Dios, eres todo poderoso

Praises from this week:
1. God provided patience with construction, the team I worked with was excellent.
2. Good connections were made with the Pennsylvania team, everyday we shared things God was doing.
3. We built a chapel in Cabrera, it was beautiful to see it go up!
4. God gave me energy and strength.

Some of the group from Pennsylvania and a window panel we made.

One of my favorite moments this past week was when I helped work on the roof of the chapel. We had to secure the tin with many nails. At first, I was afraid of this task because I thought I was going to slip off, but God gave me the strength to continue. Also, it was beautiful to look out into the Dominican countryside and see God's beautiful creation. Before, their church had been meeting in the street. Praise the Lord that they now have a roof over their heads! After we finished building the chapel, we had a dedication ceremony to give the keys of the chapel to the pastor. The pastor sang a song for us called "Eres Todo Poderoso," this means God, you are all-powerful. How true these words are!  I was especially thinking about God's power today because we had a huge thunderstorm here for a couple hours. Hearing the crashing thunder reminded me of God's mighty power. His faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Sitting on the roof.

Our next group doesn't come until friday, so the next couple days we will spend preparing and resting a bit. Tomorrow our team is taking a trip to the river. I am thankful that I get to work with such a great team of people!

Prayer Requests:
1. Pray that I would love the Lord more and spend more time in His word.
2. Pray that our team would glorify God and encourage each other.
3. Pray for peace even when things do not go the way I plan. 

Children of God

View of the sunset from my window.

God did some amazing things this past week! I worked with a Colorado youth group, and it was so much fun! We did ministry with kids and we constructed benches for churches. One of my favorite days was when we had a carnival and cookout at a local church nearby in San Felipe. First, we walked through the streets inviting children and their families to come. Then, we set up the different stations for the carnival event. I was assigned to do face-painting. The kids were so thrilled with all the activities! Even though I was dripping with sweat, I enjoyed every moment of the carnival. I love working with children and showing them Christ's love. After the carnival, the Colorado team provided dinner for everyone. Over 150 people came and ate. Then they showed the Jesus Film in Spanish. It was beautiful to see this event come together and to serve alongside the high school students from Colorado. Even in a short time (only 8 days) I formed great friendships with these students. Also, when some of the girls from San Felipe found out that I am staying the whole summer they applauded. It was encouraging to talk to them and get to know them better. Tomorrow, two church groups arrive from Pennsylvania. This next week we will hopefully construct two chapels with them.  


Praises:
1. Our Colorado group constructed many benches and the other group from Florida built a chapel. 
2. God enabled me to help translate in numerous circumstances. 
3. I got an eye infection this week, but God provided a solution, and I am doing great! 
4. God helped our team be unified and make good connections with the group. 


Prayer Requests:
1. Patience and wisdom when doing construction.
2. That the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart would be pleasing to God. 
3. Ephesians 6:19-20 that I would fearlessly make known the Gospel. 
4. That God would continue to bless the communication between the Time staff and any church groups that come. 

The Colorado kids serving at the cookout 

Girls at San Felipe 

It's only just begun

The girls at Ina's house. 

"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you." Psalm 63:3-5

On Monday night all the girl interns and I went over to Ina York's house. Ina is a missionary here and works in a village nearby called Circadillo. We watched a video of the Christian speaker Beth Moore. It was convicting! Beth Moore talked about how every day a girl can try to fill her cup with alms or adoration from others. Instead, our cups need to be filled with Christ. Our worth needs to come from Him, because only He can truly satisfy us always. His love and mercy can fill our cup to overflowing.  

I arrived Friday night to Santo Domingo. Seeing the people that I met last summer has been so wonderful! God is helping me as I speak Spanish. It has been a blessing that I can speak and understand more than last summer. Also, I have been getting to know the other new three interns. They are so sweet and I am excited to get to know them more. These past couple days we have had orientation. We learned about various topics from Dominican culture, to communication, to goals for the summer. One of my favorite parts was a game we played where we practiced being guests and hosts from other cultures. I learned a lot and it was very fun! The first church groups are coming Friday. One is from Florida, the other from Colorado. With one group we will build a chapel and with the other we will construct benches for the church. I can't wait to see what God has in store! 

If you have time, please pray:

1. Pray that our team can love on the groups and encourage them to follow Christ more.

2. Pray that our team would communicate well together. 

3. Pray that I would be satisfied in Christ more and more, and let him fill my cup. 

Dios te Bendiga. God Bless You!

Noe, el jefe (the boss) with his Texas shirt.

The view from the fort in the colonial city of downtown Santo Domingo.

Right to left: Olivia, Lindsey, Rafelina, and me on the porch at the TIME center.

One more day until take-off

Tomorrow, June 3rd, at 11:45am I depart from the Austin airport and head to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Next week we will have orientation, and then the next week church groups will start coming.

First, I want to let you know that I received all the funds that I need (over $3200), glory to God! Thank you again to those of you who supported me. 

Second, I am grateful to have many people who are willing to pray for me. You all are so encouraging to me!
here are some prayer requests::

• that I would be bold in sharing the gospel both with the church groups that come and with the Dominicans. 
• that I have time to spend with Jesus even with our busy schedule.
• For unity and good communication among our team and the church groups that come. 
• For humility as I return, that I would be flexible, and trust God above all.

Third, here are some great verses written by Paul in Philippians 1:9-11 "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-- to the glory and praise of God." These verses are my main prayer for myself and our team this summer.

I will keep you posted on how things go. Hope you have a wonderful day!

Cindy Anderson and me (last summer) She's one of the TIME missionaries I will be working with again. :)