A few things to share...

ok so since Easter week I have been thinking about wether I have been true to my expectations herein the DR and if I have really given of my time and talents to serve here as I intended to do. in many ways I am realizing that I have andstill yet in others I have not. I am also realizing sometimes God will set us ona path towards something that we perceive one way, and when we are there, he willopen the understanding to many other unforseen things.
I thought I could come here and jump right into the community center, not anticipating the need for greater language comprehension, as well as cultural awareness. I thought that being at the school was a hinderance since I came to "help" those less fortunate blah blah blah....I guess wheremy mind has shifted is that there will always be poor people and those who are unsure or uneducated about how to move aheadin life. Thee will always be people who don't have something, but they are not the onley ones who need "help".
I think I am realizing that we somehow fulfill our selfishness by thinking we "helped" the immediate gratification of a weekly meal, or afew childrens games...yes, these things can be good, but sometimes maybe we do it more for us then for them.
My new realization is that ALL people no matter in DR or US, are in some ways poor, and rich. It is the people who don't know the true love and experience of relationship with Christ that may make one poor, and having little but knowing His peace and joy may make one rich!
I am coming to understand that people who are poor economically, are desperate and therefore more willing to understand the need for Christ as a savior, while those who seem to be satisfied by their jobs, "successful"in their wealth and family, that seem to feel they don't need a savior.
Here is wheremy heart currently seeks to serve. I am realizing no matter where you are there is a mission field to serve because so many think that they can do life alone without the power of Christ. If the upperand middle class societies began to realize their power and value in CHrist, it is very realistic to think that the number ofpeoplein tangible poverty could decrease because the peoplein power are acting out of wisdom from above.
So, no matter where you are you can be apart of the great commission because allpeople need Jesus, redemption, salvation, relationship and new life. Having said that, spreading this message if seemingly easier in a group or when affiliated with an organization rather than asalone ranger on amission. There fore i am seeing the need for a bit more training and strategy to teaching others, as well aslearning creative waysto apply God's word to a world that exists beyond those "less fortunate" by material standards. I have been receiving some guidance as to where to go next, but honestly, no matter what your physical location you can be a missionary.
Pray for the eyes and ears of the hearts of your loved onesto be opened to Christ's love. That HIs truth would permeate our soulsand cause change and that rich and poor alike would come to know Himand walk in His light.