Proverbs 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."

Hola mis amigos! Okay, I apologize for the overdue update- how easily we can slip into trivial, mundane tasks instead of Kingdom work...Romans 7 is a very real Christian experience. First of all, I came home on March 8^th, which was in the plan because I was in my friend's wedding. I was supposed to return to the Dominican Republic on March 22^nd, but I did not. I am currently waiting to go back to the Dominican because the government is now cracking down on visas. In order to stay without a visa, you can only be there ninety days at a time.As a result, I have to wait so that when I go back, I will not overextend the ninety day period. In the mean time, I am working at a bakery and helping with the ministry’s website. Along with that, I am figuring out details for next year, which turned into a much larger project than I was expecting. It looks as though right now I will be going back to the Dominican Republic May 12^th and staying with another missionary in La Romana for a little while. Lord willing, I will then return to MGM my last month there. I thought I would put this post up quick, and add more thoughts later. But, I have to share that although I was disappointed that my stay was shortened, I am absolutely in awe of God's sovereignty in all of the change of plans. In order to make things concrete for this upcoming fall, I have had to do so much research, meet with so many people, pray, make a lot of phone calls, pray, do some more research, and so many other details I won't bore you with. I have accomplished so much this past month that would not have been possible had I been in the Dominican Republic. I would have come back to find I was in a real mess and probably make poor choices due to a lack of information. I stand amazed at God's omniscience, sovereignty, and faithfulness.  

The Lord's purpose will prevail

Recently, there was a plot of land lent to MGM that will be used to plant a garden. On a Monday morning, Barb, Miguelina, two Dominican men, and I set out for this tiny "jungle" to turn it into something that looks more like a garden than a tropical forest. The first day, our speedy Dominican friends whipped out their machetes and tore down half of the weeds. After a lot of sweat, water breaks, and hard work, we cleared half of the land and then prayed over it. We are trusting that the Lord will direct MGM on how to use this specific plot of land to further His Kingdom and purposes. One possibility is to teach young women from the villages how to garden and grow certain food. It could also be used as a food supply for the missionaries there, or as a ministry for the teams that come down. Proverbs 19:21-"Many are the plans in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD, it will stand." How amazing to know that nothing can stand against God's plan. What He wills, will come to pass.