Joy in the fruit we are given

Monday, J gave a devotional at the AIM meeting that ended up being important for all of us to hear (especially myself).  He's reading a book called Perelandra by C.S. Lewis (a sci-fi novel).  Briefly, the main character has traveled to Venus and met "Eve", the first and only female on the planet.  In their conversation, she learns something from him.  She puts it this way...

When you are hungry, you begin to look for a fruit.  And when looking for that fruit, your mind creates an image of the fruit you want.  God brings you to a fruit and sometimes it is not the fruit you wanted.  And for a moment, you can still grasp the image of the fruit you did want.  When we hang on to the image of what we wanted, we lose the joy and the blessing of the fruit we did receive. 

Last night when I thought about blogging, I wanted to use this message as it relates to the adventure we had in the last two days in and around Santo Domingo (the capital).  However, we received news this morning that seems a bit more pertinent. 

Pastor Rivas stopped by our house this morning to share some news with us:
Tati (Aubrey's Dominican abuela and Pastor's wife) found out yesterday she has a mass in her breast.  Rivas and all of them are calling it cancer, but they are going to Santiago tomorrow (with better medical facilities) for further testing and to figure out the next steps for Tati.  Pastor and the family are very upset and shocked, but according to Rivas, Tati is doing okay with the news.  From Rivas, cancer runs in the family (I think breast as Rivas spoke about a sister, aunt, and another female.) 

Now, I am calling on you, our team and prayer warriors to lift up Tati, Pastor, and the entire family in your prayers.  Our God is big and mighty and powerful!  He can do anything, so please be praying for His will in this situation. 

With love!

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."  Matthew 18:19-20

Waterfall de Arredondo

Hey team!  Happy almost Thursday to you all... we are in great spirits here as we wait "patiently" (I am trying to be patient) for the power to come back on so we can shower.  (It's a long story, but basically the water tank upstairs had a piece broken- think like the floaty thing in the commode- so instead of recognizing it was full when our water pump was on, it didn't register and we had the "Waterfall de Arredondo" cascading behind our house.  Needless to say we had to turn off the water pump for a few days.  But we have since used all the water in said water tank, so we have to wait for the power to come on for our water pump to refill it...) I know weird and confusing but that's where we are.  So, like I said we are being "patient" for our electricity.

On another note, we restarted ESL tonight and it was so much fun.  The class was smaller (we were not surprised as it has been many weeks since our last session and people forget), but we had a great time learning about the present progressive tense (-ing for all you nerds out there... now you don't have to google it.) :)  I must admit I enjoy preparing for the lessons and relearning why English is a certain way or the rules (nerd moment), but I am so grateful J was blessed to be a teacher.  My idea of teaching is one way, and if you have questions sorry because I only know how to teach it one way.  But I enjoy seeing J "in action" as they ask questions and he is able to tweak and teach it in a different light.  It goes to show how God has gifted each one of us in different ways (for example, I am the administrator and organizer whereas J is the big picture guy and teacher and leader among many other things). 

Even more exciting, remember how we mentioned God provided our brother, Raphael, with enough money to put the roof on his house... well it is complete!!  Last week we had a big workday (I say we because I was there supporting them as Aubrey and I watched from our chairs) where many men from the church and a few laborers worked all day to finish.  Below are a few pictures of the beautiful labor for our brother and the finished roof...

The process for the roof started with making the concrete from dirt, rocks and cement in the big yellow mixer.  To the left of the mixer is a BIG pile of dirt and rocks.  There are 2 men shoveling this into the mixer.  Then...

it pours out of the yellow mixer onto the ground where 2 men shovel it onto the platform to the right (in the picture where the 2 men are standing).  Those 2 men then shovel it onto the roof...

 

where the men in the green shirts shovel it into a wheelbarrow and it is taken to its specific area on the roof and poured.  Quite the taxing and exhausting process I must say.  But, here is the final picture...

Isn't it beautiful?!  :)  This is the same view from the one above.

 

 

And, Raphael already has someone living in his house.  :)  When we asked him about his "new" dog, he said he is going to start charging him rent.

 

And just a picture of some of the men who gave their time and effort for the house. 

 

On a side note (but a funny one)... J was making biscuits the other morning and reached his hand into our oven mitt to pull them out.  However, he wasn't the only one wanting to use that oven mitt that morning, and a roach (gross factor!) crawled out over his hand.  YUCK!!  I get heebee jeebies thinking about it.  I will forever squish the oven mitt and check it before using it now.

 

And a sweet factor, here is a picture of Aubrey and J resting together.  :)



 

 

 

In the prayer category, please be praying tomorrow as J and 4 of our AIM guys travel to Nagua for a prep trip to discuss our camp there in March.  We are very excited about this growth for J and all the guys and the leadership and planning that will go into it. 

 

 

As always, thanks for your love and prayers!!

 

 

Every person has been uniquely shaped and gifted by God to fulfill their mission field. 

-Pastor Aaron Morris from Bear Creek

 



Changes can be Miraculous

What an exciting day!  Isn't it always amazing when God changes your plans and something miraculous comes out of that?!  (and again, this has been a learning process as the planner in me wants everything to go as ordered and thought out)...  So today was initially going to be a prep trip to Nagua with J and a few of our AIM guys.  However, due to a death in the family of the pastor's wife, he was unable to meet with our team and ergo changes happened.  After a few phone calls yesterday afternoon, J and 3 of our AIM guys traveled to Gasper Hernandez (an hour drive) today to meet with 2 coaches and their teams.  After introductions by Checo, J presented his word of encouragement followed by Salomon presenting the devotion and the Gospel. As J puts it:

There were several amazing things happening today.  First, witnessing our guys speak with the athletes and their coaches was like watching someone breathe.  Just natural and easy.  It's like a basketball team that has played together for a very long time.  They work seamlessly together and know where everyone will be even when improvising.  When you know and see this meshing occur as it's happening, it is a beautiful thing to witness.  Secondly, and most importantly, 15 kids accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior today!!!!  GLORIA A DIOS!!   

And what further excites us is that each of you (through prayer and support) are part of that team who spoke to these kids today!  You are allowing this to happen, and there are not enough words to show our appreciation for your support and the support of AIM.  We are blessed to have such a large team with us every step of the way.  And as Rudy (our Cuban brother) always says, "Just one more!"  Allow "just one more" person to accept Christ!  After all, isn't that our primary and main goal here on this Earth?!

 

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Mark 16:15

Church Without Walls and a House With a Roof

Happy Saturday!  Things are going fantastic here (and to top it off it has rained for the past several days so I am one happy camper)!  :) 

J met with our AIM guys yesterday evening and it was a great meeting.  Lots of future planning (for the many camps we have this year) including a Dominican led camp in Nagua (about a 2 hour drive from Sosua).  We are meeting again on Monday to finalize camp dates and details, but I must say the guys are very excited to become the "missionaries" who go to another place and put on the camp.  (very similar to last summer when our AIM guys traveled to the South side for camp).  Many stated they are "emociando" (excited) for another trip and more mission work.  Such an exciting and heartwarming place to hear our guys love for continuing to spread the Gospel through sport.  J is also working on training our guys how to "teach" the coaches.  They will start this week by visiting practices and doing devotionals with the athletes as a means to show the coaches how they themselves can do the devotionals with their athletes.  (show the coaches, walk them through it, watch the coaches do it, and then the coaches are on their own.)  Ever heard of the mindset of a "church without walls"? 

In other exciting news, God provided Raphael (our AIM brother) with enough funds to build a roof on his house!  Gloria a Dios!  Right now he rents another house, but the sooner he can finish the house he owns, the sooner his family can move and save the money they spend on rent.  Below are a few pictures of the roof in process.  This is such a blessing as Raphael (and many others) have been praying about this for years.  Again, God answers in His perfect timing! 

And for one funny note, J was asked to say a few words at church this past Sunday (luckily he was ready for this!  Our grasshopper is learning.) :)  But during his talking, a chicken got into the church and was manhandled pretty quickly.  However, the funniest part was the squawk this thing let out.  I didn't know chickens could make such a noise (other than the "cluck cluck").  But this sounded like a dog yelp/baby scream mixed together... very interesting.

And last, here is a picture of Aubrey with her faux-hawk.  I thought we should try it out after her bath one night and it was worth it...

 

Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:7

Praise and Prayers

Hey guys!  Happy Monday to you all.  It's hard to believe we have been here almost a week.  Considering I haven't posted pictures in a bit, this one will be picture overload.  There has been some amazing work happening in the Dominican over the past month (just because we took a vacation does not mean God did! and Praise the Lord for that!!).  As I said before, it is good to be back.  We have fallen back into our routines from before (used to laundry and the slower process it is, sweeping everyday, speaking Spanish...).  However, the one difference is our water heater went out!!  WOW!  I must admit we were getting a little TOO comfortable with our warm showers, so that was definitely an eye opener.  I actually washed my hair upside down so the water wouldn't hit the top of my back which is I believe the most sensitive spot. :)  But, we will not allow the small things to take away our joy.  At least we have running water to get clean with.  So as promised here are some pictures:

Here is Aubrey and Loralee playing "cocina" with the new food set from Christmas.  Lots of tacos, beans and rice being made in our house now.

Here is Aubrey, Loralee, and Genesis playing "doctora".  Apparently everyone's blood pressure was high today.

Here is Aubrey and me sweeping.  Aubrey LOVES her new broom sets and uses them constantly.  I think we sweep at least 3-4 times a day.  And it was also laundry day.  (And this is our patio in case you are wondering where we are.)

A group of Canadian missionaries were here who always do the construction in Sosua.  This is in La Cienega and they completed the orphanage!  Praise the Lord!  For those of you who came last year, this is on the lot where we had the crusade in La Cienega and sits adjacent to the church.

Here is a picture of the 2nd floor of the orphanage.

This is the second floor of the church.  Again, for those who have been here before, Pastor Johnny's church was only 1 floor before this.  In order to reach the 2nd floor of the orphanage (picture before), you have to go through the second floor of the church.

Here is a picture of the kitchen in the orphanage with a few of the orphans.

These are the stairs leading to the 2nd floor of the church.

And lastly, we brought some bracelet crafts back for the kids in our neighborhood.  It was quite the hit.  However, for those who are arts and craft challenged like myself, these bracelets were anything but easy.  We tried following the directions for a bit and then just let them design and create their own.  It ended up being so much fun watching them and being with them.  We brought back some paper airplane materials for the boys (actually for everyone as the boys partook in the bracelets, too).  We are hoping to do that today or tomorrow!  I have realized how easy it can be to just do crafts with them.  They are easy and when I think everything must be PERFECT, they simply use what they have and make it work.  Quite the lesson in learning that even what I may see as imperfect (tape holding parts of the bracelet together), they see as beautiful.  I am always learning lessons here to focus on the important things in life and not the materialistic or often human perspective.

 

 

And we have some prayer requests for all of you:

- First, Pastor Johnny and one of the orphans, Jason, were in a motorcycle accident this past Wednesday.  Praise the Lord, nothing was broken for either of them!  But please keep praying for healing, pain control, and strength (not only for them but for those who are taking care of them).

 

- Please keep praying for Raphael (one of our AIM brothers) and his family.  His daughter, Gabriella, is 13 years old and has sickle cell.  We have written about her before, but she is still struggling with pain and immune deficiency.  Please keep praying for her health, for strength, for pain control and a sense of peace.  Please also pray for Raphael and his wife (who is currently living and working in Spain for health insurance and extra money).  We know God is in control of every situation and although we cannot always understand His ways, He has a plan.  Please give all of us strength in understanding this.

 

 

Thanks as always for your prayers, love and support.  We have so much to be thankful for!

 

Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed,
you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

James 1:2-4

 

3+1=4

Hey family!  Well, we are officially Dominicans again.  We arrived yesterday afternoon after an amazing month in the States.  It was a wonderful few weeks full of the rest, rejuvenation, some work, and time with family and friends.  Thank you all for making it so special for us. 

But I must say we are excited to be back.  We arrived to our home (yes, it truly is a home and I am grateful God has allowed us this beautiful place to call home).  Tati (Pastor Rivas' wife) and a few others cleaned the place before we got home so it was nice and dust free, bug free and spider free (minus the pesky mosquitos, I definitely did not miss those buggers).  I was not sure what it would have looked like after a month of being gone.  We visited the supermercado to get restocked on everything.  I love restocking as it is like starting fresh and new but I do not enjoy paying restocking prices (soap, toilet paper, diapers, wipes, food, cleaning products, etc.)  But I must say the most exciting part of our day was seeing our Dominican family again!  Raphael (one of our brothers) picked us up at the airport, we ran into Pastor Rivas and Tati at the supermercado, our neighbors stopped by and the kids ran up the hill to see us.  It was so special to hear them and see their excitement at our return.  J had the first meeting of 2014 with our AIM staff tonight.  It went great and he was so excited to share the future plans of AIM, camps, growths and everything in between.  The staff was pumped to hear about all the movement God has been planning for the Dominican.  J emphasized the importance of our team becoming teachers of coaches (rather than teachers of kids).  Lots of amazing things are happening and we get to be a part of this.  We are blessed beyond measure! 

And one more little tidbit to share with you all...
In case you are not aware, Aubrey is expecting a baby brother or sister in July!!  I am currently 14 weeks pregnant (past the nauseating and exhausting first trimester praise the Lord!).  So far everything is going great with the baby.  We are planning on having this baby in the States and my OB (who is awesome) already said it's not a problem as long as I'm back in July.  :)  We will keep you all updated on the family like we did in the first 4 months!  We thank you in advance for all your prayers, love and support.  Please let us know if there is anything you would like us to pray for.

With much love!!

Psalm 148

Praise the Lord from the heavens,

praise him in the heights above.

Praise him, all his angels,

praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

Praise him, sun and moon,

praise him, all you shining stars.

Praise him, you highest heavens

and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,

for he commanded and they were created.

He set them in place for ever and ever;

he gave a decree that will never pass away.

 

Praise the Lord from the earth,

you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

lightning and hail, snow and clouds,

stormy winds that do his bidding,

you mountains and all hills,

fruit trees and all cedars,

wild animals and all cattle,

small creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all nations,

you princes and all rulers on earth,

young men and maidens,

old men and children.

 

Let them praise the name of the Lord,

for his name alone is exalted;

his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

He has raised up for his people and horn,

the praise of all his saints,

of Israel, the people close to his heart.

 

Praise the Lord.



Spiritual Haze

Isn't it crazy how fast time can pass us by?!  I have been meaning to blog for the past 2 weeks and yet here I sit without a single post in quite some time.  I think it just goes to show how quickly we as humans can get sidetracked from our work to be done (in this case keeping up with a blog and sharing our life as missionaries even while in the States). 

Since the last post, things have been great.  Lots of visiting, eating (I must say I have now had my Whataburger fix and many other food items!), working, praying, family time and traveling.  When we first arrived back in the States, it was so easy to fall back into our "old life" and pattern.  But now 3 weeks later, we are missing the simplicity of life in the Dominican.  The easier nature of staying focused on God and His work to be completed.  We have so quickly fallen back into the television watching, football devouring, foodies we were before.  And don't get me wrong, there is nothing inherently wrong with this life IF you are following God's direction and path for you.  But for us as a family, this is not what God has called us to.  There are several things we miss in the States (family and friends aside) such as the ease of a washer and dryer without having to fill, drain, rinse, repeat and hang dry; the ease and let's face it enjoyment of fast food (I know, I swore I would never say that yet here I am); the driving conditions (no motorcycles cutting you off or taxis cutting the light...); the milk in the States (being a chocolate milk connoisseur the milk in the Dominican is just not the same, something I think you have to grow up on to like)...  I'm sure there are many other things we talk about "missing" while in the Dominican, but right now I am anticipating returning to our life that is dedicated and focused solely on God.  As I have said before, we are not spending every moment reading the Bible or praying or worshipping (in fact we need to spend more time doing all of this), but our life is just simpler.  One of the biggest blessings we have in the Dominican is no television.  Instead of being able to come home and "unwind" in front of the television, we are forced to "unwind" in each other's presence, talking with our brothers and sisters in Christ, playing outside with the kids from the neighborhood, spending time with our AIM staff, etc.  Although I do not know what God has in store for our future (where we will live, whether we return to the States, whether we move to another country...), I am grateful for the life change He has given us!  I pray we stay focused on His love and His work to be done.  I pray He continues to lay the path and we continue to follow Him in whatever direction that takes us. 

We are so blessed by each of you as you continue to pray for us along this journey.  As I have said (I think hundreds of times), thank you for your prayers!  Thank you for your love and support.  We are so blessed because this is not a journey we are taking alone but rather we have an entire team of support going along the path with us.  We love you all!!

 

"We can experience joy when we slow down just a little and take life in.  The more we slow down, the more we can see, feel, and hear life around us.  Each day, God is working all around us."

-Tim McDermott (KSBJ President)