by Alexandria Figueroa, Maranatha team member
Last month, July 15-24, a Maranatha team headed to the Domincan Republic for a time of service, Bible teaching, fun and fellowship.
Q: Where did you go?
A: This was my second time going on a Maranatha overseas missions trip. Like last year, we went to the Dominican Republic. We stayed up in the mountains in a place they call the Eagle’s Nest, under the care of Pastor Amado and his wife Ramona.
Q: What did you do?
A: We continued work on construction projects we started a couple years ago. In the mornings before lunch, we helped build Amado and Ramona's new house on the mountain and doing finishing touches to the Eagles Nest. In the afternoons, we walked down the mountain to Amado's church and ran a two-hour Vacation Bible School for the children of the mountain.
Q: What did God do in and through the team?
A: In a missions trip to a country with a completely different culture, it can be hard to adjust. I noticed as the trip went on, I saw us growing more comfortable in what we were doing, connecting with the people, showing God's love even if we didn't speak the same language, and just being there for each other. This team in particular was just so loving and we had an amazing sense of community with each other — and especially the people on the mountain. It was such a blessing to see God work in and through us on the mountain!
Q: What did God teach you?
A: On this years’ trip, God truly opened my eyes and helped me grow in my spiritual walk. I learned to not put my walls up when I am in a frustrating situation and to have an open mind if people give me input to help me. I also learned that when I am feeling anxious about being in new situations or experiences to not isolate myself from my team, because they have my best interests at heart.
Finally, I learned to not overthink situations and to pray and trust God with everything I do and in every hard situation. This trip was such a good reminder that I am not alone in my struggles and that God will forever be with me!