An Update from the States

We are grateful for a quiet place

to rest while in the States.

"My soul finds rest in God alone."

Psalm 62

As many of you might already know, we have returned to the States to address some of the health issues Margaret has been facing since last January, and we thought it was time for an update.  We continue to be encouraged by the news we are receiving from the doctors regarding Margaret’s health, although she is not out of the woods yet.  Margaret continues to improve and is having more good days than bad, so we are thankful.  She will have more tests in November, and will see her endocrinologist and infectious disease doctors in November and December.  Depending on the reports we receive from her doctors, and the condition of her health, we are tentatively planning on returning to the DR in January, but we will wait to make that decision until we have more info.  Thank you for all who have prayed for us.  Even in the midst of this season, we are constantly saying to each other, “The Lord has been so good to us,” or, “The Lord has protected us,” or “The Lord continues to provide for us.”  So, although this season is not ideal, we are grateful for the countless ways we see the Lord’s kindness and goodness. 

We are also thankful for the Lehrs who are continuing the Lord’s work in the DR in our absence. They are hosting teams in the Mak House and are holding down the fort while we are away. Having them in the DR has given us great peace as we work on our health issues in the US.

Before we sign off, we wanted to share with you some insights from Elise.  Elise is a senior at Cedar Ridge High School and has been to the DR several times with Fellowship Round Rock.  May you be encouraged by what the Lord taught her this summer.  Elise, thank you for sharing your experience with us!

Elise in Pancho Mateo

"Each year, I have flown into the Santiago airport thinking about the impact I will make when I get there. And each year I leave reminded about the impact the Dominican Republic has on me.

     We visited Makarios the last week of soccer camp, meaning that at the end of the week, there would be a competitive soccer game between two of the four teams. Watching the game is always bright and lively, exciting and celebratory. Each boy playing on the field has a blast, and every fan watching has equally as much fun. The sun’s rays are constantly on the back of our necks, exhausting our group, but never stopping the boys from playing at their full potential. Since it is the championship game, the boys receive medals and trophies at an award ceremony that takes place directly after the game. As the game comes to an end, the blue team celebrates their victory and both teams rehydrate. I slowly walked back to the school, drenched in more sweat than I’ve ever been before. I took a seat on the cold, cement floor in the back of the school cafeteria. The boys shuffled in excitedly and took their seats, eager to receive their awards. Parents, siblings, and friends of the soccer players scrambled in as well and found a chair. The room buzzed with small talk, victory cheers, and an overwhelming amount of joy. However, in that moment, I felt drained. I was unable to notice how evident the Lord’s glory was shining in that cafeteria. I sat in the back, hoping no one would approach me to try and start a meaningful conversation.

Elise and Her Sweet Little Friend

Glancing around the room, I noticed the sweet face of one of the boys’ sisters, about eight years old, sitting in the lap of my friend. We made eye contact, and she lifted herself off my friend and scooted next to me. She grasped my hair and braided it gently. Then she plopped down on my lap. She began to make silly faces at my friend and I, causing us to laugh hysterically. She hugged me then rested her head on my shoulder. My heart softened. Of course the Lord knew exactly what I needed in that moment. I was so oblivious of the obvious joy around me, so He sent that little bundle of joy my way. Her love and compassion for me when I stopped pursuing the mission I was there for was such a sweet reminder of the constant love and compassion God has for me when I forget to pursue Him. I’m so thankful for a God who extends such grace toward a sinner such as I."

May you be blessed!  We love you and thank you for joining us in the journey!

With Love,
The Becks