This month we would like to dedicate our blog to our daughter Rachael---we have had the pleasure of spending the last three months with her at home and that has been more than a blessing to many!!! Dave and I have frequently commented that one of the best ways people can help us or support us is by coming here for a short visit to see how we live and what we do and simply be with us, pray with us and encourage us to "keep on keeping on". Rachael's presence here with us and in the community has been this type of encouragement...and much more!!!
Since Rachael returned from the YWAM DTS experience the end of March, she has been a true example of this quote---"The glory of God is the human being fully alive!!"---Irenaeus of Lyon
We have witnessed her get up every morning at 5:30 am to sit in a rocking chair on our front balcony where she is surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and nature here---this is her time with the Lord every day---then she goes in town to a ballet exercise class every morning---and returns "full" to experience the day---being a light here at home and out in our community living out another quote that we all have come to love and embrace...
"Go to the people.
Live among them.
Learn from them.
Love them.
Start with what they know.
Build on what they have.
But of the best leaders,
when their task is accomplished,
when their work is done...
the people will remark:
"We have done it ourselves." (By the grace of God!!)
Here in the Dominican Republic there is a beautiful tradition called the "despedida" or going away party when someone leaves. Our young leaders here planned a very special party for Rachael that really reflected so much of what God is doing here in ALL of our lives.
They spent the day preparing for the party in the evening---gathering firewood to make a big fire to cook the food, seasoning the meat and peeling and slicing vegetables for a very flavorful soup called "sancocho" and squeezing fresh oranges for juice to drink---Rachael joined them in our back kitchen which was filled with laughter and youthful energy!!! It was so beautiful to see them all come together to help and each contribute their part to make the celebration a success.
Later on church members came and we all gathered on our gazebo (where we have shared together so many times over the years)---they sang worship songs and then took turned coming to Rachael each with a rose and with words to encourage her----she was then presented with gifts from the church---a coffee mug and a plaque with pictures of the church leadership group and beautiful, very appropriate Scripture passages--then we all ate the delicious sancocho, played pool and dominos and just enjoyed one another's company---a true celebration in the Lord!!!
The following morning as I was reflecting on the day and evening I sensed the Lord gently teaching me---"this is how my kingdom works when you let me fill you with My love, you can give that out and later on others who have experienced that love, will love back!!!
THERE IS NOTHING MORE POWERFUL THAN AUTHENTIC LOVE---IT CHANGES THINGS!!!
As I write this today, Rachael has left for the states and will stay there till we take her to Taylor University mid-August---she has packed for college so her room is empty---some of you know that feeling--we are so excited for her yet it is sad to know that "a season" has come to an end---but I pray this will motivate us to really live "fully alive" every day!!
Take a look at the right-hand panel for a letter from Rachael as well as some words to encourage you along the way and a couple of books we have just read this summer---recommended to us by Rachael!! Our prayer requests are listed there as well.
We also wanted to share that our oldest daughter Blythe just came to visit us and also truly blessed us---it was so special for all of us to enjoy a good chunk of time with her here at home, out in the community and, of course, experiencing our beautiful north coast beaches!! Thanks Blythe so much for coming --can't wait for the next time!!
at the beach...
time at a local spa...
Our son Shane will be driving from Washington, DC to Portland, Oregon in August to start his new job as Visiting History professor at Reed College---more on that next month--please keep him in your prayers.
Thanks to all for your support, prayers and encouragement---that means the world to us.
BY GOD'S GRACE AND FOR HIS GLORY,
The Dave Schwulst family
Later on church members came and we all gathered on our gazebo (where we have shared together so many times over the years)---they sang worship songs and then took turned coming to Rachael each with a rose and with words to encourage her----she was then presented with gifts from the church---a coffee mug and a plaque with pictures of the church leadership group and beautiful, very appropriate Scripture passages--then we all ate the delicious sancocho, played pool and dominos and just enjoyed one another's company---a true celebration in the Lord!!!
The following morning as I was reflecting on the day and evening I sensed the Lord gently teaching me---"this is how my kingdom works when you let me fill you with My love, you can give that out and later on others who have experienced that love, will love back!!!
THERE IS NOTHING MORE POWERFUL THAN AUTHENTIC LOVE---IT CHANGES THINGS!!!
As I write this today, Rachael has left for the states and will stay there till we take her to Taylor University mid-August---she has packed for college so her room is empty---some of you know that feeling--we are so excited for her yet it is sad to know that "a season" has come to an end---but I pray this will motivate us to really live "fully alive" every day!!
Take a look at the right-hand panel for a letter from Rachael as well as some words to encourage you along the way and a couple of books we have just read this summer---recommended to us by Rachael!! Our prayer requests are listed there as well.
We also wanted to share that our oldest daughter Blythe just came to visit us and also truly blessed us---it was so special for all of us to enjoy a good chunk of time with her here at home, out in the community and, of course, experiencing our beautiful north coast beaches!! Thanks Blythe so much for coming --can't wait for the next time!!
at the beach...
Having fun making hair ornaments with one of our women's groups in the community...
time at a local spa...
girl time in Santiago...
More family news...Here is Beka enjoying the Junior-Senior banquet at her school---she sang and gave a speech as well---It's hard to believe that our "baby" will be a Senior this fall!!!
Thanks to all for your support, prayers and encouragement---that means the world to us.
BY GOD'S GRACE AND FOR HIS GLORY,
The Dave Schwulst family