You’ve been praying. He has answered. I’m pleased to say I have a target date for returning to the DR! It may surprise you that…
The date I’m aiming to be in the DR by is May 2014! With the Shauls departing soon for their U.S. return and my support budget not at the goal I need it at to return with, this new date allows me to continue to support raise while joining the Shauls upon their return next May.
My extended time in the States will allow me to accomplish one thing in particular; pay off debt. By acquiring local tutoring jobs and selling my car, my goal is to pay down student loans and other such expenses that are taking up a chunk of my support account. By doing this, my support budget will go down making my goal much more attainable.
There were several concerns with my last goal of leaving as soon as possible for the DR. The first was the likelihood that the Shauls would not be there upon my arrival to help me with housing set up and continued cultural training. We were in agreement that this would not have been good for my overall health. The second was that if I left without proper funding, I might have to return home prematurely. My time in the DR would not have been used wisely nor as effectively.
The opportunities to serve the DR are still available here in the U.S.! I have been, and will continue to offer logistic and communication support between the DR and their U.S. partners. I will continue to receive a small stipend from my support account for these services. If you would like to support me in this ongoing ministry please visit my blog at shannonbrown.myadventures.org and click the Support Me! button under my picture.
Now that I am arriving as of May 2014, the goal is to stay through August of 2015. It is no surprise to me that this was the original end date when I initially made a two year commitment to go to the DR. The Lord simply provided some detours along the way! I am looking forward to mentoring a new generation of Dominican Rising students upon my arrival in May as well as continuing to expand our church planting efforts!
Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions, comments or concerns! I am continually blessed by your interest in the DR! I look forward to updating you as my ministry progresses!
