Thoughts from Caroline

Kim Streeter (who I have written about before, my 'replacement' for lack of a better word) arrived in the DR just a few weeks ago! Her first project here is to do a Social Work Site Blog, and she asked me to do a post for it, and I thought some of our readers might be interested in it as well.

Also, if you want to check out the new site blog, here's the address: http://meetingjesusinelcallejon.blogspot.com/?spref=fb

I remember before I moved here 3 years ago daydreaming about what my ministry would be like in the DR. I remember imagining leading a profound Bible study (in perfect Spanish) to an attentive group of women. I remember imagining seeing lives transformed over night because of my ministry. I remember imagining myself having deep heart-to-heart conversations with women and girls.

The reality of how it was when I did move here was quite different. I remember feeling overwhelmed and intimidated by 30 shouting women crammed into our tiny site. I remember stumbling through Spanish and getting lots of blank states and nose crunches (a Dominican gesture for “what?!”) I remember feeling like I had nothing to offer the women and girls.

Looking back 3 years later, my ministry did not end up like the perfect picture I imagined it would be. And thankfully, it got a lot better than my initial experiences also.

There are so many stories I could share, like how several of the couples who have been living together for years finally sanctified their relationships by getting legally married. Or the bittersweet time when Lourdes was diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer, and as a result gave her life to Christ. Or the trips to the beach, or the pool, or to the pizza place. Or how several students who came down on outreaches decided to return as interns or staff.

But there are also so many sweet memories that I alone cherish. Like hearing the young girls recite their memory verses week after week. Or the joy in the women’s’ faces when I told them I was pregnant, and later when they saw James for the first time. Or hearing students’ stories of how God used their time at the site to grow and transform them.

There is no doubt in my mind that God is working in El Callejon. It’s a long process transforming this community. Many days it seems as though we take one step forward and two steps back. But the past 3 years I have been a witness to the growing spirit of hope and light that exists in the community. And I trust that God will continue to use this and other ministries to grow His kingdom in El Callejon.