So, it's been exactly a week since I've written last. I started out so strong with this little blog, writing as often as I could, but lately, life has been, well for lack of better words, quite the whirlwind.
I can officially say that I've been to two opposite sides of the island. This past week we went to Cabarete, which is just a little bit away from the ever so popular Puerto Plata. But more about that later... for now, I need to tell you about CAMPAMENTE!
Campamente was the best experience ever. God totally blew my mind! I went into it expecting to learn little, and to be miserable in all honesty. But, I was far from miserable and learned so much! The "camp" was more like a mansion in the amazing Dominican Rainforest. It was BEAUTIFUL! I had quiet time in a HAMMOCK, daily! I got to fully experience God, and listen to Him too, which is incomparable to any other experience. Me thinking He wasn't going to teach me anything, HAH, ya right. One main thing He taught me how to wait on His timing. I feel like His timing has been the theme of this summer. It started with support raising, and is coming up everywhere. I think sometimes I fear that I have all these dreams and goals, and that God doesn't want that for me. But, that is for sure false. He wants everything to do with them, He wants to be apart of them, holding my hand; He wants to be in control of them. And that's what I did this past week, I gave it up. It was amazing. I surely had no idea that Campamente would have such an impact on me, but I am thankful that it did!
The key verse that stuck with me from this past week is Psalm 16:11
"You make known to me the path of life;
You will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
He knows the path of my life, and He has known it for sometime. What an awesome reality!!
This past week we have spent in Cabarete. Cabarete is a small little beach town on the North side of the island. Mainly, touristville. We had our mid-project retreat at a lovely little resort. Mid-project retreats are a time for relaxation. We spend every week day on campus, so the retreat is our chance to relax, and focus on God. It was a bit of a culture shock... but as I am now back in Santo Domingo, I cant decide which is more shocking, being there or here. It was so "Western" there I didn't need to use my poquito knowledge of Spanish at all. Now that I'm back in Santo Domingo, it's weird to not understand people again. I'm sure I'll get back in the swing of things.
I can't believe I only have 9 days left!! 9! That seems like crazy talk to me! In these next 9 days I have much to do, and much to learn. 6 of these 9 days will be spent on campus sharing the gospel. Only 6 days on campus left?! Holy Moly!! I can't believe how fast it went. Everyone keeps saying YOLO (You Only Live Once), or on my team YOCDRO (You Only Come to the Dominican Republic Once), but I am going to have to say that that is false. Well not the first one, but the second one for sure is. This is definitely not my last time here. I love it here! So much!!
Who knows what's in store, I sure don't. And, I'm perfectly alright with that.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
This Past Week!
This past week has been a crazy ride!! Last Saturday we went to Tres Ojos which is this crazy beautiful cave hike!! Then we went Zona Colonial which is beautiful as well!! Saturday was awesome, but its when the mid project blues set in. I didn't get super homesick, but I did start to get annoyed of the culture here. I was tired of being called "Americana," and tired of people pushing everything in my face. It felt like all they wanted was my money, which does not make me happy. Saturday was rough, but along came Sunday, and that's when my attitude started to change. We had church for three hours which was a perfect time to dive into the word, and I found a cappuccino machine which kicked my Starbucks craving! Sunday evening me and two other students got to cook family dinner for our team, and considering we were all craving mexican food, we made TACOS :) Totally was the highlight of my day!!
This week has been just as crazy as this past weekend. Monday I had a hard time on campus, I felt like I had hit a wall. No one was receptive to what I was saying, it was hot, actually ten times hotter because it rained that morning, and I felt useless. But God is faithful, and brought Tuesday along, which brought an atheist to me and two other girls. We got to talk to him about all of his questions, and got in a pretty heated discussion, which left me praying a majority of the time because I got so frustrated. Tuesday night though, it struck. And by it, I mean food poisoning... Dun dun dunnnn. I was the first to start it off, then four other girls followed shortly behind me. We've been in quarantine since Tuesday night, but thankfully today I am feeling much better. I actually ate something today too which is quite impressive!!
This weekend we will be camping with the Vida Estudantil students. I am so excited to see how God is going to move!! There are students going that haven't accepted Christ yet which will be an awesome experience for them! Please be praying for this camping retreat! Pray that God moves and lives are changed.
Mucho Amor,
Colbs
This week has been just as crazy as this past weekend. Monday I had a hard time on campus, I felt like I had hit a wall. No one was receptive to what I was saying, it was hot, actually ten times hotter because it rained that morning, and I felt useless. But God is faithful, and brought Tuesday along, which brought an atheist to me and two other girls. We got to talk to him about all of his questions, and got in a pretty heated discussion, which left me praying a majority of the time because I got so frustrated. Tuesday night though, it struck. And by it, I mean food poisoning... Dun dun dunnnn. I was the first to start it off, then four other girls followed shortly behind me. We've been in quarantine since Tuesday night, but thankfully today I am feeling much better. I actually ate something today too which is quite impressive!!
This weekend we will be camping with the Vida Estudantil students. I am so excited to see how God is going to move!! There are students going that haven't accepted Christ yet which will be an awesome experience for them! Please be praying for this camping retreat! Pray that God moves and lives are changed.
Mucho Amor,
Colbs
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Being a Morning Person Might Be For Me
God has been teaching me so much these past few days!! I've been faced with a lot of difficult conversations with people. Which shock me here, but they are normal in America!
My team is continuing to go hard! We have the day off today because it is Corpus Christy... so there is no school! We're going to some local volleyball courts to hang out with the vida students though :)
These past few days I've been exhausted and emotional, but today God totally blew me away. Last night I was a little bit introverted and just wanted to get away... living with 20 people in one house, and 11 girls in one room can be a bit exhausting and overwhelming at times. It's hard, and it feels a little cramped, but I love it :) Anyways, this morning I went to Zona Colonial... and that was totally God. Maybe being a morning person might be for me... Usually a 6:30 am wake up call is not my favorite thing, but I felt like I had to go. So I did. And it was AMAZING! God totally used the colonial district to revive me and reveal himself to me... It was like He was there whispering, "Colbie, this is why you're here, don't forget you love this country."
And do I ever. This country is a beautiful mess. But among this mess is the presence of God. Everywhere. I'm humbled in His presence and I'm holding fast to the hope and the strength that He provides me.
In Christ,
Colbie
My team is continuing to go hard! We have the day off today because it is Corpus Christy... so there is no school! We're going to some local volleyball courts to hang out with the vida students though :)
These past few days I've been exhausted and emotional, but today God totally blew me away. Last night I was a little bit introverted and just wanted to get away... living with 20 people in one house, and 11 girls in one room can be a bit exhausting and overwhelming at times. It's hard, and it feels a little cramped, but I love it :) Anyways, this morning I went to Zona Colonial... and that was totally God. Maybe being a morning person might be for me... Usually a 6:30 am wake up call is not my favorite thing, but I felt like I had to go. So I did. And it was AMAZING! God totally used the colonial district to revive me and reveal himself to me... It was like He was there whispering, "Colbie, this is why you're here, don't forget you love this country."
And do I ever. This country is a beautiful mess. But among this mess is the presence of God. Everywhere. I'm humbled in His presence and I'm holding fast to the hope and the strength that He provides me.
In Christ,
Colbie
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Weekend Fun!
Sooooo this weekend was awesome!! Besides waking up sick yesterday morning!
Yesterday we got to adventure about an hour away to a private beach just past Boca Chica! It was beautiful!!! Palm trees... teal water... sunshine. But the water had a lot of algae which was a bummer!! I went swimming anyways of course! Then we explored the rocks. Found some blowholes, and an abandoned resort and pool! It was beautiful!! I got a bit burnt though. And I had to wear a one piece... modest is hottest right? SO I have a super cute tan line going on...
Today we had church and free time after church. Today, I woke up sicker than yesterday so sitting through 3 hours of church in Spanish was difficult. But, I made it through... and not without a lesson from the big man of course. I was sooooo tired and exhausted, but talking to my parents via skype livened my day! I took a nap and woke up refreshed and reminded of my purpose.
Week one was a whirlwind. But, God didn't let the pace stop him from teaching me more! Last week we had 7 people commit their lives to Christ!! It was cool!! I even got to be used by God to lead someone... Glory to him of course. But that's what He taught me. I was kind of discouraged that the people I had been witnessing to weren't receptive of what I was saying. But, then I started reading in the bible about why missions even exsists... and that's to glorify Him. No other reason... so after a major heart change I can excitedly say that God totally used me this week to glorify Himself. It was an experience that left me beyond humbled.
Tomorrow begins week two of campus ministry. That means date night with Jesus, women's night, more lessons from God, more conversations, more friendships and more divine encounters. I can't wait to see what God has to teach me this week!
I feel as if I've refallen in love with the Lord. I can't wait for quiet time in the mornings to listen to Him and reflect... I can't wait to see what He teaches me... and let me tell you, He reveals Himself daily!! I am so refreshed and so changed already!
Dear week dos,
bring it on!
Sincerily,
Colbs
Yesterday we got to adventure about an hour away to a private beach just past Boca Chica! It was beautiful!!! Palm trees... teal water... sunshine. But the water had a lot of algae which was a bummer!! I went swimming anyways of course! Then we explored the rocks. Found some blowholes, and an abandoned resort and pool! It was beautiful!! I got a bit burnt though. And I had to wear a one piece... modest is hottest right? SO I have a super cute tan line going on...
Today we had church and free time after church. Today, I woke up sicker than yesterday so sitting through 3 hours of church in Spanish was difficult. But, I made it through... and not without a lesson from the big man of course. I was sooooo tired and exhausted, but talking to my parents via skype livened my day! I took a nap and woke up refreshed and reminded of my purpose.
Week one was a whirlwind. But, God didn't let the pace stop him from teaching me more! Last week we had 7 people commit their lives to Christ!! It was cool!! I even got to be used by God to lead someone... Glory to him of course. But that's what He taught me. I was kind of discouraged that the people I had been witnessing to weren't receptive of what I was saying. But, then I started reading in the bible about why missions even exsists... and that's to glorify Him. No other reason... so after a major heart change I can excitedly say that God totally used me this week to glorify Himself. It was an experience that left me beyond humbled.
Tomorrow begins week two of campus ministry. That means date night with Jesus, women's night, more lessons from God, more conversations, more friendships and more divine encounters. I can't wait to see what God has to teach me this week!
I feel as if I've refallen in love with the Lord. I can't wait for quiet time in the mornings to listen to Him and reflect... I can't wait to see what He teaches me... and let me tell you, He reveals Himself daily!! I am so refreshed and so changed already!
Dear week dos,
bring it on!
Sincerily,
Colbs
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Miércoles Feliz!
Happy Wednesday :)
Today was our third day on campus! And it has been SO amazing!! The Dominicans are so welcoming and always want to talk to you! I have not been denied a conversation, or a spiritual conversation for that matter, by any one. People love to talk about God and love to share their life with you! I guess you could say there's no such thing as strangers here!
Today though was a very cool day for me. All semester long I had been really struggling with perfection. I don't know why, but looking back I am so thankful that I did. One thing that God really taught me this past semester was the fact that I am not perfect, and He did not create me to be. He revealed that a lot to me over the past the semester and today, I found out why. I spoke to a boy who was very confused about sin and God's love. He didn't think that he deserved to go to heaven even though he believed in God... anyways long story short I got to share with him my struggle with perfection this semester and what God says about that. It was SOOOO cool! Kinda like I was paying it forward!
But honestly it's been cool to see how God is using me so far. I wasn't really sure why He brought me here because I don't know much Spanish... but He is using me despite that. And the cool thing is... it's only our first Wednesday!!
I'm loving this place!! The culture is so inviting and exciting. Oh and it's so hot and I walk and sweat so much I've decided I will be eating ice cream or frozen yogurt every night. Ya, so far, I've stuck to that decision. Not hard to do though :)
Oh my other favorite thing is the fruit and the coconut water!! Fresh off the street!!
I hope I make some baseball player friends so I can play... that would be legen...waitforit...dary!!!!!
Today was our third day on campus! And it has been SO amazing!! The Dominicans are so welcoming and always want to talk to you! I have not been denied a conversation, or a spiritual conversation for that matter, by any one. People love to talk about God and love to share their life with you! I guess you could say there's no such thing as strangers here!
Today though was a very cool day for me. All semester long I had been really struggling with perfection. I don't know why, but looking back I am so thankful that I did. One thing that God really taught me this past semester was the fact that I am not perfect, and He did not create me to be. He revealed that a lot to me over the past the semester and today, I found out why. I spoke to a boy who was very confused about sin and God's love. He didn't think that he deserved to go to heaven even though he believed in God... anyways long story short I got to share with him my struggle with perfection this semester and what God says about that. It was SOOOO cool! Kinda like I was paying it forward!
But honestly it's been cool to see how God is using me so far. I wasn't really sure why He brought me here because I don't know much Spanish... but He is using me despite that. And the cool thing is... it's only our first Wednesday!!
I'm loving this place!! The culture is so inviting and exciting. Oh and it's so hot and I walk and sweat so much I've decided I will be eating ice cream or frozen yogurt every night. Ya, so far, I've stuck to that decision. Not hard to do though :)
Oh my other favorite thing is the fruit and the coconut water!! Fresh off the street!!
I hope I make some baseball player friends so I can play... that would be legen...waitforit...dary!!!!!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Happy Mothers Day?
Well it's Mother's Day here in the DR. I guess that means my mom gets two cards? Just kidding... but I did wish her Happy Mothers Day again. Yes, I am a total suck up.
A lot has happened in our first few days. I'm not always going to be able to remember everything or even remember to write on this here blog, but I have some down time now. Therefore, it's time to take advantage of said down time.
Yesterday we had an amazing adventure. Saturday's are our free days so we all wanted to explore our new temporary home of course. We started with a trip to the grocery store. We got to take the subway there which was cool because I had no idea that even existed here. Oh, and the metro is SUPER clean. Quite the polar opposite of the city. The grocery store was difficult for me... everything is in pesos, obviously, so converting is confusing. Sidenote: Gas is around 230 Pesos. I freaked out when I saw the price of gas! I thought it was in U.S. dollars and was so confused... It was late when I saw the first gas station so I was a little delirious. Anyways, after the grocery store we adventured the city. The beach is too polluted to swim in which is a total bummer, but we walked to local beach park thingy and played spikeball. Yes spikeball has made it to the DR. We made some friends with an awesome parkour team and had a Dominican dinner at Adrian Tropical. I love the culture here! It's amazing!! But one thing that's sad is the pollution. It's not just downtown but everywhere. The beach is piled with trash which breaks my heart. Especially cause all I want to do right now is dive into the ocean... today is mui caliente.
So today was our first adventure to church. First of 5 adventures. This was a very long adventure. The church service lasted 3 hours! That is a long time sitting and listening to a language that you don't understand. I had no idea what was going on. But it was very interesting. They had dancers and a raffle for all of the wonderful mamas! Considering I couldn't really understand the message I decided to take the time to pray... I did have three hours. I prayed a lot for the country and the campus and one thing in particular... deciphering why God has brought me here. I have no idea yet... but I'm on track to understanding. I read through Romans 6 which talked a lot about being alive in Christ and being used by God. I don't know exactly why I'm here yet, and I may not even find out while I'm here, but this I do know: I am God's instrument. (Romans 6:13) and He has called me here to be used for His glory.
I am so excited for tomorrow, it's our first day of campus ministry!!
Wow I wrote a lot. Oh and one more thing. I have an obsession with Bon. It is a frozen yogurt place that takes fresh fruit and blends it all together with tart yogurt. Helllooo comfort food! SO GOOD!
Well, Happy Mother's Day I guess :)
Mucho Amor
A lot has happened in our first few days. I'm not always going to be able to remember everything or even remember to write on this here blog, but I have some down time now. Therefore, it's time to take advantage of said down time.
Yesterday we had an amazing adventure. Saturday's are our free days so we all wanted to explore our new temporary home of course. We started with a trip to the grocery store. We got to take the subway there which was cool because I had no idea that even existed here. Oh, and the metro is SUPER clean. Quite the polar opposite of the city. The grocery store was difficult for me... everything is in pesos, obviously, so converting is confusing. Sidenote: Gas is around 230 Pesos. I freaked out when I saw the price of gas! I thought it was in U.S. dollars and was so confused... It was late when I saw the first gas station so I was a little delirious. Anyways, after the grocery store we adventured the city. The beach is too polluted to swim in which is a total bummer, but we walked to local beach park thingy and played spikeball. Yes spikeball has made it to the DR. We made some friends with an awesome parkour team and had a Dominican dinner at Adrian Tropical. I love the culture here! It's amazing!! But one thing that's sad is the pollution. It's not just downtown but everywhere. The beach is piled with trash which breaks my heart. Especially cause all I want to do right now is dive into the ocean... today is mui caliente.
So today was our first adventure to church. First of 5 adventures. This was a very long adventure. The church service lasted 3 hours! That is a long time sitting and listening to a language that you don't understand. I had no idea what was going on. But it was very interesting. They had dancers and a raffle for all of the wonderful mamas! Considering I couldn't really understand the message I decided to take the time to pray... I did have three hours. I prayed a lot for the country and the campus and one thing in particular... deciphering why God has brought me here. I have no idea yet... but I'm on track to understanding. I read through Romans 6 which talked a lot about being alive in Christ and being used by God. I don't know exactly why I'm here yet, and I may not even find out while I'm here, but this I do know: I am God's instrument. (Romans 6:13) and He has called me here to be used for His glory.
I am so excited for tomorrow, it's our first day of campus ministry!!
Wow I wrote a lot. Oh and one more thing. I have an obsession with Bon. It is a frozen yogurt place that takes fresh fruit and blends it all together with tart yogurt. Helllooo comfort food! SO GOOD!
Well, Happy Mother's Day I guess :)
Mucho Amor
Friday, May 25, 2012
¡Enséñame más!
Teach me more!!!
This is all I've been saying lately!
The DR so far has been a whirlwind of an adventure. Here's how it goes:
We left our briefing at Hope International University Thursday May 24 at 3:45 AM. After extreneous waiting at LAX we finally took off at around 11 am... I think.. I fell asleep. But this flight was supposed to leave at 9. That is where the problem began because our flight from Miami to Santo Domingo was supposed to leave at 7... considering the time change that's when we actually arrived to Miami. Anyways a whole lot of stress and confusion later... we made it to Miami and our connecting flight to the DR... and now I am here!!! Our luggage of course did not want to make it easy on us and half of us, including me just received our luggage about 45 minutes ago. HURRAY! I don't think you understand how amazing it feels to brush your teeth after a day... ya I just wrote that. Confessions of a summertime missionary?
Anyways, the country is AMAZING! The country is crazy and unorganized and a little bit messy... but nothing I can't handle. I mean pina for 25 pesos? YES PLEASE!!! Of course I am going to mention the food... it's so cheap! and SO good!
We toured the campus today with students from Vida Estudentil, which means student life. That is the Cru movement that have at the Universidad. They are awesome!! I do not know Spanish... at all. But all of the students (and all of my team members) have been so helpful. I actually would not even know how to say "teach me more" in Spanish if it wasn't for Jason, my team member.
I am loving the DR so much already!! God is totally moving in me and the students and I am excited to see what He does in the coming weeks. I am learning so much about my comfort and the comfort of Jesus. I kinda came to the realization that God is with me everywhere I go.... Ya I know they teach that in Sunday School... but sometimes when you try to do things on your own it's easy to forget that God is in control.
So for now, I am going to Holdfast to the strength and the love that I have in Christ and pray. Pray that the amount of bug bites (which I just got my first one) stays to a minimum.
Buenos Noches :)
This is all I've been saying lately!
The DR so far has been a whirlwind of an adventure. Here's how it goes:
We left our briefing at Hope International University Thursday May 24 at 3:45 AM. After extreneous waiting at LAX we finally took off at around 11 am... I think.. I fell asleep. But this flight was supposed to leave at 9. That is where the problem began because our flight from Miami to Santo Domingo was supposed to leave at 7... considering the time change that's when we actually arrived to Miami. Anyways a whole lot of stress and confusion later... we made it to Miami and our connecting flight to the DR... and now I am here!!! Our luggage of course did not want to make it easy on us and half of us, including me just received our luggage about 45 minutes ago. HURRAY! I don't think you understand how amazing it feels to brush your teeth after a day... ya I just wrote that. Confessions of a summertime missionary?
Anyways, the country is AMAZING! The country is crazy and unorganized and a little bit messy... but nothing I can't handle. I mean pina for 25 pesos? YES PLEASE!!! Of course I am going to mention the food... it's so cheap! and SO good!
We toured the campus today with students from Vida Estudentil, which means student life. That is the Cru movement that have at the Universidad. They are awesome!! I do not know Spanish... at all. But all of the students (and all of my team members) have been so helpful. I actually would not even know how to say "teach me more" in Spanish if it wasn't for Jason, my team member.
I am loving the DR so much already!! God is totally moving in me and the students and I am excited to see what He does in the coming weeks. I am learning so much about my comfort and the comfort of Jesus. I kinda came to the realization that God is with me everywhere I go.... Ya I know they teach that in Sunday School... but sometimes when you try to do things on your own it's easy to forget that God is in control.
So for now, I am going to Holdfast to the strength and the love that I have in Christ and pray. Pray that the amount of bug bites (which I just got my first one) stays to a minimum.
Buenos Noches :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)