Up until now we have loved our experience here serving where the need is great. You see Jehovah's hand work for you every single day. If you didn't learn to trust in him before, this experience will surely teach you how! The reality is you will have your challenges and 'bad days', but that's anywhere you go and anything you do. Our biggest has been just making sure we're ok financially to have what we need. That's ALWAYS a big concern when you do something like this. Obviously we're not rich by any means but we have seen the fulfillment of Luke 12:29-31 where it says: "So stop seeking what you will eat and what you will drink, and stop being in anxious suspense; for all these things the nations of the world are eagerly pursuing, but your Father knows you need these things. Instead, keep seeking his Kingdom, and these things will be added to you."
Satan also knows all our worries and he "picks on them" as well. For instance, things that have never occurred in my wife's five years of working as a travel agent just happened to happen while we were here. But, we always have everything that we need; and we know it'll continue until we leave. Help from family and friends is a big part of how Jehovah helps with necessities. Whether it's a new bed sheet or an extra pair of flip flops, money (which definitely helps!), or even greetings of encouragement and support. All of these things have helped us be able to be positive and enjoy our time here. We sincerely thank everyone whose had a part in that and who will in the future!
After everything we've experienced so far, weighing the good and the bad, taking everything into consideration, and most importantly praying about it...we've decided that, Jehovah willing, this is the life we want to stay in. Jehovah willing, we will go back home and get our affairs in order so we can come back in the spring and stay for as long as Jehovah will let us. That's the goal anyhow, to ultimately serve as need greaters for as long as possible. Here in the DR or wherever we can go.
If you have the desire to serve in a foreign land but think that you'll never be able to live this type of life; single, as a married couple, or as a family - STOP! You can! Just try it out, you won't know until you do it. Even for a month, just go somewhere where the need is great and see. You may find out that you're more adventurous and adaptable than you think!
We have a lot of preparations and things to do in the next 6-8 months. We are excited to see what Jehovah has in store for us! In the meantime, we are going to enjoy the remaining time we have left here and start making our plans for the near future.
If you have any questions about serving here in the Dominican Republic, want to send something to help, inquire about the need greater life in general, or anything at all...just send us an email at [email protected] and we can give you any info you need. =)