Jesus is Faithful...

Since we have returned to the USA, more than once I have been told – in regards to not knowing what today holds- “wow! You have such faith!”.   To respond to that I must start by declaring there is nothing good in me that is of my own doing.  I am thankful that the Lord sent me a Helper, the Holy Spirit.  For if the Spirit did not live in me I would operate out of my own flesh, my own selfishness.  Because of His grace, the Spirit has been preparing my heart for some time for our return into a period of time that I like to think of as a whole bunch of question marks.  Once we knew that we were to return, the Spirit laid on my heart something that encourages me anytime my flesh wants to ‘define’ what today holds.  REMEMBER.  REMEMBER.  REMEMBER.  That simple word held much weight in my thoughts and heart.  It led me down a path of scripture, God’s holy word that is filled with His promises.   I don’t think there was anything I did that gave me faith.  God’s word, who He is, what He did, what He does… gives me faith.  If I chose to REMEMBER what His word says, what He has done in my life or others, and His character, then… I can have faith.  Hebrews 11: 1 states “now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”.  The Greek for assurance is hypostasis, or confidence.  Notice it isn’t wishful thinking.  It is confidence. 

Oh, taste (experience) and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!  Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!  Psalm 34: 8-9

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.  I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Psalm 143:5-6

I have seen that the Lord is good and I remember what He has done.  Though my flesh may want to worry about today and tomorrow, I must train myself to taste and remember.  Then I can walk forward in faith, confidence in my Heavenly Father.  

Home definitely isn't just an address....

We can't tell you how much we have seen the hand of God the last few days!  On August 7th we loaded our 28 suitcases, our 7 back packs, our cat, and kids into a gua gua and headed for Puerto Plata airport.

We were met by many, that we call our "D.R. family", to send us off in prayer and with hugs. It was very hard to get on that plane and leave such a wonderful community of believers.  

Prayer over us

Lucia, our helper at the house

 Home definitely isn't just an address.  


 After a long, emotional day of travels, we arrived in Raleigh, N.C. close to midnight to be greeted by our "N.C. family".  What a surprise that was to see so many friends and family waiting for us with signs, smiles, and hugs.. and kids in PJ's that were awoken by their parents to come welcome our kiddos! What a joy that was to be welcomed like that.  We can't explain the gratitude for all those in the Body that sent us off in love and received us in love.  It was just what our hearts needed! How wonderful is our Lord? We studied Ephesians the last two years in the D.R. and to see it lived out among our family and friends in the D.R. and N.C. left us in AWE.  Thank you to everyone for the support, love, & encouragement.

DONATIONS:  Please continue to give to Makarios as we will be supported through them through October at the latest.  We will notify you immediately of any changes.  We are talking to multiple organizations right now and were told by wiser folks to wait until we returned to the US to make a decision.  So we will have a decision to you with notice of how to change your donation to another organization by the end of September or notification that we have a job.  THANK YOU!  PLEASE email or call us if you have any questions.  Can't wait to share more in person all that God has done through your partnership in the Gospel.

Ouch! That sends a whirl wind of emotions..

view from the mountain road

In 22 days we will be on a plane beginning a new chapter in our lives.  Ouch! That sends a whirl wind of emotions through my body!  It is funny to think that the first month we moved to the D.R., I was crying and now with the last month of living in the D.R., I am crying again.  But for different reasons.  Yesterday Josh and I took one last ‘moto’ ride adventure together.  We chose the mountain road that cuts through this beautiful mountain and takes you to a nearby major city, Santiago.  It is about an hour and a half long drive one way.  As we passed by beauty that pictures cannot do justice, my heart grew sad for a moment.  I wanted to ask the Lord, “why can’t we stay?” .  And then I just whispered, “Thank you Lord for allowing us to serve here; Thank you for giving us the blessing to serve You here on this beautiful island that You created;  Thank you for rocking my world two years ago, thank you for teaching me that You are enough”. 

We only have a few short weeks before we arrive on American soil and we do not know where the Lord for sure is leading (though there are some options opening up).  We DO know that He has ALWAYS provided and that He has ALWAYS been faithful.  In those truths, we will continue to pray and seek His direction for our family day by day.  We will inform you of the exciting news as the Lord surprises us with it!  For now, we are blessed with the remaining days tying up loose ends, starting the packing process, and walking through some hard, but wonderful goodbyes.

We look forward to meeting up with many of you and catching up with what the Lord has been doing in your lives as well. 

Trusting in Him,

The Menolds

Johan: a teacher at the school, Spanish tutor, and friend!

D.R. skies are breath taking!

Juan: Makarios driver until diagnosed with Cancer. We brought dinner and fellowship together.Thankful for time with him and his family.

This man sets up his mobile stand every night at the end of our street.  Love his chef outfit!

Bucket List: ride the Teleferico (cable car up a Mt. Isabel)

Tate was asked to join their band ..he always wanted to play that local instrument. 

The interns and staff member, Dena, joined us.

Had to throw a picture of this wild child in!

This is Allison, she was the intern nanny for us for 6 weeks this summer.

Tate in summer school

Tate and Professor Belizeur

Aribella and her Professora, Bella

Going to miss the fresh fruit!!

Will definitely miss the D.R. advertising gimmicks.

This sweet lady has this 'store' on the mountain road.

Never could buy our meat from one of these places...nope, could not do it.

Josh preaching at Templo Biblico

Felix, on the left, is one of our good friends from church.

This man is Miguel, the watchie for the Makarios house.

Miguel took pride in protecting our family and staff.  Will miss him much.

Had to capture the 'safety' going on here.  This is a usual happening here on the island.