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:)
GOD bless you and your work there.
They are blessed to have you there to love on them.
Sending love and prayers,
Donna Stegall
Beautiful words ?? Praying for you sweet girl ?? Luke 1:37
I love this. I was once told, “be where your feet are”, and find that strikingly pertinent for your time there as well. Praying for you and your time in the DR! 🙂