DR: Day 1 (and part of 2) - en route

We are already on the plane from Omaha to Chicago, then Chicago to Miami. We will spend the night in Miami, then head to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

I had time to connect and chat with the group – we went over the slang that I printed and had quite a good time. In my group are: Caleb Schnipke, Larissa Ulmer, Ethan Brush, Kailey and Troy Thornton, Meredith Johnston, Jim White and Keelia Trively. What a great group! This morning, I woke up early unintentionally but no matter. I had time to relax a bit with Jeff. By the way, my rash isn’t as bad today – thanks to the antihistamines! This morning I wanted to print Psalm 23 in the version I memorized before but I forgot. Here it is in the Spanish NIV:

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Those beautiful words – promises – comfort me, calm me a lot.

 

By the way, we should get to Miami a little before 7pm, and I'm just dying to check out Miami! Jim was not as crazy about the idea, and I can’t blame him, but even if it’s just a matter of taking a little walk, that would be nice, don’t you think? Well, more later!

I never would have thought that so much would have happened in such a small amount of time! We got to Miami at 7pm and by the time we got to the hotel, it was 8pm. The driver of the complimentary hotel van, Junior, is Dominican and super nice. He was also really easy to understand. Even the teens understood our conversation! Junior offered to take us anywhere- how nice! We felt like Cuban food, I mean, we’re in Miami! He suggested “La Rosa” and the food and service were… so-so. Our waiter was polite but some of the others who brought us food not so much. They were rude if what they brought us wasn’t what we ordered, as if it were our fault. Furthermore, the menú had too many dishes since they were out of practically everything. I ordered 4 or 5 times before I finally got something they had. The white asparagus was disgusting – like something out of a jar – but I forgive it all for their black beans and rice. So yummy! We all agreed. After eating way too much, we jumped in the pool at the hotel. Well, Troy came down to the pool and Meredith and I just hopped in and out. Keelia, Kailey, Ethan and Larissa played in the water a long time and we didn’t head back to the room until midnight or so. They played Marco Polo and chased a lizard on the wall. We didn’t fall asleep until after 1am. We talked a while- mostly Meredith and I, but I hope that the teens feel more comfortable to be able to open up with us later on.

 

On another note, I finally got a hold of Hannah J She left me a sweet message (I had left my cell phone in the room since the battery was dead) and she was there when I called back. She loved the Reptile Garden J I want to hug her – I already miss her so much, but I’m glad she’s having so much fun on her vacation with Aunt Laurie. She was sorry she had left her bathing suit at home since their hotel has a pool. I promised her to take her to the pool a bunch when she gets home again :)

Our hotel is really nice – our room is really big. I slept on the sofa, which was comfortable, but I was cold with only the tiny, thin blanket I brought. On the way back, whoever sleeps on the couch will have to ask for a blanket at the front desk. Breakfast was the best I’ve had at a hotel (free) – they had it all – sausage, scrambled eggs, muffins, waffles (cinnamon and regular), prepared oatmeal with craisins, walnuts and brown sugar, 4 kinds of juice, bagels, you name it.

We arrived at the airport without a problem and I even bought the café cubano that I was so craving from a place called “Café Versailles,” conveniently near our gate. I even had two! It was exactly like Loli made it! By the way, she recommends we go to “La Carreta” next time for dinner.

I'll pick up tomorrow when we land in the Dominican Republic - and where the journey truly begins!

DR: Day 0 - pre-trip jitters

So, I've been working on typing up my journals (and translating them to English), and I thought perhaps you may want to join me on my first mission trip, which was as much of an internal journey as an external one, in fact, maybe even moreso. I must admit, it's a bit "uncensored," sharing things I'm embarrassed to admit, but I don't feel I can show how God has worked on me without showing my ugliness first!

Obviously God needed to start working on my heart before the trip ... I honestly was frustrated with the youth group, because I wasn't seeing the level of committment I expected - meeting attendance, memorizing lines, enthusiasm, and I felt they were annoyed by my efforts. In discussing the matter with my husband, I had to admit that I really saw the trip as something I had to endure rather than enjoy. And my whole life I've dreamed of going on a mission trip! But I could only think of the bad - being away from my family, not seeing my AP friends, living in basic conditions and most of all have to be flexible and everything being out of my control. I swore and into my mind popped the verse from James – the one about not cursing and praising with the same mouth, and I got angry, disregarding it. Later, I decided to take a bath and opened my Bible app on my phone. Guess what the verse of the day was? It was the verse just before - verse 9 – “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, created in the image of God”. I thought I was wrong in my language but that wasn’t the worst offense – I was cursing those beautiful young people who were created in His image. Moreover, in church today, they made me so proud with their efforts and presentation.

As I read this now, it is so obvious to me that my frustration with the teens was my own fault. I tried to control them and that was not my place.  I am not responsible for the actions of others and trying to control others only creates frustration in me and resentment in others. I would like to note that NONE of my impressions about level of committment were valid. They turned out to be the most special group of teens I have ever worked with, full of love, grace and a desire to share the gospel and God's love with those around them. Furthermore, I can see that Satan did not want me to go. With my feelings, my physical condition (unexplained rash all over my body), he tried with all he had to keep me from going. As it turned out, God called me and changed me intensely; if the devil could have foreseen this, wouldn't he do everything possible to stop me from going? It seems that’s what he did, but God is stronger.

Gifts

As I was reading Romans 12, I tend to stop at my favorite, verse 2- "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." There are so many influences in this world that pull me away from Jesus. But today I didn't stop there.

As I read on, Paul talks about how we are to use our gifts to serve, especially in verses 6-8.
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." 

However, when we were in the DR, we did everything together as one body. We hauled rocks to build a bridge, we did dishes, cleaned toilets, scrubbed floors, played with kids, taught VBS, sang worship songs, prayed with people at the hospital, painted the inside of a school, shared our faith with people of all ages, you name it. 

Were some of us better at some things than others? You bet! I marveled watching Troy knowing almost no Spanish interacting with people at the hospital, praying over them and giving them great comfort. I was so impressed with Jeffrey who at only age 15 could command a room of wiley inner city kids and lead them in prayer. I was moved by the teens who never complained once about working hard or sweating in miserable conditions and instead of resting or showering went straight to the children's home to play with the small children there.

Too often, I believe we use the "spiritual gifts" argument to bow out of doing God's will. We say, like Moses, that we aren't articulate, why will anyone listen to us, we are bad at expressing our faith or talking to others, or can't handle groups of kids, or otherwise don't have the skills to help. I mean, I'm not talented, so what does God need me for? I'll just let someone else take care of that.

I'll tell you why - WE miss out. God's will will be carried out, don't worry, we just won't be a part of it. Furthermore, I can't tell you what I learned just being a part of serving, especially in ways I never imagined serving. I feel completely awkward sharing my faith with a stranger, especially someone of a different age, race, culture than me. But that is how I grow in my faith and talents for the kingdom.

God has a plan for you too, and maybe just maybe you have some real talents He wants to surprise you with :)

Transition

I haven't talked to really anyone since I've returned from the DR Mission Trip except my husband, mother and sister. My husband always "gets" me and I've been in deep conversation with him about the changes in me, as I'm trying to figure them out myself.

My mom and sister, I feel, probably speak for everyone else in thinking -wow, it must be nice to be back in the A/C and have all the comforts of being home again. Actually, no, it's not. How can I tell them that I only miss everything about the DR right now? I wasn't ready to come home and now that I'm here, I don't know what to do with myself.

Here's what it was like living in the DR:
1. There was always something for me to do, a service I was needed for - be it physical labor, sharing the gospel, teaching children, playing with them, loving on them, encouraging others

2. I was completely "unplugged" so there was no one to get back to, no email, no interruptions, no frustrations of waiting for things to load or work properly

3. The people there either a) love Jesus and are devoting their life to knowing Him better and serving Him or b) are in a desperate situation and are open to help and/or learning about Jesus (or already do love him)

4. We SANG in moments of sadness, while working or just to pass the time. It was okay to cry and tell each other we loved each other. Our emotions were not buried deep inside while we put up a front so it appeared we had it all together. Like the song says "may my steps be worship, may my thoughts be praise..." we did

5. I was so connected to God, seeking His will for me and experiencing His love that I no longer was bothered when things didn't go "my way". I mean, to be honest, normally when I drop something or experience minor frustrations, I'm boiling over and even swearing. Not so anymore.

Now, mind you, many of these changes can be transferred to life here- not being so "plugged in", have quiet time like we did there to read my bible, journal and reflect, worship throughout the day in song and in my heart, serve others I know and in the community (make food for a friend, volunteer, etc.), donate from the great excess that I (and most Americans) have. But many of these things I was doing before...

However, it is just not the same. Americans here do not know the need those we met in the DR do. Many feel "entitled" to help from the government and churches with little appreciation, or at least don't want to acknowledge the givers of their assistance. There is often a feeling of superiority of those who give/serve over the recipients instead of a connection like there was in the DR.

Most of all, I made real friends that I miss intensely. I felt like my presence, my love - Jesus' love- was more needed than anything physical/material that I had to offer. I will never forget those children and many of the teens will be adults when we come back in 2015, God willing.

So no, I'm not glad to be back, but I pray that God will show me the way to continue to serve Him with fervor and love those around me as I learned to do in that special place. After all, at first I would have to admit that I was not thrilled with the conditions and felt at least a little longing to go home. I couldn't sleep, my tummy was upset, I was a bit irritated, but it led me to look to God for fulfillment rather than this world. With DISCIPLINE, I can deny myself and be open to His will for me. It will not be easy, but neither was life in the DR.

No, "easy" and "comfortable" should not describe the life of a Christian. I will continue to pray for God to show me what His will is for me here, as I cling not to my own plans, but to His perfect will.

Taking it to the Lord (and leaving it there)

It seems so long ago even though it was only a week ago that I finished Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot. I got it mainly because Jamie was reading it and it sounded so good. Wow. It was with great joy and sadness all at once that I received the wisdom she imparts. If only I had read this when I was younger - how different would my life be? Yet, it is never too late, which inspires me.

Just to focus on one thing that I've learned and am experiencing now is that of taking it to the Lord first. I'm so guilty of saying a quick prayer (if that), then running my dilemmas, frustrations or sorrows with others in my life. For want of an IMMEDIATE response and affirmation, I miss out on the wisdom and perspective that only God can give.

Elliot also points out that "getting feelings out" by airing them out or even writing them down doesn't necessarily help- in fact, often the reverse is true. This goes against my instincts, yet when I read it, I immediately knew she was right. When my hurt feelings or misdirected passions get in the way of doing God's will, dwelling on them does me no good. In fact, it only magnifies them, further removing me from His will for my life. It is turning inward when what I need is to turn to Him.

Furthermore, when instead of being quiet and bringing my grievances with others to the Lord, I share my problem with others, I further complicate issues, often making reconciliation more difficult or impossible.

I did not know it would be so soon that I would be applying this lesson, but here I am. My feelings were hurt, as someone I considered to be a friend appears to value money over our friendship. Perhaps she is just angry at my flakiness (thought I lost a check, but found it) and will forgive, but I'm not sure it can be repaired with what was said. I will keep this entirely between her and me (except Jeff) and bring it to the Lord (I have already, will continue). My instinct is to ask others on our vball team who know her much better for more perspective, but to do that would a) bring them into what is our business, b) be gossip or at least seen as such c) likely ruin any chance of working this out with her directly - especially if she heard I mentioned it second hand, and finally d) put others in God's place, looking to them for affirmation that I am in the right, to heal my hurt feelings.

I feel so immature for not handling things this way in the past, but God is not done with me yet!

Lista para regresar a casa

Bueno, si no fue claro antes, estoy muy lista para ir a casa. Ya llevo basicamente 2 semanas sin estar en casa y extranno a todos. Eso fue exagerado por lo que ayer me paso- me puse bien enferma.

Tenia hemorragia nasal, dolor de cabeza y estaba muy cansada, pero no vi las sennas de la enfermedad de alturas. Pense que mi dolor de cabeza fue del no tomar cafeina (tome mas calificando los examenes de AP) y tome agua sin cesar. Conoci a Chris, que rento un coche, y decidimos hace una caminata - a Hermit Peak! Siendo el segundo dia, ya se que no fue tan buena idea, pero nos divertimos. Me fue mas dificil de lo normal, pero no pense mucho de esto. Luego, el dia siguiente todo se fue para abajo.

Tenia diarrhea y hasta vomite. Estaba super debil y me dolia el estomago todo el dia hasta dormirme y pase todo el dia en la cama. Esta mannana fui al taller, pero obviamente estaba debil todavia pero al menos no me dolia tanto el estomago. Hasta comi unas galletas saladas que mi amiga Susie me trajo. Para la cena, comi un pedacito de pollo al horno con un poquito de pan. Me sentia mucho mejor, pero no cien por ciento. Cuando empezaron a bailar, especialmente todas mis amigas del taller, queria bailar tambien, pero no pude. Mire un poquito y al final, fui a mi cuarto para ducharme- que tortura! Me habria encantado bailar con ellas! Pero despues de ducharme ya me siento muy debil nuevamente y se que tome la decision correcta. En fin, lo pase bien pero estoy bien lista regresar a casa!

Enfermita

Ay, que verguenza. Me senti tan mal despues de almuerzo hoy, cosas del intestino. No me di cuenta de lo rapido que progresaron (o NO progresaron) las cosas tras unos 2-3 dias nomas sin el regimen normal de monton de fibra que ingiero. Bueno, en vez de hacer tal caminata con "la familia" fui a mi cuarto y descanse. Tras unas horas pude expulsar el culpable (bueno, no estaba esforzando por horas- me eche una siesta, ja ja!). Senti mucho mejor y pase por la farmacia a recoger unas pastillitas para ayudar el asunto (simethicone).

Perdi una noche muy linda de cruzar el puente para Kentucky y comer en Brillo. Judith saco unas fotos fabulosas que quisiera que me mandara.

Hay que recordar esto... mas fibra. El cuerpo no adapta asi de facil como en annos anteriores!