Greater Things

The Lord's goodness amazes me everyday! He has steadily provided me with a group of kind, caring supporters cheering me along every step of the way. I am so thankful for His goodness and for each and every one of you! :)

To date, I have raised 65% of my support and counting. I cannot believe that in 5 weeks, I have raised a little over $13,000 for my year long trip to the DR. I know that if it were me alone, I'd be getting nowhere fast, but that the Lord has provided all of this.

I am also encouraged by all that is happening in the Dominican Republic. The youth group, Vida Joven, just returned from an amazing retreat of worship and fellowship with God. The church community is strong and growing and I was encouraged in June to see a larger congregation than when I first visited in March of 2008.

I now have 24 days left before I leave and in the flurry of fundraising and packing, purchasing last minute supplies and visiting friends and family, I am really enjoying soaking up those quiet moments with God at night as we talk about the future. I know that not everything will be easy, but that the Lord has something amazing in store. Greater things have yet to come, I truly believe that. Greater things for Cielo, greater things for me, greater things for God's work.

I met with a friend the other day to talk about her search for a job. Its been a frustrating road for her, as I well understand. But as I listened to her talk, I was reminded of the fact that when we are in a situation is when it seems like there is no way out, like nothing we do is getting us anywhere. And then, out of nowhere, God opens a door and we are given an opportunity that is 10 times better than what we were begging to take before. God hands us a gift, a new perspective and we look back at those trials and think, "What was I so worried about?" God is there, He hears our every uplifted cry and He answers those prayers in His time. He has something better than we could even imagine for ourselves and He generously lavishes it on all of us. Greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done...

Blessings,
Anna