Bumbling, Fumbling, Stumbling

I'm grateful for being able to start a new week here in the DR.  Things can be pretty unpredictable around here, and I get frustrated when all of the planning and pre-planning gets trashed sometimes 5 minutes before the thing that I "planned" was about to happen.  They say that the one of the most used words of a missionary's vocabulary is the word "flexible"…but at times it is used so often that we refer to it as the dreaded "f-word".   

I realized that I have become spoiled in my 3rd-world-country living.  Spoiled because we have air conditioning, spoiled because I have amazing people around me that speak Spanish really, REALLY well.  Spoiled because I have really great students that are working their tails off and whole-heartedly seeking the Lord.  I haven't really needed to be flexible much in the last 2 months…until last week and I didn't handle it well.  I may have hit something (not someone, some thing), I may have thrown something, I may even have spoken harshly or shed a tear in frustration.  Looking back it wasn't that big of a deal and in an ideal world of ample sleep, ample alone time, more God and less Jaime it would have been handled much differently….but as it happened, it wasn't handled well.  I had a bad day and I forgot  how to be flexible.  

Being a perfectionist, I hold myself to a very high standard of living, of seeing, of responding, of anticipating, and of knowing…probably to the point where it can be a fault (and some have even suggested I should speak to a counselor friend about it!!)  I also know that my actions and reactions not only affect me, but the other 15 people I lead.  I have an audience all the time.  My decisions affect many others and in that there is a lot of pressure as well.  I am in a good rhythm of seeking the Lord daily, and most days it is before I interact with anyone…but even while doing that early in my day, I forget to seek the Lord THROUGHOUT the day as well.  

But even in the midst of my "worst day yet" the Lord was gracious to me.  He sent me multiple people to talk to that day…people I don't normally talk to on a daily basis...into my life.  CRAZY.FAITHFUL.GOD.  

A friend recently posted this scripture on her blog and it caught my attention last night when I was reading it.  I've read it before and know that it impacts me every time...maybe I should memorize? 

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly, He delights in EVERY DETAIL of their lives.  

Though they stumble, they WILL NEVER fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." 

- Psalm 37:23-24

I am (you are) one of the "godly" and because of that He DELIGHTS in EVERY.SINGLE.STINKIN.DETAIL of my (your) life.  EVERY ONE!  "Though they stumble"...not IF they stumble...THOUGH they stumble.  We will stumble, we will mess up, BUT WE WILL NEVER FALL.  If we are 'godly', if we are pursuing Him, we will NEVER FALL because He has us.  He HOLDS our hand.

I've seen the following commercial while in the States and it makes me laugh every time.  I love it.  I truly believe this can parallel our relationship with the Lord…as He being the father, and us being the children.  Obviously it's a car commercial…and who knows, can I stretch it so far to say that the Lord even creates environments (cars) for us to keep us safe? 

I am grateful to report that with some time away, some alone time, some extra sleep and encouragement from friends and family both here and back home I'm feeling like myself again.  I am back to where the 'f-word' isn't so bad.


I know that there will be times I will stumble.
I know that there will be times I will fail.
I know that there will be times where my old self will come out.
AND
I know that God will never let me fall.
He has me.
I will be ok.

I know that my life (in pictures) looks like sunshine and smiles and beaches and paradise.  But I assure you that is not always the case for me, for the leadership staff, and for the students.  So please continue to pray that we choose God daily.  That we choose to love one another.  That we remain flexible.  That we can let the little stuff roll right off our backs.  That we get proper rest, time in the Word, time with the Lord.  That we remain safe and healthy.  That we will not let satan have a foothold in our lives.


I am grateful for the times we can get away to a new environment and to be rejuvenated and refreshed.  Sometimes sunshine, smiles and beaches are necessary to combat the toughness of life down here.  It is definitely a balance…a balance I try and plan! ;)


Here are some pictures of the last couple weeks that have helped the scales to balance!

Pictures of our Mountain Retreat in Jarabacoa.
It was a weekend full of reflection time, starry nights, quiet moments, cool evenings and a little bit of adventure.
We also celebrated the students being here 2 months…time is flying!

We had some more adventures heading to the north part of the island to jump off cliffs and swim in caves at Dudu Lake.
The sign reads "I am in Dudu" ;P

Weeks of Firsts

Time is definitely flying.  I cannot believe that the students have been here 7 weeks, and also cannot believe that it's been 6 weeks since my last blog post.  For those keeping up with me through my blog, I apologize!  And I know I haven't been great with keeping up on Facebook photos either.  Life is flying by and the last month has been one (good) thing after another, and finally…FINALLY I might have some time this week to exhale and re-organize my brain.

There have been many MANY firsts in the last 6 weeks.  Firsts for me and firsts for the students.  The great part about this island is that there is SO MUCH to do and it could be years before I get to do it all.    The things that we do as a group are things that I have not done before, so it's just as exciting for me.  And it makes it even more exciting when we get to do it in community with fellow missionaries and Dominicans.

A short recap on the last month and a half through pictures:

Sept. 20 :: Cave of Wonders with some Emanuel House kids celebrating their birthdays!

Sept 27 :: A super fast weekend back to the States for my birthday and Hall of Fame Ceremony

Oct 6 :: First day of Ministry!

Oct 11 :: Color Vibe Run!

Oct 17 :: First Host Homes!

Oct 14-17 :: Women's Mission Week with speaker Vickie Arruda

The theme for Women's Mission Week : IMAGinE - working through who God says we are, not what the world thinks.  Imagine a world where women valued themselves as God values them.  

I wouldn't want to do this life right here, right now with any other women!
Grateful for their encouragement, support and influence in my life.

Life is going well right now, and I know that as I type this things can change at any moment.  I am giving ALL of the glory to God because there is nothing that I have done to deserve this blessed life.  I am in a place right now where I am running after God whole-heartedly….during the good times.  

Last year at this time I was so desperate for God, desperate for His words, decision, guidance, strength because I was in over my head.  I was out of my comfort zone, in a new environment, completely away from friends and family, pretty alone running a program I had no experience in running.  I NEEDED Him to get me through each and every day.  

This year is a little different.  Although there are times I feel like I'm in over my head, and I know that I need His words, guidance and strength daily…that desperation has lessened.  Where before I NEEDED God, now I WANT God.  I am content in where I'm at and where He has brought me.  And now I just want more of Him.  To be able to take the time to sit, read, listen, hear, process and not need an answer right at this very moment.  

I pray that this continues.  

I pray that I don't always expect tomorrow to be as good as today.  

I pray that I don't get lazy in my walk with the Lord because things seem to be going well.  

I pray that I can be an encouragement to others while my load is light at the moment.  

I pray that I will seek, honor and praise the Lord in the good times and in the bad times. 

I pray that I can see Him working in and amongst the students, the staff and my fellow missionaries. 

I pray that I choose daily to believe who God says I am and not give the enemy any foothold in my life.

I pray that the Lord's strength and confidence would shine through me. 

I pray for continued safety and good health for myself, the staff and the students.

"I pray that from his glorious unlimited resources he will give you (me) mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And that Christ would be more and more at home in your (my) hearts as you trust in him." - Ephesians 3:16-17

Please continue to pray along side of me! 

New Year, New Students, New Outlook

 May I present to you the Dominican Republic GAP class of 2015!! After collecting all the students, getting them settled and going through a few long days of orientation, having some fun and getting to know them I can truly say that I am excited for this year and to see what God will do!

I'm able to start this year refreshed, renewed, planned up and prayed up!  I am still riding high on God's faithfulness that provided me over 99 partners and the funds needed to start and finish this year.  THAT ALONE shows me that, again, I am exactly where God wants me.

The rest of the GAP staff and I met and planned this year based on the schedule from last year, and although that gives me great confidence and a starting point...I pray that I take this year as it comes, not relying on the outcomes of the past and assuming they will be the same in the future.  I want to make sure that every situation is taken to God, properly handled according to the specific instance, and handled the way the Lord wants.



We had our family in tact by 4pm on August 26, picking up 10 students throughout the course of the day.  We had to take a few trips back and forth, so while Jeff drove back and forth from the airport, I stayed and was able to get some quiet time in...all while enjoying a Caramel Latte! (it was an AMAZING start to the year!!)






The first verse that popped into my reading was Psalm 23:5:

I read it and just sat there.  I reflected on last year.  I reflected on the peace and confidence I have in my heart now all while knowing how uncertain the future is.  I reflected on God's faithfulness in bringing me through last year and how much He had carried me and taught me.  In that instance, while waiting on the last 4 students to arrive I was able to exhale and truly say, like the psalmist "My cup is completely full."  It's a moment I don't know if I had last year.  I should have, absolutely, my cup was full of blessings, of support...but to me now it seems like this line is meant for a peaceful, reflective moment.

COMPLETELY FULL.  And it's here where my outlook this year is changing.

Another verse popped up during my quiet time that day.  Where Psalm 23:5 seemed reflective, Psalm 16:5 is a promise that I'm holding onto.  As a person who is putting her hope in Jesus, in the Living God, He promises to give me STABILITY & PROSPERITY and that He will make my future SECURE.  There's a lot of crazy going on out there.  There's a lot of crazy going on in here...but HE alone gives stability...no matter what our circumstances, no matter what foundations we have built for ourselves the only thing keeping ME stable and secure is God and running to Him daily.

  I'm still learning, still growing...but here, in this verse is GREAT TRUTH.  "Godliness COMBINED with contentment brings GREAT PROFIT."  The combination of the two brings the greatest outcome.  Sometimes we have godliness...sometimes it's out of sheet obedience that I do things, but there is no contentment involved.  Sometimes I'm content, only to realize that I feel that way because I'm doing what I want to do, not what God wants.  But the combination of obedience, of godliness, WITH a humble heart of contentment is where the money lies.  OK...not ACTUAL money...but it's the sweet spot, the best seat in the house, the winning combination.  

I'm grateful that my heart is in this place now....the place where godliness and contentment meet.  I'm in this for another 9 months.  I'm surrounded by genuine believers with a heart tuned towards God.  I'm not alone in this, I have a former GAP student as an intern that I get to do life with on a daily basis, I have relationships with staff and fellow missionaries that are fun & encouraging.  I don't have to shoulder this burden of caring for 12 students alone.

I keep waiting for the heaviness to hit my shoulders, the weight of fatigue, stress and responsibility that I carried all last year...but so far it hasn't come.  And I pray it never comes.  I pray that I can balance life in such a way that the fatigue stays at bay and I can deal with the situations that arise.  

But I praise God for every morning I wake up feeling like my whole self, not just a limited version.

We have a great bunch of students this year, friendships are being forged and some are starting to come out of their shell!  Their hearts are genuine and hungry to learn Spanish and bible. I pray that the circumstances and trials they face will not hinder their growth but cause them to lean on God even more than they ever have.  

Please pray for safety, good health, for continued relationships, and for God to reveal Himself to each and every one of us throughout the year.  Please pray that we can love God first and foremost, then others, then ourselves.  

GAP class of '15: 

Jack C., Amanda C., Maggie C., Corina L., Micah B., Shawn D.

Ashley F., Meghan C., Caroline F., Ciera R., Becca C., Christa D.

PARTNERS!

You guys.

Seriously.

I'm at 89 partners. 89!  That's real close to 99 y'all!  And it's not too late either.

I am SO HUMBLED and GRATEFUL for your love, prayers and support.

But here is a HUGE shout out and THANK YOU to all who have partnered with me!

1		Lynn Newbigging
2,3,4,5		Kemper, Laura, Kamryn & Kaden Lewis
6,7,8,9		Wes, Connie, Dylan, and Lindsay Aarum
10		Angela Fleming
11		Mike Mulgrew
12		Karleigh Jenko
13,14		Amanda Frey
15		Anna Young
16		Liz Midgley
17		Gregg Snyder
18,19		Peggy & Ricky Smith
20		Tori Balogh
21		Lee Babirad
22		Erin Finnegan
23		Adrienne Christian
24		Jessinia Ruff
25,26,27		Nick, Mason & Cody Johnson
28		Kristy Grove
29,30,31,32		Nate, Erica, Mali & Brinkley Jude
33		Kellee Patterson Gangemi
34		Kristina Marquez
35		Keri Cardinale
36		Jenna Hogan
37,38		Cindy Jenko
39		Colleen Blinkoff
40,41		Leah & Steve George
42,43,44,45		Missy Tschabrun & family
46		Jennifer Offenbacher
47,48		Barbara & Brian Johnson
49		Brandon Vizzi
50		April Crisafulli
51		Candace Thompson
52,53		Connie & Don Cooper
54		Melissa Hester
55		Joelle Truax
56		Kelly Reilly Gathers
57		In Memory of Barbara Reilly
58		Emily King
59,60,61,62		Brooke Potter & family
63		Sarah Difren
64		Danielle Vecchio
65		Kate Balacki
66,67		Elida & Alex Green
68,69		Kathy & Dale MacArthur
70		Cathy Reilly Johnson
71,72		Joyce & Bill Tarver
73,74		Libby & Ron Gustin
75		Betty Snyder
76		Cathy Gallagher White
77,78		Cindy & Ed Beatty
79,80		Mom & Dad Snyder
81		Katie Snyder
82,83,84,85		Rachel, Mike, Harmony & Makaela
86		Colleen Flynn
87		Priscilla Snider
88		Richie Schreiner
89		Kerry O'Malley
90		Mike McCarthy
91		Tammy Leazott Eddy

$9 from 99

I'm looking for 99 people to support me with a $9 donation between now and July 9th!!

 As I sit here and type I'm watching the World Cup.  I've tried to catch at least a portion of every game since soccer (and the #9) seems to run in my blood and has been a HUGE part of my life for the past 25 years.  People ask me if I have a favorite team...obviously I have to say USA, but I really love watching a GOOD game, lots of action, great goals, less 'dives' and most of the time I enjoy when the player that everyone puts so much pressure on actually comes through and scores the winning goal.
One of my favorite parts about soccer was being a part of a team.  I never actually succeeded in individual sports - swimming, tennis, golf...but it was the team sports that captured my heart.  I have learned more about encouragement, leadership, teamwork, acceptance, humility and many other life lessons in the midst of playing on a team than I have reading any book.

I have been lucky enough to have found another team to be a part of over this past year.  Many of you know that I have joined the missions organization of SCORE International and have been living in the Dominican Republic over the past 9 months.  Coincidentally, they began as a sports ministry that has grown to include safe homes, orphanages, schools, church planting and the GAP program, which I am currently 'coaching' (or Directing).

"Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning."

-Proverbs 9:9

It is a place where I truly feel that I belong, and as challenging as it has been, it's another team where I have learned even more about the attributes listed above, as well as being able to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to Americans and Dominicans alike!

my 2013-2014 team!  

I have had tremendous support from family and friends over the past year, and it's that time where I ask for your support again for this coming year.  So in honor of the soccer blood that runs through my veins I am beginning a $9 from 99 campaign.  

I know that there are 99 of you out there because I took a selfie a few weeks back of a new hair cut and color and 95 of you liked it...so I know there are at least 4 more of you out there!

I am asking for 99 of my family, friends, teammates and even strangers to possibly give up 2 Starbucks coffee's, or 1 dinner out, or 1 manicure, or 1 movie ticket and support me in a small way.  (If you feel led to send a donation of more than $9, you are welcome to do that too!)  My fundraising goal is $4,000 for this next year and this current campaign can help kick start that.

It would be such a blessing to have you on my team!  And even if you can't spare $9 at this time, just committing to my prayer team is equally as valuable to me!

There are a few ways you can donate.

Online & Tax Deductible through the SCORE website:
 https://scoresponsor.org/missionaries-staff/shop/snyder-jaime/

Directly to me by check or cash:
3257 Buffalo Road
Allegany, NY 14706
 
email or facebook me with any questions!


 Thank you in advance!!!

And because you read my whole blog and made it to the end...here's a little somethin' #9 for ya! Throwback to 1998!

Do It Anyway

I'm actually writing this post from the Dominican Republic.  I had the preiveledge of coming back down for a week.  Part of it was to do some more planning for this upcoming year, part of it was to help out while there's both a High School student and Sports Conference going on, part of it was to see friends who live here and who are only here for the summer, and part of it was just for me and my heart.  At times I questioned my decision to take a week from my summer home in the US to come back, but being here...I know it was the right choice.  I'm in a better place, physically and emotionally and I wanted to use that to encourage those who are down in the mist of hot, humid, people-everywhere ministry.

Was able to spend the weekend at Emanuel House and help with Child Sponsorship mailings, oh yeah and hang out with some pretty cool chicks!

I have spent 4 weeks back in the US and honestly the transition was easier than I anticipated (although I'm FREEZING!!!), which is a HUGE answer to prayer.  I've been able to see and hang out with friends and family and honestly it was like I never left.  Sure some of the kids are a little older, but it was to my advantage because I'm loving getting to know their changing personalities.  It's also given me time to help out and encourage those that I haven't been able to in the past 9 months...and work on some things like prayer cards and support letters.

The hardest thing being in the States is the lack of consistency.  In my quiet time, in my church attendance, in the bed that I sleep in...obviously the toughest ones is my quiet time and church.  I'm back and forth between Allegany and Buffalo and Rochester and who knows where else.  It's great to keep up with currently friendships and relationships, but it's hard to form new ones.  I'll have 6 weeks when I get back and am praying that the time is fruitful...whatever that may look like.

I really had no agenda when I came back, just to be available and to hang out and help.  I've been able to bless and encourage others and in turn I have been blessed and encouraged myself.  Last night I attended the first night of the High School 'Kosmos' conference, and had little to no expectations.  But just being there, singing and then hearing God's Word touched my heart.

Luke 17:11-19 (NLT) 

¹¹ As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. ¹² As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance,  

¹³ crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

¹⁴ He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” 

And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.

¹⁵ One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!”  

¹⁶ He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.

¹⁷ Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? 

¹⁸ Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”  

¹⁹ And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

 The main speaker used this passage to talk about how we sometimes have to be active in our healing and in our changing as we see in verse 14.  The men had to GO, and it was only then...after they had begun their journey as lepers that they were cleansed.  It was good stuff!!!  But it was one of the last statements that really caught my attention.  Jesus healed 10 men, but only 1 returned to thank him.  And here's the kicker...Jesus, knower of all things, knew that the other 9 wouldn't come back BUT HE HEALED THEM ANYWAYS.

Many times, in ministry and in life, we (I) get discouraged for all the things we do for people without any gratitude or feedback in return.  But if what we do for people demonstrates the love of Christ, the power of Christ, and brings glory to God (whether those people realize it or not) it's worth doing anyways...because THAT'S WHAT JESUS WOULD DO...AND DID. 

We have to assume that no everyone will come back to thank us.   We have to prepare that the numbers of people in the seats aren't always going to grow, that the people won't come back, that we may never see people again.  But should that prevent us from doing what God called us to do?  ABSOLUTELY NOT.  And it's a hard choice to make, to keep doing things over and over.  But it's worth it.  Jesus healed them anyway.  We have to do it (whatever 'it' is) anyway.

It's a struggle for me.  There are some GAP students that I may never see or talk to again.  And that's ok.  Actually there are very few students from all of my teams, small groups, bible studies combined that I will never see again.  And that's ok. Does that mean I wasted my time and my breath? NO.  I was faithful to what God called me to in that season.  I was able to glorify God through my obedience, through the way I lived my life, and that's all God has asked of me.  The way people respond to that (although we always want to know that what we've done made a difference) is not actually our concern.

"Let the Lord judge the peoples.  Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness,
    according to my integrity, O Most High."  -Psalm 7:8

No matter if the students come back, no matter if the people I help return to me, no matter if anyone anywhere ever says thank you.  It was worth it.  As long as my heart is pure and I'm doing the will of God, it will ALWAYS be worth it.  I don't say that I do it right every time or most times, but that's what I have to strive for...that's the example set before me in Luke 17.

So I'll do it anyway. Again. And again. Until the Lord tells me not to.  And I'll have to remind myself to do it anways. Again. And again. That no matter what the outcome is, sharing my life, being vulnerable, pouring my life out...for the sake of the Gospel, it is worth it.

'MERICA!

It's been an awesome 2 weeks since the students left...not necessarily because they left, but because it was finally a time where I could exhale.  As much as I love them, loved being with and around them, leadership and the leading of 13 lives comes with burdens and struggles and weight.  Once they were back into the care of their families and friends I could exhale and honestly I woke up one morning and felt lighter...literally.  I had no idea how much I had been carrying until I didn't have to carry it anymore.

And I know this is the same with our sin...

(just a thought to stir your heart because it just stirred mine as I type, but I'll leave that topic for another day).

I was lonely for the first few days after they left, then I started easing back into life.  I started planning for next year while things were still fresh in my brain.  I finished budgets and manuals, calendars and job descriptions.  I journaled, processed, and "retreated."

The Villa that we stayed for our retreat

loved getting to know these women better!

In three days I will be heading back to America (or 'Merica as the kids like to say).  I've tried to plan and anticipate what it will be like stepping back onto State soil and back into life.  But I really can't.  I do know some of what's waiting for me, time with family and friends, nephews and nieces, living out of a suitcase and on couches..but there are still things that are up-in-the-air, or completely unknown.

I struggled when trying to figure out what I should do this summer.  Should I get a job? Not get a job? Stay in my duplex? move out? keep my car? sell it? Travel? Stay home? Earn money? Raise money?

I realized that if I spent a week with family and good friends whom I haven't seen in 9 months, that would take up the majority of the summer, and because this is the only time I'll get to have quality face-to-face time with them I have decided NOT to get a job this summer.  Not a full-time job anyways.  There was no way that I would be hired and then me turn around and ask for 5-6 weeks off!!

Please pray for odd-jobs, baby-sitting or house-sitting opportunities, needs for pictures, portraits, or sports pictures where I can earn some extra gas and food money.  

And if you know of any please let me know!

I was struggling to decide whether or not I should keep my duplex in Cheektowaga. I would be great to have a place I could still call my own, but I'd be paying with money I didn't have for a place to live for half the summer.  The Lord did make it clear that I should give up the duplex and circumstances confirmed the decision. The plan was to have all of my stuff out by May 31, but my awesome parents already went up and moved my stuff out so one less thing I have to worry about....SO SO SO GRATEFUL! My parents house will now be my home base (and my permanent address).

I will also be selling my car at the end of the summer.  It can't stand another winter being idle...and in the words of my parents "you never really liked that car anyways"...which is true...I still love my Outbacks!  I have a few people interested in buying my 2009 Subaru Legacy, but if you know of anyone have them get a hold of me. 

Please pray that in the next 3 months that nothing goes wrong on my car that I will have to get fixed!

I guess with all of these more "permanent" changes it officially makes me a missionary, or a "missionary apprentice" as the home office likes to call me.  It's still weird to say, and I'm sure for some of you even hard to hear/read/understand.  And because I have said YES to God and am choosing to follow the present path He has me on, I'm looking to HIS PEOPLE for help.

I have tried to make the necessary decisions and steps to live as simply as possible while in the States.  I am willing to work hard when I'm available to earn some money.  But I anticipate that the money that I will spend while at home, will be greater than the money that I will make.

So with that I am starting to ask for support for this summer and for this fall into next year when I'll be back in the Dominican Republic. 

There are many ways that you can help support me:

• Through Prayer
• Financially
• Donating Sky-miles for flights home
• Opportunities for work over the summer
• Gift Cards for gas, Target, Wal-Mart, Amazon, iTunes, Starbucks

I am confident that the Lord will provide all that I need.  And I will learn how to sacrifice some things that I've never had to before to be the best steward of God's provision. 

I officially have a profile up on the SCORE website where you can make a one-time donation or commit to supporting me monthly...those donations through the site will be tax deductible. 

In the mean time, if you would like to donate anything please comment below, facebook me, or email me at jaima927@me.com

Thank you in advance for prayers, for support and for being a part of my journey!

To GOD be the GLORY!

And the Journey Continues...

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I have tried to start this post so many times.  There were times when I felt like I had nothing to say, times when I had so much to say that I couldn’t choose what to put into writing, times when I was so exhausted that there was no other option but to sleep.  I’m not a writer, I’ve never claimed to be…I’m not good with words, not good at expressing what I’m feeling.  But there are times when I have to share.  Share the good and the bad, the Truth and the lies, the progress and the set backs of this Dominican Republic missionary journey that I’m on, and will continue to be on. 

Yup…you read that right…CONTINUE TO BE ON.   

The Lord has made it clear that my time serving Him down here is not over, and in obedience I have committed to another year as GAP Director.  I know that most of you thought it was a 9 month commitment, and I was right there with you.  But God has called me to more, to longer.

It was almost exactly a year ago that I said ‘yes’ in my heart to God when this opportunity was presented to me.  The Lord had been stirring my heart for something more, something bigger… I had no idea what.  BUT GOD DID.

It has definitely been a rollercoaster.  As much as I like to stay neutral, even, consistent, this year was one of trials, struggles, refining, humility, joys, sorrows, triumphs, surrender, rejoicing, and so much more.  All of this, GOD KNEW, I wouldn’t have gone through if I would have stayed in Cheektowaga, NY.  

Looking back now, my faith was growing, but I had hit a ceiling.  Living in Buffalo was a time of healing for me.  In the midst of life, I had a lot of time to myself and along side an amazingly wise mentor and best friend we were able to figure out and correct heart issues that I had been stuck in and struggling with for so long.  But once I was set free from those, God knew I needed more.  I needed different.  I needed a place where I had to completely rely on Him, not comforts of home, not friends or family. Him. ONLY HIM. A place where I was FORCED out of my comfort zone because He knew that I would never choose a place of discomfort on my own. 

(I wonder if any part of my story is hitting your heart….

where is God asking you to get out of your comfort zone?)

And talk about out of my comfort zone?  I’d been to the country once for a week. I knew no one. I didn’t know the native language (I took French in high school).  I was not a teacher.  I was not a mom.  I am an introvert at a place where 6,000 people come through every year.  No cable. No Starbucks.

But by the grace of God the transition was easier than expected.  I love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and have learned that He TRULY DOES know what’s best for me.  That when I choose to obey Him and His calling that HE WILL WORK EVERYTHING OUT.  It’s also great to have perspective.  I struggle here…BUT I’d be struggling more in Buffalo, NY right now because I was living in disobedience and out of God’s will. 

(Are you struggling right now because you may be in a place of disobedience?)

And just last week when most of the students had left, I was reflecting on the year, seeking God, reading through Romans, and I opened to chapter 5:

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” v.3-5

As I’m sitting at the end of one year, I can reflect and this verse hits my heart.  Because I have endured this year, endured the problems, the trials, the fights the confrontations, the mistakes, the late nights, the broken hearts…I can see that I have new strength IN CHRIST, renewed character IN CHRIST and am now confident that no matter what next year looks like, I will get through that too.  My faith is stronger.  I have seen God come through on so many prayer requests, change so many hearts, meet people where they’re at and bless them.  I have been prayed for, provided for, encouraged, lifted up, and taken care of. 

All of the students and those who loved, taught and supported them at GRADUATION!

There are so many more things to write about, to reflect on, to process through…and I’ll be doing a lot of that while I’m back in the States this summer.  I’d love to share all God has done and is doing with you, and I’m sorry that my words on these pages don’t exactly do my heart justice.  Maybe a face to face meeting would be easier…I’ll meet you at, say, STARBUCKS??? (Hey, a girls gotta make up for lost time!)

If you’ve made it to the end of this post, then you truly love me and I appreciate that! And now that I know you love me…would you take some time to read and pray for the following requests? Thanks!

Please pray for:

- The students that finished the program and are now back in the United States…the transition back to American living is hard! For their lives to reflect all God has taught them and how He has changed them over the past 9 months, and that their new knowledge and experience can help glorify God and bring people to Him.

- The incoming students of GAP 2014-2015 (right now we have 10).  For their hearts to be softened, for their support to come in, and for them to begin and continue to follow Jesus in all that He’s calling them to.

- The SCORE Missionaries, Interns and Staff here.  The summer is the CRAZIEST, BUSIEST time for them.  Please pray for rest, strength, patience, endurance and peace.

- The short-term groups coming down. That their hearts would be humble, their plans will be flexible, their agenda will be God’s agenda and that they will do what is NEEDED to best serve the Dominicans.

- Me.  I am now in a new cycle of raising support, moving out of my Cheektowaga apartment, and spending time with friends and family.  Please pray that I use my time wisely, that I have time to reflect, and process the good and bad from this year and learn what God would have me do this next year. That I will be disciplined in my quiet time and in learning more Spanish!