Dear God,

What do you expect when there are endless expectations, yet multiple obstacles? What do you do when there are so many things to pray for, yet so little time and such limited words. The constant tornado of thoughts and perceptions that flood your mind are always like the catapult---which tries to launch before any huge decision or life altering task.

A couple of months ago our youth ministry team started to manifest the plan to travel to another country to do ministry in the name of Christ. Of course, this would be our first experience leading a youth team out of the country, but the race was on to watch You launch us into something we never knew. Together, we were willing to travel through the unknown---forgetting what was behind us and pressing towards July 17, the day we landed in the Dominican Republic.

Honestly, I don’t know how to explain our emotions. I could say a whole bunch of excitement, some fear, eagerness, but most of all openness. The first steps off the plane were not just our transition into another country, but it was our transition as a youth ministry and as individuals. You were waiting for us here; and even though we did not know what to expect, our hearts still held on to the hopes of expectation. After a 3 hour drive and a few confused directions, we arrived at our home for the week.

I recall the excitement in us all to finally settle in after a long day of traveling. When we stepped into our living arrangements we were somewhat surprised. We did not expect to be living in luxury, but we did not expect not to be living in luxury---if that makes any sense. Needless to say we settled in and gradually adjusted.

On Day One we were introduced to the heat of the Dominican Republic as we made our way down the streets of North Santo Domingo to the ministry we would dedicate our hearts too. We were introduced to Pastor Juan, who was the lead pastor of Iglesia Cristiana Bendicion, a small and quaint church, with a vision to serve their community. As he briefly shared his vision with us and how grateful he was that we were there, we came in contact with the many faces that would soon enter our hearts and be engraved into our minds.

Our mission for the day was to exchange our US currency, but to do so we would have to travel through the busy market place. Together, we formed a line with our ministry team from Pastor Juan’s church and began to walk. The sun beat down on us as we pounded that pavement utterly noticed by the yelling natives----who called out for our attention.

As we passed by the many shops and faces, each person stared intensely at us and honestly we stared back. I remember walking by the motorbike taxis and tensing up as they aggressively called out to serve our transportation needs. When we got to La Sierena (The Mermaid) we were amazed by how it reminded us of “Walmart”. Although, so much was around us, our focus changed to just laughing and trying to hold conversations with the youth who escorted us. Now that I look back I can see that You were slowly building us up for the ministry You had called us to do, but little did we know the impact of what would be done through us.

Forever Yours,

Alex <3

Written by Alexandria Leggette, 7/17 STM DR Participant