(Originally posted August 17, 2017)
Well, it's been a few days since I published part one of my Q&A posts. Here we go with part two!
5.) What inspired you the most to move to the Dominican Republic?
As most of you who already know - I have been traveling internationally on mission trips since I was 15 years old. I have walked the streets of Russia, Brazil, South Korea (4 times), Guatemala, and the DR (8 short term trips). Each time, I found myself in the presence of beautiful people who spoke languages foreign to my ears and walking unfamiliar streets, I was overcome with a love for the people and enjoyed every moment spent observing cultures and hearing stories and sharing the love of Christ. I have met people who have changed my life and have been part of the molding and preparation process that has brought me to this place to live and minister long-term.
My first trip was in 2005. In 2010, when my plane touched down in the Dominican Republic, my eyes beheld this place, and I began to meet the people who live here, I knew in my spirit that there was something different about this country for me than all the other countries in which I had visited before. I knew there was something supernaturally different. When I returned the second time, and the plane touched the tarmac, I was surprised by the overwhelming feeling that I later described to Mrs. Twyla as "that feeling when you pull into the driveway in front of your house after a long trip."
I cannot nail down one thing that inspired me the most to be here. But I can tell you about the time that I was here on a short-term trip with a small team. It was my pastor, two other men from my church, and myself. We walked the streets one of those hot days and when we came upon a specific barrio, I was suddenly overcome and felt like something was gripping my heart. I dissolved into sobs. When I could catch my breath enough to talk, I apologized for the melt-down and asked my pastor, "Bro. Jimmy, how could I love a people so much that I barely even know?" His answer was, "It's supernatural."
So my inspiration is a supernatural love and burden that God has given me specifically for this people. This supernatural love and passion to share with them a hope that will light up their dim eyes and change their lives forever, that is my inspiration. That is why I am here.
6.) What kind of creatures have you encountered since moving there?
Welllllllll. I'll just throw out a list of...friends...that I have had enter my home since I moved here.
Cockroaches. They are everywhere. Raid spray and I? Best buds. I'm thinking I'll have to add a new part to my budget to cover my Raid needs. ha! (just kidding. sort of.)
Spiders. Some as big as my hand. Not cool. Let's just say there has been very loud praying and rebuking on certain occasions in my house. No telling what the neighbors think of the single white girl who randomly yells passionately in English...while running around her home with a can of raid, swinging her broom around, bashing it against the walls and floor. Yeah.
Scorpions. Really not a fan. I'll be okay if I never have another in my house again. Yep.
Tarantula. I wish I were lying. I saw my first one yesterday. Big, ugly, hairy thing. I'm more than thankful that Julio was there to kill it. Gives me the heebie jeebies to even remember seeing it.
Huge toads. They are a thing. I had one waiting for me when I got home late one night. I spoke to it in Spanish. "Hello, nice to meet you. However, you cannot come into my house this evening. Come back another day and perhaps you can stay awhile." He politely hopped away as I entered my home. There was one on another occasion that wasn't so kind. He freaked me out a bit.
Lizards. They actually are fun little creatures to me and it's a huge plus that they eat the bugs that pester me and give me the creeps.
Mosquitos. They are everywhere. And they feast on me as if I were a dessert. OFF spray is going to be another line item on the budget, haha. (kidding, again.)
7.) Where have you been gathering to worship on Sundays?
When I first arrived, I visited a few different congregations and the people of the Methodist Church here have welcomed me with open arms. Gathering to worship with believers in another language isn't quite the same as worshiping with people in your native language, and sometimes it is more taxing than filling...so there are some Sundays that I stay in to worship, pray, and listen to sermons in my own language instead of going to the 3 hour long service here. But for now, until the Lord births the church that will be a sister-church to Pursuit Church (my home church in the States), I am gathering with the sweet brothers and sisters there in the Methodist Church. In that church, I have been given friendships that I believe will be life-long. There are also things that I am learning in this time of becoming accustomed and continually being prepared to minister effectively among the natives here. I can see specific ways that the Lord is continuing that ministry in my life as I am gathering with the people from the Methodist Church.
Well...for tonight, I'm going to leave it at that. In the next few days, you'll see the next part. Until then, love and blessings to each of you. May God be glorified in us. He is worthy.
