Whether you believe in God or not, I think that we all recognize those times, those moments that feel extra full and rich. To me they feel sacred. There is something of that in each moment if we are open to recognizing it.
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| Showing off their Assembly Line Bricks |
We had a great time with the crew from Ohio Northern University the end of May. The teacher workshops blew everyone's expectations out of the water. I have so enjoyed working with the schools within the student sponsorship program during my 7 months here. Getting to know the directors and the teachers who are sacrificing by working outside of the public sector, because they truly believe in the ministry of providing quality education to children within a Christian perspective. Desiring to find new ways to pour into them, and then to be able to see them encouraged, and extra excited about teaching through these workshops was a gift. To have numerous participants come up to me later to express their thanks, their true gratitude for the reminders of the importance of working together and making education fun... now that was more than I ever could have asked for as someone who has a passion for education and supporting educators. Thank you ONU.
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| Trying out their Robot Arms |
(and thank you for the opportunity of moving out of my comfort zone to speak Spanish into a microphone in front of some 90 people. even if it was just a few sentences. haha)
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| Let's all believe that the smiles in this pic are because I'm extra charming, and NOT because I'm butchering Spanish :) |
While ONU was here, I also got to spend a day educating about and promoting the work of the Child Nutrition Program to Jenny and Liz. Having had just returned from the states, it had been awhile since I had been out on home visits and I was thrilled to be back. I don't have the words to adequately explain how it was to sit with one mother as she talked about the losses in her life, how of she can only have a few of her children live with her due to economic reasons and how she is struggling, STRUGGLING to provide for them. About how all I can really offer is to show up and sit with her and together not understand why these things happen, to try to encourage her. I hope she knows the sincerity of my heart when I am with her. I hope her heart smiles when her children smile. To drive through the country side, hearing the oohs and aaahhs of my companions at the breathtaking views, and know that this is my home. To laugh and spend time with another young mother near and dear to my heart who has cognitive delays. I PRAY that her new partner is good to her. Good to her children. I have no choice but to graciously take the mangos and the yuca that she has saved for me, even though I know it is all they have. As we head to the truck, Jenny comments about not knowing how I can do this, and I look at her with tears streaming down my face and admit that I can't. and I know that this is God.
I've been really off my game these past couple weeks if I'm honest. I haven't been giving God the focus and thanks that He deserves. Some awesome worship at the concert on Friday night and in church this morning, heart to hearts with Kari, sharing stories with my host family, my new nephew being born (I'm an aunt!); those are holy moments too. and I'm remembering. My focus is shifting back...
These past couple weeks I've been living with more pain due to this neck issue and with a lack of sleep because of it too. This humbles me too. Because it's not openly seen, but it's very present. It kicks at my pride. So I pray for grace and for forgiveness, and I give thanks knowing how much worse it could be. I am ashamed at times because I know I have access and opportunities for healthcare and treatment that so many do not have. Many will live with pain worse than mine for the rest of their lives.-- Why am I complaining again?? Ashamed at times that I am exactly where I want to be here in the Dominican Republic and working within programs through Solid Rock that I believe in and am passionate about, and STILL can't get my act together sometimes. And so I am challenged to really connect with God here in these moments too. Because He IS here.
He is here waiting for me. Reminding me that when my focus is on HIM, everything else will fall in its place. Not that the issues and problems will magically Poof away, but that in Him my strength is found, I can rest in Him. He is using me despite myself.
HOLY MOMENTS. May I never lose sight of the Holy in Each Moment.
