boys

A little over a week ago I find myself in a little church on the property of the Jaibón orphanage, worshipping and praying with all the boys. We listen to the animated Pastor give his message and everyone is given the opportunity to lead a song. A lot of the boys get up and sing, I go up with Imanol and we sing a song he taught me over a year ago, and José leads two songs on his very own guitar, one of the songs the same one I played for the boys last summer…what seems like an eternity ago, what seems like yesterday. I’m singing along with tears in my eyes looking up at this special boy that is becoming a man who I know God has set apart for great things.

At one point we are all in a circle holding hands, singing and praying, and I have never felt the Spirit move like I feel it wash over me in this moment. In this moment I know that God’s hand is on that place, on each of those boys, and that He is raising up a generation of men who seek His face; who are Kingdom-minded spiritual leaders; who bring change and carry the name of Jesus; who bring Light to dark places.

As I’m praying for each of them I look around the room and see them talking to the Lord…I squeeze Imanol’s hand and I see Chispa’s smile and I know that there are big plans being orchestrated by God and that His love is taking root in this soil of their adolescence. These are the same kids who stole my heart and made coming back to the DR not an option but an obligation. I would be here even if it were only for them.

One of my main goals in coming to the Dominican was to invest in and disciple women. While my heart still beats to see women here empowered and shown their worth, I can’t help but see the Lord beginning a movement here with men who will change this country. Once again He does “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”.

I truly believe that the Lord is about pulling people out of the dust and into His glory and I have complete confidence that He is moving in so many lives here. Poco a poco His glory is revealed. Amen to that.

got your update right here

hey world...

Needless to say, it's been a while. It has now been over a month since I got here, and already I see the movement of the Lord in so many parts of life here. Even just in myself. God is renewing me and causing so much of my brokenness to surface so that He can change me. Living in community with these two girls is the biggest blessing and it's causing all of us to grow in ways that are hard but good for us. I can tell that God is drawing us into glory and closer to His heart. He is shaping our vision for this place. It makes me so excited to think and dream about what this year could hold, and to know that the Lord has so much to reveal to us if we commit our plans to Him. Knowing, of course, that it won't be easy... but worth it.

I've been able to visit both orphanages multiple times and my heart has been reminded of one of the biggest reasons I came back here: those kids. They have so much of my heart, whether they know it or not, and I can't wait to see how God shapes their lives. This is Heather and I with our two little hijos in Jaibon, Luis Alberto & Jonel.


My students at school also just make my whole life. They are hilarious, sincere, and forgiving when my Spanish isn't great or my classes don't run as smoothly as I would like them to. They are excited about learning English and every day I teach them I'm blown away by how smart they are. Here are some of my second graders...


I'm excited to be able to share more now that we have internet at the house. It is good to know that so many people are praying for hope to spread its way into hearts here. I can't thank people enough for that.

hasta pronto...

tanto tiempo

Hey everyone, just now getting online after almost 5 days here in Monte Cristi... the past 5 days have seemed like a month's worth, we're not even close to getting settled in, but what is settled in is my heart. After about a day and a half of, "crap this is real life", I remembered why I came: I love these people and this place. Everything else... my Spanish, teaching, living out of a suitcase for a week or so before we move, and just getting used to daily life here... is slowly coming, but definitely not there yet. I'm learning to be okay looking like an idiot sometimes, and I'm learning how to give things over to the Lord, mainly because I have to!

I'm reading The furious longing of God by Brennan Manning, and in it I read an anonymous quote that said, 'He that would learn to pray, let him go to sea.' In my situation of vulnerability, I'm finding how real the power of God is.

I'm also just incredibly thankful for my two sisters here, Heather and Christine. God is already forming beautiful community in our home here and through our friendships and I am so blessed to have that kind of support in my life here. The little apartment we live in for the moment is already filled with so much joy and laughter and prayers. The Lord provides :)

Be in prayer for my first week teaching which starts tomorrow... God is so faithful, and He's already working out his perfect plan here. Things feel right.

More illustrated and well-thought-out updates to come!

Dios les bendiga