The Crossraods

November 22, 2009
The crossroads.

Now that is something we haven’t come up upon since our whole vision of the DR was derived. To be a bit more specific we have never developed an exit strategy for this adventure. In the very beginning (April) I had mentioned a “plan B” to Trav but he said it wasn’t necessary. You see on paper everything works. We did every possible research that would be necessary to not only live here and make it, but also create a successful business. The DR is in the top 5 visited Caribbean destinations, specifically Punta Cana sees about 2 million people a year. The demand for this tourism attraction is HUGE! However, we were not aware at the hurdles and obstacles we would get tossed into in order to get our business in operating condition.

We are utterly powerless. We (with the Lords sovereignty) put all the pieces of the puzzle together regarding what is necessary to be entirely legal here; we have attempted achieving each specific task. Unfortunately, now our livelihood relies on the whim of a random Dominican worker. It’s not a question of whether or not these people will write us the permit; it’s a matter of when. As mentioned numerous times, everything runs very slow here. People don’t follow through and they don’t do things when they say they will. It’s as if people don’t care if they excel in their work and produce a fine job! They would rather be slow and if they get motivated, well then they will do what they are supposed to.

We budgeted for how long we thought it would take to get these documents; except we didn’t budget for all this nonsense and wasted time. Our attorney just informed us that it could take months before the boat registration inspector comes (when we were told they would be here a week ago). Unfortunately, we cannot fly until our boat is registered. Thus, we are stuck. So, I guess the main reason we are now thinking about what happens at our crossroads is because we don’t have all the time in the world. Rightfully so… we cannot just live here for another six months and wait. Not to mention I think we would go insane spending that much more time not working and being poor here, trying to motivate the people to write the permits.

So we’ve laid out three different options, in which one will presumably be chosen by December 21st. We will A) Wait on the Lord if he tells us to wait B) Count our losses, pack up and go… either working in NY or TX C) Leave in December, spend the holidays with family, work a few turn-arounds in the Oil Refinerys while the permits continue being processed, and come back when we have accumulated more money.

With all that being said, that is why I’m “trying to muster up more faith”. This is such an emotional roller coaster and right now we are clouded with confusion. Sometimes it’s hard to discern whether this is Satan trying to lure us away from something that could be successful and create huge ministry opportunities, or if it’s the Lord pulling us out of this plan because it’s no longer His perfect plan for us. It’s hard not knowing which idea to entertain. However, I believe that as we continue seeking Him, He will reveal to us the way in which we should go. The Bible says our God is not a God of confusion, so I believe He will provide us clarity in this situation.

Check out these Scripture I came across yesterday:

Isaiah 30:21 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Jeremiah 6:16 “This is what the Lord says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls”

Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

You see, despite all the confusion and chaos, I believe that the Lord will not abandon us. I am confident that He will reveal to us what we are supposed to do, and then supply us with the courage to do so. I believe in the God who can make “a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland”, but I also believe that if He leads us away from here that it is for His higher purpose. I will be glad for the time we had to chase this dream, embrace the lessons we’ve learned, and march towards whatever He calls us to.

Please pray for us. Pray for wisdom, strength, and discernment. We truly don’t want to do anything out of selfish ambition; we just want to do what we are called to do.

And if you have any bouts of wisdom for us, we would greatly appreciate it! ☺

Love you & miss you!
D&T