The Work Cut Out for Me

One month ago I was landing in Santo Domingo for my Vision Trip. Landing seemed progress enough. I was not initially excited to go as I wasn't sure what to expect of the trip and had been given a guide on how to navigate public transportation which almost promised I would be robbed. Not exactly a warm welcome. I played out scenarios in my head if I were to see my luggage ripped from the mini-bus I thought I would be traveling in. Sit by the door, right side. Jump over my seat mate to get out the door. Yell at the thief. (in English or Spanish?) Then what? Physically attack? Throw rocks? Give in? I have more clothes. The scenarios kind of faded at that point as I hoped I wouldn't have to go further.

Fortunately, my scenarios couldn't have been further from reality because my Father had already prepared the way for me! My first taxi driver was Manuel, and he has a son in Rhode Island. I had just visited that state a day before. Only my Father could have orchestrated that. Manuel is also a Christian who asked me to pray for marriages in the Dominican because not a lot of value is put on the relationship, yet Manuel is one who is committed to his.

The mini-bus I had envisioned taking me on the 2+ hour trip to San Juan was actually a charter bus. Comfortable. Spacious. Air-conditioned. Of the 15 people actually on the bus, most slept, including me, and no one even tried to take my bag. 

The next day I spent the day with Pastor Rigoberto, a man I met two years ago and have come to admire. In the morning, he works as principal of a church-run school. He gave me a tour, and I spent the rest of the morning helping and observing in a classroom. Now I can check that off my bucket: Observe in a school in a foreign country.

Rigo soon took me out to lunch, one of my many meals that day, and we discussed what he would like me to do this summer. He spoke in English, I responded in Spanish. As he spoke of his goals this summer, my heart warmed, this work had been cut out for me. Rigo would like me to teach English and Bible classes to both the children and adults in the village of Mogollon. I am extremely excited as this will alllow me to continue the work started in Vacation Bible School two years ago by my church teams, and start something so near and dear to my heart!

The rest of my time in the Dominican was spent being reunited with villagers I have come to know, getting to know the Shauls better, and having great conversations along the way. I left the Dominican Republic excited for this summer and knowing that the Lord has cut out His work just for me!