Playing catch up

I have been the worst at keeping up with this over the past few weeks.  I cannot explain why other than a feeling of not having the right words or the right way to describe camp and what it meant to me.  And then it's easy to push it aside and put it off longer and longer which in turn makes it even worse.  So, here I am, weeks late with my attempt at putting into words my emotions...

Camp was amazing, passionate, stressful, indescribable!  I don't know the exact amount of kids who attended camp or those who accepted Christ, but I do know many lives were changed including most of the missionaries and definitely my own.  For me, I cannot imagine going on any type of mission trip where your heart is not affected and your life changed forever.  And although I am slightly bias towards the Dominican (maybe only slightly...haha), I cannot imagine anyone visiting who is not affected by the sweet nature of the kids, the loving and welcoming culture of the Dominicans and the overall beauty of their life.  I still remember my first time at camp and the overwhelming, confusing emotions I felt while there, and then the clear feeling of leaving my heart with the people as we boarded the airplane.  Although I know not everyone is called to the full time mission work as J and I have been, I have heard countless stories of people leaving a piece of themselves behind and I must be honest, nothing back at "home" can replace it.  This year was a very different experience for us as we were helping lead the camp rather than simply being a participant and had worked behind the "Dominican scenes" from the beginning.  (Although we led the Nagua camp in March, this was very different in numbers and people attending).  And I must say lots of growth, stretching, and some frustrations developed along the way, but as always our God led us throughout camp and was holding our hand as we grew in ways we didn't know we could.  During the week, we actually split our time between Las Terrenas and Sosua (we had 2 camps going).  Las Terrenas had a mixed team of Dominican missionaries and Americans, whereas Sosua was solely Americans.  Although we were only in Las Terrenas the first 2 days of camp, we were able to witness our team of missionaries come together as a family because of the love of Christ!  And just as in Nagua, witnessing our Dominican missionaries growth and hearts for their own people was, and I believe will always be, inspiring.  During story time on our first night as J translated the stories back and forth (English to Spanish and visa versa) God showed me the reason behind all the work and previous stresses, it was for this!  For Him to be glorified in all the work, in all the love, in all the time, in ultimately everything.  Just for the one day of camp (much less 3 more), the work and countless hours spent in all the details was all worth it.  It was a true blessing to be a part of both teams and see God's hand moving across the island at the same time.  Nothing is too big for Him to handle and we were able to intimately be a part of that.  We cannot wait for the next camp (which happens in only a few short weeks) in both Sosua and San Luis (on the South side of the island), and I cannot wait to again hear about our Dominican missionaries reaching out to their brothers and sisters!!

In other news, all 3 of us are back in the States ready and waiting on baby Ryann.  She is due July 12, but here is to hoping she comes a little earlier.  :)  Aubrey and I came back with the chartered flight after camp, and J joined us this past Friday just in time for his and Aubrey's birthdays (same day).  It was a fantastic, simple celebration with so much love poured on us.  So, we now officially have a 2 year old... eeekk! 

In prayer requests, please continue praying for the team currently in Guatemala putting on their first camp there.  From what I have heard, things are going great.

Also, please be praying for the final preparations for camp from July 15-22 in Sosua and San Luis.   

And please be praying for the camp scheduled for the beginning of August in Cuba.

I will keep you all updated on camps, baby, and all the other amazing things God continues to do in our lives.  Thank you for your love!  And thank you for your patience throughout this time of growth in my life.   Much love to all of you!

"Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful"

-Matt Redman, "Never Once"

 

(an amazing song that always reminds me of our Daddy God's love for us... He does not leave us in times of need but lifts us up and carries us through our trials) 
You should listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e02UNZRsdSQ

Cupcakes, birthdays and watermelon...oh my!

Less than 1 week until camp time... woo hoo!!  But, as I have been so neglectful at posting pictures for um, let's see, a LONG time, I wanted to catch up on some of the fun.

Just wanting everyone to know, we still eat our cupcakes and healthy items here in the Dominican.

Aubrey before church one Sunday.  I thought it was too precious not to include.  (and the dress is from Ross, so we didn't spend too much either!)

A picture of one of my birthday parties.  Yes, I had several from our Dominican family.  They were singing here (very loudly).

A picture with Rosemery and the HUGE watermelon she brought over for my birthday.

A crazy, high stress game of Candyland! :)  It's very funny to listen and watch them play because every other word is "tramposo", "noooo", "Candace"...  They always think the other one is cheating (which I'll admit I have seen my fair share of, but I'm like it's Candyland).  Haha.

Daddy and Aubrey cleaning the car.  Aubrey loves to help mix the soapy water and clean water... hahaha. 

Aubrey getting her washcloth ready to wash.

A picture of Aubrey eating the watermelon from the birthday party.  She can eat her weight in watermelon.

 



Things are still going great here, busy and great.  Super countdown mode now as we only have 6 days until our team arrives.  (But 6 days full of tying up odds and ends).  So, please keep praying for all those working countless hours behind the scenes to make this camp possible.  And pray for all the coaches, pastors, community help and youth who will be reached during camp. 

With much love!!

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness. Jeremiah 31:3