Dreaming of the Dominican

I miss the Dominican SOOOO much and in just over a month we will be returning!  I can't wait to see the little girl we sponsor, Ana Raisa (9), and her little sister that my mom sponsors, Mirianyeli (6).  It has been a year and a half since I last visited, so I am sure they have grown so much!  Also new to me will be the high school.  It was recently built and finished for the new school year, so the students in last year's graduating 8th grade class are able to continue their education!  What a blessing from God!  None of this would be possible without Rod and Nancy Wildman and their dedication to 2nd Mile Missions.  If you would like to sponsor a child or make a donation, visit their site or shoot me an email and I can answer any questions you might have!  

My first visit to the DR changed my life.  The spirit of God is so strong there.  You can feel His presence EVERYWHERE.  The people there have nothing but God.  It really was amazing to see how blessed they felt by God, even though they had so little.  We take so much that we have for granted.  I was really touched by a church service we attended while there.  I felt like God was telling me to proclaim my Christianity publicly in some way.  I was saved when I was a little girl, but never baptized.  Another woman on the trip was getting baptized the day before we left, and the pastor asked if there was anyone else who was feeling led to be baptized.  Here was my chance!  I raised my hand and was blessed to have the opportunity to be baptized in the Caribbean.  What an amazing experience!

I found a beautiful picture of the beach where I was baptized and decided I wanted to make it into a card so I could display it in my stamping room.  I could not believe it when I found THREE challenges that fit with the theme of my card.  I got the layout from retro sketches.

 

Then I saw this cue card over at CASology:

 

 

 

Are you kidding me?!  There is no place that is more relaxing than the DR!  It is completely different from the fast-paced life we live here in the United States.  I truly have never felt more stress-free in my life than when I was there! 

 

Then I came across a new-to-me challenge site, SUO Challenges.  The challenge this week is to create a project using a photo!  This could not have been more perfect!  The funny thing is, I was able to create a VERY simple card with these three requirement and it is my favorite card I have ever made because of the meaning behind it. If you look closely at the sentiment, it ties the whole thing together for me.  It says "Live Simply, Love Generously, Care Deeply, Speak Kindly, Leave the rest to God."  I hope you enjoy it!

 

 

 

Stamp Set: Trust God

Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Whisper White

Ink: Bashful Blue, Night of Navy

Tools: Labels Collection Framelits, Stamp-a-ma-jig to offset sentiment shadow

 

Accessories: White Organza Ribbon, Dimensionals