Is it Worth It?

I watched my boys walk our trash to the corner for trash pickup a few weeks ago with a heavy weight on my shoulders. Battling my little girls as they cry during their cold showers on these chilly mornings or evenings can be a bit cumbersome at times. Late nights, early mornings and busy days are the ingredients for cranky people.

I must admit that I spent the month of December asking God if all of this is worth it. Birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New year; all without the ones that helped to make those events special throughout the years!

I am not complaining. All of this goes with the territory. We knew that we would have black outs while working on an important projects or water outages in the midst of a shower. We knew that we would terribly miss those who are reading this update and long to see you again. Yet, living it each day sure does take its toll on us.

So I ask, “Is it worth it?”

Let’s ponder that question. We came here on a mission. We came here to change this place. Right? We came here to bring H.O.P.E to the hopeless. Right? Even in light of that, is it worth it?

As I look at those I came here to serve through the eyes of my Father God, I must admit that it is worth it. You see, we thought that we came here to make a difference in the lives of others, yet this experience is making a difference in ours.

Those trash trips to the corner are keeping my boys humble. Those cold showers are making us strong! The busy schedule sure forces us to live orderly and causes us to choose to love one another.

Special days without those special people caused us to lean heavier on God and trust Him more. Missing you brings us closer together as a family and impels us to work out whatever issues that may come up.

Yes, it is worth it! It is so worth the change that is occurring in each of us. It is so worth the H.O.P.E that God brings to us each day. That same H.O.P.E that we came here to give is permeating throughout our home on a daily basis. Helping Others Pursue Eternity in our own home is worth more than we had ever realized!

Ministry Update:

1. The Children’s Conference was great! The pastor of the church where we hosted the conference tells us that he sees a dramatic change in the children and the teachers!

2. We received our non-profit status and name registration approval for the Dominican Republic!

3. Our children (H.O.P.E C.R.E.W) have several invitations to churches and ministries to share the gospel through pantomime, drama and worship.

4. God continually brings convicting messages to our church, Iglesia Vida en Cristo. Some have made major adjustments in their lives in order to uphold His standard.

5. The children who attend Kid’s Club are seriously learning God’s word. They are excited throughout the week about coming on Sundays and still wait at our gate an hour before we open.

6. Our pastor Brad and his son Adam were here with us for a few days in December. We were very blessed! Thank you City Church and Angela and Anna for letting us borrow them!

Family Update:

1. School has started again. We’re all trying to adjust to our new schedule.

2. We had a fun family day at the river where the boys jumped off a 50 ft. cliff into the river! Exciting for them…terrifying for mom!

3. God is dealing with each us individually as we seek Him early each morning to read through the Bible in a year. We are also growing closer to Him as a family as we go through Experiencing God together in the evenings.

4. We had a wonderful month long visit with Vicki’s grandmother in December! Her mom will be here in a few days for a 2 week visit!

Please pray:

1. Land in Monte Plata: Owner to finalize paper work for sale-Complete provision for purchase
2. Iglesia Vida en Cristo: True life changing transformations
3. Orphanage: Favor with government as we meet this week for permits
4. Our family: Continue to acclimate and see the Dominican Republic as home, Hedge of protection around each of us
5. H.O.P.E C.R.E.W: God’s anointing as the kids go out to evangelize through dramas, pantomimes and worship
6. Provision for our Judgment Day presentation
7. Complete healing for Vicki, Jonathan and Starr!