Overdue

So lately we have been undergoing some spiritual warfare.  And although there has not been one major event, it is the culmination of all those small things day in and day out that continue to add up.  Sore throat here, case of the "mystery pox" on Ryann here (Doc McStuffins anyone?), a 1 year old who has apparently decided to go on a hunger strike, 3 year old going on 13 attitude met with the stresses of daily life, finances, etc.  (You all know what I'm talking about.)  And through this time I have not been so good about keeping our team (you reading this) updated.  I have often felt lately I "don't have anything to blog about" but I realize now that I have kept the amazing work God has been doing from being shared.  So for that I am sorry.  So let me start by saying our staff in the DR are doing an AMAZING work.  When we came back 7 weeks ago (wow time flies), our brothers had blossomed overnight.  Their work, attitude, heart and overall demeanor just clicked.  They have always been hardworking and loving but now they are on fire.  We continue having our weekly staff meetings and then Jay meets with all 5 of them individually throughout the week for more individualized growth.  And all of these meetings simply thrill us to hear their thoughts and actions moving forward.  (Much of our work over the past 2 years has been pouring into these men to raise them up so they can reach the other coaches of the greater Sosua area and eventually the island.)  A list was formed last week of all the coaches within the Sosua area from all sports (baseball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, track, softball) and 90% of the coaches are being reached in some fashion by our staff!  How incredible is that?!  These coaches are being prayed with, taught how to lead devotionals, taught how to practice efficiently and better, and simply loved on.  Our brothers have always been a great mix of a desire to pour in here in Sosua mixed with the desire to go explore and meet new coaches.  They are making contacts throughout the north zone and continue to build and raise up leaders.  So, let me just say God is working overtime right now in the DR.  He is growing and building and moving in our brothers and we get to see their excitement along with ours throughout all of it!  Praise God!

So for tonight, I just want to say thank you, our team, for your love and support and listening ears and prayers throughout our journey.  It continues to amaze me the love we have from all of you (even when my communication has not been the best). 

Oh, and there was the case of the bugs in our macaroni and cheese.  First from the box mixed in with the pasta (which I can understand having been shipped from the States... well things happen), then when we mixed in the cheese a couple of bugs fell out.  Bugs.  In the sealed packet of cheese. 
We ate something else.