I’m sitting at home watching the Packers’ game. There is a Christmas tree in the room and a yard covered in snow just outside the window. It feels like a pretty typical Christmas break. Hard to believe that just three days ago I was in the Dominican Republic. Or maybe it’s hard to believe that I’m here instead of there. What a whirlwind it has been.
Well I can tell you that God is alive and well in the Dominican Republic. He is working in the hearts and lives of His people. In a country tempted by nominal Christianity, perhaps not unlike our own, there are still people who are seeking to follow their Lord more closely yet. I’ve seen junior-highers inquire into the character of God, college students seek to discern God’s will for their lives, and churches work to fight the aspects of culture that distance people from Christ. While perhaps I’ve been celebrating some of the differences I have missed these past 3 ½ months (such as dish washers and American milk), this makes me wonder if we really are that different.
I have been blessed a lot this semester. I have been blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing people – both the Dominicans with whom I crossed paths and my sweet-awesome team. I have laughed so hard I’ve cried and I’ve also been moved to tears by the love of others. I have been able to climb mountains, white-water raft, ride horses to secluded mountain villages, swim in the ocean, and take naps on the beach. I have been blessed to experience another part of God’s vast creation. It was not uncommon for me to stop and ask myself with awe, “How did I get this life?”
I have learned a lot this semester. I have learned about life in the DR and I have learned more about the character of God and how to follow Him. I have learned the joy and peace of living within God’s will.
Thank you for traveling with me and for your prayers. I’d love to hear about your last 3 ½ months. I’d love to swap funny stories, or things you’re learning, or anything else you have to share. I’d love to continue the dialogue. So let’s grab coffee, yeah? Or maybe I’ll cook you up some plantains. Either way, I’m not ready to stop the journey. Come with me?
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6b
