God has shown up here in the Dominican Republic. Although at times I can compare myself and my ministry to the ones going on around me, I have to stop and remind myself that we're all here for different reasons. I see friend's prayers answered. I see their ministry growing and having instant impact on lives. I see the short term groups come in and out and go out to places I haven't yet been to in my 7 months here. I see my students develop friendships and relationships and have experiences that I have yet to have. AND IT'S AWESOME.
It's so easy to see what others have and compare, especially when I don't take time to sit and actually see what the Lord's been doing in my life and in the lives of the students. For some the change has been gradual, steadily increasing. For some it's been a rocky road and the change has been more apparent. But no matter who the student, God has shown up. And it's amazing to see first hand the faithfulness of God.
Graduation is a month from today. ONE MONTH. Time has flown. This marathon is nearly over. We're in the home stretch. Pardon the sports comparisons but right now it's feeling like we've hit our stride...we're peaking at the right time and nothing gives me more joy...and yet all the glory goes to God. They're working hard, they're playing hard, they're studying hard. This week they get to put their spanish skills to the test while out with a group of 300+ highschool students.
In October I had to come to the realization that the lives and the hearts of the students are not my responsibility...they're Gods. And through situations and teachers and His Word and other circumstances He has been slowly drawing the girls to Himself. What an awesome experience it has been to see it happen from a distance and to be completely humbled in the fact that none of this was me, this was ALL. GOD.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I signed up for this. Little did I know that I'd have a front row seat to see God's handiwork, God's perfect timing, God's presence, God's faithfulness to grow and shape and change the hearts of these girls that I have grown to love and truly care about.
It's been an awesome experience to be able to do life with these girls and the good times definitely outweigh the bad. We were able to have some fun over the past month and make some life-long memories!
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| My family came to visit! |
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| Girls in Haiti! |
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| My bestie came to teach GAP! |
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| Took a trip to 27 Falls for the Adventurers! |
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| Loving playing softball every Thursday evening then getting to share the gospel! |
