We are finally on our summer break. Our spring semester seemed like it would never end. I mean it was 22 weeks long...which is like a 4 weeks longer than the usual semester. But alas, we have completed our first school year at Doulos, and everything (well most of everything) is done. There are still a few "loose ends" that won't seem to conclude that are still riding on my back, but I'll fill you in on those later, maybe if/when they are finally finished.
It rained here for almost 6 weeks straight. Everyday. No exaggeration. Starting May 1, like the clouds had a calendar to guide them, it began to rain. And it wasn't until just this week that we had over 24 hrs without rainfall. I am very happy to say that blue skies have been rampant for the first week of our summer break. Laundry on the clothesline has been drying within a couple hours, I can the windows of our house open all day, and the water from our faucets have been as clear as Dominican tap water can get. I'm a happy camper.
Recently, I have been feeling over and over again God's affirmation of our calling to be here. Both my parents and Keith’s family have visited within the past two months—topping off our semester of visitors. After dropping each of them off at the airport, driving back to Jarabacoa, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of home. Of course, I appreciated and savored the time with our visitors but not once did I feel like I needed/wanted to jump on the plane back to Kansas with them. Here is were we are supposed to be; among the mountains and palm trees, the colmados and pico pollo, and among our fellow staff and students.
A few recent circumstances have brought to my attention how much I love the students at Doulos. They are precious in the Lord's eyes, and my heart truly longs for each one of them to have life to the full as God has promised for a life spent with Him. And a few other recent circumstances have helped me realize that God is fulfilling His promise for Keith and I in bringing us here.
During our first weekend in Jarabacoa, back in August, Keith and I had a conversation surrounding what we heard God telling us about our transition into living and working in Jarabacoa. We both confirmed that we felt God telling us we needed healing. From what we did not know and why/how we did not know. I am beginning to see that indeed, we are being transformed.
more on about that transformation later
