*grrr... my last entry didn't get posted*
I have grown some much in just a week's time. Here I have felt so much love. The little boys have given me more than they know and I feel more than I give to them. I came to give and I now have received. Life is a paradox it seems. I have learned so much about joy. Joy not happiness. Joy is a feeling from God, to have joy in the Lord can be constant. These little boys have that joy, and they have nothing. Louis has worn the same clothes every single day and he sleeps secretly on the porch of a Dominican house, yet he smiles and laughs and plays as soon as the opportunity arises. He is not bitter, he does not beg (to us)- he lives and is grateful. I cannot image I would be able to do that at the age of ten. I was probably crying to my parents begging them for some toy. I know I will struggle to accurately portray these boys, these little men. I knew their situation before I came, in fact I heard about it for a semester. I still did not understand and feel it in my heart until I saw it. No picture can capture this trip, no words can describe these feelings. I have cried out of joy, out of overwhelming feelings several times on this trip. Phillip, who is 6 and working, has given me gum and candy several times. Other boys do the same. I have been drawing with them and then they will later surprise me with a drawing they did on their own. I love to learn from them their card games, so different rules of soccer, but more than anything I want to learn to immitate their constant joy and giving spirit.
I have so much I want to do for this summer, for this life. I cannot give enough of myself to these boys. I will need to reflect on what I most want to accomplish for this summer. I cannot wait to do more. I have never been so sure of something, my purpose is to serve and love. Right now I feel I can best be used here. Caitlin is so supportive and just all around wonderful. I want to express all my ideas now, but I think I should first process and reflect. I do know that God has planned for me an epic and wonderful life. Trials here are constant, but with each new victory I feel like I am closer to the Lord and receive blessing. From those blessing come responsiblities and more trials, but I can do it- I know I can. I was created for this life.
Church today was amazing. It was 3 hours long, Spencer would joke on me for enjoying 3 hours of church, but it was so empowering. The church was in a tiny little building. I felt like it was a fort I would have created when I was in elementary school, the difference was the honor of the people. They were their for one purpose. It was very open and everyone did their personal prayers aloud. The sermon was in Spanish, but with some help I understood it. The message was patience. How we must be patient, God is not on our time. I teared up several times, I needed to hear it. Everyone was loving and kind and focused on God. I feel right now as if God has given me golden wings to fly with. I pray for the feeling this love to be reflected off of me and to everyone here and at home.
Grrr... time is almost out again and I dont want to loose another entry. Peace and joy from the DR.
I have grown some much in just a week's time. Here I have felt so much love. The little boys have given me more than they know and I feel more than I give to them. I came to give and I now have received. Life is a paradox it seems. I have learned so much about joy. Joy not happiness. Joy is a feeling from God, to have joy in the Lord can be constant. These little boys have that joy, and they have nothing. Louis has worn the same clothes every single day and he sleeps secretly on the porch of a Dominican house, yet he smiles and laughs and plays as soon as the opportunity arises. He is not bitter, he does not beg (to us)- he lives and is grateful. I cannot image I would be able to do that at the age of ten. I was probably crying to my parents begging them for some toy. I know I will struggle to accurately portray these boys, these little men. I knew their situation before I came, in fact I heard about it for a semester. I still did not understand and feel it in my heart until I saw it. No picture can capture this trip, no words can describe these feelings. I have cried out of joy, out of overwhelming feelings several times on this trip. Phillip, who is 6 and working, has given me gum and candy several times. Other boys do the same. I have been drawing with them and then they will later surprise me with a drawing they did on their own. I love to learn from them their card games, so different rules of soccer, but more than anything I want to learn to immitate their constant joy and giving spirit.
I have so much I want to do for this summer, for this life. I cannot give enough of myself to these boys. I will need to reflect on what I most want to accomplish for this summer. I cannot wait to do more. I have never been so sure of something, my purpose is to serve and love. Right now I feel I can best be used here. Caitlin is so supportive and just all around wonderful. I want to express all my ideas now, but I think I should first process and reflect. I do know that God has planned for me an epic and wonderful life. Trials here are constant, but with each new victory I feel like I am closer to the Lord and receive blessing. From those blessing come responsiblities and more trials, but I can do it- I know I can. I was created for this life.
Church today was amazing. It was 3 hours long, Spencer would joke on me for enjoying 3 hours of church, but it was so empowering. The church was in a tiny little building. I felt like it was a fort I would have created when I was in elementary school, the difference was the honor of the people. They were their for one purpose. It was very open and everyone did their personal prayers aloud. The sermon was in Spanish, but with some help I understood it. The message was patience. How we must be patient, God is not on our time. I teared up several times, I needed to hear it. Everyone was loving and kind and focused on God. I feel right now as if God has given me golden wings to fly with. I pray for the feeling this love to be reflected off of me and to everyone here and at home.
Grrr... time is almost out again and I dont want to loose another entry. Peace and joy from the DR.
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