The JOyS of Summer......

As you all know, our summers here in the Dominican are packed with groups who are serving on mission trips. It's a part of our jobs that blesses us over and over and over again. God has allowed us to serve them and to play a small part in this life changing experience for people. We have the privilege of seeing people redeemed, communities renewed, and creation restored on a daily basis. It just doesn't get much better than that! We want to share some pics from these last few months. Most of these photos were captured by our staff photographer, Amanda Braisted. Enjoy them! Our hope and prayer is that they will inspire you to
"go and make disciples of all nations".

River Valley had a field day in Hato Del Yaque. All of the kids had a blast playing baseball, volleyball, soccer and basketball. They especially loved the jump ropes, ballons and little games the team brought for them.

Dorothy Sayers did a basketball clinic in Los Salados. At the end of the day, the girls said this was the most fun they have ever had playing basketball.

Eastview Youth worked in The Hole moving rocks to help secure the foundation of the church. They are always a blessing to all they come in contact with!

Stretching before the big June basketball camp begins. The kids in the community so look forward to this clinic every year. They learn about basketball, but most importantly about Jesus.

River Valley before starting on their construction project. They worked on Eduard's house (the Caribbean president) and Luis and Rene's house. Oh how we love each and everyone of them!

Sidewinders baseball group working on a construction project. These 15 year old boys were incredible and the leadership even better. It was such a blessing to be a part of their week!


St. Luke's held a field day in Los Perez. The joy on these faces is priceless.

Be Blessed,
Will and Audrey

....through my eyes

This week we hosted a group that is very dear to us. This team has been making trips to the DR for the last 14 years. We love you "G.O. Basketball!"
Many years ago, Will and I went on our first mission trip with the "G.O. Basketball team". This is when God planted the seeds in our hearts for missions, and to Him we are grateful. He had the path all marked out for us, He knew exactly what He wanted things to look like for us, He guided us, directed us, and showed us "our purpose".

As I was sweeping up some broken glass today at the basketball court, God gave me a moment to myself (which is very rare during basketball camp...29 Americans/140 campers). During this moment, I paused to think about what God was showing me this week. You might think after 6 years of living here, 6 years of teams, 6 years of working basketball camps, that things may seem repetitive, dull, or boring......this couldn't be further from the truth! Every day is different, and God continues to reveal Himself in beautiful ways.

This year, I took so much pleasure in watching Will do what he was "made for". God has gifted him in incredible ways and he uses those gifts daily to full capacity. Will has spent the last 6 years developing relationships with these children as well as the adults in the community. They respect him like I've never seen respect given before. They give this respect because he enforces discipline, he teaches, he loves, he shows compassion, and he presents The Gospel in a way that grabs their attention. He knows them all by name, makes them all feel special, and takes every opportunity for "teaching moments". I heard someone describe Will as a "magnet" this week. I think this is the perfect word to describe him. People are naturally drawn to him, and he doesn't use that for selfish ambition. I watched him use it this week to further The Kingdom!

God has created Him for this. I am forever grateful to each and every one of you who support us through prayer and financial giving. By your sacrifices, you are allowing us to do what God has made us for. Our prayer is that you will know how big of a role you are playing in advancing The Gospel....because you are.

Through my eyes.......I saw many beautiful things this week. I saw my life partner excelling at "his calling", I saw children being loved on, and I saw our lives here in the Dominican Republic making a difference which gave me a sweet peace that I will forever hold on to.

Be blessed today on this beautiful Sunday morning God has given us!

In Him,
Audrey

(p.s. Will has no idea I'm writing this post..ssshhh!)