Hey everyone!! I am currently with F Squad in Guatemala, but before I start posting F Squad content I wanted to share with you an overview of my experience in the Dominican Republic.
I spent two months in the Dominican Republic leading V Squad for their semesters trip and it was so sweet! V Squad was marked by the tenderness of our heavenly father. The picture at the top of this blog shows the members of V Squad. (Top: L-R; Douglas, Grace, Me, Juliana, Maura. Bottom: L-R; Avrie, Kirsten (SQL), Raquel (Mentor), Emily, Kaitlyn, Jocelyn)
During our time in the Dominican Republic we spent the time serving with Mission of Hope. Mission of Hope exists to bring life transformation to every man, woman, and child. They do this through four different ways; church advancement, nutrition, education, and medical care. We got to partner with many local pastors to bring the gospel to their communities- a true gospel that brings hope and shows that the love that God has for us is not something that we can earn. He just simply loves us. We got to put on kids clubs, and we also got to help assist medical teams that came in to put on medical clinics. We would help take care of the kids while their parents were receiving free medical attention. Some of the squad also got to put their medical knowledge to use and help with triage.
We also got to help out some other ministries in the area working to care for those caught in sex trafficking. Most of our work with these ministries was manual labor projects. It is always a blessing to get to help people in practical ways like painting, sanding, yard work, etc. It also opened the eyes of the people on my squad to the sad reality of sex trafficking.
Out of all the different kinds of ministry we did in the DR, my favorite ministry was house visits. Simply sitting with people and hearing their stories and encouraging them in their faith. We got to sit and be attentive to what the Holy Spirit wanted to say to them and also build relationships with some of the coolest people. Dominican culture is very warm and hospitable. It was truly an honor to be trusted by these people and welcomed into their homes.
One of the biggest impacts that Squad Leading had for me on this trip was a growing passion for discipleship. I definitely felt led by the Lord to step into this squad leading role but what I didn’t expect was how big of a blessing it is to get to pour into the lives of people who are hungry for more of Jesus. I have become so passionate about seeing people walk in the freedom that is available to us because of Jesus. This part of my experience is one of the reasons that I am leading once again! It is such a joy and a privilege to fill this role. The Lord has truly walked with me every step of the way. Even when I feel inadequate, the Lord reminds me that He has called me here for a reason.
One of the biggest impacts that the Dominican Republic had on me was seeing the way that these people do community. People that live in your neighborhood in the DR are not just your neighbors, they are your family. People really know each other and care for each other. It was so sweet to be welcomed into each community that we went to. It made me think about how we as believers should carry a spirit of hospitality, ready and willing to welcome people in with all that we have.
With that I just wanted to close by saying you always have a seat at the table in my life and in the kingdom. If you would like to chat or catch up please email me and we can set up a call! (email: [email protected])
