Author: Mitcheners

Proud to be an American?

On By MitchenersIn AngelaLeave a comment

I consider myself a fairly patriotic person.  I love my home country – really.  I like celebrating the 4th with friends and family. I vote.  I enjoy traveling to Washington, D.C., to learn about our nation’s history.  I am grateful for the men and women who lay down their lives for their fellow countrymen.  You could say that I’m proud to be an American.

For the most part.

Since moving to the Dominican, I have realized there are some American characteristics I possess that I’m not so proud of.

My sense of entitlement.  My desire for more material things.  My tendency toward selfishness.

Looking back over the few years that I’ve been an independent, self-functioning human being, I see how I’ve tried to jam-pack my life with “stuff”.  I remember growing up, never being satisfied with what I had.  All I needed was a little bit more.

I bought clothes.  Lots of clothes.  If I didn’t eat out a couple times a week, I thought I was missing out.  I drank $4 frappuccinos on a weekly basis. Having a new pair of $75 tennis shoes each fall for high school, whether or not my last pair was still wearable, was an obvious “must.”  I needed my expensive shampoos and purses and perfumes.  I even pouted if I couldn’t buy certain brands of school supplies!

I know that drinking coffee or buying a new shirt or eating at McDonald’s is not wrong.  But when the pursuit of those things takes precedence in my life above all else, that’s when it gets a little dicey.

Obviously, Americans are not the only materialistic ones on the planet.  I can’t blame my selfish desires solely on living in “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”  But I will say this.  My culture’s tendency to want more, to live the American dream, to keep up with the Joneses… that surely hasn’t helped me to look outside myself for ways to make God famous.

I don’t really have a grand conclusion here.  Renouncing my American roots won’t cause me to struggle less with feelings of deservedness. I still hear lies like, “You’ve given up so much to move to the DR.  You’re really suffering for Jesus down there.  You deserve this or that.”  I don’t think moving to a foreign country has made me any less susceptible to these feelings of entitlement – I just recognize them more.  When we’re back in the States on furloughs, I’ll probably struggle with feelings of “what could’ve been”.  I know Christ is all I need, and truly living that out is my goal.

I’ll end with this – whether American, Dominican, African, or Asian…

“God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him.”
(John Piper)

Perspective: “Looking unto Jesus…”

On By MitchenersIn Angela5 Comments

Wow.  Today marks one whole month of living in the Dominican Republic.  That went quickly.

Most people who know us would agree that Scott and I are fairly laid-back individuals.  But even with our happy-go-lucky personalities, the last few weeks of moving in and setting up and getting accustomed to the culture have not been all fun and games.  There have been enjoyable and exciting moments (like getting to know our neighbors and turning our house into a home).  But unfortunately, it has been easy for me to focus on little things to the point of frustration (like not being able to ask for something at the store or having to change my clothes multiple times a day because of my propensity to sweat buckets in the heat/humidity).  If I’m not careful, I find myself selfishly dwelling on the comforts and ease of living that I’ve left behind.  Then feelings of guilt creep in… and then depression… and a not-very-good cycle begins.

When I find that I’m getting frustrated with these little things, I ask myself some questions.  Why are we here?  Why are we living in a foreign culture, giving up the things and people and places that are familiar?  You know, it’s funny – when I honestly answer these questions, my perspective changes almost immediately and the frustrations of the moment seem to melt away.  There are many reasons we’ve decided to do life here, but the big (and simple) answer is this – we just want to make our Jesus famous.  I know I don’t have much to give Him, but what I do have is available for Him to use whenever and however He wants.  If that means a few adjustments to my lifestyle, then by His strength I’ll make those adaptations wholeheartedly.

“Looking UP.”  That’s how my college class advisor always signed off on his e-mails.  I remember the day I internalized that phrase. I was sitting in my dorm room at Cedarville, staring at those two words on my computer screen.  What would my life be if I were “looking up” at every moment?  My answer not only caused me to change some of my attitudes and actions in college, but it also played a role in why I am here in the DR.  This past month, I have been learning more fully what it means to change my perspective from me to Him.

Whew.  All of that to say this: running my race is so much easier when I’m looking up (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Now What?

On By MitchenersIn Angela5 Comments

Here it is.  Our first update from the Dominican.  I feel like I should insert something profound here, but I honestly don’t know what to say – except that the last couple of weeks have been such a whirlwind, and I’m not sure I know which way is up.  The insanity started back before we even boarded the first plane.  For awhile there, I was living on adrenaline.  If it weren’t for help from our families, a couple of well-placed “angels” on the flights, and an amazing welcoming team on this side, I am convinced we would not have physically, emotionally or mentally made this move.  There are so many cool stories I could tell already of God’s overflowing blessings and provision for our family – and we’ve only been here a week!

Two awesome bits of news – we have a house and a vehicle!  The SUV we found is especially a big deal.  Procuring a good vehicle is often a more difficult part of settling in here.  I’m also excited that I’ve already met a few of our neighbors – hope they don’t mind that I’ll be practicing my Spanish on them over the next few months.  🙂

Home Sweet Home
Our Backyard

So we’re here.  Finally.

Now what?

Next steps – officially move in to the house, start language study, and help out with ministry stuff whenever possible.  Looking forward to the months ahead!

Packing Up and Moving Out

On By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic2 Comments

It’s official!  The plane tickets have been purchased.  Our belongings are slowly being sorted and packed away.  We are on our way to making the Dominican Republic our new home!  Thank God we have reached the point in our support raising where moving is a reality.  Come the afternoon of Monday, May 21, the four of us will be on Dominican soil for good.  While we’re not nearly 100% funded, we’ve never gone without our needs being met.  We trust that God will bring in the rest of our support over the next few months.

People are asking us how we are feeling.  There is no easy answer to that.  We’re excited about this “next chapter”.  We’re heartbroken to be leaving family and friends.  We’re relieved with each task we complete.  We’re nervous about adjusting to a new culture and way of living.  We’re eager to really build some relationships with people.  We’re dreading the exhaustion of the move with two little dudes.  We’re anxious about learning Spanish.  But we’re content in knowing that we are loved and cared for by One who is our source of strength and peace and joy.  Above all, we’re hopeful that Christ will use us as He wants.

With that said, we’re packing up and moving out!  Onward…

1000 Miles (And 3 Supporters) Closer

On By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, FamilyLeave a comment

What a weekend.  We’re home again after a long trip to Virginia. Over the last 4 days, we drove about 22 hours and racked up 1000 miles.  Thankfully that just means we’re 1000 miles closer to moving to the DR.

Noah and Leyton had fun hanging out with some families who are currently supporting us and who were gracious enough to host us.

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Want to hear another reason we’re closer to making The Big Move?  We gained several new supporters over the weekend!  It is unbelievable how God continues to bring us the people and funds we need to continue on this journey.  None of this is by accident.  And none of this is from our efforts.  Again and again, God has shown us that His timing and His will are perfect.  This experience hasn’t always been easy or pleasant.  But we want for nothing.  And we praise Him for everything.

Next step – buying those one-way plane tickets!  Still praying for a May leave date.

Word of the Day

On By MitchenersIn AngelaLeave a comment

So every day I get a Spanish vocab word sent to my email address.  And you know what makes me really happy? When I already know the Word of the Day.

We’ve obviously got a lot of work to do learning the language our first year or so in the Dominican.  Knowing a few vocab words is just the beginning.  That means we need to get there as soon as possible.

Praying that God continues to provide!

Angela

Struggles

On By MitchenersIn AngelaLeave a comment

(I’ve gone back and forth about publishing this post.  I’m afraid I seem ungrateful for the ways God has so richly blessed our little family.  I know these struggles are petty and unimportant in the grand scheme, but this is me – being as honest as I know how.  However, I also want to convey that I am beyond excited to be moving to the Dominican Republic and taking part in what God has planned for us and for these precious people.)

As a parent, I now understand why people want to give their kids the best in life.  Dominican preparations continue, and I’ve found that I’ve been struggling with the idea that my boys will be “missing out” on certain things because we’re moving to another country.  When we visit a church that’s advertising their AWANA or VBS program, I think about how much fun Noah would have singing the songs and doing the crafts there.  And with his second birthday coming up in a few months, I wonder how exciting it would be to plan a party with friends and family, complete with Elmo cupcakes for all the guests and a plethora of presents for my big boy.  When we go on fun family excursions, I can’t help but think, “Will this be the last time Noah and Leyton get to play at the park?”  Or “How many more trips will they take to Grandma’s house to get spoiled?”

In my head, I know my boys don’t need certain things or experiences.  But there are times I still struggle with wanting to give them those things.

Over the past week, God has really been helping me change my mindset in this area.  And I’m realizing some very important truths.

1.) Giving my kids the “best” doesn’t mean they need the cutest clothes or the neatest toys.  It’s not that I’ll never give them anything nice when I’m able, but there is a balance.  Last time I checked, loving them and teaching them to love God and others doesn’t require much money…

2.) The things I want for them are exactly that – the things I want.  What’s most important is what God wants, and I’m pretty sure He’s not so concerned about the brand of clothing on their backs or the size of their playroom.  In a way, I’m relinquishing control.  (I think I’m going to be working on this whole “letting go” bit for the next 18 years or so.)

3.) My little dudes aren’t actually going to be “missing out”.  They will simply have different experiences than I had – hopefully some experiences that broaden their horizons and make them better people.

Just my thoughts recently.  The next couple of weeks are going to be huge for us in figuring out if we’ll actually make our projected May moving date.  Eager to get to DR soon!

The Nitty Gritty Details

On By MitchenersIn ScottLeave a comment

Last week was a busy one for us – we spent most of the week in Ohio.  A friend from college contacted us about presenting the ministry at his two churches.  That email alone was encouraging.  We haven’t had much success “cold” contacting churches because most places already have their missionaries and ministries set up that they give to.  Meeting the sweet people in these two congregations was a big blessing, and we had a great time sharing our hearts and catching up with college friends.

Pastor Caleb and his wife Cindy

Afterwards, we drove on down to Columbus and stayed with Ang’s parents.  There we spent a good portion of two days in state buildings getting official copies of our marriage license and Angela’s birth certificate.  Then we visited other state buildings to get our certificates stamped a second time, proving that the first official stamp was actually… official.  (Confused yet?)  Although it was a bit frustrating to spend that much time and money (over $50 for a couple of official stamps), it felt good to check another task off the “to do” list.  Now we’re waiting on Leyton’s passport and Noah’s “officialized” birth certificate from Virginia to come in the mail.

While we were in Columbus, we also made the plans to sell our little green car that we’ve had for the first three years of our marriage.  A couple months back, the transmission finally decided to die on us, so we’re borrowing my parents’ car until we move to DR.

Saying goodbye to the Mazda

Noah decided to get his first ever flu bug during the week, so he spent some extra time with his thumb and blankie the last few days.  He was quite the trooper though, and he still found time to terrorize Grandpa’s kitty cats and go for a wagon ride.  We’re thankful he’s been a pretty healthy dude over the past 18 months.

Noah calling Grammy

Well, those are the nitty gritty details of last week.  Praying for more monthly supporters this week.  Can’t wait to make The Big Move!

– Scott

Eleven More Weeks

On By MitchenersIn AngelaLeave a comment

So we’re inching ever closer to The Big Move.  Over the past few days, three new couples have committed to support us monthly!  What an absolute blessing to have people invested in us and in what God’s doing in the Dominican.

A month or so ago, I came across this little gem while I was reading.  Luke 8:1-3 states,

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

How cool is that?  While Jesus and the disciples focused on their teaching, they were cared for by these women who followed them from city to city.  These men were provided for because some people saw a very real need and were obedient to do their part.  So in an odd sort of way, the women mentioned here were the first “monthly supporters” ever.  Out of their own means, they sacrificially gave (of their time, money, etc.) so that the gospel could be given to others.  (Kind of like our supporters do for us.)  And I think that’s pretty awesome.

Can it be that we’re only 11(ish) weeks away from making The Big Move?  It’s becoming more of a reality daily. All because of our Savior’s faithfulness and because of your continued prayers and financial support.

Pray for us – we’re speaking at church here in Indiana tomorrow morning.  And we’re working on all the time-consuming parts of this process – like getting Leyton’s passport, extra birth certificates, shot records, and so on.  Exciting stuff!

Breaking News – Freedom Missions Team Grows by One!

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Introducing… our newest little missionary.

Leyton Reid Mitchener was born on February 3 at 8:59 am.
He weighed in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 21 inches long.

Things are finally starting to settle down here in the Mitchener household.  There has been some adjusting to life as a family of four, but Leyton has been such a great baby!  We are so blessed to have another healthy little guy.  He has already changed so much in these three weeks.  Noah loves his little brother already, and minus the occasional poke in the eye, he does a great job “helping” with Leyton.  Thankfully we’ve had help from our small group from the church.  They’ve been bringing us amazing, delicious meals – and these couples have busy families and responsibilities of their own. Talk about being the hands and feet of Jesus to us right when we need it.

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It’s hard to believe we are three months out from moving to the Dominican, God willing!  We’ve gained a couple of new monthly supporters over the last week or so (yay!), but we still are in need of others to join our support team if we are to make it by our target date.  You can pray for us this weekend as we head to Illinois to present the ministry at a church there.

Scott and I are trying to learn more Spanish vocabulary and “basics” as we get ready for language training when we hit the ground at the end of May.  It’s been slow going, but we’re attempting to keep a good perspective on this area of our preparation.  Dominican Spanish is different in many ways from other Spanish-speaking countries’, so we won’t fully “get it” until we are immersed in it for awhile – this is another area in which we could really use your prayers and support.