Good Afternoon, Family and Friends!
I have been in the Dominican Republic for three weeks. Being here has made me realize that this world is not my home. You see, I have lived in the United States for 31 years of my life. I always felt like I did not fit in because I was black- a minority group in the US where the majority are white. Then coming to the Dominican Republic, I am now part of the black majority. It has been hard to fit in because I do not speak Spanish or Creole. When people look at me they automatically think that I am from the Dominican Republic or Haiti because of the color of my skin. Then when they go to talk to me in Spanish or Creole, they soon realize I am an American who is trying to learn how to fit in.
It would be easy to make the Dominican Republic my home because people would think that I belong here. I would learn Spanish or Creole, understand the culture and eat typical Dominican foods, but that would not make the Dominican Republic my home. Though I am from the United States, that place is not my home. So, why do I not fit in? Most of you reading this are from the United States and believe that is your home. I am here to tell you that it is not your home, if you are a follower of Christ. Maybe you have felt a similar way but it has not been about the color of skin. The enemy wants to make us feel like we are alone and strive toward thinking this world is our home.
Hebrews 13:14, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” We should always be looking towards our eternal home where God says, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:4) Yes, I am homeless, but I know where my true home is and I am not afraid to tell others who think this world is their home. If you believe that this place is not your home, what are you going to do about it? I encourage you to tell everyone you know about the home to come!!
Thank you for your prayers. A week from today, I will be on a plane heading to Turkey where people have never heard about the home I am telling you about. Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (Matthew 9:37-38) Please pray for my teammates who are still raising funds to stay out on the field. If you are interested in supporting them please let me know and I will get you in contact with them. Remember – this world is not our home, we are all homeless on this earth.
Thanks for the update! Enjoy Turkey and sharing the love of Jesus wherever you go. Praying for you!
Amen!! Powerful reminder- thank you!
YES! This world is not our permanent home. We all know that this world and life are not as God intended for us who were made in His image. I was born in Korea, adopted by caucasian people and only speak English. I am glad that I was introduced at an early age that what I look like, my cultures, and my identities have little importance to my identity in Christ. As long as we are here on earth we are commission to let others know Jesus by our words and actions, so that they have that hope and joy also!!! The more souls we help to find Jesus, the greater our reward in Heaven.
Amen sis! Well spoken. Remember the best yet to come.
Well said, Antoinette! This world is absolutely NOT our home, and for the reasons you shared above, you understand that better than most of us. Regardless of where you are, remember that you are loved. 🙂
I love this. Thank you for doing it again: taking the time to write and update us. Love you!!
Thank you for this amazing reminder Antoinette! Praying for you.
Go off Antionette! I love you!
Muy bien, Antoinette
Amen!!! Very, very powerful message Antoinette!!! Stay blessed and I pray. Continued protection over you and your teammates. Safe travels to you. I miss you sis!
Thank you Antoinette, your reflections on this blog made me grateful to be a follower of Christ. We do have a home,a paradise indeed. It is hard to visualize this promise gained by grace and faith because in the world, we have to work really hard to have a place to live. Home is where God is for me- God is Emmanuel, always with us, while in flesh and afterward. This is a taste of what our lasting home will feel like.I am grateful God is with you, you are God’s temple. May God blesses your ministry, in Jesus name, Amen