J continues to have meetings every week with the AIM staff, and they have already come so far in the plan to disciple the local coaches and train the coaches in ways to reach these children. They meet with the director of the Dominican Christian Sports Association tomorrow to get his input on the organizational plan and his thoughts on what work is needed to be done in this place, so please be praying for this. We have started gathering information about starting an ESL class/Bible study for the coaches and hope to start by the end of September. We continue to have the neighborhood kids over to "play" and have started a small children's Bible study with them. (Believe me, although this sounds like the "Norman Rockwell" neighborhood event, it is exhausting and overwhelming some days- this is when I understand the work we are here to do.) J preached this past Sunday at a church in Cangrejo and according to him "it went much better, in fact I (J) even made a joke." We attended a prayer gathering last night with a nearby Haitian church which was awesome, inspiring, amazing... (pick a word). We praised God alongside our Dominican and Haitian brothers and sisters. I will try to post a short video from it. You cannot help but move and praise God with the love you feel pouring out from each one of them.
Aubrey is doing great, growing and starting to get some of that special attitude all 1 1/2-2 year olds get. At least when she throws a fit in the grocery store it is in a different country. :) She is still getting several teeth and had a little fever tonight, so please be praying for her (and patience for us as we reach this special stage in her life- toddler independence versus parental guidance.)
And how am I? Well, that's a great question and. I must be honest, depends on the day. I love being here in the Dominican and the work we are here to do (who doesn't want to live on a tropical island spreading the Word and love of God to children?). But, I have a bad habit of measuring my self worth in what I accomplish (I am a to-do list kind of girl. I will add things to my list just to mark them off.) Therefore, when my day does not involve going to the hospital for my 12+ hours and taking care of 5 patients or going to the church office and completing the needed tasks, I feel as though I have not accomplished anything. I have been praying (a lot) about this and finding my place here in the Dominican (by this I mean what work I am here to do). The majority of our work right now is relationship building (with our AIM staff, with the coaches, with the children, with the community, with community leaders, etc), and I have to come to a place where I accept where and in what position God has placed me. God is stretching me constantly in everything I have ever known and relied on. I would appreciate your prayers for this growth and change. Although I know this brings about growth in Christ, it is hard!
We love you all! (I will try to post more pictures soon!)
"These have come so that your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1:7
No comments:
Post a Comment