Victory

A new blog for the New Year.  And I’m trying to get this one off before I get distracted again, or before the internet goes out. 

First I want to apologize.  Apologize to you for it being so long since my last blog, and apologizing to the Lord for taking Him for granted. 

Recently a couple of issues have come to my attention, not huge issues, but issues nonetheless.  I know that they are bound to come up when you’re living in a different country, working with 12 students, 3 staff, missionaries, leadership staff, people back in America and those who speak a different language…BUT I haven’t had to deal with them for awhile. 

SIDEBAR & FOLLOW UP FROM MY LAST BLOG :: I’ve been working on my flexibility and a lot on my communication skills as a leader to my students, staff and friends, and it is really working!!!  I think it’s a HUGE reason why we haven’t had a lot of issues lately.  Who knew that reading a leadership book would actually help me learn something!

Any whoo…things are running smoothly.  And really, it seems that I only write a blog when something HUGE happens in my life, when the Lord does something extraordinary, or when I have a really funny story to tell.  I struggle sometimes with comparing my life and ministry to the other missionaries around me, they always have funny stories to share almost every week about how God did the amazing and impossible (which please DO NOT get me wrong, I love to hear about too and it should be shared!).  And if you want to read some of those stories you can check out my friend Sarah’s blog, or Adrienne’s blog, or Lily House Facebook page….seriously jaw dropping-it could-only-be-God-moments.  So when comparing my life to others, I feel I have nothing to say…hence the long delay in writing another post, and again I’m SORRY!   

This morning I was reading my daily devotional and came across this:

“We will shout for joy over your victory; we will rejoice in the name of our God!” – Psalm 20:5

It hit me…I expect things to go well and don’t always (or ever) shout for joy over His victory.  These little issues have made me aware of God’s victory.  Not necessarily over this situation (although I’m sure things will work out and He will have victory), but in everything that is good in my life.  (I’m actually a little embarrassed that I’m just realizing this now, but better late than never, right?  So when stepping back I’m figuring out why today, why now and why not ever before?)

I expect things to go well.  I expect the students to have convictions, behave, obey, respect and work for the Lord.  I expect things to run smoothly, people to be where they need to be on time, people to be nice and encouraging, and for everything to work all the time i.e. internet and electricity.  And when things don’t go well, don’t life up to my expectations I get angry and frustrated.

If I really think about it and look at it from God’s perspective, what I should expect is attitude, push back, disobedience, and for things to go wrong around every corner because our world is broken and ruled by Satan.  ANY of the good things that happen should be celebrated, God should be celebrated and given the glory. 

I shouldn’t expect the good and get frustrated with the bad, I should expect the bad and shout for joy in the good, because in the good is where God’s VICTORY is.

And here’s where I apologize to the Lord for taking advantage of his goodness and for not shouting for joy amongst the every day victories.

So here’s me shouting for joy over a few of His victories: (pardon the all caps below, but that’s how we shout on the internet, right!?!)

-      -OBEDIENT STUDENTS

-       STUDENTS THAT SEEK YOU

-       GOOD HEALTH

-       TRANSPORTATION RUNNING SMOOTHLY

-       PUTTING PEOPLE IN MY LIFE THAT RUN HARD AFTER GOD

-       CONSISTENT ELECTRICITY

-       INTERNET WORKING

-       COMMUNITY

-       THE ABILITY TO LEARN AND GROW

-       THE DESIRE IN MY HEART TO READ AND LEARN

-       THE MONEY TO COME IN EVERY MONTH

-       FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO LOVE AND SUPPORT ME

I've learned that God is working in my life and your life too.  It may not look wild and crazy.  We may not have stories that will keep people picking their jaw up off the floor, and to most our lives may just look pretty ordinary....but that doesn't mean that God's not working or victorious.  He's there, if there's good, any good at all...He's there, and we should rejoice in the name of our God!! 

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!