Run, Forrest, Run!

Recently the students and staff on campus participated in a 5K "Color Run" in Santiago. I (Jamie) actually did not participate in this one... BUT the idea running a race relates to a passage I read in Scripture recently, and using this recent race as an example seems to make sense. Imagine all of the runners lined up at the start line. Lots of energy, excitement, and maybe even some nerves. Now what would happen if there was no finish line? Or, better yet, the race officials tell you there is a finish line, but they don't tell you where it is? If you've never been to Santiago, Dominican Republic, it is the second largest city in the DR, aside from the capitol. Being in Santiago is hectic. Especially if you are not familiar with the area, it would be easy to get lost. I'm imagining all of our students and staff running around Santiago "like chicken with their heads cut off". As soon as the race starts, I can see a few determined runners set out to find the finish line, but the majority of them quickly lose steam at the thought of the slim chances of ever finding the finish line. With no end in sight, what's the point of running the race? 

And that brings me to the passage. 1 Corinthians 9:24-26, "24 Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. 25 Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away.26 Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air." (HCSV) 

This passage hit me like a 2x4 across my forehead. Do not run aimlessly. I felt the Lord nudging me to consider what my "aim" or goal is. What am I running towards? Or am I running around like a chicken with my head cut off, with no real purpose in mind? Sometimes I relate to the latter more than anything. Even being here in the DR, having moved here for a specific purpose and having constant reminders that I'm not "home", it is still easy to get into the day to day and lose sight of the purpose behind everything I do. 

We all have specific callings on our lives that may differ from person to person based on how God gifted us. As I reflect on the ultimate goal of everything I do, I'm reminded that it all serves to point towards the Lord. "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory." (1 Corinithans 10:31, HCSV)

We think of you all often and pray that whatever you are doing, that it is with an attitude of praise and for the ultimate goal of glorifying God! That is what unifies us as brothers and sisters in Christ. Praise God! 

A few recent encouragements for us, as we "run the race" here in Jarabacoa, DR:

For this painting, we could only use two colors of paint! 

-Art program is back up and running, to the right is a picture of the first paintings that were created in last Friday's art class!
- This must be "Visit the Morley's" month, as we had friends here over the weekend and have 3 different groups of family members visiting yet this month! Such an encouragement to us to share our lives here with people we love!
- We've mentioned CMA being in transition, but are encouraged that a new couple moved on campus this week and there are several new staff coming in the next several months.
- We purchased tickets for our first trip to the States since we moved here- just over a month away!
- Gabe is 9 months old today! He's a speed crawler now and officially said his first word- "Da-da" :)

Our first of four visitors for this month, Dan and Meghan Hauser!

Keep running the race! We pray that the Lord encourages you to press through whatever you face today in order to best glorify Him.

In Christ!
Jamie, Matthew and Gabe