Opening Remarks.

Next summer, (the end of May through the end of July) I have the privilege of going to the Dominican Republic as an intern with G.O. Ministries. God willing, I will be there 10 weeks. My position is termed "Team-Facilitator". As I understand it, this means that I will be serving alongside short term mission teams that come to the Dominican. I will be working with them on their projects - whether that be construction, vacation Bible school, sports camps, etc. In addition to this, I will be doing odd jobs, such as filling water jugs, washing laundry, cleaning dorms, and doing some interpreting. These tasks by no means cover everything that I will be doing, however, they do cover the basics.

I would greatly appreciate your prayers - even now, though it seems so far in advance.
~ I am a little nervous about leaving my family and boyfriend for what seems to be a really long time. I do not know how often I'll be able to communicate with them. (You can also pray for my family and boyfriend who will be missing me a lot.)
~ I really need to catch on to Spanish right away. I'm taking two semesters and would love to be nearly fluent by the time I leave. Pray that God will bless me with the ability to retain what I'll be learning.
~ Ask that God will give me wisdom in decision making. I'm sure that there will be quite a few times when I'll need to make a decision quickly and perhaps without the advice of a more experienced staff member.
~ I know that there will be many, many times that I will be out of my comfort zone. Pray that in those times, I will learn what it means to really depend on God for guidance. Pray also that I will grow in my faith in each of those situations.
~ "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 That verse is so simply read and stated, however, to actually incorporate it into daily life, is so difficult. Please pray that in everything, no matter what the situation, I will be joyful; pray that I will always take time to communicate with my Savior; and that I will always be thankful for Jesus and the blessings he has given me.
~ Pray also that God will provide above and beyond the needed finances for this trip. I need to raise $3300 to be able to go for the full 10 weeks. If more is raised, I will be able to put it toward a G.O. Ministries project. If you feel led to give financially, please send a check payable to G.O. Ministries with Rachel Manias in the memo line to 11501 Plantside Dr., Suite 14; Louisville, KY 40299.

Thanks so much for your interest and prayers!