Special Moments

Life here in this country changes so quickly from one day to the next. The last few weeks have been an up down roller coaster trying to figure out what God wants me to do. At first I thought maybe he wanted me to return to the United States to work and pay off my student loans. How good is our God though! He reminded me that this thought/desire came from my lack of faith. How could I say that God wasn't big enought to provide for my needs? How could I say that God would call me here only to send me away because of money? It was one of those moments where God asks us to take a step of faith. I took it...I am staying. I have made my plan/budget to pay off my loans and I know God will be faithful in providing all that I need. (Much to the relief of many friends and "family" here in the DR).

It was Friday evening. The patio of Frilandia's house is surrounded with candles (there is no electricity). There is a wonderful mix of people there - all to surprise Amanda for her birthday. The children are full of joy and the adults enjoy the moment of being together and sharing in such a wonderful celebration. Merengue music is put on the radio and we all begin to dance. I paused a moment to think how wonderful our God is because many of the people and children at this celebration have real reasons to doubt God - poverty, struggle and suffering. But for this one moment, this one instance, we all just enjoyed and celebrated how God is good and fills our years with his presence. This is one of the reasons I love it here. God has taught me to live in the precious moments he gives us and to pray through the hard ones (This too shall pass!).