Adele's Reflections
How it feels to leave...
13.10.2010
Yesterday morning I looked out at the Caribbean Sea and said my "goodbye’s" to the Dominican Republic before the long trek home. Every time I return to the D.R. I am more grateful. It takes time for trust to build. It takes time to be told and then hold people's stories. It takes time to invest in other's spiritual journeys. And each year the rewards of being present grow.
In the D.R. I feel like a mother to a host of young women who are in ministry -- and who don't have the benefit of older role models. One woman greeted me with "Hello Mom, I'm glad you are here."
Let me give you and idea of what comes up during these times of pastoral care:
* past issues of abuse and their impact today
* past and present addictions to drugs, alcohol and porn
* working relationships-- people worship, work, and play together and it can get complicated
* marriage struggles
* lack of resources and lack of opportunity
* issues of singleness
* burn out and workaholism
* issues of guilt and self-hate
* how to change
Every meal, every break, every time there is not a teaching session conversations travel to deep places. And when I think, "I don't know what to say. I don't know where to begin." the Holy Spirit seems to supply what is needed. I wonder -- where did that come from? It goes to show that God is willing to use anyone -- even me-- for the good of the Body.
I feel the privilege of this work. I realize that God takes us down there to fuel, resource, love, and equip ministers and ministry leaders. But while we are there, God gets at me. He shows me what it means to risk and let go of what makes me comfortable. And then when I get home, the possibility of continuing to let go remains.
What happens in the D.R. happens because we can offer the church leaders there a retreat. And that happens through you as well as us.
Thank you, thank you.
Adele
Posted by divingrev 14.10.2010 10:57 Archived in Dominican Republic
