tidings of comfort and joy

For me, the holiday season has always brought comfort and certainty. I love Thanksgiving dinner with extended family, eating great food and sharing about God’s goodness to us over the past year. Traditions are very important to me so I always count on decorating the house and tree with my family sometime after Thanksgiving. We always play the same Christmas music and pull out the same ornaments, some beautiful and some embarrassing. Any time a question comes up if we should finally get rid of old decorations, I can’t let anything be thrown away or left in a box- I count on everything always being the same-the same Christmas angel on the tree, the same nativity set, the same homemade ornaments. Like I said, traditions are a big deal to me.

 Last year around Christmas and New Year’s, I was in the process of applying with Kids Alive. I had no idea what the year would hold or where I would be during Christmas 2012. I am amazed and in awe of where God has brought me. This holiday season feels so different to me-not quite the same as my expectations of years past with comfort, certainty, and traditions. I will be staying here in the DR over Christmas this year. Although this is a hard decision, the Lord has made it clear to me that this is what’s best. It sounds so basic, but God has been reminding me that the Christmas season isn’t all about the things I hold dear, it’s all about JESUS.  This Christmas will be different for me, but what a privilege to celebrate the wonderful birth of our Savior in a different country and culture- after all, the God that we serve is a global God who sent his Son for the people of all nations! I trust that God will bring new comforts, joys, and traditions that are beyond what I can see now.

At the care center, we are getting ready for the big Christmas celebration coming up on December 12^th! I am so excited about this. From what I understand, there is a huge meal prepared and families are invited for a program. The kids have been practicing songs and dramas. I’ve heard little girls talking about wearing their best dresses and being so excited for that day. Each child will get food and fruit to take home to their families along with a present and clothes. I’ll be sure and take lots of photos and update you all on this big day!

Please pray with me that during the Christmas season, children’s hearts would be open to the gift of Jesus Christ. What a wonderful time to give your life to Jesus- when we celebrate God giving his Son for us. The Christmas celebration will have the Christmas story woven all throughout so please also pray with me that families and visitors will be open to the message of salvation through Christ.

As always, I think of you all with a grateful heart humbled that you are partnering with me here in God’s kingdom work in the Dominican Republic. I pray for you all as you prepare to celebrate our dear Savior’s birth.

Emily 

 

 

let hope rise

Here is my latest email update:

Let hope rise and darkness tremble in your holy light- that every eye would see Jesus our God, great and mighty to be praised. God of all days, glorious in all of your ways- the majesty, the wonder and grace-in the light of your name.

Our hearts they cry, be glorified, be lifted high above all names. For you our King with everything we will shout forth Your praise!

This is from Hillsong United’s song “With Everything”. Whenever I listen to these lyrics, my heart instantly goes to Caraballo. This is what I am praying- that hope would rise here and that darkness would tremble- that Jesus would be glorified and many would come to know Him.

I am thankful every day for your partnership with the ministry here in Caraballo. I know that many of you sacrifice so I can be here and many of you are praying for me every day- I am deeply humbled and grateful. Please know that God is answering your prayers and strengthening me every day for the work that He has for me.

A lot has happened since my last email update! Sometimes it is hard to know which details I should share and which things to leave out, so I think the best thing will be to tell you a few stories that have deeply impacted me these last few weeks. I hope you will be able to catch a glimpse of God’s kingdom here through these stories.

Neroliza is a sweet fourth grader in our sponsorship program. We were deeply saddened to learn that she fell out of a very high tree while trying to pick fruit. She fell and dislocated her shoulder and broke four vertebrae. I was so worried about her and anxious to go visit her. After some time in the hospital she returned to her home near our care center and I got to visit. She is in a cast covering her entire torso- from right under her arms all the way to her hips. She is not able to sit up, so spends all her time lying in bed in her tiny, hot, humble home. She will have the cast on for three months and then her doctors will evaluate to see if she will need a surgery. Her mom said it is amazing that she even survived the fall because she fell on the dirt when she could have fallen on a big slab of concrete right under the tree. The first time I visited her, I was incredibly overwhelmed by her situation. It is so hard to see a child in that much pain and discomfort, but especially when the living conditions are a far cry from our “normal”. I had been praying for her so much and praying for God to show her somehow that He was near.

Last week we had a work team here serving. They sacrificed their time and gifts to make a difference here. We had some men working on construction, some joyful painters, a baseball coach excited to work with our older boys, and a dental hygienist and her assistant making our kids smiles even brighter. I loved the experience of having this group here. I know they made an impact here and I pray that their time here makes a lifelong impact on them too. My major role here is the Sponsorship Coordinator. So, with this team here, I chose 8 second grade kids who were in need of sponsors to highlight throughout the week. As I was talking about sponsorship, one team member told me that his daughter at home sponsors a little girl in our program. I was excited to help them connect- so he checked with his daughter and then the next day let me know that she sponsors a girl named…..Neroliza!

Can you believe how God orchestrated this? He sent the sponsors of the very girl who most needed a visit! It was a total joy for me to be able to take them to Neroliza’s house. They got to sit with her, get a photo, meet her mom, and pray with her. This made such an impact on me- I saw God answer my prayer for her to know that He was near to her. I think this was a really special moment for both Neroliza and her sponsor family. I love how the Kids Alive sponsorship program really touches lives and provides for an amazing connection with children at risk.

Speaking of sponsorship, let me go back to those 8 kids I was highlighting. Praise God that 3 of them got sponsored this week! It was amazing to me to see God moving in hearts as some first saw a picture of a child, then got to meet that child, and quickly fell in love and were moved to become part of that child’s life! I was taking pictures of these kids a few weeks ago to highlight and explained that I would be looking and praying for sponsors for them. Amarly is one of those second grade sweeties and every day for weeks she was asking me, “Do I have a sponsor yet?” I was thrilled about the day I heard a couple on this team tell me they wanted to be Amarly’s sponsors. It is encouraging how God has gone before me and prepared the way for me and is equipping me to be the Sponsorship Coordinator here- and I am loving it!

Would you please keep praying for me in my school nurse role? Every day, many little ones come to me wanting everything from a hug, to a band aid, to a cure for a rare skin condition. I’m asking for God to steady my heart during the times that I feel overwhelmed or inadequate. I know that HE is my strength- my hope- my joy. Please pray for the little ones who live in pain, physical and otherwise. Pray that God will continue to give me wisdom on how to love and serve. I have begun praying with kids before they leave my desk. This has been a really sweet time and I do ask for God to intervene in big ways in these situations. Coming up I will be working on a big project of updating all the kids charts with their height and weight and doing the biannual deworming, so if you could be remembering us and praying during that time, I would appreciate it!

I can never say it enough- thank you for your partnership. It would not be possible for me to be here without you.  Thank you for investing in God’s kingdom in the Dominican Republic. I love hearing from you! Please feel free to drop me an email or a letter in the mail J

 

AWANA

As a young girl, I was an AWANA cubbie. I loved the vest, the song, the pledge, the book- the whole thing. Then I moved up to being a spark- then we moved to Mexico so I was out of the Awana loop for a bit, but then coming back to the US in 6th grade, I was a chum. Awana was always part of growing up- playing games, memorizing verses, learning from leaders- it was a great experience for me.
Here in Caraballo, the kids LOVE Awana- more than just sort of like it, I mean LOVE it. As we were working on their Christmas projects, many kids would choose their color of ribbon or crayon based on their Awana team color. We have Awana every Friday at the care center and the kids look forward to it all week.
In Spanish it is called Oansa-Obreros Aprobados No Son Avergonzados (means the same as Awana- Approved Workers Are Not Ashamed).
I am totally impressed by my coworkers here. They are great leaders and get so passionate about it which makes the kids get really into it too! It is amazing to see all the kids lined up saying the Awana pledge and the pledge to the Bible around the familiar Awana circle-the same circle that I was on as a kid growing up in the States. I love sitting in on council time, hearing my coworkers give the life giving message of the Gospel in Spanish- and I love seeing the kids memorizing their verses- I'm praying that the truths of God's word sink deep into their hearts and lives.

                                          the younger kids during game time

                                            older kids

                                             Karen and I in our new Oansa uniforms :)

Only a few days left!

Being in Illinois the last month or so has been really wonderful. I'm so grateful that I have had plenty of time to get everything lined up to go. I've loved spending lots of time with family and Pontiac friends.
This week, my parents hosted an open house for people to come and say goodbye. I felt so loved and encouraged. Thank you to those who were able to come- I felt very supported and know that I have such an awesome team of people partnering with me in prayer and support.
These last few days I will be spending time with people and finishing up packing those suitcases! My flight is on Tuesday morning- please pray for me throughout that whole travel day. I should arrive in the DR by 8pm.
People have been asking me, "How do you feel? Are you ready? Are you scared?" I have a lot of emotions right now! I am a little scared because there is a lot of unknown, but more than anything, I'm so excited! This has been such a long time coming and I have such confidence that this is exactly what God wants me to do- so that fills me with peace and joy.
For those of you in the Pontiac area, I will be at church on Sunday, so I would love to see many of you and say a last goodbye!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me thus far and for partnering with me for what is ahead :)

thank you Iowa family and friends

I just returned from a wonderful weekend in Iowa. I am so glad I got the opportunity to go back and visit some amazing people!
Describing the weekend, I just feel so blessed. Thank you for encouraging me- I feel like my love tank is full and overflowing! I'm grateful for the relationships and the time I got to be with all of you.

 

 

It is hard to say goodbye and see a chapter close, but I thank God for the treasure that it was to live in Huxley and know all of you. I'm excited for what's next and I look forward to continuing to partner with you and keep in touch.

He is sovereign. He loves me. He knows me. He knows what I need to learn.

Hi blogging world!

I'm back home in Pontiac now after a wonderful month of training in North Carolina. The training program was FULL of helpful information and skills that I will need on the field but here are a few things that really stuck out to me:
-In studying Ephesians, I was reminded of who I am in Christ. Understanding my identity in Christ determines the trajectory for my life. What a priviledge to realize that I am adopted, chosen, loved, and forgiven. And what a priviledge to share with children who don't know WHO they are or WHO they belong to- to be able to introduce them to Christ and give them a new identity...
-God has a specific ordained path that he has laid out for me based on my personality, gifting, and experiences. Jesus is my example- He knew who he was- and he was totally free to give his life and serve.
-God is sovereign. He is completely in control and he will never leave us or forsake us. But Gods kingdom is often forwarded by suffering. In whatever circumstance, God will provide perfectly so that I can suffer well to glorify Him. Whatever God calls me to do, even if it involves suffering, he will equip me and has given me all the resources I need. Above all, God's glory is worth everything.
- When there is conflict, I should admit when I am wrong, assume the other person's story is bigger than what I can see, and ask God what He wants me to learn about Himself.
-Moral purity must be a top priority
-Spiritual maturity is fundamental but if you neglect culture you might not love people the way they feel loved.
-In many cross cultural situations, I need to ask myself, "What is more important- the relationship or my time?"
-Conflict resolution- be aware of my own feelings, pray first, and don't assume I know what the other person thinks/feels.
-I need to put on the FULL ARMOR OF GOD every day.
-A servant is often called to walk in mystery, but the Master knows the big picture.
-In meeting with a Dominican lady to help us with Spanish, she told me this, "I wish someone would have told me as a young girl that God was always with me. I didn't know that- It would have made a world of difference." I think this is what God is calling me to do.

Thank you for praying for me, especially this last month at training. This time was so valuable for what I need to prepare and to be spiritually and emotionally healthy while I am overseas.
I am with my family for this month, getting ready to leave on OCTOBER 2!

cuanto cuesta un mango?

Mangos are one of my favorite fruits. Living in Mexico as a child I don't remember liking them that much, but I love them now!
Yesterday, I went on an adventure with my new friend Stephanie from my training course. We heard about a huge Latino open air/flea market not too far from here. Of course we were interested in checking this out. After some tricky navigating and driving through crazy places and downpours of rain, we found it! The market area is basically rows and rows of tables under tents. You never know what you are going to find when you turn a corner- there was beautiful produce- I saw cacti (is that how you spell cactus-plural???), mangos, cilantro, pineapple, and every kind of pepper you can imagine. Other tables were selling clothes, socks, perfume, movies, cell phones, parts for your car, and even cowboy boots- basically anything you can imagine!
Stephanie and I had a blast checking out all the booths and taking in the culture- Spanish was the language of choice and the smells coming from the food vendors were incredible. We got chicken quesadillas with fresh salsa- yum!
Being there took me back to the days when my family lived in Mexico City. Every Saturday morning, I would go with my mom to the "tianguis", the open air market. I always loved going- there was so much to see and smell. I have vivid memories of my mom picking out fruit, my dad holding my hand, finding old school Enrique Iglesias cassette tapes....it was always an adventure.
God's been reminding me a lot of that lately. This life with him is an adventure every day. Sometimes it comes at a big cost to follow Him, but it is always worth it- and I never walk alone.
I look forward with such anticipation to the days when I'm living in the Dominican Republic- finding some open air markets, getting delicious mangos, and having Jesus right there with me.

Here's what I've been learning from Ephesians 1-3

Before the foundation of the world, God chose me- He predestined me to adoption as a daughter through Jesus Christ.
My redemption is in His blood. In Him I am forgiven because of the riches of His grace that He lavished on me. He has sealed me with His Holy Spirit- who gives me wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.
Daily, the eyes of my heart are being enlightened so that I will know what is the hope of His calling and the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
Even when I was dead in my sin, God made me alive together with Christ. By His grace I am saved- and raised with Him and seated with Him in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus. This has nothing to do with my works- it is His gift. He created me in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared beforehand so I would walk in them.
God is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that I ask or think-according to the power that works within us- to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever!

learning, learning, learning

My head and my heart are full.
At training I am learning so much- we are covering working with different personalities, Scripture studies, dealing with conflict, serving cross culturally, worldview, and language learning techniques. More things are coming too!
Today, a seasoned missionary was teaching us about different worldviews. She was showing us different doors that each one has for the Gospel to enter. I found this session very informative and thought provoking. We learned about different ways to present Christ to animist, modern, and postmodern worldviews.
My team mate Karen and I have been getting along great. She will also be serving at the Park Care Center in Caraballo. We can't wait to get there! Because we are heading to a Spanish speaking area, we were assigned to a Latin American church to attend while we are here. Both of us really love it- all the Spanish and the warmth of the Hispanic people.
Have you ever gotten a case of the church giggles? Well let me tell you, Karen and I had it really bad last night at the church Bible study. It all started when the leader asked everyone to stand for the corporate reading. They began reading in Luke at the rate of approximately 1,000 words per minute in Spanish. Karen and I followed along for maybe the first 5 words and then there was no hope for us! Not only were we lost, we started cracking up laughing! The next few minutes were spent trying to hold back giggles about how there was no way we could keep up! Then we began singing and still could not stop laughing.....oh dear! Finally we pulled it together and hopefully no one noticed :)
I heard this today:
"The most important thing you will ever take to the field is your prayer team"
So, thank you prayer team for remembering to pray for me. I need it every day!
Love from Waxhaw, NC :)

why have i never visited north carolina before?

Happy Thursday!
I just finished out my first day of training. I am in a small town called Waxhaw near Charlotte, NC. The training session I'm attending is called International Communications Course. It's at a Wycliffe Center for their aviation department, JAARS.
What I've seen of this state in the past 24 hours has been beautiful. Compared to the Midwest drought right now, it is so lush and green here! I love the outdoors and especially trees so I am in love with these surroundings.
During the next month, I will be learning with about 20 other missionaries (headed all around the world!). We will be in classroom settings for some of the time but it sounds like there are other projects and hands on learning activities. I'm staying in a cute apartment with Karen, my Kids Alive teammate.
Please join me in praying about these things:
-that I will have a learner's heart and soak up what I need to know
-that I will make new friends and connections
-that I will not be distracted by other things but can just be really focused on what God is doing right here and now.
Love from the South!
P.S. My cell phone service here is spotty, but I'm on skype (theresnoway) or feel free to drop me an email (emilyrbill@gmail.com)

ptown usa

This past weekend I moved from Iowa back to Illinois. My parents came and my youngest sister Megan suprised me when she hopped out from the back of the van! My grandpa from Wisconsin also came with his truck to help move me.
Everything went smoothly and now I'm back in Pontiac for a few weeks. Leaving Huxley was a bittersweet goodbye. I'm so excited about moving to the DR, but it is hard to say goodbye to a great chapter.
On Wednesday I will be going to North Carolina to start a month long training- I am so looking forward to this! I will try to be more consistent with blog updates to let you know what I'm learning and how things are going! Thank you for remembering me in your prayers.

hello blogging world,
i'm sorry i'm not the best at blogging consistently yet- it's something i need to work on!
here's a quick update and some thoughts:
last weekend, i got to go on a retreat with the Grace EFC youth to Baraboo, WI. it was a weekend filled with fun- bus rides, canoeing on the river, camping, doing a high ropes course, and learning about the Lord with about 50 others. we learned about being either a fan of Jesus or a true follower of Him. the teaching and discussion were very meaningful to me and i hope and pray that this weekend makes a lasting impression in the lives of these students. i have so loved being a part of what God is doing here in the Grace youth group- it has been such an honor and joy to learn and grow with them.
God continues to take care of all the details involved in moving. next weekend over the 19th and 20th my parents and grandpa will be here to help me move back to Illinois. i will stay with my family for a few days and then travel to North Carolina for a month long training session. during this training i will get to meet karen, who will be going to the same city in the DR as me- i'm really looking forward to meeting her and to all we will be learning.
i will return to illinois in late august and then i have the month of september pretty open. i'm planning a few trips- back to iowa, hopefully to wisconsin, and also to the chicagoland area. i would love to see many of you during that month to say goodbye before i go. with the way everything is going, it looks like i will be moving to the DR the first part of october! i can hardly believe it!
so back to the training i will be going to....there are a few assignments to work on before i arrive. i've been reading a book in preparation called "Cross Cultural Servanthood" by Duane Elmer. this is one of the best books i've read in a long time. i highly recommend it. i want to share with you one section that really stood out to me about hospitality, which is something i am always working on...

"The cross may be the single greatest symbol of openness. On the cross, Jesus' arms were open wide. In his dying breath he still signaled his openness to recieve those who would come to him in repentance. But it is not only an openness to those who wish to repent of their sins but also to us who wish to draw near for comfort, peace, refuge, hope, and grace. Openness is grounded in the very nature of God.
Openness is also captured in the biblical concept of hospitality. Hospitality refers to an attitude that prevails in a person's lifestyle, an attitude of extending grace to people, including the stranger, the person who is different. It certainly includes inviting people to your home, but if that is the extent of it, we have missed the core meaning. Hospitality is extending love to those we don't know and who may be of a different ethnic or cultural history. It is the idea of being gracious to all people, welcoming them into your presence and making them feel valued. A true servant is characterized by hospitality-one who welcomes and embraces those who are unlike us- just as Jesus embraced us across our radical differences.
Hospitality is rooted in the word hospital, which comes from two Greek words meaning "loving the stranger". It evolved to mean "house for strangers" and later came to be known as a place of healing. Eventually, hospitality meant connecting with strangers in such a way that healing took place. Therefore, when we show openness toward people who are different from us, welcome them into our presence and make them feel safe, the relationship becomes a place of healing. As we welcome people just as they are and invite them to join us just as we are, it becomes a sacred event reflecting what Jesus did for us-providing us with a healing relationship."

For Sale

Today I sold some of my furniture.
Last week I gave my resignation letter to my employer.
A month from today my training in North Carolina will begin.

Things are happening! I am amazed to see how God is working out all the details that involve getting me from here to there. Please continue to pray with me as I trust Him one day at a time.

hello out there!
i am so encouraged today. my support is coming in quickly and each week God just blows me away with his provision. i know that God is calling me to follow him to the Dominican Republic, but He is giving me more confidence week by week as he shows me that He is going to take care of everything. thank you for joining me on this journey- i know it would be impossible without people like you praying for me and supporting me- i am beyond grateful.

steady my heart

I'm a big Kari Jobe fan. God has really used her music to minister to me and help me worship. The other day my ipod was on shuffle and this song came on. It's one I've listened to dozens of times but the lyrics really resonated with me. I thought I'd share them with you too- maybe they will be helpful.

Steady My Heart

I'm not gonna worry
I know that you got me
Right inside the palm of your hand
Each and every moment
What's good and what gets broken
Happens just the way you plan

But you're real
You're here
I know I can trust you

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to you
Cause I know that you are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart

And I will run to you
You're my refuge in your arms
And I will sing to you
Cause of everything you are
You steady my heart

Hi there!

Hi Friends,
Thanks for checking out my blog! I hope this will be a helpful way to keep in touch and keep everyone updated along my journey to and in the Dominican Republic! I have been so encouraged during this support raising process- thank you for partnering with me financially and through prayer. It is such confirmation to me that this is exactly what God has for me right now :)