Becky - One of my favorite moments is when one of the "busy" boys singing "My God is So Big" during prayer haha of course he didn't sing it when we were suppose to. God's name is being lifted up anytime anywhere. Our God is big and mighty His wonders to be praised.
Bob - We always have plans in our mind about how our lives are supposed to go and what we are going to do for God. But...He always seems to have ideas that are bigger than ours. Despite our meticulously crafted plans on this trip, He seemed to overturn the tables, move us out of the way, and do things that were bigger than our aspirations. We looked for human sized miracles while He wanted to give us God-sized miracles, and He did. He is amazing! Isn't He?
Embracing the unpredictability of His plan has brought us to unforeseen blessings, fresh viewpoints, and a more profound understanding of His purpose. As we get ready to return home, I hope that reentering familiar routines will not prompt us to seek only human-sized miracles but miracles of God's magnitude.
Claire - Well, it is finished. Two weeks filled with two teacher trainings and two VBS sessions in two different countries. What a whirlwind! I feel like I went into this trip thinking that I knew exactly how it was going to go (based on last year's trip), but God said nope, I've got other plans for you and the team. And boy, did He! This trip was filled with so many blessings and surprises; it just made my heart so full. For me, it was the little things. The smiles from those teachers or students who appeared to have a hard shell when they arrived, or the participation (however small it was) from the teenagers who wanted to participate, but weren't sure it it was "cool". I think my favorite moment still, was the little boy in the DR who was acting out and had to be separated from the other kids. I sat beside him, and with the little Spanish that I can speak, I asked him his name. That small act that God put on my heart, changed the boys frown to a smile, and he said his name was Devlon. From there, he started to participate in the lessons and when there was an altar call, he raised his hand and accepted the Lord into his heart. WOW! God is just so amazing. And He uses us where we least expect it. As the trip is nearing its end, I'm actually at a loss for words. I'm excited to go home, but I will miss all of these beautiful people whom God loves. I know that the seeds He planted will grow, and I pray that He uses these teachers and children to share His love with everyone they come into contact with.
Debbie - It's been great to see that God's work is alive and moving in Jamacia as well in the Dominican Republic. Today we were greeted with hugs, songs, and a kid yelling; " this is the best day ever." Something that I will always remember was when Hannah, a mom a came up and shared about her little boy's disability. (See Theresa's post) These are some of the things that stand out in my mind. We also, saw a few children accept the Lord and rededicate their lives. Now that is the best day ever! Do you hear those angels celebrating? At the end of today, it was sweet to have the girls braid our hair, hug on us and say, "I love you." Jamacia will forever be a part of my heart. I KNOW they are a part of God's.
As a, "newbie" I've been told each trip looks different and I am seeing the importance of always be open for new and fresh work. It's been a joy to be on this venture with my old friends and they are nearer and dearer than ever and now I can say I also have some great new friends in the DR and Jamacia. To God be the glory!
Theresa - It is always marvelous to reflect on what the Lord has accomplished in and through us and despite us. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. I am so grateful He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. This trip has been a trip like no other. He has taken man's plan and conformed it to His own. We seen the mighty work in the DR and in Jamaica He did a different work. The teachers were very different and so our teaching was very different. Today our VBS proved to be different. I just felt the Lord tugging us in another direction. Instead of teaching on our normal message of salvation to the 'churched' kids, we taught on loving your neighbor. The team has been amazingly flexible. I think every one of were floored when one of the mamas wanted to answer what it meant by 'loving your neighbor'. She brought her infant son up in front and showed us God's perfect little creation. Her son had been born with a leg deformity. They had named him Blessing and today little Blessing was used to demonstrate how to love on those who appear different to us. We were then able to talk about our differences and how we are called to love our neighbor. Thank you Lord for using a little ole' team like us to carry your message.
Ironically, as we close the evening post the power is out. We will certainly enjoy our a/c when we get home! We are told post hurricane that power and internet is in and out. Prayers for our 'neighbors' to return to normal.
Comments