Dawn Marie
Designed to be you, to do what you were designed to do, that it may glorify the Father and bring you joy!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Outreach to Ecuador
Have you ever…looked
back on a time in your life, maybe not even that long ago, and were able to
see the changes that have taken place in who you are, how you act, and the ways
in which you approach life? I have come to believe that in the moments when we
think we have no room left to grow; it is there where we most surprise
ourselves-if we are willing. Over the time that I was in Ecuador on the
counseling outreach, I thought I had been a lot of places, seen a lot of
things in my life already. But I can see now how God wanted to take me to a
new level, to a deeper growth that I had only before touched on the surface. I
had been on outreaches before, even to the same city in Ecuador, but I had
never before taught in Spanish; never talked to so many people, listened to
their stories and was able to pray for them like I did this time.
We did so many cool
things in the city of Otavalo! Located approximately 2 ½ hours away from the
capital of Quito, it is a beautiful city whose streets are heavily populated
by tourists from all parts of the world. What attracts people to the city most
is its famous “Plaza de Ponchos”, which is exactly what it sounds like, a
plaza full of ponchos…among other crafts, clothing items, and souvenirs. You
can note in the pictures my pants, scarves, purse and jewelry that are all
typical items sold in the plaza. And yes, you have to be good at bargaining to
get them to lower the prices, but my method always seemed to work. Name your
price, the seller doesn’t like it, start to walk away, and then they come to
their senses if they really want a buyer.
But more than
the plaza or the marketplace, what impacted me the most was definitely the
people. The people from Ecuador, and specifically from Otavalo, are genuinely
kind and loving. All of the families that received us into their homes showered
their love and generosity on us in a way unlike other Latino countries. And
one of the main ways in which they show their love is by feeding you lots of
food! Here in Chile, bread is one of the main food groups. Not grain, bread!
And in Ecuador, the main ingredient or main food item that is eaten above all
others is…rice! In a few of the houses we stayed in, rice was served for
breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I, for one, was more than a little tired of all
the rice by the end of the month, but the food in general is incredibly good,
and the people are incredibly good cooks as well.
Not only was I
stretched physically…ahem…thanks to all of that rice, but emotionally,
mentally, and spiritually as well. As I said in the beginning, there were a
lot of limits as to how much I could communicate back in 2011. And there are
always new words I am learning, but the amount that I have grown in terms of
speaking Spanish is amazing! And I’m so excited to say that I was able to
share my testimony as well as teach a whole 45 min. lesson---all in Spanish!
It is so easy for me to want to hide behind a shell of protection, but that
so-called protection is actually an impediment for going after things that God
has indeed equipped me for. And there will be moments when I am not fully
prepared in my human eyes for doing something, but why should I focus on my
own limits instead of rely fully on the One who is limitless?
“I can do
everything through him who gives me strength.”-Philippians 4:13
I had a great
time in Ecuador, more than I thought at first. I’m incredibly thankful for
God’s direction and provision, pushing me out of my comfort zone and into more
dependence upon Him. I miss home a lot, everything familiar, and especially
all of my family who are so far away. But there is nothing better than living
in the center of God’s perfect will, and I believe this is a time not only for
me, but for all of my family to experience the plentitude which comes from
doing His will---“His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2b). Whether
it’s loving on Ecuadorian children, teaching in an international school in
Malaysia, serving in your church, or working your weekly job, or all of the
above… “Work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men”
(Colossians 3:23).
I love you all
and thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. As always, I
couldn’t do this without you! Be blessed!
-Dawn
Marie Hoffmeyer
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Dear Friends & Family,
What an incredible last few weeks it has been! I am truly amazed thinking back on it all,
and for that reason I’m not sure what words to describe it to you. But I will do my best
:)
God really surprised me in a lot of ways this
month! As a school, we welcomed a YWAM team from the
U.S. to
teach
the Bible for two weeks
as a part of their outreach from a school called the Titus Project. They taught
various topics ranging from the Biblical overview, how to prepare a teaching,
learning styles, and overall imparted a passion for the study of God’s Word.
As
excited as I was to receive fellow American’s and YWAMers at
the base here, their presence
alone
implied major participation on my part. That is to say, I would have to switch
from translating Spanish to
English to translating English into Spanish, a feat more challenging, not to
mention one I hadn’t anticipated taking on just yet! But if there is anything
that I have learned from my time here in Vina, it is that God can give anyone the
strength as well as the passion to do something when He is the One who has
called them to do it!
Several
weeks ago someone encouraged me with this passage:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and
courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God
will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9
This is so much easier said than done,
but it is true nonetheless. I
have often found myself scared to death of doing something, not
realizing the
opportunity I am missing out on because I allow that fear to take precedent
over my relationship with God. Why do I do that? Why do we do that? Why is it
so hard sometimes to trust God when we say we believe that He is capable? This
is still a continuous learning process for me, but I know that I am not alone,
and I am so thankful for that!
I
want to encourage you all by testifying that our God is greater than our fears,
and that by trusting Him with those fears He is able and willing to open
amazing opportunities! I didn’t think that I could do this thing, translate
from English to Spanish, having had no formal training, simply picking up the
language as I went along. But God chose to use me…me! And when I was willing to
be used, He blessed me more than I could have imagined!
I now
have more confidence and encouragement to speak and translate Spanish, as well
as newfound friends that I believe will last for a long time because of all
that we experienced together. And overall, it is such a good reminder to
remember that it is not about me-my talents or abilities. It is about loving
others, and that usually means doing things you may not be comfortable with at
first, but in the long run they are for your own good. How awesome is it that
we have a God who knows what is best for us?!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
"The old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Cor. 5:17b)
Greetings to everyone in the States,
Denmark, Malaysia, and beyond! Fall is my favorite time of the year-I love how
everything changes and the way the colors become more vibrant and breathtaking.
Unfortunately, here in Chile the seasons
are reversed and instead of fall we are welcoming spring, which implies a
mixture of rain and sunshine as summer gets closer. However, nothing is like a
good Ohio fall! Those of you in that part of the world, you have my permission
to enjoy it a little more for my sake!
After a lot of waiting, preparing,
and praying for the Foundations of Counseling Ministry school, as of September
12th we welcomed 9 students to the opening of the what is a time to
receive new things from God: “…the old has gone, the new has come!” (2
Cor.5:17b). This is the word the directors of the school received as the
promise of all the new things that God wants to do in our lives as we seek His
holiness and restoration. Just before the opening, I was able to travel to
Pichilemu, the city where I did my own DTS and Counseling school, for the wedding
of a friend at the YWAM base there.
It was such an encouragement for me
to be able to visit friends; to catch up on each other’s’ lives, eat empanadas,
get dressed up for the wedding on the beach, and just relax a little bit. It
was truly a refreshing time, albeit short,but overall a reminder that I am
where I need to be, here in Vina del Mar, serving with this YWAM base.
Over a month since my
arrival, I have now become much more comfortable and acquainted with things
around here! For example, I now know how to navigate myself around the city in
a bus-where to get off and get on-as well as how to get to the store, mall, and
marketplace (all very important locations!) I was so ready for the school to
start in order to have more of a routine and a daily schedule. Isn’t it funny
how sometimes we crave to be left alone and unhindered by the pressures of a schedule,
whereas other times we need the push of a calendar to keep us motivated and on
track? Needless to say, I am thankful the school has finally started!
The school is comprised
of 9 students: two married couples, one local pastor, and four singles.
Including the 7 members of staff, the school is a representation of 7 nations:
Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Ecuador, England, and the United States!
It is so cool to see how people from such diverse backgrounds come together
with a unified purpose and passion-to know God and to make Him known throughout
the world! In the Foundations for Counseling Ministries School, the focus is
centered on inner healing and restoration. The school consists of intensive
classes founded on Biblical principles and teachings, as well as growth in
small groups, intercession and praise and worship sessions, etc. As ministers
and missionaries, if we want to be equipped to heal and restore peoples and
nations, we first must undergo a healing of our own.
On a more personal
level, God has been revealing things to my heart in a way like never before. I
have heard these teachings and have gone through the discipleship, but this
time is different, and it truly is a time to receive the new things He wants to
bring to my life! The most amazing thing is to realize that God chose to use
me, to bring me to a place where He wants me to be in order that I may grow
more in Him. And sometimes the best place to grow in Him is to be where I am
most vulnerable, so that I depend on His strength. I know that a lot of you can
relate with this feeling, or this understanding, that sometimes it is necessary
to be put completely outside of our comfort zones, not to second guess God, but
to draw even closer to Him. I want to encourage you, that if you are going
through a time of fire, know that God is refining you because it is for the
best, and it is to bring out the best in you! But it is a process that takes
time, and sometimes more time than we would like or prefer. Don’t try to waste
the time that God has given you, wishing it away or wishing for a more
comfortable time to come. God has a purpose, even if it is simply to show you
more of Himself, He has a purpose, and His plan is perfect. This has been very
comforting to me as I have struggled with feelings of loneliness, worry,
anxiety that I am taking a wrong step, or just discomfort in being in a
different place. I miss all of you; friends, family, church-family, etc., but I
know that God moves us and guides us with our best interests at heart. Even
when it doesn’t make sense!
I want to ask you to be
praying for some different needs, personally as well as here at the YWAM base:
·
To be able to finish with the
construction of two bathrooms, one for men and the other (obviously) for women.
In total, we are 18 people sharing one bathroom, which includes the shower and
sink-everything! While this has been a great opportunity for growing in
patience, it would be really wonderful to have more available toilets and
showers!
·
For the finances of the base, school, as
well as individual students. Everyone is equally challenged in the area of
finances, which affects the amounts that can be paid for the use of water,
electricity, and gas. Please pray for a miracle in the area of finances, that
people will be able to have what they need.
·
For health and safety-thankfully, I have
never gotten sick other than a slight sensitivity to certain meat (which I will
no longer be eating!). There are two pregnant mothers’ on the base as well, all
sharing one bathroom! Please pray for the protection of their bodies and the
babies they are carrying.
·
Please pray that I continue to grow in
my Spanish abilities, both speaking as well as translating. It has been a rough
ride getting back into the practice of translating and speaking Spanish all the
time, but it has been getting better!
·
Overall growth and discernment for the
ways in which God is leading. Basically, I have no idea what is to come after
this school, so please pray for God to speak clearly to me, and that I may be
sensitive to hearing His voice.
As always, thank you
for taking the time to catch up on my life! It is a such a blessing for me to
be able to write to all of you and share what is going on. Also, please feel
free to write me with any updates or news…I would love to hear from you! Thanks
again for sharing with me in the things that God is doing here in Chile as well
as around the world. I love you all and miss you! Have a wonderful day!
-Love, Dawn Marie
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