Christmas abroad

FIRST MONTH UPDATE:

This was a first for Velvet - Christmas in a different country without snow and various other traditions ... and without family.



I have been abroad during Thanksgiving,
but this was a first for me.

Christmas without the trimmings,

without Blueberry pancakes with blueberry syrup,

without White Christmas movie playing
as the house is being decorated for Christmas,

without
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion,

without spouse/family/close friends

and without the home church family service.

Guess what?

Christmas still came.

It came because Christmas is in the heart of a follower of Christ.

As people look at me I can tell they are thinking - she is a visitor here.  It doesn't take much for someone to realize that I am not from around here.  I also very much realize that I am not from around here.

For your amusement I have written about a few signs that you might be in a different country:
There is a specific 'check out' lane for electronics purchases, you only pay for the item in this line, then you proceed back to electronics to have a quality check where the product is tested thoroughly - next you proceed to the person who views your receipt, checks that the product was tested, stamps the receipt with today's date, retains a copy of your receipt,  followed with explanation about the length of warranty on the item and replacement requirements (you must retain the box) - this takes about 30 minutes.

Tonight I learned the importance of customer satisfaction, how to wait, what thoroughness in a job well done means, that I must keep my receipt and box to be able to claim the 2 yr warranty, the correct date and to wear comfortable shoes while shopping for electronics.  

Think of all the money I will be saving, because one must be absolutely certain one wants the electronic item badly enough to wait & wade through the process.  I now have a blender and the bonus of a new blow dryer.  Why the blow dryer?  Thought I would make the wait worth while and get two items for the wait time of one. Wanted to be a good steward.  :-) Very thankful for the kind person who translated with patience and waited/waded through the process with me.


BTW if you need a cell phone here is something important I will pass along to you - Buying a cell phone can take up to 2 hours or longer.  I was the very last customer and they had to unlock the door to let us out.  Oh yes, you will need a passport and perhaps a national's passport.   GOOD TIMES are being enjoyed on the missionary adventure.  I even was able to use my past experience this week of how to take a cup shower when the water pump went out.

Don't be too envious when I tell you that I have had to use the warm water, sleep without a fan and even use a light blanket because of the cool nights.  I was even wishing my friend had sent me along some fuzzy socks with my cool beach hat.


Today I thought I had finally figured out where I was and how to get where I was going - I was mistaken.  I had the general direction but was off by a few streets.  However, I know with absolute certainty that God does want me here - at the grocery store, there were 3, yes, you heard correctly, 3 kinds of alfredo sauce as well as GOYA picante sauce, RAGU pizza sauce, Yoplait peach yogurt, PAM cooking spray, and wait for it ... wild berry skittles and a zero candy bar.   AND Olive oil is reasonably priced.  Not to mention all the fresh fruit and vegetables year round.

Lest I forget to mention it - I have a full size comfortable mattress and box springs.  This is wonderful! I can't begin to describe how great this 'comfort zone' truly is at the end of a day.

That's the fun stuff ... but I really want to share what has touched my heart.

The team of missionaries that are here that have welcomed 'me' to their 'family', the church services where the Gospel is preached with the same intensity and passion as my home church in the States, the Sunday nights at El Puente,

the relationships that God is gifting to my life, the time to be in the Word without distraction, seeing that His love is relentless and how He covers us when the world gives way ...  this week was full of news that dropped me to my knees in prayer for family and friends that I hold dear.   His promises were what I clung too as I prayed prayers for healing, comfort, peace, happiness, blessings, provision and direction for those back in the States going through the tough times of life.





How something as simple as Skype can keep 'homesickness' manageable during a holiday.  It definitely is a peace filled moment when you can see your spouse as you say good night.

 Last night I fell asleep listening to a song wafting on the air from a nearby church service  - "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, no matter my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is WELL with my soul."

Where did you say you were going?

You may be wondering why Dominican Republic?  Back in Spring 2014, John asked, why can't we go to the Dominican Republic - it would be a good mix of Venezuela and Haiti?

Several times during the process of application, waiting for approval, official placement, and getting ready, we have revisited that conversation. When you are willing and don't place limits on God ... you might find yourself on a scenic journey that you weren't expecting.

Haiti touched us in a way like no other place we have been. Dominican Republic kept popping up. Then we were asked a question by a visiting missionary associate, "Have you thought about coming to the Dominican Republic?" John was interested, my response was "I won't close the door to a place where God might want me."  Then the phone call came.  I was still processing that conversation and praying about what had been discussed.  Another phone call came.  I stopped.  We were in the middle of shopping for a place to live.  Our appointment could wait.

Was I convinced?  Not yet. But He had my attention.  So being true to my Missouri roots I said, "Show me. Show John. "  He's been doing just that.  We didn't ask Him to show the full path, we just stepped out.

We know we have much to learn along the way, language being one of the greatest challenges.  To be given an opportunity to work with Haitian children and work with Haitian churches! - it is true that He knows our heart's desires and it does matter to Him.  We have missed the Latin America culture and have such fond memories of time spent in Venezuela.  To have this blended into an opportunity - we just look at each other often and say "is this really happening?"

We step out.  There will be days where we may feel overwhelmed with the challenges of culture adaptation and the struggle to learn two languages at a level where we can somewhat converse with the nationals.  There will be days where there are more challenges than comforts.  Those are the days we know people will be praying - that will turn the tide.  We will hold to that knowledge.

When we look at this on paper - it can be daunting.  As we look at it in faith knowing what He can do - an unexplainable peace is found.

What do I expect?  I expect amazing connections and divine appointments.  I expect smiles and laughter.  I expect many times of falling at His feet and asking, seeking, knocking and standing on His promises that He will equip and give strength to those He chooses.

Watching Him at work - unfolding it as only He can, seeing Him move mountains.  We know there will be many more times of watching and waiting.

HELLO. I'M NEW HERE.

John and Velvet are continuing to work with the Haitian people through World Missions and an invitation was extended this past August to work with the Haitians in the Dominican Republic.

Velvet will be heading to the Dominican Republic the end of November 2015.

We are currently raising Velvet's expense budget for the first months. We are trusting God for another $1600 of the living expenses before the end of November. We know that God will provide when it is His will and His bill. 

The Haitian school project is becoming a reality.  John and Velvet are very excited to be a part of this endeavor.

Those desiring to partner with us, provide needed school supplies, help financially with the school and church please talk with John or myself. We covet your prayer covering.

Donations can be made via this link: http://missionsbeyon6.wix.com/missions-beyond#!donate/c11j2 

or via postal mail to Missions Beyond 1103 Hulen DR, Moberly, MO 65270  

Please make payable to 1st A/G Missions Beyond - note Sommer in the memo field please.

You may also make contributions via Velvet's account with AGWM - the account number is 8699753

https://giving.ag.org/Give/Details/600001-869975