A Better Idea

I did some thinking this morning. Maybe it was because I was too lazy to get out of my motel bed in the DR to go for a run. Maybe I’m just getting old and waking up early. Maybe both. For whatever reason, I found myself praying about the lot adjacent to our partner’s children’s homes at Casa Amor.

I rarely have visionary giftings, but before I knew it I was at my computer typing a slew of ideas that would transform this empty overgrown lot into a place of life and laughter.

Later that morning in a meeting with Pastor Altagracias, we brought up the empty lot. She lit up, sharing that she had been praying for two years to provide something the neighborhood really needed: a community center for family activities, like memorial services when people passed. Brisas, in a tough part of Santo Domingo, has no place to honor their dead. She told of one woman who placed the body of her deceased husband in the street so that people could walk by and pay their respects.

Doesn’t sound very American, does it? We weren’t in America. It’s not American, but it does meet a need. It’s humble. It is simple and executable. It ministers to people in time of loss, or time of celebration. People could get married there, have parties, celebrate baptisms, etc.

It was beautiful. I wouldn’t have thought of it in a month of Sundays….didn’t even know the need was there.  Then, Altagracias asked for my idea.

At this point, I didn’t want to share my very American, expensive, long-term master plan, but was certainly willing to poke a little fun at myself. Our friend, Maria, translated…and if the saying that laughter is good for the soul holds water,  my idea ensured that all of our souls are doing great!

Maybe we’ll combine a bit of both ideas. Maybe, but I’m so grateful that Restoracion is leading at Casa Amor. They know the community. They know the children. It makes sense that they would have a better idea of what the needs are and how to meet them…and a better idea is exactly what these kids deserve.