Hello World!!

Man it's a beautiful site here in the DR!! Palm trees, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, beautiful views of the mountains from my roof tops!! The DR is really rich in natural beauty. Last week we studied abandonment, and what it meant back then to be a disciple of Jesus and leave everything behind to follow Him. Some things have already been stripped from me from being on this trip: my family, my girlfriend, my youth group, my comforts, things I like readily available, etc. But there are other things that aren't necessarily bad, but just have a hold on me and I need to break the power it has on me, and a lot of it is just because of culture. For example: internet, money, i-pod, clothes, etc. Just pray that the Lord will help me in guiding me as what to exactly do about these things and for how long. The followers of Jesus were called to leave everything behind and follow Him, in one case even to leave his dying father behind. We can see it better as trading up for the fullness of the Lord and complete joy. Not settling for 87.8 percent joy found in material things, but having 100 percent Joy and dependency in the Lord.

Its been one month and a couple days since landing on this beautiful island. Its been a hard month and a growing month. There has been moments of frustration and pain, and of laughter and joy. The Lord has been breaking me down, cleaning me out, teaching me, nursing me, and calling me to step out. The most exciting part is that its only been the 1^st month, 8 more to go!! Keep me in your prayers, and see you all sooner than you think!!!

                                                        Be encouraged,

                                                       Angelo Padin