My Heart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UruRQwI8pRE
I have been listening to this song & I love it. I think you might like it too!

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This year in choir at Missouri Western, we sang a song called "The Old Church". Our professor, Dr. Hale, talked to us about imagining 'our sanctuary' while singing the song. He said this could be a place, being with a certain person, or maybe in an 'old church'.

My sanctuary is in the Dominican Republic. It is the place where my soul finds rest. When I am there, I am living fully into the potential that I have in Christ. Serving, loving, praising, growing, serving, working, serving.. you get the idea. :) My heart is in the Dominican Republic and always will be.

I am currently working to raise the money that I need to go back this summer as an intern for four weeks. I will be leaving July 26, right once I get those summer classes over with! I would love if you would partner with me and help me get to the Dominican Republic again.

Ways you can help:
Pray for me
Donate to my upcoming garage sale
Donate via paypal

If you are interested in what I am doing in the Dominican Republic, you can look on this blog more and read my previous posts or give me a call/text at 816-853-7033. I would be delighted to tell you all about what we do!

Dominican Republic? Why the DR?

A few years ago, I didn't even know where the Dominican Republic was, much less that it existed. I took my first trip out of the country on my first mission trip ever with my high school and travelled into this tiny Spanish-speaking country. Little did I know that it would soon captivate my heart and overwhelm my thinking. Every day this tiny country filled with resilient, joyful people was in my mind, in my thoughts, and in my prayers. 

I have an opportunity to return to the DR again this summer. I have stepped up as the intern director for DR Missions and thus have the chance to go for an extended internship - 12 weeks. 

You're probably wondering what I do while I'm there.. 

The missionaries who live in San Cristobal started their ministry with an orphanage and feeding program. As their ministry expanded, they were able to extend themselves into the community more and more and are now active visitors in the nearby refugee camp, hospital, Haitian batey, and other parts of the community. 

I spend my days in the orphanage working with kids and loving on them. Whether it's just holding a sleepy baby or running around and chasing each other, I just love them. There are about 15 girls in the orphanage and 115 kiddos in the feeding program. It's always a treat to be around them. Their joy and bright personalities are so fun and exciting. 

Another thing we do is go to the nearby refugee camp. We usually start out each week with a prayer walk, stopping for people who may be sick or hurting and offer them God's blessing and comfort. We often follow up later in the week with a medical clinic which provides basic medical needs to the people there. 

We also travel to the nearby (FREE) hospital. We split up (men and women) and we (the women) go to the maternity ward and offer to pray over newborn babies. We also give them basic baby supplies - baby shampoo, washcloths, and a onesie - and give them a photo of their child, which is often something they do not have the luxury of receiving. 

There are so many amazing things that I love being a part of in the Dominican Republic. The missionaries who live there are extraordinary people who have a passion for the people of the DR. 

If you would like to help me get to the DR, you may email me at kristenclements44@gmail.com, Facebook.com/krisclem, or just use the "Donate" button on this page to send me financial support. 

Thank you for all that you do in my life and please keep me in your prayers. 

-Kristen