D is for Dominican

It's not that I've been trying to hide it, because I most certainly am not ashamed of it.
But I also haven't been as public about it either since I found out I was going.

The first week of January I will be on a flight to the Dominican Republic. For more than a week, I get to teach bible songs in Spanish. And love on babies who may not know who Christ is. And are probably wondering why this white girl is here with them of all places. Because of all people picked to be a missionary, I'm probably the most un-stereotypical missionary there ever was. I'm a little more blunt than some would like, and my sarcastic attitude probably isn't the Holiest trait I could possess. But that's the cool thing about the Lord- He chooses who He wants. And he prepares their hearts the way He sees fit. So I will go.

Words cannot rightfully express how ecstatic I am to be there, especially considering the road that helped me get to this point. God's timing is mindblowing. Insane. Absolutely perfect and often tends to blindside us.

Last year, I was at Auburn. After a number of events, I ended up moving to Mobile to work in a salon and try out the field of cosmetology. The best perk of living in Mobile again was getting to attend the church I grew up in. Literally hadn't stepped in those doors since I was sixteen until last August. I was so happy to be in a familiar place, the college pastor was the same person who used to be my middle school pastor. Makes me feel super old! I kept seeing notices about a trip to the Dominican, and so desperately wanted to go. But there was only one spot left, and I told myself there was probably someone else who deserved to go much more than me. I had been on tons of mission trips growing up, and I felt selfish every time I even considered going. So I prayed about it, that God would prepare the hearts of those going and that I would get the opportunity to help with whatever fundraisers they would be participating in. All the while, I never once voiced my interest or attempted to get involved. I just figured that God would work things out. Weeks passed and by word of mouth I heard the trip was closed. While I was happy that they had a team, I couldn't help but have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

And then one day my pastor texted me to see if I was busy. I think in that moment,  I may have had a flash back to middle school when I was afraid of being in trouble by him so I automatically started freaking out and trying to figure out what I could have done to be in trouble... I also may have snuck in a few hail Marys, even though I'm baptist. Typical me. And then he called me. A spot had opened in the trip, and he said  my name came to mind. My first thought was of course, because he had to have known how badly I wanted to go. And then I remembered I hadn't told a soul about my interest in the trip. And then, he said that he wasn't making a mass call, that the spot would probably fill very quickly, but he thought I should have the opportunity to take it. Wow.  So of course I said yes. And then I cried. And then I spent the next few hours freaking out and trying to contain myself. This was real, and I would be going. Holy orphanage, are you for real right now Jesus?

I am so humbled at God's plan for each of us. His timing, the way He moves us from one place in our life to another, so effortlessly, ensuring every last detail is taken care of. Every challenge and experience and goodbye is what brought me to that church in that city and that phone call. And all of that is bringing my heart and what little I have to give back to the Kingdom to the Dominican Republic.

To love the "least of these."
Although I'm sure those orphans have more joy and gentleness than I'll ever have.
To lead them in song.
Although I'm positive the sound of so many children singing to their Maker is more beautiful than any sound I'll ever make.
To touch their lives.
Although I know that their impact on my heart will be far greater than my impact on theirs.

I firmly believe that the love people are shown when they are small develops their attitude for the rest of their lives. Neglect teaches children not to let people in. False love, through presents and trips, rather than through examples of Christ's love for us, teaches children to love things rather than people and the Lord. But love through Christ.... that teaches them everything. All it takes is a planted seed. So, people... get your gardening gear ready.

Knowing that soon I'll be spending my time with these children is literally what gets me out of bed in the morning, and into the real world... This road has been challenging financially and emotionally but God has provided in every sense of the word.

So I ask all of you to pray for my team, and for these babies. I feel so unprepared but I know He has his reasons. Growing up, I always said I wanted to be a missionary. So maybe this is God's way of showing me the path I am called to take. There is so much I want to say right now, but it would never be enough.
I am so grateful.
My heart is so full.