The quick hop from Costa Rica to the DR felt instead like we traveled halfway around the world. Although our flight left early afternoon, a long layover in Panama and jumping time zones meant that we arrived in the dead of night. We moved slowly through immigration and customs in good spirits, and piled out to the curb where a microbus (if you will), was waiting for us with a sketch trailer hooked to the back. We loaded up the trailer with our bags and stacked all remaining packs in the front section of the bus, leaving minimal room for the passengers. Packed in like sardines, we began the 5 hour trip to the north shore.
By the time our team arrived at our host that morning, we were exhausted. We made it through some brief introductions and a tour of our space, but needless to say – once our head hit the pillow we were out. We slept on and off most of Saturday; some of us did a little grocery shopping and we played a game after dinner, just to keep us up so we could actually sleep that night.
We woke up Sunday still a little groggy, but ready for what the day would hold. We knew Antonio was taking us to church, but not much else. It was maybe a 15 minute drive and we got to see a bit more of Puerto Plata along the way. Eventually we turned down a side street and the atmosphere shifted. The streets were lined with murals, houses with wooden siding, painted all sorts of fun colors! Antonio came to a stop and we piled out of the Explorer. He gestured to a door, with a sign over it that said, “Iglesia Christiana Nuevo Jerusalem”. This must be it…
As we stepped through the door, the service had already started. One of the men greeted us and gestured to some open seats. It was a long, narrow room decorated with a vibrant green fabric. Paper chains went across the ceiling above us and there were some paper flowers and balloons decorating the walls as well. There were a handful of other people there already, a baby wandering up and down the center isle. A woman was up front leading worship; no music, just her voice in a microphone and the voices of the people around me. But it was rich and full of life. At first, I thought it was Spanish; I could understand a few words here and there. But I quickly realized it wasn’t Spanish at all – they were singing in Creole! With how close we were to Haiti, I should have expected to encounter a new culture during our time here, but it still took me by surprise.
We sang for about a half an hour, and then Pastor Paul stood up to preach. He spoke in English so we could understand and had someone translate to Creole. He talked about the Potter and the Clay in Jeremiah 18. Jeremiah receives instructions from the Lord to go to the Potter’s house where he would hear from the Lord. As he enters the house, he sees the potter, sitting at his wheel and shaping the clay with his hands.
“As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.” – Jeremiah 18:6
We had the chance to visit a potter this past week. It’s mesmerizing to watch him work. He drops the lump onto the wheel and starts to spin it with his foot. He adds some water and begins to shape it and smooth it out. He applies pressure to the center to hollow it out, then pulls it up and out making it wider. It’s hard to imagine anything coming from the dark blob, but then you look around at the beautiful array of dishes and jars that he already finished and get a vision for what could be.
There is something beautiful about this imagery. God’s intentionality and design. The care and attention required to create. The vision of what could be, but also the gentle strength and pressure required to bring it to life. But I am also reminded that I am only a vessel. A vessel for God’s power and glory to flow through me. I am nothing without you God…
“But we have this treasure (the gospel of Jesus) in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”
– 2 Corinthians 4:7
Antoinette will continue the story, so check out her blog to read more about the ministry that we are working with here in the DR!
So cool to hear about your intro to DR! And also so cool to continue the story with different chapters written by different team members! Very creative! Thanks for the update and pics! Praying for you and love you!
Thanks for always reading my blogs and leaving a comment! I know it’s one of the only ways you hear from me, but I still appreciate it!
Ah yes, the good ol 5 hour microbús ride, sleepy-eyed mornings, and passionate praise. What a ride day one and two in the DR were!! Thanks for capturing our time in your articulate words! 🙂
It was incredible to hear that sermon and then listening you share what the Lord has been teaching you. I love how intentional the Lord is even with where he has us now. Visually showing you the potter’s house, in the DR, after showing you how you can only rely on Him…what?! That’s amazing!!
Well this is cute! I love ya, my friend and am always thankful to read about what’s bouncing around in your mind!