6 months

I can't believe it, but as of today, I have been in the Dominican Republic for 6 months! Originally the half-way point, it is now the 1/6th point as I have current plans to be here through August of 2012.

Looking back on the last few months, a lot has happened... enough that I feel as though I've already been here a year or more. In the first four months, I spent most of my time meeting people, learning Spanish and getting a feel for the culture. To be honest, as important as it was, I felt very useless during this time. I did not feel a sense of accomplishment because I was not doing something "concrete" for the Mission. God told me in a gentle way, however, that I was wrong. Sometimes just your presence can be a catalyst for change. And that change does not always occur where you think it will.

I came back from Christmas break at home with my family and went through several weeks of turmoil in relationships in the community. I came into this experience with the idea that everyone would be welcoming and accepting and I could trust all those that I met. Well, my life experience and common sense tell us different and I was reminded of this harsh reality upon my return. The Lord tells us, "take up your cross and follow me." In doing this, He did not promise a smooth ride. On the contrary, Jesus said that we would be persecuted because of our belief in Him. This does not mean that every time we go through problems, we are suffering for Christ; sometimes we are suffering for our own sin and humanness.

This has definitely been an experience in character building. I know that the Lord is continually refining me and forging me into the woman that He wants me to be. Everyday I am faced with my weaknesses and imperfections. And as I view the things in me that I despise, I am presented with a choice -- to allow the Lord to burn out the undesirable even though its uncomfortable and painful at times or to continue on as I am knowing that later transforming that part of me will be even harder. I know that initially I chose to continue on in the same path. That it was easier to blame others or feel isolated and rejected. But I hope that now, as much as possible, I am seeing the value and wisdom in every trial that presents itself.

On January 11th, I was asked whether I would accept the position of Director of our clinic. On January 12th, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. Everything happens for a reason, including the fact that I accepted the responsibility for this position the day before the earthquake. Otherwise, I may have left and gone to Haiti. It appears that that is not what the Lord would have for me at this point. I do not always know exactly what the Lord has for me here, but I do know with certainty that He wants me here. And with that assurance, I have settled in here in the town of Nazaret, in the township of Bayona, in the Western part of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to follow God's will.

To that effect, I have bought furniture, more plates, cups and silverware in order to welcome more people into my life and my home. I have also begun to make plans for an English class or two and some one on one time with two of my friends to get together and share in our faith. I am investing in the community and in God's work here, more and more everyday.

(my new living room... complete with furniture!!)

I am excited about what God is doing in my life, the community of Bayona and the medical center. I am amazed at all the changes that have taken place and the work and improvements going forward. Thanks to all who are continuing to support me in this spiritual journey and the work that Mission Emanuel and I are doing here in Bayona. Please remember me in your prayers and my new support raising goal of $36,000.

You can give at http://missionemanuel.org/support/ and can contact me at bianco.13@osu.edu as well as http://www.facebook.com/bianco.13

Blessings,

Anna