Sun to Snow

Back from another great trip to the Dominican Republic.  It was another great trip this year.  It is so great to go down year after year and be able to build on relationships previously established, both on the team and with the people down there.

I really enjoy working on the hospital.  There is a real satisfaction that comes from challenging physical labor and working with other men and women to accomplish something.  Watching the hospital take shape is such an amazing and rewarding experience.  To see walls built out of block that we pulled up to the third floor one at a time feels pretty great.

BUT, by far the most rewarding aspect of the trip is the relationships.  In addition to really enjoying getting to know members of the team including some deep and personal talks with several new and returning friends in the group, there are the nationals who we see each year.  I had a long and indepth visit withy my dear friend and brother Alex.  We were able to talk about pastoring and ministry and the challenges that he faces in his life down there.  We shared our love for Christ and His Gospel and just had a wonderful time.  I got to see some of his family and work beside him on the job site.  I also got to see my good friend Vladimil and talk with him a little.  Also got to give him a pretty hard time which was funny as well.  I met a new friend, Mario, who worked with me most of the week and who taught me a lot of great Spanish.  He is a good guy and a very good teacher.  I also got to see old friends Ariel and Moises even though we didn't get a ton of time together.  I was able to have a great visit with Kristy Engel and talk about loss with her dealing with their loss of Marta and me with losing Dad.  That was a special time.  I even got to have a brief but good talk with hospital administrator Moises which gave me some insight into some ministry opportunities.

Overall, it was just a wonderful trip with little to no downside.  I got to call home a few times during the week and so felt less disconnected with my family and I so enjoy my home away from home down there at La Casa de Pastorale.  I hope the Lord allows me to return next year to further build friendships and minister into people's lives.  It is such a joy and a priviledge.

Now, it is time to return to the work here.  I come back energized and refreshed in a way I have not felt in months.  I am so thankful that here at church my primary responsibility is still relationships.   This trip has reminded me that relationships are our primary responsibility, even if we are task oriented people.  We are here to love one another and love those who do now know Christ.  When we put other things before our fellowship with our brothers and sisters, when we allow the things of this world to trump showing God's love to those outside the faith, our lives are truly out of balance.

Off to dive into the work ahead and look forward to the year that awaits us with God!!