evening, I realized that I had not really prepared myself for this trip spiritually. I was so aware of what was difficult at home that I wanted God to radically flip my life around on this trip. As God does, he knew better than to choose my plan. I wanted to go fast and to drag myself close to God. Through the joy of the kids and the little moments like singing on the roof or laughing with the team, He reminded me that He is right here and that I can just exist in His presence.
My girlfriend, Sydney, gave me a notecard for each day we were gone. On each she had written out a prayer for certain aspects of the trip and for the team. God worked through these, to get my heart attuned to His. He reminded me that this team was put together for a purpose and that He has made me for community. One of the cards prayed that we would be unified as a team and would look to glorify God even in the difficult moments on the trip. That prayer was answered, God is moving here. Another one prayed for confidence. This team has stepped into a space where they did not know the language very well and were working on a tight and energetic schedule. We have trusted God and He has truly sustained us. When we make agreement with the Word of God instead of the lies and fears of the enemy, our perspectives and lives change radically. I am so thankful for this trip, this team, and our wonderful God.
- Luke
This trip has been a much needed break from “reality”. Prepping for it was not easy as my two week prior were very busy. I worked the night shift (7pm-7am) the night before we left, so I had to pack days ahead of time to be able to sleep after work and leave immediately for the airport. I came to the Dominican with little expectation, except that I was excited to work with the children here. I think that mindset along with being flexible has been a blessing for me in the best way! I’m more excited for each twist and turn we’ve gotten to take here. I feel proud that we got asked to do an extra group time one evening and that the children are just like little sponges – learning all that we have been teaching them. It has been fairly exhausting, but I feel accomplished and happy that I was able to pick up more Spanish than I thought and somewhat communicate with the kids. A sweet moment happened today when we told our rowdy fourth graders we wouldn’t be coming to teach them again. They swarmed me all while “crying” and saying, “Aye, no! Dos mas semanas!!” I pray that these children received and felt the love of Jesus because of our time here. I will miss these cute little faces, but not the cold showers!
-Kayla
