LEX

thoughts as i settle in

i have had a lot of free time since i arrived in puerto plata. things don't really get up and running for me for about another week or so. i came early so i'd have time to get settled in, and it's been muy bueno.

in that time i've had the chance to flip through the makarios guestbook which sits on our table in the living room. it's an amazing little book. those who visit have the chance to write notes about their experiences. the experiences that these people have had and the ways in which their lives have been changed is incredible. i haven't even visited any of the villages yet, but i am already overwhelmed by what lies in front of me for the upcoming year.

most of the entries include many thanks to Sharla (the Executive Director) and Brian & Bethany (the couple who taught here for the past two years and have returned to the US for more school). i have never met Brian & Bethany, but it is very evident that they're pretty darn cool. i do know from experience that Sharla's a pretty cool chica herself. i feel very inadequate that i am, in part, taking the place of Brian & Bethany (though i am not at all saying they are replaceable!) But I am also so incredibly blessed to be working for Sharla and with such a great ministry.

it's amazing to me how God brings people to the place where He wants them. random connections, and promptings, which i resisted for a time, brought me here. i knew nothing of Makarios before February 2006. i did not want to raise support. i did not want to move AGAIN. i did not want to leave the country by myself. but God decided to use people and classes (Perspectives) and desires and dreams and passions. He brought them all together at just the right time...and now i am here.

i will never understand it, but it's comforting to know that He is in control.

posted by Alexia & Jeffrey @ 2:56 PM