Just touched down in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I’m currently writing to you from a bus with shabby red curtains and two world racers using me as a support for their naps. I really am excited and expectant for what the Lord will do in my time here, but I can’t help but recognize my heart's desire for something more. 

Leaving Romania was beyond challenging. I grew in deep relationship with the people. I found light in the darkness of my past. I experienced a culture that felt so similar to my upbringing. All in all, Romania feels more like home than Greenville, SC does. 

With this though, I have to recognize that home isn’t somewhere on earth. It’s not the three story blue and orange striped house in Romania. It’s not the bus full of people I now call family. It’s not even the suburban home my parents and siblings live in.

I now get to call Santiago, Dominican Republic home. Though it may not be where I live forever and it’s just home for a season, I am choosing to call it home as a commitment to my ministry. It’s not home in the sense of settlement, it’s home because this is where my feet are at the moment and I am ready to give it my all.

To my new friend Dominican Republic,

I choose to give you my all, my everything these next two months. I will borrow love from the Father to love your people. It’s an abundant, unconditional love that I am honored to give. No matter how homesick I am, I'll hold tight to the truth that home isn’t something I can find here on earth. I’ve found home in the creator of the world, the one who calls me beloved, and I will stand on Him as my solid foundation. I devote myself to filling up with His spirit so that I can pour out goodness from Him. I choose you, new friend. Here's to two months of learning, loving, and doing life! It’s so sweet to meet you! 

Your friend, Abbi:)