One.

March 1st marked one year of living in the Dominican Republic. It's been a year of growth, of new experiences, and of change. If a year ago I had a snapshot of what my life would look like right now, I probably would have just gone home. But here we are. What an adventure.

I have learned that regardless of well-meaning planning and my own ideas, His will always overcomes my pride. His plans don't seem to be much affected by mine. That's for the best.

I have learned that I can hold my breath for a really long time when walking around San Pedro on garbage day. Seriously- it smells so bad.

This year I have fallen in love with a man who loves Jesus deeply & consistently seeks His will and His best for our lives. He shows me Godly leadership, unmatched patience, and unexpected dance moves on the daily. He also loves donuts as much as me- so that's like, really great. He takes my fear of cockroaches seriously, so I'm gunna keep him.

I have learned that there are people who will try to control and to plan your life, claiming they know "what's best for you". While [often] well meaning, His voice is the one we are asked to obey. People won't understand, but don't worry, they didnt understand Him either. Jesus asks us to do things that don't make sense. Do those things. Always.

I have learned that you should always try and find the older moto taxi driver in the group, because if they've lived to still be driving motorcycles, they're probably not too bad of a driver. So far my theory has not failed.

I have learned that running water is not a right, but a privilege. And even though my showers are painfully cold, I thank God because running water is a blessing many do not know.

I have learned that I am not impressed or drawn to big fancy churches, cool power points, fake smiles, or university degrees. I am drawn to the physically poor who are the spiritually rich, and I have learned far more about my God sitting in homes with dirt floors and leaky roofs than I have in Sunday mornings. These are the places my God abides. These are people He wants to meet with. I'm sorry if this offends you.

This year I have rented my first apartment in a foreign country in my second language. I love this place. I have learned to treasure a quiet place that is mine, a cup of coffee alone with Jesus in the morning, and a place to cry or retreat to when all seems wild (which is often).

I have learned to let my heart break for the needs that surround me. Some days I cry myself to sleep because of the need I see everyday. But I cannot just close my eyes and pretend they're not there. He cares for 'the least of these'. He takes the pieces and puts them back together. Jesus cared, loved, Jesus felt, Jesus wept.

I have learned that having a puppy is awesome. It's not awesome when he eats your entire meal before you turn around or when he takes literally all of the pillow stuffing out of where it belongs or when he pees right on your lap, but it is awesome when he wiggles his whole body with joy just because he's literally your biggest fan. Shout out to Elmo for being my faithful little weirdo and making the mornings a little more exciting.

I have learned the difference between want and need. I'm just going to leave it at that.

I have learned that material things are replaceable, while trust is not. I now know how violating it feels to be stolen from and I never want to feel it again.

I have learned to try to forgive quickly, because I know the wedge and the pain that unforgiveness causes.

I have learned that life changes all too fast and to hug the ones I love so close, because you never know what could change tomorrow.

I have learned that often, even with a world seeming so close through social media, the problem is often that it's not that people don't care about each other; it's that they simple do not know the pain going on in our world. They don't know what it's like to have people offer you their children because they're so desperate or what it's like to hold a malnourished child who hasn't eaten in days. It's not that they don't care, it's that they don't know. So I will continue to share their stories and lift their voices until they're heard.

I have learned to rejoice in small victories, in smiles on faces who have seemed to have forgotten how to smile, in being able to see families reunite, and to see food on tables that were once bare. Jesus rejoices over one. One is important to Him.

So I'll keep stopping, keep loving, and keep looking for the one that He sees. Just for one.

One year is over already. The hardest and the best year of my life, undoubtably.

"And if even one person sees the love of Christ in me, it is worth every minute.

 In fact, it's worth spending my life for." 

-Katie Davis. 

hope

Yesterday we stopped in to visit a family that I love deeply. The mother lost her vision at 16 years old. Her oldest son is Alex- 19, Gerald- 17, Wonder- 10, and Jennifer- 6. She has never seen their beautiful eyes and their sweet smiles. Gerald lost his vision at 5 years old. Two out of four living in their house are blind.

The oldest son, Alex, is addicted to drugs and spends his days on the streets. He has been involved with prostitution, violence, and crime since a young age. The younger siblings and the mom are afraid of him. He steals from them and sells their few belongings on the streets to support his drug habits.

Gerald is genuine and kind. He is curious and an overcomer. He loves learning and got the highest marks in his entire school in his national exams. He asks many questions and wants to soak up all the information he can. He reminds me of what faith is.

Wonder is beautiful. His smirk lights up an entire room and he has a pure servant's heart. His mom told me yesterday that Wonder is her "cane" and she would be lost without him. He is mature and responsible far beyond his 10 years. He loves baseball, school, and fried chicken.

Little Jenny will change the world. At 6, she is fearless. Last week she got her tonsils out and when I asked her if it hurt she said "No, it was awesome. I got to watch a lot of TV and drink gatorade. My favourite's red." She can count to 10 in english & french and she has personality like no little girl I have ever met before. Her mom calls her "mi alegria" or " my joy". She is overflowing with life and with joy.

I am amazed by them. I love walking up to their door and saying only one word and they know exactly who it is by my voice. Their hugs are strong and their hearts are stronger. Their home has always been a place that reminds me of victory, of hope, and of resilience. Yesterday we were welcomed into their home to find that they are hurting, they are scared, and they are losing hope. Their landlord has told them they have to move and they have no where to go. They have no income and food is scarce. They are afraid to leave their home because people steal from them. No one should live with these kinds of fears.

As we were leaving, little Wonder grabbed my hand and took me outside. He asked me quietly if I had plans that afternoon. I told him no. He said that he had a baseball game and wanted us to come watch him. He told me all the other kids have families there that watch them play. We promised him we'd see his game and it was the first time in a long time that he really seemed like a 10 year old to me.

He played like a star and told his coach that we were there to watch, and they put him up to bat first.


Yesterday we prayed and we cried with them. My heart hurts for this family and I am believing in brighter days. I am believing in not only a safe house, but a safe home. I am believing in the God who loves them far more than I can to come through for them. I am believing in Him to restore their hope. I am believing in a solution and for guidance. I am believing in Him to use my hands and feet to show how radically He loves them and every single person I meet. I am so small but He is so big.

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." -

-1 Corinthians 2:9.

Mom, Jenny, Gerald, and Wonder. 

Wonder all ready for his game. 

That smirk.

joy.