the dominican republic

Hello, hello again, friends! It has been too long!  But that is because I have been in the Dominican Republic.  Thank you so much for your prayers while we were there.  No one got sick and I only got 63 bug bites (all below my knees...)! 

Those ten days in Jarabacoa, DR were some of the greatest days of my life.  I learned so much about myself, life, and God in such a short amount of time.  I learned that I take the things my parents have blessed us kids with for granted, I learned that I enjoy serving others and how easy it is so simply love someone, and I learned that God is always present, in the calm and in the storms.  

Our team was so incredible.  I was a tad worried about how we would all work together after having our few meetings prior to leaving.  No one really talked and I was worried we wouldn't really bond while in the DR.  The only other mission trip out of state I have been on was in Joplin, MO after the tornado hit, and our team bonded so incredibly well.  I didn't want to worry about having high expectations for this trip, so I prayed a lot about this specifically before leaving.  Needless to say, our team is awesome and I love every one of them. It was really good to be able to have some light hearted fun through games and laughs whilst being immersed in the poverty of Jarabacoa.  

We got the opportunity to meet these five incredible missionaries from FIGHT Ministries while in Jarabacoa.  Their mission is awesome and I highly recommend checking out their site!

While in Jarabacoa our purpose was to teach people how to read via the help of LEI (Literacy and Evangelism International). I personally got to teach a woman named Kenya and a girl named Angela.  I cannot describe the feeling we all got after witnessing those we were helping read a paragraph.  Seeing their faces light up after being able to understand what they were reading was indescribable.  Being able to read was something I realized I had taken for granted, and was absolutely humbled to be able to teach both of those individuals how to read. 

The people of Jarabacoa are the absolute bees knees.  Everywhere we went, kids ran over to us and just hugged us.  Seeing how freely those kids gave us love really struck a chord with me.  They didn't care what color my skin was, my religion, my pants size, how smart I was, they loved me for me before I even opened my mouth to tell them my name.  Those kids taught me how to truly love, and for that, I am so grateful. 

I wish I could give you every detail of my trip (and don't worry, I could.  I got it all written down in my journal from the first second we stepped on the plane to the second we arrived in Chicago), but there are some parts of the trip I am still processing and others I don't know how to put into words.  I loved it in Jarabacoa.  I loved the people, I loved the culture, I loved God's presence, and I loved how breathtakingly beautiful it is.  I would love the opportunity to go back and continue the relationships we have made with those who still live there.  I am so grateful to everyone who financially supported me, supported me through prayer, and those who supported me with encouragement.  Thank you, thank you.  My time spent there will never be forgotten.  

yes I know, the most BEAUTIFUL chicken I have ever seen

and then I know, I know. I couldn't contain my excitement either, I GOT TO HOLD A CHICKEN!

Oh yeah, I also did this.  Holy cow, I peed my pants right before and it took many, many, many 1,2,3s before I finally jumped in.

My confession: I am so grateful for the ten days I got to spend in Jarabacoa serving the Lord and I will never forget the people I met and memories I made while there.