Fully Equipped for the Journey Home

Suitcases packed with some dirty clothes....some left behind.  Extra tolietries, snacks, or little extras given to Amy to keep.  What few souveniers I purchased are stowed away in the suitcase...my fresh coffee, a small painting from Betty's in Santo Domingo....passport and documents completed and ready to go through security/immigration/customs as we exit the country....heading home.

I'm tired...in a way, I'm dreading this day.  It's a day of anticipation of returning home to family and loved ones...but it's also a return to 'reality.'  We're all so blessed with our lives in the states...no doubt.  But, I for one dread the return to the rat race...the demands of my life.  I only wish I had a few days to savor, if you will, and process the thoughts.  But, our lives await us and what blessed lives we have. 

I feel fully equipped to give it another shot at showing the "God in me" more than I did before I left.  I fall so short of that sometimes...I know...we all do.  But, upon returning you find yourself resenging the 'nothingness' in our lives...the mundane happenings that are non-productive in showing the love of Christ or helping others....
So, for awhile...I'll be good...spot on...aware, equipped.  I pray each year that I can hang on a little bit longer each year so as not to forget the armour for which we were suited with while in Barahona.  The simplicity, the unconditional caring and love....the eyes of Jesus.

Leaving the island of Hispanola

"Equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen"  Hebrew 13:21

I Saw Jesus Last Week

***I can't take credit for writing this, but did modify it a bit to suit you...all of you. 
Hopefully it covers you all.  God bless you for showing Jesus through all that you did!**********************************************************************

I Saw Jesus Last Week.
He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt.
He was at the hospital making repairs;
He was alone and working hard.
For just a minute he looked a little like one of our team members.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by his smile.

I saw Jesus last Sunday.
He was reading scripture in church at LaHoya.
He didn't talk real loud or use long words,
But you could tell He believed what she said.
For just a minute, He looked like one of our team members.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by his loving voice.

I saw Jesus last week.
He was at the hospital providing surgery, and care to the sick.
They prayed together quietly before each case.For just a minute he looked like our surgical team.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by the compassion in his eyes.

I saw Jesus one day.
He was in a room preparing our lunches 
He then fixed us a special lunch to nourish us all.
For just a minute he looked like my friends.
But it was Jesus, I could feel the love from his heart

I saw Jesus last week.
He was praying on around a friend in need...
He then began to cry for those he prayed for and for a special little boy.
For just a minute he looked like our whole team coming together as one.
But it was Jesus, I could see the compassion poured out of his prayer, and the love offering that was given to her. 

I saw Jesus the other day.
He was at the bateys playing with the children.
He then put his arms around them, laughed, took pictures, and blew bubbles.
For just a minute he looked like our mission team members.
But it was Jesus, I could see the laughter & unconditional love in their eyes.

I saw Jesus last week.
He was on a red truck riding through this small town.
He waved a people on the street.
For just a minute he look like a loving people for the mission team.But it was Jesus,
I could see the love that was given in a gesture. 

I see Jesus everywhere,
Preparing beans & rice, counting pills/ prescribing to the sickUnloading and reloading boxes onto buses/trucks,Being friendly to a newcomer
And for just a minute I think he's someone I know
But it's always Jesus, I can tell by the way he serves.

May someone see Jesus in you today. Remember to encourage those you see living for Jesus!

Blessings!!