The fruit of the Spirit are.....

Hola from the DR. I wanted to give a bit of an update in the form of this verse that we have had as our theme for the year at the Makarios School.

Galatians 5:22 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self control. Against such things there is no law.'

But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE—A while ago I blogged about a little girl who lived in Pancho Mateo. Imani, former Mak staff, introduced me to Luigina after her caregiver at the time told us that she had been abandoned by her parents. Luigina suffered from a condition that made her arm extremely swollen to the point she needed a sling. The condition would eventually take her life and this was the case a few weeks ago. Her caregiver had told us she wanted Luigina in Colegio Makarios because 'it is a place that really loves the students'. May they know we are His by our love.

JOY—Makarios is exploding with new folks committing to serve with Makarios. In the past few months we have welcomed such wonderful additions and continue to add more. We welcomed Adrienne Christian who was already living in the DR until the Lord brought her to Mak. Two fantastic families came in December, the Lehrs and the Albrights. We recently received India Rucker and we will soon be welcoming Kaylee Howard and Christen Jernigan along with Apriel Westermoreland in the near future. It is a joy to serve along such great people.

PEACE—Do we sell our house in Cedar Park? (I think so.) Do we sell our car? (Yes!) Do we get rid of the stuff in our storage? (UGH, what a task!) Will we need these things whenever it is that Lord calls us back to the States? Will that happen? Mercy, Lord, we need your peace. I am having a heart attack just writing all that. (No, seriously, I am. It could also be the Doritos...see SELF CONTROL.) Father, may our hearts not be troubled as we rely on and seek You for peace in these answers.

PATIENCE—The Mak School has needed to gain the recognition by the Dominican Department of Education its entire existence. Two years ago we sat defeated with the superintendent who now has signed all the necessary papers for us to have this recognition. Up until now our students have had to attend the public school as well as the Makarios School in order to be in an accredited school. This is big news for our school. God has given us the patience needed to see this important milestone in the progress of The Makarios School.

KINDNESS—This Dominican recognition becoming a reality at this point has been just something that has happened in the last month. During this time we had two groups—Cedarville University in Ohio and Sagemont Church from Houston ,TX sent a group of youth. Both of these teams stopped me when I was giving the tour of our school and told them about the important meetings. They stopped me to ask if we could pray right then and there for these things. What sweet and simple kindness that encouraged me amazingly! Thank you, groups, your kindness means so much.

GOODNESS—God in His goodness has seen fit to allow our little family to serve here in this country, this corner of the Earth. We are so thankful and love what He is able to take bumpkins like us and bring glory to Himself. Making decisions for the Mak School constantly keeps me in pursuit of what is good. I am thankful that He is a good, good Father and may His goodness follow us all the days of our lives and the lives of our students.

GENTLENESS—As I get older and I learn more about myself I have learned that I do not possess, like, at all, the gift of mercy. If it comes to me at all it does not come naturally. 'Let your gentleness by evident to all. The Lord is near.' This was a verse that the students memorized this year. It is such a great reminder as I deal with students, staff, my family, etc. May I strive to demonstrate the sweet gentleness that the sweet Savior shows to me.

FAITH—A very present reminder of faith is when our students place their faith in Jesus Christ and that is extremely exciting. Another example of faith to us is the faith steps taken by each of our supporters to commit to giving to our family. This is an incredible sacrifice on their part and we are humbled, encouraged, refreshed, blessed, and spurred on by it. We couldn't be here without our beautifully faithful supporters. If you are interested in joining our team we would be incredibly appreciative. https://www.aplos.com/aws/give/Makarios/missionaries

SELF CONTROL—Well, if you have read this far then you should get a prize. This, like mercy, this isn't my strong suit as I munch Doritos at 3:15AM. Honestly, God is working here, too. I have learned much about not saying every thought that comes to my head and letting it pass through a filter of Christ first. (Sometimes. I said it was a work-in-progress!)

Being reminded of what we can be through Christ is always good and how He calls us into community to live these things is out is good as well. Thank you for your very faithful support of prayer and finances. We are blessed.

Much grace and peace to you, Joe, Laurie, Sam, Levi and Sarah