I don’t really like carbonated beverages. But a carbonated beverage that is poured from a tall glass bottle in the home of a Dominican stranger is my new favorite drink. Maybe it’s how refreshing and cold the drink is on such as hot day. Or maybe it’s the smile on the face of the Dominican stranger that says “We’re friends now.” Or maybe the cold drink tastes so good because it is being generously given to me, an American stranger, from someone who does not have much. I think all of these are reasons why carbonated beverages are my new favorite drink.
I was hustling around recently when I got stopped by a precious nine year old girl who invited me into her house. I had a sweet time getting to know her, her mom, and her grandmother. I drank the cold carbonated beverage that was served to me and told my new friends I’d be back soon.
God showed me through that experience what it is like to be led by Him each day. I have a tendency to let the urgent (running errands and sticking to my agenda) get in the way of the important (connecting with people and building relationships). Since that time of slowing down to get to know my new friends, God has given me many other opportunities to lay my agenda aside and connect with people. To slow down in this way is so counter-American culture but I’m quite excited to embrace it. I believe that God wants to lead me and use me in the lives of the Dominican friends that I meet each day.
Father God, “Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.” Psalm 43:3
Oh Carrie. What a neat reminder that God is at work if we would only slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Thanks for the time you guys spend on these wonderful connections to your life in the DR and what God is teaching you.
Love,
Mom
i have enjoyed reading this, I am so glad someone sent it..maybe you can introduce sweet tea to them 🙂
Sounds like you are having an amazing time so far, I look forward to seeing what God does there this year and how you are a part of it
Miss you
love
Beth
I read your awesome story immediately after cancelling a mtg. I had at church tomorrow. I have a dear neighbor who is going back to S. Africa next week, and we are going to go for coffee together in the morning. Thank you for affirming my decision. It feels great to scratch through my appt. and spend time with my neighbors.
Tell your 9 yr. old friend about Thomas and let us know about her. We could maybe orchestrate a pen pal thing.
Love,
Audra
Carrie that was a great way to put how refreshing it is to have little, but have so much –
thank you for opening our eyes …..
I have enjoyed all of your postings !
love you, miss you!!!! MOM
Hey my best friend! i miss you alot right now and i just wanted you to know that. It makes me so happy to read about your roles and the way God is using you and teaching you so much. I’m kinda about to cry…Thank you for sharing! I love you so much and i am going to email you a photography idea!
Love you both,
alecia