May Update!!

Hello from the beautiful mountains of the Dominican Republic!

I cannot believe May is already here, and with-it month 9 of the race. I remember being back in Gainesville thinking how far off month 9 seemed to be, but here we are. But before talking about what this next month has in store, I want to share what April was all about!

This month each of the teams completed the first ministry cycle meaning we each spent a week doing Outreach Ministry, Admin, Property and Creative Ministry. We will each rotate through the cycle twice during our time here. During our outreach week we had the opportunity to bring food to a couple of the families in our community and write notes for women to receive along with a gift bag. During Admin my team helped our host write a Sunday school curriculum to be used in the churches they have planted across this region of the Dominican. Our week of property looked like a variety of little tasks throughout the week around the base like laying sod and deep cleaning. Lastly our week on creative was spent learning a lyrical praise dance to the song No Longer Slaves, this was a very fun and stretching experience as my team and I had not danced before. Another ministry highlight was a talent show my squad put on for the community! We made invitations and handed them out the days leading up to it and then enjoyed a fun evening performing dances and different talents as a way to connect and bring fun to the community.

Personally, this was a sweet month of learning to serve out of a place of active rest, learning to choose in and be present when it was hard and learning that even the smallest seemingly insignificant tasks are making an impact. Unfortunately, due to the covid restrictions and such we have not had the opportunity to be involved with relational ministry, this is something that has been hard to surrender but the Lord is faithful in showing me how the little things are making an impact for Hope DR, for this community in the future and our hosts and blessings us with opportunities like the talent show to get involved a little bit. April had it’s fare share of challenges however we have also enjoyed getting to explore some of the beauty if the Dominican Republic whether that’s during prayer walks or on our off days. We are about an hour away from most things such as going to town or my personal favorite the beach!

We will continue to rotate through ministries during these next three weeks on Hope Mountain then will head to a week of debrief before heading home. The realities of the race coming to end are starting hit and with that many bitter sweet feelings and emotions. If May is anything like April was it goes by slowly in the moment but before you know it we will be looking back asking where the time went. Thankfully, the race and life on mission doesn’t just end with month 9 but continues on through the rest of our lives. I’m looking forward to what ministry opportunities God has for me in the seasons to come!

Praises!

1. The time to rest has allowed all of us to dive deeper into the word and grow in our relationship with God!
2. The opportunity to serve the community through the talent show and be relational!
3. My team, Team Fervent had the chance to go away for a night and it was a special time to spend together, make memories and grow closer.

Prayer Requests!

1. Continued prayer for my squad and I to remain present and not be tempted to check out with the end coming so quickly and be expectant of God to do great things in this last month!
2. For discernment and wisdom in what is next for me, I am in the process of deciding whether to pursue college in the fall or continue with missions in a short-term leadership roll.
3. For good closure towards the end of the month and for all of us as we begin to process the last 9months of the race.

Please reach out if you have questions or want to hear more! I am so grateful for each and every one of you.

Have a wonderful May!

-Abigail