A Heartfelt Change

Last week marked a year that I have been here in the Dominican Republic. Call me crazy, but I feel like I have been here for at least 18 months, if not more. So many things have taken place this past year with building up a Learning Center program, welcoming girls, and helping them adjust to life in the Home, among many other things. Some of these other things have brought about changes that I did not foresee coming, but I am glad that I serve a God who is in all things and goes before us.

In December, three weeks after returning from my vacation in Costa Rica, I felt a change in my heart. I immediately recognized the feeling because it was something that I had felt my last year teaching when God started preparing my heart to leave my job. I spent the next several weeks praying, asking God what He was showing me and what this change in my heart meant for my position/time here in the DR. I soon realized that God was showing me that my timeframe, in which I thought I would be here, would be changing. I also felt in my heart that instead of moving to another country right away, I would be going back to California to prepare for yet another season that I will be walking into.

I have an immense peace about returning to California and received this confirmation one day as I found myself down at the beach, listening to worship music, talking to God, and asking Him," what do I do?" As I sat there taking in the view, I quietly heard the words: "just go back." I felt a sense of peace rush over me and knew that this was it. My "go back" date is set for the 7th of June. (I was originally planning to go back to California for a 6-week leave during this time.) My remaining time here will be spent running classes like I always do and helping the girls transition into the next best thing for them, whatever that may be.

During my time here, God has put many things on my heart. I now realize it is connected with the next season that I am walking into. I am sure many of you are also asking the question, "What are your plans? Or what will you be doing next?" Well, here are the things that the Father has put on my heart:

• I have known for some time that I am called to do ministry in multiple countries--Africa, India, and China are to name a few. I believe this involves setting up a "home base" (hence returning to California, but I do not know all that this entails or what it will look like.)

• My heart is in two places: working with street kids and girls who have been exploited/trafficked.

• My desire and vision are to: GO, reach out to the brokenhearted, comfort those filled with sorrow, and give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. (Isaiah 61: 1-3) GO and empower those already in ministry. Helping equip them with the necessary tools to accomplish the work they have been called to do, specifically those who work with street kids and girls who have been exploited and trafficked. GO and be a voice for the voiceless, to see "justice roll down like waters." (Amos 5:24)

• I also have a huge desire to help empower missionaries/ministries already in the mission field from particular incidents that I have experienced here. My main focus would be to partner with ministries that work with street kids and girls who have been exploited/trafficked.

To y’all, that probably sounds like many things taking place, and yes, you are correct. But, I am genuinely excited about all of it! Everything has been a stepping stone to this point--leaving my teaching job, my time in the Philippines, and this past year here in the DR…it all adds up to this because “from small beginnings come great things.” With all of that, you may now find yourself asking, “what can I do?”

PRAY:

• Pray for me as I wrap up my time here and adjust to returning to California. I know from experience it will not be an easy adjustment and that I will also need time to rest and process particular events during my time here.

• Pray for the girls who are currently in our care. They are beautiful souls, and the Father is still chipping away at their hearts.

• More than likely, one of our girls will be transitioning out by the end of this month! Pray for her and a smooth transition as she transfers to a vocational training program. It is a fantastic opportunity for her to be excited about, and I know it is also a place where she will thrive.