Feeling God's Presence in Transition

It's been 2 months since I arrived in the States.  I've gone through a good bit of transition in that time, and will probably continue to go through transition for the next few months.  But today, I find myself sitting in a recently furnished studio-apartment at the seminary in Boston's North Shore where hopefully, I will live for the next 3 years.  I am grateful for time of travel and rest and now, to be getting settled into my new "home."

I spent the month of August with family and friends, had a little bit of counseling, and enjoyed a sabbath week at a lake house in Missouri with a missionary friend. Spending time in God's creation, catching up with family, reading God's Word, and cooking were some of my highlights during that month before eventually driving 20 hours to New England.

Many people ask me how I am doing with the culture shock.  Overall, I'm doing fine, not really realizing that I've been away for so long... and sometimes thinking that the "culture shock thing" doesn't even apply to me.

...until I find myself in a roundabout and forget which country I am in and what the roundabout rules are,

or until I go into the grocery store to find a stick of butter and then remember everything comes in bulk here,

or until I realize that I look different again, not like in the Dominican where my brown skin blended in with everyone else's around me.

Oh!  And then I remember about time.  Being on time means being early here. I need to be on time.

Oh yes! Americans are efficient  (and busy, busy, busy).

Oh, and I forgot... people eat dinner before 9 o'clock at night here.  I have to remember that when I have someone over for dinner.

(Oh yes, and I just discovered this past week that vending machines don't require cash anymore.  That was a shock! Who knew that I could use a credit card to buy a pack of potato chips?)

Sometimes, I find my mind, my emotions, and my body just tired. Other times I feel quite normal and am up for the hours of studying and preparation for class.

Before moving to this area, I was encouraged to embrace the idea of having "grace" with myself during this time of transition and was reminded in one moment of tears, that God has grace with me... so I should have grace with myself as well.  After all, God is not looking at me in this season shaking His head, but instead He has His arm on my shoulder and His face?  Smiling, I'm sure, at my courage to take this step.  (This point has helped me tremendously not to become too overwhelmed as I forge ahead into this new season while still adjusting to life in the States.)

God is with me and I feel His presence every day.

And, those "culture shock" moments are not my every moment by any means.  They are difficult because they sneak up on me when I least expect them, and they remind me that my passport country has not been my "home" for quite a while and that I did not grow up in northeastern United States.  Many days, I am reminded that I have changed and that I see the world a bit differently than I did before.

I'm still getting used to the New England weather which has ranged from between the low 40s and the low 80s since I've arrived here.  And yes, I am still a bit fearful of the weather between November and May.  I've been told to enjoy the sun because I won't see much of it again until July.  God help me!

And of course, there is so much to enjoy!  I have enjoyed my hot showers, the ease of washing clothes, and coffee creamer always being at the grocery store!  I've enjoyed eating vegetables like squash and brussel sprouts, the strong water pressure, and asiago bagels.  I'm looking forward to watching the leaves change and going apple-picking this fall.  The beaches and trails have been a great way to spend some of the warmer days as well.

I am adjusting.

I am not looking quite as long at the coins when I have to give someone change. I have finally stopped using GPS to go to the places I most often frequent, and I'm not caught off-guard quite as often when I hear the very distinct Boston accent.  (Did you know that a carriage is what you use in a grocery store and that there are city names that look like they would be pronounced in 3-syllables but are instead pronounced in only 2? For example, the city Gloucester "glah- che- ster" is actually pronounced "glah-ster.")  I don't hesitate quite as long before using water from the sink to cook, and I'm remembering more and more that I can flush the toilet tissue down the toilet here.

And over the last 2 months, I have seen over and over again that God is faithful.

God is Jehovah Jireh, my provider.

Various friends and family members have helped make the transition to Gordon-Conwell smoother with generous financial donations, prayers, and provision of things that I need.  I could become very overwhelmed by all that I have to get and do in order to live here and be warm.  But, I have seen Jehovah Jireh abundantly in the family and friends who have remembered me in this process.  I am more than grateful for the generosity and prayers.

In my first week of being in the States, as I travelled, I received a phone call which turned into an informal interview, a conversation in Spanish, and then eventually, a formal interview with Gordon College (which is located just 5 minutes away from the seminary's campus).  I got a job as an Adjunct professor and have been teaching a Spanish class there for a month now.  I have a class of 15 students who God has placed in front of me to pray for, encourage and challenge in their faith. (Oh yes, and I get to help them improve their writing and grammar skills in Spanish!) Getting this job was a miracle and has been a true blessing thus far, as I truly love teaching and being able to use my Spanish.

God sees me and knows what I need.
I had been in the States just two days when I received a message from a former Makarios intern telling me that her husband studies at Gordon-Conwell and that they live on campus.  My heart jumped!  I remember thinking, "Really? I will know someone when I get there?"  I thought I was moving to a place where I didn't know a soul.  But God knew what I needed to help make for a more smooth transition.  Sarah and her husband have been angels sent by God, letting me stay with them the first week in the area before my apartment was ready, helping me put together IKEA furniture, and patiently listening to stories about the Dominican as I process the change!  They've taught me so much about how we should love each other as part of the body of Christ -- selflessly and joyfully.

God encourages me through the community of believers here.
Orientation at Gordon-Conwell was a breath of fresh air with the highlight being a "dessert with the faculty."  Since I am a scholarship student, I was invited to go to the president's home and had the opportunity to meet both him and his wife.  As a group of about 15, we spent 2.5 hours sharing our stories, how God has been working in our lives, and how we arrived at the seminary. Being among former youth ministry leaders, men from Africa and India, former missionary kids, a Biblical languages scholar, and not to mention the president who has a heart for missions, I began to feel incredibly honored and humbled to be a part of this community.  For the first time, in the midst of so much change, I began to feel excited about this next step.  The people in that room have already become some with whom I have shared more meals and deeper conversations.  I am excited to see how God will continue to build community, deepen relationships and cultivate life-long friendships and ministry partners in my time here.

The next day, I walked away enamored by the passion with which two professors shared an overview of the Bible in just three hours.  I was once again encouraged by their love for God and His Word and by their passion for teaching others to understand it.  I am currently in one of the professor's Old Testament classes where I will be challenged to teach the overview of the Old Testament to a group of people outside of the seminary.

That weekend before classes started, I participated in a retreat through the Pierce Center for Discipleship.  We spent a day learning more about the fellowship that I will be a part of -- which focuses on spiritual formation and leading a group of women in "soul care."  After having lived in the Dominican Republic if I understand anything, it is the need to spend time listening to God and to have friends who pray for and with you.

God reminds me that He alone is God.
He reminds me to have an eternal perspective. I have heard rumors since I've been here of how seminary is stressful and anxiety-ridden.  I've heard that students can fall into the trap of being so concentrated on their studies that they lose sight of God and the people around them.  It makes me sad as I see the temptation to make these studies more important than the relationship with the One who makes the studies possible.   I see the temptation to strive for perfection or to put studies above people. As I've been reading the Old Testament, God has reminded me of the Israelites constantly making idols and fixing their eyes on everything else but God.  And, I am reminded of the need for Sabbath and daily time with Him, remembering that He along is God!

And so, those moments when I begin to feel overwhelmed by all of the "new" around me, I thank God for His overwhelming presence.  When I am confused and I don't know if I can memorize all of the new Greek vocabulary words and cases, I thank God that when I am weak He is strong!  I thank Him for classmates who "get it" and a TA who is willing to help.  When my body is tired, I thank God for providing me rest.  And, when I am missing the Dominican and my friends and family there, I thank God for my experiences there and for the people that He has already placed around me in this community here - some who know what it's like to live abroad.

Overall, I am doing well!  I would love your continued prayer, and hope that you will continue to follow me on this journey as God prepares me for future ministry.

PLEASE PRAY:

• Classes began about 3 weeks ago.  This semester I have a full plate along with teaching at Gordon College. I am taking 4 classes -- Old Testament Survey, Greek I, Church History to the Reformation, and Spiritual Formation.  Each class has a lot of reading -- typically about 1500 pages per class.  Please pray for me as I have been out of school for many, many years!  Figuring out rhythms for studying is a new challenge.
• Finding a church family is an exciting but challenging time. Where will God lead me?  There are lots of churches here -- many pastored by Gordon-Conwell graduates.  Many are different than the types of churches that I am used to.  Please pray that God would open my eyes to where I should settle into a local church with sound doctrine, a close-knit community, and opportunities to serve.   
• May God help me to have an eternal perspective. May I take care of my deep need to be with my Father first. May I do the best that I can in my studies and love well the people around me!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS. In the early evening on Sunday, November 10, there will be a Dominican celebration / reflection in Atlanta of what God has done through me in the Dominican Republic and an update about where I think He is leading.  The event will be a way for me to bring closure to my time there and to say "thank you" to all who have journeyed with me thus far.  I would love all of my Atlanta-area supporters to attend, if possible.  I will post / send a formal invite soon.

Why Seminary?

As promised, here is my letter sent out to supporters about why I have stopped ministry in the D.R. for this season.  I appreciate your continued support and prayers while I am in this time of transition.

Just a couple of days ago, I arrived in the States and will be spending the next month disconnecting, resting and reflecting before starting seminary in early September.  Please continue to pray for me that I may "stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured" (Colossians 4:12), and that I will trust that "He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"  Philippians 1:6.

(letter written June 2019)                                  

Dear 

Over the last 6 years while serving in the Dominican, I have grown in my faith, in my biblical knowledge, and in my understanding of missions. God has given me confidence to share with others about the hope that I find only in Him, He has given me a deep passion for discipling girls and women, and He has grown me in my own understanding of my identity and calling. I believe that along with the call to be in ministry full time He has also challenged me to know the Bible better than I currently do.

I am excited to announce that after much prayer, I have applied for and been accepted into the Masters of Divinity program with a concentration in World Missions at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Gordon-Conwell’s vision is “to equip leaders to think theologically, live biblically, and serve globally.” In God’s abundance, I have also been offered a merit scholarship which will cover the majority of my tuition. With the scholarship comes a commitment on my part to study full-time and live on campus.

As you can imagine, while I am excited for the opportunity to get filled up and to study the Bible, and while I know that this step is necessary in my growth as a missionary, I am also saddened and overwhelmed by the upcoming changes. The Dominican Republic has now become my home and my normal. Yet, while change is uncomfortable, I desire nothing more than to be in God’s will and follow His lead. He is in control. He is my provider. He is my father. And so, in faith, I take this step knowing that He goes with me.

I am more than grateful for all of you who have been committed members of my support team over the last 6 years. God has done so much through us both in Quisqueya and here in Montellano, and I hope that in August I will be able to invite you to a special celebration in order to reflect on all that He has done.

God is working! Just this past month, we finished the third cycle of literacy where we celebrated the reading advancement of 9 women who a year ago did not even know how to write their names. The program will continue with a new leader next fall. Additionally, I, along with the rest of the Family Empowerment team, just finished our second full year serving the Makarios families, building relationships with the local churches, and loving, educating and empowering parents through evangelism, discipleship, workshops on parenting, marriage and sex, leadership trainings, and biblical counseling. The ministry will continue to flourish, as the team has plans for more Adult Education classes, a more developed Biblical Counseling program, and increased partnerships with the local churches.

So, what’s next for me? Lord willing, I will spend the next two weeks helping with VBS and evaluating the Family Empowerment program; and the next month spending time with Makarios families, visiting friends in Quisqueya and Santo Domingo, and selling my belongings. My official last day as a Makarios missionary is July 15. I hope to spend the last two weeks in July having Sabbath in country by reflecting on all that God has been doing since I moved to the island in 2013. I will spend August in the States resting before moving to South Hamilton, Massachusetts in early September.

And after seminary?

Only God knows. It’s a scary step of faith that I am taking, but God is giving me the courage to step off of the field to become better equipped to serve Him. My hope is to maintain relationships with Makarios staff and families during my time in Seminary by visiting and serving during breaks from school. Once I graduate, I hope to serve again overseas. While I cannot completely see the future, I know that God has gifted me to be in ministry long-term, and I believe I will continue to serve in missions, and who knows — maybe even back in the Dominican Republic. Wherever he leads, I hope that with the Biblical knowledge and spiritual growth acquired in seminary, I will be even better equipped to serve the Church.

What should you do about your monthly donation?

Makarios will allow me to have 3 months of pay after I leave the Dominican to help me financially during my transitional period. I will receive any donations made to Makarios on my behalf through October 15. Your donations through this time are greatly appreciated! Your donations will be used for travel back to the States, Sabbath, debriefing, and my transition into seminary. **Any donations given on my behalf after October 15 will be used at Makarios’ discretion. To stop donations, please call the Makarios Austin Office at (512) 589-9018.

What if you want to continue supporting Makarios?

If you desire to continue to support Makarios after October 15, I encourage you to do so by switching your monthly or quaterly donation to support the Family Empowerment Ministry whose vision is to see families transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to have parents who are ethical leaders, capable of influencing their communities. You can do so by calling the number above to switch your support.

How can you continue to support me while I am in seminary?

• PRAYER. I value you as a part of my team! Please pray for me both during my transition period and once classes are in full swing. I will update my blog with prayer requests and updated information about what God is teaching me!

• GIVING. If you would like to support me financially while at seminary, that would be an incredible and unexpected blessing! While I have been awarded a tuition scholarship, I still have to pay for books and living expenses. Since I believe that God has called me into long-term ministry, I will be working and doing all I can to graduate without debt. If you would like to help, you can give a non- tax deductible gift to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary on my behalf. 

• Checks should be made out to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and my student ID Number 212057 should be included in the memo . Please mail checks to: Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 130 Essex Street, South Hamilton, MA 01982. All gifts will be deposited into my student account.

• If you wish to give online, go to: https://gordonconwell.aford.com/PPT/MakeAPayment (Just make sure to put my name: Adrienne Christian / Student ID Number: 212057 / Hamilton Campus)

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please feel free to email me at acorinnechristian@gmail.com.

God bless you, and may the peace of God fill you always!
Adrienne Christian

Trusting with Open Hands (and some tears)

It’s May and the goodbyes have already begun.  

For those who read my blogs and have missed me over the past few months, I’ve had a bit of writer’s block.  I need to write, want to write, and just don’t find the words. It's hard because I don't want people to worry about me nor think I'm depressed.  I'm not.  I am actually very healthy.  But if I'm being truthful, I've struggled to find the words -- the right words since December.  In the background of ministry here, I have been dealing with the reality that my life is about to change.  In some senses, I am about to start over... at least for a little while. I've been praying to God for discernment, asking Him for peace and praying for Him to open or close doors according to His will.  

I know God’s calling on my life is missions and to serve the local church full time.  And for the last few years, I’ve understood the need for a strong Biblical base.  I feel a responsibility to know His Word and help encourage and equip others in the Word of God.  So last summer, I visited a seminary.  In December, I applied while crying at the possibility of being accepted and having to leave a place that I love and people whom I love.   I continued to pray for doors to open or close according to His will.  I got accepted.  I knew I could only go if I got a pretty big scholarship.  I applied.  In March, I found out that I had been given a scholarship.  God swung the door wide open.

Breathe. This is really happening.

Today marks exactly 6 years that I moved to the Dominican Republic and in just two weeks I will be moving back to the United States.   While I know that this season is one that God is leading me into and that excitement will happen once I flip the page, this final chapter is a hard one to finish.  

(If you’d like to know more about my decision to go to seminary and how you can help, please email me at acorinnechristian@gmail.com.  I'll also be posting a letter that I sent to supporters with more information in about a week.)

The rest of my post is not a cheerful one.  Like I said, these last few months, while filled with some great moments, have been hard.  And while it may not come through in this post, I am at peace with my decision for the next chapter and sometimes I do get excited.  But at times, I am also a little scared of change and overwhelmed by all of the details.  So right now, I have decided to allow myself to grieve my life here. I'm leaving a place that I love and God is teaching me to trust Him in the midst of it.

I resonate immensely with Paul in 2 Corinthians 12 when he talks about his weakness.  His thorn in his flesh kept him from being conceited and taking the credit for God's work.  Throughout my journey in the Dominican, God has reminded me over and over about my weakness and His strength.  This move is no exception.  I believe that going to seminary is an act of obedience that will enrich God's calling on my life and refresh me so that afterwards I can step right back into ministry.  Right now however, this change feels like a thorn.  It hurts.  So, in this post I boast about my weakness... for where I am weak, He is strong.  May God's power rest on me.

Looking back...

We’re at the Mak House celebrating the end of this literacy cycle.  (The most advanced group isn’t ready to graduate yet.  They need just a few more months to really solidify writing sentences and their fluency.)  I hand out certificates to the volunteers, recognizing two who have had 300 hours of service.  I give some summer homework and books to the women who have made so much progress this cycle.  Ladies begin handing me gifts.  They are nicely wrapped.  What’s happening?  Some are crying. They are hugging me one by one.  One whispers, “I’m going to miss you.” Another says, “Thank you.”  

Tears stream down my face. 

I’m not ready for this.

I'm in Chichigua, the community where I fondly know all of the people, have prayed with most, and feel the most comfortable.  They are the minority. They or their parents or grandparents left their homes to have a better life.  They are sometimes marginalized.  They struggle for papers.  They face a lot of spiritual warfare.  They are the less educated.  Many don’t have jobs. The last few months I have helped one who has some mental health struggles.

They have embraced me as one of their own.  They invite me in to chat, pray, eat, sit, and learn. We’ve worshiped together, cried together and laughed a lot.  

These are the people God has placed most closely in my life.

I’m going to miss them.
I can see the sadness in their eyes too... 

 

 

It’s the last week in May, and I find myself sitting in the small concrete church with the parents from Chichigua. We’re having our last Family Empowerment meeting and it deals with sex. There are lots of problems surrounding this issue and our kids and the communities we serve.  There is little education.  We want to break the cycle.  It will take time.  Andrea and I guide the kids outside. We’ve planned a program so their parents can learn kid-free.   The kids climb up on the boulders.  They get quiet. Eyes staring, I begin telling them the story of Jonah, flipping the pages and asking questions along the way.  They are familiar with the story.  We talk about disobedience and consequences.  We talk about God’s grace and forgiveness. The kids sing two songs about Jonah.  It’s getting dark.  I pull out my tablet and a small speaker to show the 20 minute story.   They’re in a trance.  There are about 20 little ones crouched on the big rocks gazing at the screen that I’m standing up holding.  We hand out crayons and a color sheet.  They spread out closer to homes where there’s light. 

Someone’s asked that I enter the church.   Leaving the kids, I head in a bit confused. I see Jenna and Tatis and the pastor and his wife.  Why are they here? They don't usually come to these meetings. There’s murmuring...  There’s a video.  People begin to cry. They tell me they will miss me. The meeting ends.  Lots of hugs.  Some unhappy looks.  More tears.

This is the second time this week that I find myself in a room of people crying.  The third time that I find myself crying almost uncontrollably.

What’s going on?  Why do I feel this way? I’m in a daze. This is happening way too fast.  I haven’t even told everyone in the States yet.  I just don’t know how I will.  When I tell them I’m leaving, it’s going to become real.  I do not know if I’m ready for this…. 

 

But I know I need to be filled. And some months ago I made a decision — after a lot of prayer and advice. Is this real? I feel overwhelmed.  Have I messed up? Will I regret it?  This has become my home.  These have become my people. I’m leaving them. I have feelings of guilt.  Am I really strong enough to do what I believe God is calling me to do?  I don't want to hurt them. Am I brave enough to leave the people I love, the ministry I love, and start again? What will happen next?  Will I come back? So many tears... and I still have so much time.  It feels like too much.

Trust me.

Breathe.

Just trust me.

I open my hands.

The next few weeks are a blur.  I am finalizing and printing the Adult Literacy curriculum to pass on to Alida, the new literacy coordinator.  The school year is ending.  The school has pre-school graduation and the end-of-year award ceremony.  We have a party and our last Bible Study with the high school girls.  I am asked questions about my going away party. We all go to the beach before many of the Americans head their separate ways for the summer.  They pray for me.

More hugs.  More tears.

It still doesn’t feel real. 
There’s so much time left.
I'm not ready.

It’s mid-June and a group of 30 teachers and Mak Staff have planned a trip to the capital city just to enjoy the beginning of summer.  It could be my last opportunity to do something fun like this with the teachers before I go.  We bike ride in the Colonial Zone.  We eat, laugh and just enjoy one another. 

I’m going to miss these people.

 

Family Empowerment goes on an excursion to end the year as a team.  We go to a small island — a piece of paradise just 2 hours away.  How have I never been here before?  

Oh, I’m going to miss my team!  

They've been my family for the last two years.
I couldn't have done this without them.
We've prayed so much, cried so much, spent so much time together.
I don't know that I want to leave them!
There is still so much to do... 

I spend a week in Family Empowerment meetings to evaluate this year. God is working.  We spend hours thanking Him, reflecting, and thinking about adjustments. 

The next week they plan for next year while I have to clean out my space.  My time with Family Empowerment is coming to in end.  This doesn't feel real.  I don't want to go.  I'm so tired.  All of my things fit in a small plastic box.  I turn in my keys.

I help groups ministry with VBS.  We are in Chichigua with the theme "Jesus is my Superhero. " My energy is low.  I’m exhausted.  Reality is settling in. 

Let me give you rest.

It’s going to be okay.  

Trust me.

I open my hands.  

God, take away my worries... my doubts.  Help me be present and intentional.  Help me enjoy this last month with the people I love. Help me give you the details of this next step and be confident in my decision. Give me physical and emotional rest, God.  I want to believe that You will take care of me. 

Breathe.

I make a list of people I want to spend time with and ways to be intentional. I write down some places that are on my bucket list and start thinking about how I am going to sell my things.  How can I end well?

God, I feel you with me.  
You make me strong.
I'm trying to trust you.

It’s the second week that I'm helping with VBS.  I introduce group members from Texas to my friends in Chichigua.  We pray for God's strength, remembering that we are just His fragile vessels.  We teach the kids about Jesus and His miracles.  We sing!  We dance!  The kids astound us with their ability to memorize verses and their overall interest in God's Word.  I tell the group that many have parents who don't know the Lord.  Seeds are being planted.  God, make a difference in this community through the kids.  I translate for a group member as he shares the Gospel of Jesus with a father.  I know their family struggles spiritually.  He's one of the literacy lady's husbands.  God please help him to see you, to know you.  You could make such a big difference in this home.  I teach the team the happy dance.  It's been a great week!

Thank you for giving me strength.  
Thank you for giving me joy. 

Thank you for giving me peace.

I find myself on a bus on the way back from Quisqueya.  Yulerna, one of the Bible Study girls is next to me. I've taken her with me to Quisqueya to see where I first served.  In the last couple of days I've visited my former Bible Study ladies, the 5 girls that years ago I thought I may adopt, some SCORE missionaries and others with whom I worked at Emmanuel House.  I spend a day at the beach with my friend and sister in Christ, Mirqueya. We relax and enjoy God's creation. 

There is a lot to think about. 
So much has happened in just 6 years.

Reality is hitting me.  

I'm moving...

I don't know when I'll see them again.

God, when will I come back here?

OK, I am choosing to trust you.
Thank you for the people you've given me who love me so much!

  

There are so many things on my list to do.

There are people I want to visit before I leave, kids I want to spend time with.

I cannot believe this change is happening.

I cannot believe the day I leave is almost here.

July 24 is quickly approaching.

I have loved being here -- being in people’s homes, sitting and listening to their stories and praying for and encouraging them.  I have enjoyed sharing about Jesus and what it means to have a relationship with Him.  I have been challenged to truly understand the gospel and be intentional about sharing it and encouraging other Jesus followers to share.  I can see my flaws, my weaknesses and my deep need to always be connected to God. I recognize that my passion is teaching and discipling… kids, teenagers, women... about their true identity.  I love reminding them of who their creator is and how He showed them love by sending His son, Jesus Christ. And reading!  I love helping kids and women learn to read. I want them to have the special opportunity to read God's Word!

... I never thought I would leave this place, God.  At least not now...And yet, I know this is right.  I want to be obedient.

This next chapter is going to be a good one! I want to see what you are going to do with me.  I know You're going to grow me.  I also think the transition is going to be hard.  And, I know You've connected me to these people for a reason.  Lord willing, I will stay connected to the people here, the church and the ministry that I've been serving in.  I cannot see, God, but you see all.

You ask me to trust you, God....
I trust you.

You tell me it’s time to fill up and learn.
I am ready.

You assure me You'll take care of me, go with me and provide for me wherever I go.
I feel you close.

I open my hands, God...
tears streaming down my face.

Full Days. A Full Heart.

When I sit back and think of the last few months, I feel like I've been running a marathon.  My schedule has been full. And yet, it has been fruitful and good.  God has been teaching me about patience (as always), the importance of consistency in His Word, and how important community is for me.  God has deepened many of my relationships over the last few months.  And I am so grateful for that.  My heart is full as I think about all that God is doing!

Literacy Cycle III.  In February, we began the third cycle of Literacy.  We have 9 women currently in the program, with one new woman.  Each woman has the opportunity to learn on her own pace and is learning to read and write.  This cycle we are concentrating on helping the ladies learn to write sentences and we have added the last part of the program which involves Growth Mindset.  The key word is "todavía" or "yet."  There are many things we don't know how to do or cannot do... yet.  Having a mindset that we may not know now but can learn in the future is a mindset we want to help our moms have and is something they can teach their children as well.

Fan Fan and Jolanda.  Lord willing, Jolanda and Fan Fan will graduate from the literacy program next month.  Their eyes are open and they are reading, writing, thinking critically and learning.  They also are bringing reading home and have both told me that one way they practice is in bed at night with their kids by reading their Bibles and other books and having their kids help if they get stumped.  We are hopeful that after finishing the program they will be able to participate in schooling offered by the state if they desire.

Jewelry Making Workshop.  Makarios hired Alida, a new member to the Family Empowerment team in mid February. I have been working closely with Alida with literacy and helping her to develop other aspects of the Adult Education Program.  During the month of March, she led her first class, helping women learn how to make earrings.  A local ministry partner and friend, Elizabeth, taught the class.  We hope to have another class in May with some of the women from Quisqueya coming to teach moms how to make products from recycled goods.  The class served as a wonderful way to share about God and teach a practical skill.  Pictured below is one of our mothers creating some earrings after just a few weeks of learning to crochet. 

Trinity Visit & Makarios Winter Retreat.  In February, my church visited from Atlanta and had the opportunity to visit Makarios and the communities and then the Makarios staff all traveled to Jarabacoa for the second year in a row for a mountain retreat.  This year was special because in addition to having my church home lead the retreat, we also had a visitor from Missions Training Institute, Deb.  She had one on one visits with each of the missionaries.  The retreat as a whole was very filling!

Adorned.  Since March, Jenna and I have been leading a group of woman through the book Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth which is based on the concepts in Titus 2.  The book study has been challenging, educational and fun.  My favorite part has been the diversity of our group.  It is made up of women -- the youngest being about 20 and the oldest being about 70 -- and all Christian women from our Makarios and church communities.

Bible Study.  I continue to lead Bible study with two fellow Makarios teachers.  We lead a group of 6 girls each Friday and are going through a study of practical issues that they face as teenagers like peer pressure, suicide, gossip, and temptations and help them understand what the Bible says about each of those issues.  They have lots of questions and interest in God and the Bible and also it is obvious that they have a lot of struggles and tension between what their flesh wants and what God wants for them.  Can you come alongside us and pray for them?  The picture below is of the girls, along with Missionary kid, Myah and her friend Katie who were visiting during Spring break.

Writing Workshops.  I had the opportunity to give two writing workshops to Makarios School teachers on creative writing during the month of March.

Wesleyan School.  Wesleyan visited the Dominican during their spring break and I had the privilege of working with them some, showing them my favorite community and introducing them to many of my friends and co-workers.  Additionally, two girls decided to sponsor a child, and I got to introduce them to her at her home in Pancho Mateo.

I now find myself in Atlanta.  I'll been in the States until the end of April.  I have two events.  One is a speaking commitment at Providence Church in Ormond Beach, Florida.  I will be talking about missions and our call as Christians to go into the world and make disciples.  And, on April 25, I will be selling Dominican artwork at the Wesleyan Artist Market to raise funds for Family Empowerment.