The G word

Goodbye.....in certain circumstances this can be one of the hardest things to say. Today I was faced with the hardest goodbye that I've had in my life, thus far. Never in a million years did I think that it was possible for a group of children to take over such a huge place in my heart...but it happened. In seven short weeks these kids have been the highlight of every week for me. I anticipated seeing their smiling faces every day that I was there and in return they never failed to put a smile on my face. 

La Yaguita was by far the poorest area that I spent any time in, but I was happier there than any other place. The pure joy of the kids and the kindness from Pastor Ramon, his wife and the teachers was just so overwhelming and it seriously gave me such a huge perspective of my "rich" life back home. I felt so selfish so many times while I was there and every single time it was like God saying "see, if those who have less than you can trust me, why can't you?" Talk about a kick in the stomach. 

I'm so far from having everything in my life figured out, but knowing that God has it all under control and really does have the PERFECT plan makes it so much easier. This seems like an easy concept to grasp, but it takes a little longer for some of us and I thank God for allowing me to experience the things that I have, which have opened up my eyes so much more! 

There were so many things in this city I just wanted to "fix."  Whether it was a little kid who was running down the street with no clothes, an old woman working herself like crazy to provide food for the grandchildren she had inherited or soooo many other things that would break the heart of almost anyone who witnessed it. I just wanted to fix all of it. Obviously this isn't logical, but it just frustrated me even more that so many of us waste our money on absolutely pointless things, when we could be helping others who NEED the little things that are so convenient to us. 

I became really good friends with one of the girls at school and was talking to her at lunch today. I asked her if she needed anything before I left. She said no. I knew that was a lie, so I asked her again. She told me she needed a new pair of jeans because most of hers were ripping (which I knew to be true) and she didn't have any good ones. I also asked if any of the kids really needed anything. She told me that Orlin's shoes were falling apart and that his mother bought his brother new shoes but would not buy him any. This infuriated me. I understand not everyone here has access to multiple pairs of shoes, but why would she buy his brother extra shoes, and leave Orlin with none?... I sat very frustrated for a few minutes before I handed my friend a few dollars and asked her to specifically use it for her jeans and Orlin's shoes. She looked at me kinda stunned for a minute. I could tell she wanted to cry, but she slapped my arm and told me I was crazy and that I couldn't do that. I ran out of the room before she could say anything else about it. Although this seemed like such a small thing to me, it was soooo far from small to her and that's what I wish people could see. Even the smallest bit means the absolute world to them. 

My afternoon ended with the class singing me a song and giving a big card, in which they had all signed and written notes to me. I admit that I cried and I didn't care. I only hope that some day they can understand the huge impact that they've had on my life. I will never forget them and I will cherish each moment that I had with them! 

Much love,

Rachel :)

Blogging is not my strength..

Hello everyone! First off, I can't believe it's already November 10th... Where did the year go?! I also can't believe that I only have one week left in this amazing country with all of these awesome people. These experiences will go on with me for the rest of my life and I will never forget these people. They have had a greater impact on my life than they will ever understand. 

Anyway, I'm a week out from heading home and I can't believe it's almost over. My time here has gone by so fast and although I'll be thrilled to see my family, I can guarantee that saying goodbye to all of my new friends next Sunday, will be very tearful. The thought of saying goodbye to all of my sweet children in La Yaguita is by far the worst though. Seeing their smiling faces is the #1 highlight of my week and leaving them is going to be a major struggle. So, prayers for a productive and awesome day Wednesday would be much appreciated. 

So much has happened the last couple of weeks and I don't know how to even get it all out. So. Here are a couple of high points!

To say the devil wants to knock me down would probably be a pretty fair thing to say. I started feeling sick two weeks ago, but just figured it was nothing. A couple of days went on and I felt worse and worse. I finally went to the doc and they told me I just had a bacterial infection in my intestines and gave me some medicine for it. 5 days later I felt even worse, so we went to another doc where I found out I have a parasite in my intestines that is causing all of this. Fun right? Not exactly. Thankfully it is nothing compared to what it could be and hopefully it will be gone soon. On top of that I have come down with a massive head cold. So, I think sickness is his choice way to try and get to me. Perhaps it's because I'm usually known for being an absolute wimp when it comes to sickness or any sort of pain. I appreciate his valiant effort at trying to keep me down, but so far it hasn't worked and I'm thankful nonetheless. 

A medical group from Florida came to La Yaguita and I got a chance to spend the day with them, which was a blast! It was kind of nice to have some fellow English speaking people around for a day, ha! They did a wonderful job and I'm so thankful that they were able to help out so many of the kids and their families, that I've grown to love. 

I've managed to form a pretty good relationship with the sister of one of the girls at church. She is not a Christian and had never come to the church before, ever! She was very slow to warm up to me, but we've become pretty good friends since then and I've taken every opportunity that I can to talk to her. She has asked questions about the church and different things and I'm always more than happy to talk to her about it. I casually told her she should come sometime and she said she would think about it and I left it at that for the time being. The last thing I wanted to do was push her the opposite direction and I knew there'd be more opportunity for conversations like this. For two more weeks she said nothing about it and never came to the church. I was over at their house last night, before church and told her she should come to the morning services today. She asked me what time they started and said she would probably be there. Her sister was doubtful that she would actually come and after years of trying to witness to her older sister I could understand why she didn't have very much hope. It was two minutes before church this morning and she had still not showed up, so I went and sat down. No sooner had I done so than I felt a tap on my shoulder and there she was. I must admit I was slightly shocked. She had never stepped foot in the church, for all the years that her sister had been attending. Her sister called to me from across the room and when I reached her she thanked me. I asked her what for and she told meat if it wasn't for the fact that I had kept talking to her sister about in my time here she wouldn't have come. I take none of the credit. If I had anything to do with it, it was totally God through me. Although she still has a LONG way to go, I can't but be hopeful that maybe even that small seed will light something in her heart and that she will realize how important a relationship with God is. I must say that seeing her there was definitely one of the highlights of my trip though!

This trip has taught me so much about myself and I realize so many things I wish I would've done differently in my past, but I thank God for His overwhelming grace. Lord knows I don't deserve any of it and I'm blessed to be here serving Him for these few weeks! 

Unfortunately my NyQuil pills have kicked in and my pillow is loudly calling my name. Can't wait to see all of you people back home sooooo soon! I love getting messages from you all and your prayers have meant more to me than words can explain!

- Rachel xoxo

Today's lesson is...TRUST

Hello again everyone! 

We had a group from The Cross, here last week and it was almost impossible to find time to sleep, much less write a blog post haha! It was so awesome to have some familiar faces here though and I'm so thankful for the week that we were able to have.  Cathy Scott and Lisa Slade, y'all were a HUGE blessing to me and I thank God sooo much, for both of you! 

Anyway, I can't believe that I only have three weeks left here. I must admit I have become seriously attached to the people here and if you see me the week after I get home I might be a slight wreck ;) 

Never in a million years did I think that I could fall in love with somewhere other than home as much as I have with this country and it's beautiful people. I have seen things that will forever change my life and my perspective and I can't thank God enough for that. I can only hope that I never forget the things I'm learning and that I will hold on to them for the rest of my life. 

For those of you who are wondering, Orlin is fine and I am pretty sure he knows I'm very partial to him and he totally takes advantage of it! La Yaguita has officially taken over a very special place in my heart and I dread the day that I have to say goodbye to my sweet friend, Karina and all of those awesome children. But for now I will enjoy every moment that I have with them! 

I was listening to Hillsong United's song "Oceans," this morning and thought back to a moment that occurred this summer. I had gone to visit a friend at Liberty University and there was one morning where I was really struggling through some stuff, so I stuck in my headphones and ran to the baseball field, so I could sit and pray. If any of you know me very well, you know that the baseball field was obviously the only logical place that I could go to clear my head..lol

Anyway, I was sitting in the empty stands looking out at the mountains when "Oceans," came across on my playlist. There is a line in the song that says, "take me deeper than my feet could ever wander..where my trust is without borders, in the presence of my Savior." I caught myself singing along, just out of habit and I stopped myself.... We often sing songs like this just out of habit, because they are catchy and have a good tune, but do we REALLY pay attention to what the lyrics are saying? I called my mom and asked her "do I really mean that? Do I really want God to take me where my trust is without borders?!" If you think about it, it's a pretty heavy thing to be singing. I decided in that moment that I really did want to go far beyond what was normal and comfortable for me and that I was tired of living complacent and stale, in certain areas of my life. I had just decided the week before that I would be coming here to the DR, but I had no idea what things would impact my life once I got here. I think God knew he had to get me to that point of wanting to trust beyond my borders before I ever got here and hearing that song again this morning totally floored me, because God has seriously pushed me soooo far beyond my borders! I never could have imagined what that moment was preparing me for, but God has everything so perfectly orchestrated and it seriously blows my mind. 

So many things have happened in the last year to six months and although it doesn't always make sense at the time, I can now see things that God was preparing me for things that were going to happen later on and I can't help but be in awe of Him. If you had told me two years ago that I would be spending seven weeks in a different country, doing missions...I probably would've laughed at you. I can't even lie.. To see where I am now and everything that God is doing is so amazing and I can't wait to see what happens even after I go back to the US. 

I also have a newfound appreciation for both of my parents. This may sound ridiculous, but to a certain extent I don't think I ever realized how truly blessed I have always been to have two parents that have always pointed me towards God and no matter how difficult I may have been at times they NEVER loved me any less and a big part of who I am and why I am where I am is because of them. 

Well, that's all for now! I hope you all have a blessed day! 

- Rachel xoxo

It's already been two weeks?..

Note to self...blog more often. Things pile up soooo quickly here and if I don't write them down fast enough I forget! 

Anyway, the last week has been a slight whirlwind and I can't believe that I've already been here for 2 weeks...like what?!

I'll pick up at last Wednesday.. On Wednesdays I head over about 25 minutes from where I am staying, to a small town called, La Yaguita. Within the city you will find a small school and church. Both are run by Pastor Ramon and his wife. Our family has been supporting Ramon and his family for many years and to be able to come here weekly for 7 weeks is pretty awesome. 

I am the "PE teacher," for the short time that I'm here. Obviously this is just too perfect for me and running around with children playing kickball and other games is pretty exciting! I have three classes in the morning and three classes in the afternoon of 15 kids per each class. Seriously, some of the most adorable children I have ever seen in my life and it has quickly become my favorite day of the week! 

I have also seen a few heartbreaking things, in my time at La Yaguita and about cried my little eyes out last week. My favorite little kid in La Yaguita, is a little boy named Orlin (pronounced OrlinG). He is 9 years old and quite a handful. Pastor Ramon and his niece told me that Orlin is one of the main reasons that he started the school, in the first place. He comes from a very twisted family and his home life sucks, to say the very least. Well, come lunch time last week Orlin was nowhere to be found. So, Karina (Ramon's niece) and I decided to go find him. He arrived at his house to find his mother in a foul mood and she shouted something towards the back of the house, until Orlin appeared. He had his head down and came shuffling out of the house, towards Karina and I. His mother told him to put his shoes on and kinda shoved his back out of the door. He started to walk faster ahead of Karina and I and wouldn't tell her what was wrong. He turned his head to look at us and in the process revealed a very large red mark, stretching from the back of his ear to his neck. It was in the shape of a horseshoe and was bright red. He said that his mother had hit him very hard with a thick type of wire and he showed us where he had marks all over his back as well. I couldn't handle it. It took everything in me to hold back tears. I grabbed his hand and wouldn't let him let go until we got back to the school. When asked why he hadn't been at school in a few days he said that it was because his mother wanted his younger brother whom she favored to go to school, but that she had told Orlin he wasn't allowed to and had proceeded to hit him several times, for sitting out in front of the house, earlier that morning. He sat in my lap and winced several times, as Karina put ointment on his spots. I couldn't comprehend something like this and it absolutely broke my heart. Safe to say, I didn't let Orlin out of my sight for the rest of the day. 

I will admit that once I got back to the house, told my mom what I had seen and experienced that day.... Then I cried. I was thanking God for blessing me with two Godly parents. I would never know what it was like to be in Orlin's shoes, but I can at least show him Christ and Christ's love, while I'm here. 

Friday, was my 21st birthday and I had the privilege of visiting one of the beautiful Dominican beaches, in Sosua. I couldn't have asked for a better off day, to relax and enjoy myself. I must admit that I'm not sure I will ever be able to enjoy American beaches as much as I did the beach in Sosua. There is absolutely NO COMPARISON. Sorry, US. 

After missing youth group the first week, due to being a complete lightweight when it comes to Dominican caffeine...and yes I almost passed out because I was shaking so hard. Try to refrain from laughing... Anyway, I was finally able to enjoy a night at the church, with all of the youth. Although the language barrier is a slight issue, I have greatly enjoyed getting to know so many of these young people that make up the youth group and am so thankful for the opportunity to spend time with all of them. There are so many people in there that really do love God so much and it makes me so happy knowing that they are there every week to chase after Him more! 

On Sundays I help out in the 1-5 year old Sunday school class. It is called "Ovejitos," which means "Little sheep." How absolutely adorable is that?! It's almost as a adorable as the kids. Sunday afternoons consist of lunch with the 3 girls who teach at Kasandras school and Angel ( my Dominican brother).  Followed by nap time and some sort of sports activity. Let's just say that this week, I figured out why I never played soccer competitively. It was a disaster, but totally fun and I would absolutely do it all over again. 

The last two days have been stuffed with cleaning out the office, to get ready for the group coming, visiting people in the church, taking stuff to different people and piano lessons at Roximis's. I'm super pumped to be heading to La Yaguita, in the morning and am sure I'll come back with many more stories. I had promised Orlin I would bring him candy tomorrow and Karina and I agreed that I would help her learn more English and that she will teach me more Spanish. 

Thanks to all of you who are praying....I appreciate it more than you'll ever know! Well, goodbye now, until next time 

-Rachel xoxo

Southern slang is easier....

Hey y'all! 

My Spanish is taking a long time to catch on, so I thought I would stick to the southern slang. 

I have had some funny conversations with people, trying to use body language and motions. Thank God, Holly or someone is usually close by to help me out and translate! LOL. 

First off, I would like to bring most of the children that I have met, home with me to the US. Sorry, mom and dad haha. They are seriously the most adorable kids I have ever seen in my entire life and I can't even handle it! It has been a pleasure to meet the people that I have so far and I'm so excited for the next six and a half weeks that are ahead of me. 

I was laughing to Richie this morning, that it's by the grace of God that you survive each car ride down here. Joking, but not. At least they all know what they are doing. 

I have learned that air conditioning is a privilege! For those of us in the states who have air conditioning and complain when it's 85 degrees out, we need to hush and be thankful. We are a truly blessed country, even more than we could ever possibly comprehend!

Holly joked that every traffic light is a chance to Christmas shop, because of all of the people that try to sell you stuff, every time you stop...or if you are me, you may even get proposed to, while stopped at a light. No, I am not kidding. Although they have to translate, the things that some of the men have said literally kills me with laughter. 

I almost half expected myself to immediately miss everything at home, but surprisingly enough I haven't felt it yet. Perhaps it is because I know I am exactly where God wants me, for this short period of time. 

I am so thankful that I even have the opportunity to be here and I pray that somehow God can use me for good! 

Talk to y'all soon! 

- Rachel xoxo

Round 2

Welcome to my blog...again. Okay, I've said it before and failed majorly...but this time I will try to hold true to my word and blog as much as possible. Although y'all only get the condensed version of what is actually going on in my head, at least while I'm gone it will give you a tiny glimpse of what I'm doing...hopefully. Without the prompting from my mother and Mandy Richards I can't say that I would probably actually care, but just because I love you both, I will give it my best shot. 

For those of you who don't know, I am currently in the Dominican Republic, for a 7 week missions trip. I realize this is out of the ordinary for most almost 20 year old girls, because according to popular belief, I should be in college, right now. However, I felt like I would be ignoring a calling that God has on my life if I went on and did my own thing in college and totally blew off what I know God told me so many months ago. 

I am insanely excited to see what God has in store for the next several weeks and I hope that I can share it with you all! Matthew 28:19 says that we are to go in to ALL NATIONS to proclaim Christ and I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to live part of this out, in the days to come! Your prayers and support mean more than you know, so thank you! 

See y'all in 7 weeks! 

Much love, 

Rachel xoxo