Each month, I have the hardest time trying to write my blogs. I want each month to be a new lesson that the Lord has taught me (and a test I’ve passed) tied up in a pretty bow, beautifully written, so I can move on to the next lesson. We all know it isn’t that black and white, although I’d really like it to be. I went back to previous blogs to see what lessons the Lord had taught me over the past year only to realize that I’m nowhere near close to mastering a single one. The Lord has been teaching me so many things simultaneously during my time here and I’m thankful for His grace in not giving up on me no matter how long it takes for me to get the hang of it. 

I am a dreamer and have been for as long as I can remember. I have big ideas and visions for my personal life and for ministry. There are so many things I want to do and various ways I would love to see our ministry grow. I often get ahead of myself in pursuing these visions and dreams (which have the potential to be so good and God-honoring) by pulling up my own boot straps and getting to work without first going to the Lord to see if these things are actually what He’s calling me to do. 

My bible study group is doing a study on 1 Peter by Kyle Idleman. Last week we were in chapter 2 and talked about submission. This particular portion was about submitting to earthly authorities such as government officials and employers to bring glory to God. However, a question that has been tugging on my heart since is: “What does it look like to submit to the Lord in this situation?” – whatever the situation may be. 

I’ve been asking the Lord this question in various areas of my life. “God, how do I lay ____ at your feet? How do I truly release control of it? What does it mean to submit to You in this?” 

“Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” Psalm 86:11 

This has been my prayer. 

I’m not very good at being patient with God or submitting my heart to His timing – especially not with my hopes and dreams. If there’s something I want to do or accomplish, I want God to help me get it done right then and there whether it’s something that He’s calling me to do or not. I don’t want to wait. I want to see my “great ideas” come to fruition and I want the Lord to back them. But time and time again, I hear Him asking me to lay them at His feet, submit to His ways and His timing. 

So, here’s to another lesson not yet learned, but in slow and steady progress. Praise the Lord for being a patient and loving teacher. Please be praying for me as I learn what it means to submit all of my heart – the good, the bad, the ugly, the exciting, the hopes, the dreams, the work, the to-do lists, the obligations, everything – to the Lord.  

Prayer requests: 

• Peace – I’m really missing friends and family back home. There’s a lot of life happening (both good and not so good) and it’s really hard not to be able to be a part of it. 
• Submission – submitting my hopes and dreams, anxieties, and work to the Lord 
• SRI – healthy and fruitful ministry that exemplifies the body of Christ, that the Lord would guide us and give us wisdom
• For God to guard Kelsi, Hector, and I from burnout 
• The search for a new team member 

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS! 

This month started out going to see my friend, Esther, and her new little baby girl! Her name is Abigail! 🙂  

Kelsi and I spent a week at a resort in La Romana! It was GLORIOUS! We made lots of friends with some of the staff and with some really cool Canadians and I just loved spending time with them! We explored Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th century Mediterranean town, and the cave of wonders where I tested Kelsi’s patience in a labyrinth! Other than that, we spent a lot of time relaxing by the pool! 

We had a staff beach day to celebrate the hard work our staff does day in and day out! We are so blessed to have an incredible staff to do ministry with! 

I baked A LOT of dessert breads to freeze on our time off. I made carrot cake bread, banana brownie bread, and pumpkin bread! 

I met with my sweet Larys. She’s been such a blessing to me and I’m so thankful for her wisdom and patience with me! After we talked for a while to just process all the things I’m experiencing and feeling, we went to the orphanage that she and her husband direct to have habichuela con dulce (a typical Dominican Easter treat made from beans, milk, coconut milk, sweet potato, raisins, and spices topped with a vanilla wafer type cookie) with the kids. 

Kelsi and I hosted Easter dinner for Pastor Ronnie, his wife, Patria, his son, Abdiel, and Tony and Larys! We had ham from Christmas, green beans, mac & cheese, deviled eggs, and carrot cake! I love spending time with them! We had lots of laughs and really good conversations. 

Some of the Solid Rock ladies came to the  guest house for a mini virtual retreat hosted by Velvet Ashes, an online community for women in ministry across the world. The theme of this retreat was “Savor: Come Taste & See.” It was a wonderful time of reflecting, being in the Word together, and having fellowship with one another. This is something I hope that we can implement more regularly within our ministry for both the ladies and the guys! 

I went to my friend Liz’s dance recital and it was so cool! She is part of a Christian dance group, so the recital portrayed the entire story of the bible. It was beautiful! It made me really miss dancing. I would love to get involved in something like that someday!