My Dominican Beauties

I came to the Dominican for a very specific purpose. I feel so called to these people, but especially to spend time with 4 specific girls. Their names are Estefany, Jailinnee, Graisy and Rosemary. As many of you know we are starting a school in the first of September as an opportunity to pour into the lives of the children we are looking to disciple. We are using the school as not only an opportunity to educate them but more importantly to have the vast amount of time with them each day. Reflecting on how Jesus raised up his disciples, it is evident that He poured into them constantly. He was constantly surrounded by them. This is simple what we want to mimic with our kids. These are my four specific disciples...

Estefany, Jailinnee, and Graisy

Rosemary


Estefany is the girl I have known the longest and the one I have clicked with since I first arrived 2 summers ago. I think the best word, or way, to describe her would be firecracker. She is FULL of energy and always engaging with someone. She is a heart, I believe, is starving for love and attention. She normally lives in Rio San Juan with her grandmother. Her house is very small compared to most, which is why, when in RSJ, she is normally out around town. My heart for Estefany is that she can grow maturity wise and learn to function on a deeper level. She is very fun to be around and loves the attention of others. However, I long for her to grow in a way that she can pray with me, or that we could have a deeper conversation. I know she is capable and I cannot wait to see how the Lord grows her in this way.

Jailinnee is truly a doll. One of the things I admire about her most is just her willingness to sit down and devote time to people. When she and I sit down, she will give me and our conversation her full and undivided attention. I admire this so much about her because I think it reflects a level of maturity that many of us are still trying to reach. She has expressed to me that she dreams of traveling the world. She wants to work as a flight attendant and speak 5 different languages so that she can communicate with all kinds of different people. I have such high hopes for Jailinnee because I know that the Lord has put her in our path for a reason. My prayer for her is that she can discover what Christ means to her. She does not have the parental direction and attention that many of us have grown up with; therefore, I believe she has a beautiful sense of independence about her. I can’t wait to see her talents continue to be developed and used for the Kingdom.

Graisy is one of a kind as well. She comes from a home with an incredibly connected mother named Milagros, which means miracle. Milagros was recently baptized as has a level of faith I personally aspire to. Although things at home have not always been smooth for Graisy and her little sister Adrianna, Graisy is a leader. She is the type of person that can truly influence others and they listen to her. I know she has been just the encouragement her mother has needed on many occasions. She also really reaches out to her younger sister, Adrianna (10 years old), who spends time with us as well. Graisy also has an amazing servant’s heart. Anytime Graisy is around I always see her painting someone’s fingernails or toenails with such precision as if they were her own. One day she painted so many she told me her shoulder was hurting. Graisy and Jailinnee are cousins and aspire to the same goal of traveling the world. My prayer for Graisy is that she can continue to develop her leadership qualities and to NEVER be afraid to step outside of her comfort zone. People notice her and follow her, and I cannot wait to be a part of her growth.

Rosemary is just a sweetheart. She lives here in the children’s home and just loves to be around people. I met Rosemary 2 years ago when I first came and was drawn to her maturity and calm nature in any situation. Rosemary has a great desire to learn English and is very patient. As I have not been able to spend as much time with her as I have the other girls, thus far, I am thrilled for the opportunity to be a deeper part of her life. She is surrounded, here at the children’s home, by people who love her and want the best for her. My prayer for Rosemary is that she can discover the Christian woman that God has called her to be and to live that with confidence.

I cannot repeat enough the potential I see in these 4 girls. God has placed them in our mission and before me specifically for a reason. I hope that this post has allowed you to have a more detailed understanding of these girls and my heart for them. God has incredible plans for this place and their lives specifically. Please continue to pray for me that I can have the energy to keep up with all of them and that my Spanish will continue to develop in a way that allows me to reach them. This is the mission I know the Lord has set in motion for my life and theirs and I’m thrilled for this journey.

All my love,
Audrey