I find myself often telling people how difficult it is to “return to real life” after a mission trip. I got to thinking though, for those that we have been called to serve, what we experienced IS real life for them. I mean think about that! While in the Dominican last week Josh and I were in Pastor Asnel’s community with our group. While the team took part in VBS and prayer/evangelism Josh and I quickly found ourselves back at the church surveying the job, the workers, the progress and the challenges. There were several things that we took note of, for example, the attention to detail in the finish work— it’s absolutely amazing. Here in the states we have machines and equipment that make our work a bit easier, in this Haitian community they hand mix cement, stand on boards (very flimsy boards) to reach the heights they need to, the women carry block to the areas it is needed— and they take pride in the work they do. The majority of the work done on this project is being done by members of the congregation.
Real life for the people of this community is working hours on end in the scorching heat, not knowing where or when they may have another meal, living in houses with dirt floors and no beds. We have become so comfortable with just going and serving that we somehow managed to not realize just how bad this community is. This is their life— this is all they know. But, here is the good part.. It did not seem to matter about any of those things, these people are joyous, they welcomed us into their homes, the were happy to receive prayer, they were excited to have their kids participate in bible school. Pastor Asnel and his congregation spent so much time preparing for the dedication service that we would have in their church. Not one time did they consider cancelling because it was like a furnace in the building or because the dirt floors were uneven and rocky or because they had no lights or sound equipment. Instead, their children danced, the women sang, the congregation rejoiced and they worshiped in a way in which we don’t often get to experience… That, also, is real life friends.
We are always thankful for the opportunity to serve the people of the Dominican Republic, we are thankful and excited about the relationships we will build in this Haitian community, Las Chinas, and we are EXCITED to see God moving in ways we have never imagined!