Greetings from the Dominican Republic! I am so happy to be able to update you all on the last few months. Things haven’t gone exactly as I thought they would, but God’s timing is perfect and He has been in control the whole time. Let me tell you about it…  

I recently had the privilege to be back in New Brunswick for my favourite season — fall. I love all the stereotypical Canadian fall activities; apple picking, watching the leaves change, pumpkin desserts, sweaters, and more. So to be able to experience those things again, while seeing my friends and family, and getting an opportunity to share with over 20+ churches and groups was an incredible privilege. I love being able to tell about how I have seen God at work through our partners, sharing stories of hope as I talk about the amazing people I have met. Of how Jesus is using them to impact their communities and challenging all of us to see how God is at work in our own lives and to partner with Him to see His kingdom come.

In November, I had the chance to return to the Dominican Republic to celebrate the anniversary of IB Emaús, attend IBAREDO’s annual assembly, and start the process of getting ready to move here. This trip was the first time I was in the DR for a couple weeks without any colleagues or SENT teams. This meant that I was truly getting a glimpse into what it would be like when I moved here by myself. I was encouraged by this experience and felt confident that the Lord prepares us for where He is leading. I was able to make new connections while strengthening relationships that have already started during my previous visits. I have felt so loved, included, and taken care of every time I have been in this beautiful country.

After the trip to the DR, I returned to New Brunswick with the hopes that soon my long awaited paperwork would arrive and I could move on to the next steps in the process of moving. And well, that process has been far more complicated and taken more time than I could have ever imagined. But, the Lord has been using this time to remind me of His goodness even when things aren’t happening in the timing I think is best. He has been faithful to remind me of how He is still “working in the waiting”. And through His loving kindness, He made it so that I would be able to spend Christmas with my family and take part in the many traditions that I had deeply missed last year.

In the season of waiting, I am extremely grateful that the Lord made a way for me to be in the DR at the beginning of January! It is amazing how one day you can be waking up in your bed in New Brunswick and the next day be shopping for a new bed, mattress, fridge, and stove in another country! There are so many amazing people who have been helping me get all of the necessary items for my apartment. There is no way I could have been able to do this alone, especially because my apartment is on the 5th floor with no elevator! The hospitality and kindness I have received in this process has been amazing and I am eternally grateful.

Here are some of the things I have been able to be a part of in my first month:

• I have been able to get involved in the local IBAREDO church down the road from me.
• I hosted a meeting in my apartment for JUBAREDO (the youth directive).
• I attended an induction service for the Brazilian family who will be the pastors of IB Los Cocos.
• I was able to go on a day trip to the northern region to attend a service and a P de P meeting.

I can’t wait to see what God has in store as I serve and walk with our partner, IBAREDO, in their work to be the salt and light to their communities. God has been, and is, at work here and I am excited to be a part of it. If you want to know more about my ministry or would like regular updates from me, click the link (http://eepurl.com/h2RVUf) to sign up to receive my email updates!  

• Pray for my ability to speak and work in Spanish.
• Pray for IBAREDO, that they would be encouraged and strengthened to continue living out their calling.
• Pray for JUBAREDO as they begin to plan and serve together. They have goals and dreams that they are praying and working towards. Be praying for the children and youth in IBAREDO’s churches.
• Be praying for the transition to living in the Dominican Republic and that I would make good connections and friendships here.
• There are a number of SENT teams coming to the DR soon. Be praying for these teams and for the communities that will receive them.