Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016

Wow. Another year has come and gone. It is so very hard to believe all of the changes and things that have taken place in this crazy eventful year. This year brought so much heartache, so much joy, so many tears, so much laughter, so many memories...It's amazing how God can just balance your heart by simply putting His hand on it.

I wanted to recap my year and remember all that God has done through us and for us this year. Even though there were extremely hard days, I can still say that IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL.

January:
We began 2015 in New York City, we woke up New Years Day with a fresh start enjoyed lunch and breakfast at the cafe' from Seinfeld and just celebrated being away. We finished up our trip and headed back to work that following Monday after a crazy trip home (you can read all about that trip in my New York for New Years blog, I highly recommend NYC for NYE, it's a once in a lifetime thing)

Also in January, my mentor teacher was named Teacher of the Year! I was so excited for her because she soooooooooo deserved it! She taught me so much and still is teaching me. I love working with her and learning from her. On the hard days, I know that she sees my hurts and my struggles and has a true desire to help me pull through.

February :

February was a fun month full of love and craziness. We did Valentines Day with Wyatt and Brandi (It's our tradition) and we love it!

February is also the typical month for the Augusta 10k and half Marathon. We have ran in this for 3 years now. This race supports Cystic Fibrosis Research, (which my husband, Seth, has....you can read about that in one of my other blogs) This year we had some more teammates that are extra close and special to my heart. It meant so much that they came out and ran the race with us! It was tough and raining, but they did it! Two of my brothers (Bubba and Dylan), my mentor teacher and her husband, (Mr. and Mrs. Spieker), and one of her friends ran in the race with us! It was amazing to see that kind of turn out in support of research for a disease that is so dear and close to our hearts. I am so grateful! My heart was so blessed that day and the days that followed. 

We finished out February by going and taking our youth group to the Fine Arts Festival to go and support the other youth groups around the state of South Carolina as they competed in different Art Competitions. It was a wonderful day and our youth were truly inspired and came back on fire ready to do some dramas to promote the Kingdom of God. We finished out February strong and excited to see what the Lord had for us!

March:

March was a hard month emotionally for me. Many of my friends were pregnant and were finding out. I wanted so badly to be a part of their group, but at the same time I wanted to be a good friend. I wanted to see them though this exciting time in their lives. I know on some days I failed at that, I know some days I became selfish and let my desires cloud my true joy for them. However, at the end of the day, I think they know how incredibly excited I was and still am to have those little bundles of sweet joy to love on and to find hope and assurance that one day is coming for me. :)

On those days that were hard, I was able to cling to my Savior who never let go of me, even when I let my jealousy get the best of me. He was there saying to me, "Wait on the Lord, BE STRONG, and take heart.." Psalm 27:14....I was also able to lean on my husband and still do each and every day. His unwavering faith is an inspiring gift to me that I am able to trust in my marriage, and the plans that God has for it. March was a bittersweet month in my book.

Also in March, my sweet, crazy, amazing, awesome Daddy surprised us with KENNY CHESNEY TICKETS! For those of you who do not know me, I am obsessed with him and love his music. I love just being in the atmosphere of the chill music and fun dance party mode :) It was a great night with my mama, daddy, and hubs!

April:

April was such a FUN and BUSY MONTH! We started right off the bat with the infamous Wednesday Night Easter Egg Hunt! We had a wonderful time of fellowship at church and enjoyed  celebrating the Savior! The kids at church loved it and I got to see some of precious sweet ones that I so love, some of best friends' babies :)

Presley, Wyatt, and Harper Jean :)

Easter we do a cross walk that is called the Via Dolorosa Cross Walk. We (the youth group at our church) carry the cross from Augusta to our church in North Augusta, over the course of 3 days. Our kids are always eager to get out and do this each day! It is a fun time of ministry and fellowship, while it is extremely hard and tiring, it IS ALWAYS WORTH IT. Those kids learn so much in 3 days and truly value the meaning of Easter. I always appreciate doing it with them. This year we decided to throw some fun into the mix, with a glow in the dark egg hunt and game night. :)

April is also the month of my Spring Break and Master's Week in Augusta! It was such a blast! I kicked it off by going to Charleston with a sweet friend of mine to see an AMAZING FRIEND of mine whom I deeply love. She is such an encouraging spirit. We spent the day with her and her 2 precious kiddos and husband. We just enjoyed being off and being free to enjoy the day!      

The very next day my brother and I got badges to go to the Augusta National for the Masters. It was a great day that I was able to spend with my brother at one of our favorite places. We love the National and all the heritage and history that it brings. It was a wonderful day that I so enjoyed. 

In April, we were also concerned about Seth's medicine, but God prevailed and worked it all out. This is a short synopsis of it all that I shared on Facebook back in April: 

"God is so good to us. Just a week ago, I was sharing with a dear friend that I needed her to be in prayer for Seth's medicine. We were not able to qualify for the foundation that helped him the past couple of year's pay for his medicine. I began to get worried, Seth however, kept saying, "It will all work out." I am thankful for and admire his unwavering faith. I on the other hand was panicking greatly. I know he needed his enzymes and without them he would not get the nutrients that he needs to remain healthy. I began to pray, along with my Seth, and my sweet friend. I am so happy to share with you all that the medicine situation is worked out. We still have to pay, but it's so much better than we thought. His enzymes and breathing treatment medicine is a huge amount of money, but God made a way for us. I am so thankful that He works all things together for our good. Take that Cystic Fibrosis! :) God can beat it and so can prayer!" 

Thankful that God is ever prevailing and is always working for OUR GOOD! I LOVE REMEMBERING THE WORKS OF THE LORD AND ALL THAT HE HAS DONE FOR US!

This month I took my niece Caroline Grace to the Crazy Hair Secret Keeper Girl Tour! It was such a beautiful night with some precious girls at Secret Keeper Girl. It broke my heart to see girls of all ages putting their hands over the things they don't like about themselves. It's so sad that at such a young age, girls already start hating parts of their body and the way they look. I am so thankful for events like this, that help remind these sweet girls that they are beautiful and God made them beautiful. Those girls were taught how to surrender that to Jesus. They were taught it's okay to not be normal, because Jesus wasn't. They were taught that they are LOVED deeply by the King. There was not a dry eye in the house for any lady over 16 that night.

In April, our sweet friend also dedicated her baby to the Lord! What a beautiful Day that was! Wyatt Emerson White! 

The final days of April were so heart warming, so many of our friends and family showed up IN THE RAIN to walk the Great Strides Walk to support Cystic Fibrosis Research! It was such a sweet day that we felt encouraged and loved by so many! We are eternally grateful for those precious people. 

May: 

May was another fun and busy month. It's my birthday month and we had 4 of our youth graduate from high school for our Graduation Sunday. This month also contains Mother's Day. For some reason, this Mother's Day I felt very lonely, even though I was at the beach with family. I felt alone in my place as not being a mother. I remember waking up super early, sitting on the balcony, looking at the ocean, and just relaxing in the love of God as my heart hurt. It was a bitter sweet day, because I love celebrating the wonderful mama that I have, but I also was deeply saddened at my position. However, God is good and we pushed through and made it though the day! 

My sweet sweet sweet husband surprised me with a birthday trip of a lifetime. He rented a house in Edisto and had all of my friends come down and surprise me! At first, I have to admit I began to freak  out about all the different personalities that were coming, but the trip could not have been more perfect! I loved every minute of it and am so thankful for the memories that were made on that trip! :)   

We also watched 4 of our talented, awesome, crazy, exciting, loving members of our youth graduate high school. This was such a sad, but precious day at church. We were able to bless them and share memories and things we have seen happen in their life in front of the church. We celebrated their accomplishments and victories. It was an all around great day, it was very sad watching as they walked across the stage knowing that they were done with their time in our youth group, but it was exciting to see that God allowed us to play a part in their precious lives. 

We also began a new series right after this on Wednesday Nights titled, Summer Lovin' True Love Waits Project. This series is designed to teach the youth about what the bible says about Love, Sex, Marriage, and PURITY. We did this all summer long, and it was great success! :) 

June: 

June was the end of my first year teaching! It was so nice to get out and celebrate the summer! We kicked it off with a baby shower for my sweetest friend in the world, Jamie! It was only the 2nd shower that I have thrown at my house. So, I was super nervous, but it turned out wonderful as we celebrated sweet Jamie and baby Co. 

Right after that, packed up and went on a MISSIONS TRIP TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. It was a life changing trip that I wrote all about in a blog titled, "Life Changing Trip to the Dominican"! Please go read! It was an amazing trip, in which God humbled me, taught me, and revealed himself to me in so many new ways! I adored the whole time! It was truly the best part of this year.

The rest of June I was on a serious high from the work God did in me in the Dominican Republic. It was a great trip. I babysat my sweet cousin Presley for a a couple of days and relaxed, played out by the pool, and got lunch with friends, but NOTHING COULD TOP THAT MISSIONS TRIP. 

July: 

July was filled with birthdays (my mom's and my brother Dylan's), Vacation Bible School, July 4th, working on the True Love Waits Project with our youth and so much more........

Vacation Bible School this year was amazing. We did a superhero theme, which all of our kids loved. We had a great turn out and and great time of fellowship with all of our volunteers. VBS is always one of my favorite weeks of the summer! 

We finished out July at the annual Pest Control Convention with my family. It was a great time, but we did have to come home early due to some unexpected illnesses with Pastor John. Little did we know, it would lead to a week of him being in the hospital and 4 weeks of him recovering at home.

August:

August got off to a terrible start, we rushed home from the beach to get to church the next morning. It was a very time in our church and our own personal lives, because we were so uncertain of what was to come with Pastor John. There was no official diagnosis and everything seemed so terrible. God always comes through and teaches and reminds, but as we were walking through this terrible time it was very hard to see.

August also had some exciting things happen though as Pastor John began to heal. We had 2 graduation ceremonies for True Love Project. It was so awesome to see these parents and grandparents come together and agree with their children, as they strive for a life of purity. I pray they always remember this past summer as one that they had a heart change. 

We also celebrated Seth's birthday by going to a Braves Game and by visiting some places in his hometown that he wanted to go back and see. It was a wonderful weekend to celebrate his birthday and 20 months of MARRIAGE!

I also started my 2nd year of teaching 4th and 5th grade ELA and Social Studies! Can you say, busy month!?! and MY BEST FRIEND JAMIE HAD HER BABY! 

September: 

September is always busy because it is filled with so many birthdays and exciting things! We had a great back to school lock in with the Youth! They were so excited to play so many games and eat tons of pizza! We had a great midnight service and got no sleep at all! IT was a great kick start to a new month! 

Another fun event, was my nephew's birthday! It was a bittersweet day, because this was the first party that my brother did separate from his ex-wife. It is hard for me to even write that, because that was an underlying issue all year long. A lot of my sadness and tears came from lack of a baby, but it also came from losing a sister in law. This was one of those days that it was so real to me. It hurt deeply on so many levels. My brother's new girl friend did a wonderful job with his party! it was great and Jackson loved it! Some pieces of my heart were still broken from a friendship that had begun 10 years ago and now was beginning to slowly end. Jackson didn't see this though, All he saw was a huge smile and HAPPY BIRTHDAY. It was the time of his life, and for that I am grateful! 

In September, we also got a break away and was able to go to one of my favorite events all year long. It was the ILEAD Conference. It is a conference designed for Youth Leaders to come and collaborate with other leaders from around the state. Seth and I had a wonderful time fellowshipping and enjoying our friends' company from around South Carolina. It was so much needed after all the events at church that had taken place in August without Pastor John that we had to run. It was an encouraging trip that was very much appreciated and enjoyed! We also dressed up like nerds the Nerd Party :)

October: 

October was another busy, busy, busy, busy month! It always starts right off the bat with Caroline Grace's birthday! We celebrated at my parent's house with a Taylor Swift Cake! She so enjoyed it and then she found out that later that month, we would be going to see her perform! (I WAS POSSIBLY MORE EXCITED THAN SHE WAS)

In October, I also hosted a Girl's Night for the youth girls at church at my house. It was fun night of learning about how God cleans out the mess in us (we used the pumpkins, as a visual) It was the most girls I have ever had in my house at one time and it was a blast. I enjoyed that night so much listening to them laugh and paint and just enjoy each other's company. 

The next weekend I had 2 baby showers to attend and 1 Gender Reveal in one day! IT WAS SUCH A FUN WEEKEND. I also got to help host one for my Forever Friend! 

While it was physically exhausting, it was not as emotionally exhausting as I expected it to be. God really prepared my heart for the emotions that I would feel and I was not upset or jealous at all. I truly was able to enjoy in the happiness of my sweet, precious, Godly, kind friends! I was so in awe of how God worked in my heart that weekend.

The next weekend was my favorite weekend of October, Caroline Grace and I got to go to the Taylor Swift Concert! IT was so much fun! BEST CONCERT EVER, and I can say that because I have seen a lot of concert. ahaha including Hannah Montana ;) 

That next Wednesday we had our annual Trunk or Treat on the Wednesday before Halloween! Seth and I dressed up as Dick Van Dyke and Mary Poppins! It was a great time of fellowship at our church. We had kids from all over show up and be blessed! We also had so many trunks that we were so thankful for!  It was also emotional too, because I also found out this month that our Children's Pastors would be leaving us and moving to California!  Can you say, Yikes, and just plain sadness?

On Halloween Day, Seth and I decided to check off a Bucket List Item of his and go to all the different types of Chickfilas. We went to the regular kind, the Dwarf House, The Pizza Kind, and the Hawaiian kind all in one day. We explored Georgia and the outskirts of Atlanta. It was fun day of celebrating our marriage and just spending one on one time with one another. 

November:

November was a hard month. We said goodbye to two our favorite friends. We planned them a fun Bon Voyage Party, but it hurt so bad to say goodbye. We did ministry with them for 5 years. There are no words to truly explain the kind of hurt that we experienced. It was a fun party, but kind of heart breaking at the same time. 

November started to get happy when my Forever Friend, Becca, had her baby. That was an exciting week! He was and still is so adorable! 

We also had all of the youth over at our house our annual Thanksgiving at the DuVall's House! It was a good time of fellowship, food, and fun! 

It did get sad again, when we found out that Pastor John now had Prostate Cancer and would have to undergo radiation treatments. While his doctor was positive and encouraged by what condition he was in, it was still very hard on him and our hearts. We love him so dearly, so anytime we see him hurt, it hurts us. I don't fully know how to describe how intensely my heart has been saddened this last half the year as we have watched the sickness kind of play out. 

We were able to take a wonderful getaway to see my friend in New York City for Thanksgiving! We checked off a huge bucket list moment, by going to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! It was so much fun! We were able to go to the parade, see the Rockettes, see Aladdin on Broadway, and so much more! It was a once in a life time trip! 

And finally December: 

December was just like all of the others. BUSY. It started off incredibly sad, as Seth and I planned one of our former youth's baby's memorial service. Seth performed the funeral, and it was truly heart breaking. I have never experienced nothing like it, and I pray that no one I know will ever have to go through that again. It was a terrible start to the month, but I would have it no other way than to be right there with our sweet Shelby through this terrible time. 

December always includes traditions that are so fun! We had our annual Cousin ornament exchange in which I got my favorite ornament ever, OF COURSE DISNEY! 

I ALSO GRADUATED WITH MASTERS ON DECEMBER 12TH! WAHOOOOOOO!

The very next day we had our Christmas Play that went well for the most part! It had been a crazy year trying to practice, but we pushed through and I believe that some lives were touched by the precious moments in the play!

That same night we had the ladies ornament exchange at church, and then went on to celebrate more Christmas festivities! I had my Classroom Christmas Party at school with my precious kiddos and then went out of town with my family to watch some Christmas shows and spend time with brother and sister in law in Myrtle Beach! It was very fun and nice to get away during such a crazy month! 

We also had in Kid's Ministry (since Kyle and Rachel left, we took over Kid's Ministry along with some youth helpers) A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS! It was a blast and the kids loved singing and celebrating His Birth!

On the first week of break, I had Jamie and her kiddos over to do some Christmas crafts and I  also had our annual Cousin's Cookie Day at my house! It was so much being with all of my sweet cousins to celebrate Christmas! 

That same night we went to my friend's house and had Friendsmas with some sweet people! We did a Chinese Christmas and just talked and hung out with one another! It was great to see old friends and get closer with new ones! 

The next night we took the youth to give out blankets at the local Nursing Home! IT was such a good time to see them light up as they were doing something good for the Lord. Afterwards, we took them back to our house and had Sweets and Treats! I loved watching their faces as they began to truly understand the meaning of Christmas and what it was supposed to look like. 

The next day was Christmas Eve, I spent it shopping with my mom. We met my sweet hubs and brother for Dinner and then celebrated at my cousin Beth's house! The next morning we had Christmas with my parents and then Seth's grandparents and family. 

It was a wonderful day, full of all the things that I love most. I loved celebrating our King and His forever reign! 

3 days later, we celebrated our 2 year anniversary and have been enjoying our break ever since. We hope that you and your family have a wonderful New Year. This year has been one of heart break, loss, love, joy, and laughter. We look forward to the good things that 2016 will bring, but also know that when the bad things come we have a Savior that is working all things together for our good. May you be blessed as we exit 2015 and enter 2016. Praying for you and yours. 

xoxoxoxo 

Living to Make Jesus Famous,

Seth and Amy DuVall 

When it's just not okay….

So, I have debated posting this for a while now….I wrote it last Sunday and never published it. However, today just felt a little like a good day to share:

I laid in my Eno today and thought about life and how mine has changed drastically in two years. I have so many desires and dreams. Anxiety began to overwhelm my heart. The worries, the heartache over family choices and decisions, the chaos of work, and friends leaving. It was a mess. ……….but then the Lord stilled my heart. He reminds me that this is just a season. This too shall pass.

In that moment, I have come to know that it's okay to be not be okay. It's okay to feel defeated for a moment. It's life and what it deals. It's okay. However, under no circumstances is it okay to stay that way. I have had to lean on my rock, my Savior, Redeemer, and Friend to realize that it's okay. No one knows this season that we are in. No one knows what it feels like, and I personally don't know every little thing that you are walking through. That's when God reminds me that He is my closest friend. He is the only one that knows every emotion, every tear shed, every anxiety attack, every sleepless night, every worry. He is only one that knows those drives home from places, where the little drops of water fall out of my eyes. He is the only one. 

So friends, tonight I encourage you to know that whatever you are going through, you never walk alone, when you know Jesus. He walks with you. He knows every tear shed, every fear, every pain, every sorrow, every worry, every dream, and every desire. He knows. Don't worry, because this too shall pass. One day your dream will come true, it may not be the way we would dream it, or the time we would plan it, but IT'S COMING. and coming Soon. The bible says and promises to us in 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises….".

Seth and I have so much to look forward to for the end of this year. I cannot wait to share some of our bucket list moments with you, as we check those off. :) We are Praying for you as you walk through life, remember you're not alone. Seth and I also would love to pray specifically for you and with you in agreement. We are never more than a text, call, or lunch date away. Love you guys.

Living to make Jesus famous,

Amy

Life Changing Mission to the Dominican Republic

Wow. I don't truly know where to begin because of how much my heart has truly been changed because of my experience in the Dominican Republic. God has opened up my eyes to a whole new world, a whole new culture, a whole new part of Him, and a whole new part of me. So, let's start from the very beginning. (side note: This is going to be long like the New York one, brace yourselves, but please read)

Let me start of again by saying A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR MONETARY SPONSORS and OUR PRAYER WARRIORS. Without you guys, this mission would not have happened. Thank you for believing in the desire that God placed on our hearts. 

Night before Day 1 (aka 10 pm Thursday Night 6/11/15): 

It's 10pm, I am finishing packing, Seth is napping, and Samantha (the 17 year old youth that went with us on the trip) is on her way over to meet us. I out of the blue have a panic attack like none other. I break out into complete hives and wake up Seth and beg him to let us not go on the trip. I tell him that I think our plane is going to crash. I freak out completely and give myself the hugest head ache on the face of this planet. This goes on for about an hour. Samantha arrives and Seth prays and I get calm again. He tells me that I need to calm down and just Trust God. I do this after a while of having to be talked down. (I am a crazy, this I know) We leave for Charlotte at 12am midnight. We have to be there at 3 am. much more happened, in which I am sparing you. 

Day 1: 

We fly from Charlotte to Atlanta, from Atlanta to New York and from New York to the Dominican. Everything went perfect. The only struggle we had on our flights was the last one. We had to wait about an hour on the runway at the JFK airport because of the busyness of the runways. It did get a little hot, I almost slipped into a panic attack, and Seth got sick to his stomach. However, right before all of that happened, the plane began to take off! Praise God! We arrived in the DR. We met up with the team of about 46 people that we were with. At this point, they were all strangers. Little did we know that they would become some of the best of friends and the closest of prayer warriors. 

We got to our Hotel called Hotel Pegasus. It wasn't a resort, but it was fairly decent. It had terrible WI-FI. The first night I had a horrible time trying to get in touch with my parents. I knew my mama would be worried. I had to keep my phone on airplane mode and only use it when I had wifi. Finally, I found a connection. They served us a dinner and we learned what our teams would be and some of our expectations of the week. Our excitement began to build to a whole new level that I didn't even knew existed. However, I was still oh so nervous. (At this point, some of the students on the trip still thought Seth and I were students. They did not realize we were chaperones. hahahaah) 

Our hotel Lobby where there was horrible wifi :)

Day 2, Saturday, June 13: 

We had group corporate prayer at 5:50 am. We woke up and sang praises to God and prayed for an hour before breakfast down stairs. There were chickens around us as we ate. The roosters woke us up bright and early, along with random car alarms. After breakfast, we went to our designated areas of service. Seth, Samantha, and I joined the team that would be ours for the rest of the week to head out and do Vacation Bible School from 9 am to 11:30 am. We went to a Kid's Ministry called Las Yayas. The Speed the Light Missionary, Debbie Martinez came with us and interpreted for our group. This was run by a Haitian Pastor. (The Haitians have a lot of trouble in the D.R. because of racism and disapproval. The people of the D.R. do not want them in their country. It is a very terrible situation right now in the country. The Haitians are being forced to leave if they not have the correct paper work. Take a moment and pray for the Haitian Churches and Pastors working in the Dominican Republic. ) At this church, we performed a Vacation Bible School for students of all ages. We talked about the miracles of Jesus and John 3:16. The older kids were so excited to use their bibles. We also made puppets with the children. The kids absolutely loved it. We were only here for one day, but just in that one day I had already realized how much our presence was appreciated and needed. The kids were calling out "Americano, Americana!" They wanted our attention desperately and wanted to be loved on!

At 12pm, we met back up at our hotel for lunch to be served. We were given about an hour to relax before heading to our next mission. We went to a church called Rose de Sharon. We walked around and canvased the neighborhood to invite the kids to come to the VBS.

When they came, we did the one time Vacation Bible School for them as well. We made puppets and did the same type of lesson. We also gave a snack and clean water. This was so appreciated by all of the kids. As we continued, more and more students and adults piled in the room. It was overwhelming at the amount of kids who wanted to be prayed over and just wanted to be loved. We did have a small encounter with the children wanting to take the glue sticks home. (We learned from here on out to only let our volunteers hold the glue :) ) 

After we finished at the church around 5pm, we went back to the hotel for dinner at 6pm. The District Youth Director, Bob Sandler (whom SETH AND I LOVE DEEPLY) asked Seth to preach in the middle of park in the Dominican Republic around 9pm. It was Saturday Night, in a park with a lot of different things going on, but we believed that God could still move. The students from a Christian school were supposed to come and do a concert beforehand, but something got mixed up. So, two of the wonderful, talented guys on our team stepped up and decided to do praise and worship before hand. While we were getting ready to go to park, I began to feel VERY sick. We got on the bus and immediately I got sick. (like the throw up kind, sorry from now on when I say sick you know what I mean) Seth was incredibly sweet and held my hair and rubbed my back. They were going to let me stay back, but I didn't want to miss Seth delivering the gospel. So, I went. When we got to the park, I got sick again. The music from the streets were so loud. There was a huge trailer blaring music the entire time the students from our group were playing praise and worship. It was so hard to hear. Mopeds were driving up and down the street. However, when it came time for Seth to preach, the music went away and the mopeds stopped. You could hear a pen drop. Seth was declaring the gospel and the top of his lungs. (at this point I am laying in a lady's lap, I am listening to Seth, but I physically could not sit up) People were stopping in the streets and people were moving closer to hear what he was saying. Four boys got saved that night. It was wonderful to hear my husband be so bold in his Faith. He trusted God to use Him despite the obstacles that the enemy was trying to throw at him. I know I was one of those obstacles, but I am thankful that Seth has an ear and a heart for the voice of God. He knew that he needed to push through and get that message delivered. I know Seth was used by God that night. I am still so incredibly proud of him. God changed hearts that night. 

Day 3, Sunday June 14:

The night before I got sick again on the way home from the park, but a nurse on the trip with us had some Finagin and gave me one. It put me straight to sleep and I woke up completely refreshed and feeling so much better. We woke up at 7:30 and had breakfast. After breakfast, we were broken up into 3 different groups. In those 3 groups, we went to 3 different churches. The church we went to was a small, beautiful, Haitain Church in the middle of a field. We were able to ride in the Speed the Light Vehicle on the way there. (This is a vehicle that is provided by funds that are raised from the Youth of Assemblies of God Churches all over South Carolina) When we pulled up at this church my heart just melted, these people were dressed in the very best clothes they had giving it all they had in their worship. They carried their chairs and their bibles to church in the worst heat that you can imagine, under this incredibly small little white tent. They began to cry out to the Lord in Praise and Worship wither their beautiful songs. Then, we sang "Here I am to Worship" in both English and Haitian. It was one of the most touching and holy spirit filled moments that I have ever encountered in my entire life. The message was delivered by a lady in our group. She gave a wonderful message about Shaderaq, Meshach, and Abednego. She had to be interpreted twice. (once from English into Spanish, and the from Spanish into Haitian). She was so patient and allowed for holy spirit to still move despite the language barrier that was between all of us. She gave an alter call that allowed us to pray with these precious people. They were down on their knees in the mud crying out to Jesus and we were there praying over them. It was such a sacred moment. God was moving under that tent. These people have nothing, but the clothes on their back. However, they were still giving all they had to God. It was such a humbling moment. I will never forget. I cannot fully explain all that God did under that tent, but I know because of that one service I learned the true meaning of sacrifice and devotion to the King. 

On Sunday Night we went to church called The Rails. Seth preached here also. It was another beautiful service. There was no air, but they did have fans and the windows open. The wind blew through that place and kept it cool. We had members from our team share the testimony and then Seth preached. He did a wonderful job communicating the gospel. Many came up for prayer to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. God moved and it was incredible. A lady that was pregnant was prayed over and many others. People were filled with the Holy Spirit and God just moved through that little church. After the church service, we all met up and went to a little Pizza Place. It was actually quite good, I did not expect to have pizza in the Dominican, but it was the best meal of the whole week! 

Day 4, Monday June 15th: 

On Monday, we woke up and had breakfast at 7:30 am. After Breakfast, we had prayer. During prayer on this particular Monday, I prayed that God would show me the child that I was supposed to invest in this week. I knew that we would have a smaller amount of students in the morning, so I  knew that our team could be one to one with a student. I wanted to make sure I didn't miss out on this opportunity of ministry. I trusted that God would lead me to the right child. Afterwards, we went to La Vega Christian School. This is a school that the missionaries we partnered with started many years ago. When we got there, we hosted a Vacation Bible School and a Sports Camp that would last for 3 days. 

We started with praise and worship. I saw a sweet little boy standing by himself, so I made my way over to him. I stood with him during the Praise and Worship songs, but afterwards he ran away. I was upset at first, but then I just went on to help the group. After Praise and Worship and introductions we made our way to the Sport''s Camp. We were broken up into teams to practice basketball and skills. We had about 8 to 10 children per team. I was just going about my day helping our kids learn how to dribble. (which I am not very good at, but I was trying :) ) Then, we began a passing drill. A little girl latched herself onto me from there on out. She would not leave my side. Her name was Chaela and she was 10 years old. We became the best of friends. 

After the Sport's Camp, we had Vacation Bible School. She saved me a seat for everything. During the craft time, she made a puppet that looked just like me. She learned my name and repeated it over and over. She also repeated over and over that Mi esposo es Seth. (My husband is Seth). She loved him also. The first lesson of the week was on David and Goliath. The Greenville team did an illustrated sermon and it was amazing. The students loved participating in the lesson. Chaela held my hand the entire time. During snack, she found me and Seth again and sat with us. We were able to communicate a little with my small knowledge of Spanish. I learned that she had 3 brothers, but one of them died. She also had a twin there name Chaelo, who was also incredibly sweet. 

We left that day at 11:30 and she said Hasta Mañana? which means See you tomorrow? I was so excited to say YES! 

Also, our sweet Samantha worked in the library all day with the librarian of that school organizing books and ministering with her! There was no AC, but she did it without question. I Love SEEING YOUNG PEOPLE WORK AND DO IT WITH A HUMBLE HEART!

We went back to our hotel for lunch at 12 pm and went to the next church for Vacation Bible School in   Soto Church. There were at least 150-200 kids at this church. It was an incredible, but overwhelming sight. There was once again no air and very little fans. This was in the heat of day and it was super hot! A lot of our team at this point had gotten very sick. We only had 9 people on our group go with us. You can imagine ONLY us 9, plus our interpreter with 200 kids. It was mass chaos, but some how we still managed to accomplish the VBS. It was a crazy one, but we did it. We taught on The Birth of Jesus and played games, and did puppet skits, and had crafts! One child with special needs had an outburst and began to throw rocks and such. The pastor's wife of church and one of our ladies was able to speak into her and help calm her down. But the kids were terrified of her and it scared our team at first because the half of the team that was inside was doing crafts We only heard screams. Thankfully, no one was hurt. On the way out we gave everyone bracelets and candy. We learned on this day, that we needed to do it one by one for the next day. There were so many kids and not enough workers at that point. But once again, it all still worked out and God is Good. 

Day 5, Tuesday June 16:

We woke up and had breakfast as a group at 7:30 am again and prayer. It was once again wonderful. We went back to La Vega Christian School. We started off with the basket ball tournament with our teams. Chaela came running to me! She began to take down my hair and started braiding it immediately. I did break away from her a little to participate in the basket ball tournament, in which I did manage to score 2 points. :) She played a little, but she made it very clear that she loved el futbol. (soccer) Seth took her and a couple other that were disinterested in basketball and played soccer with them. They LOVED IT! She kept calling me over to watch them play. Meanwhile, our Samantha, made a wonderful little connection with a little girl that was missing her leg. Her and Samantha formed a bond that was sweet and pure and beautiful. Samantha and her played SOCCER AND HOPSCOTCH. This little girl's lack of a leg did not stop her from playing games that she loved. It was an incredibly beautiful sight to see them two. I was so proud of Samantha and her way of reaching out to involve that little girl. My heart bursted with joy!

After the tournament, we had Vacation Bible School! They learned about Shadaach, Meshach, and Abendego. The loved being apart of the lesson again. It was adorable to see them act out what the speaker and interpreter was saying. At the end of the lesson, we gave an alter call. There was an outcry of so many of the children. We prayed over them and with them and formed a prayer tunnel that students walked through and we laid hands on them and prayed over each one. It was overwhelming and brought tears to my eyes. Some of these kids were wearing the same clothes as yesterday, the clean water we were providing was a precious gift and the snacks were the best thing they had seen. My heart ached at how selfish I had become. I get upset if the grocery store quits carrying my favorite brand of Baked Lays Chips, and these children are just happy to see clean water. My heart was so humbled in this moment. I had to take a step back and ask God for forgiveness of being ungrateful and selfish. 

Once we again, Chalea said, "Hasta Mañana?" I was able to say si, but I knew the next day would be different. :( My heart began to ache, because I knew it was going to be hard to say goodbye to her. 

Seth playing soccer with Chalea 

Samantha and her new friend :)

After lunch, we went back to the church at Soto and did the last day of VBS there. We had the majority  of our team come this time and it was so different. Everything went so much smoother! God answered our prayers of a calmer atmosphere. We still had the same amount of kids, possibly even more. However, the kids were calmer and even more ready to listen and get involved. We split the girls and boys up and did lessons, games, and crafts. It was a beautiful day. The child with special needs came back and she remained calm for the most part. There was one particular lady in our group that was able to form a special connection with her that kept her calm. It was amazing to watch her as she interacted with her. Even through the language barrier, God was able to use her. 

Day 6, Wednesday June 17:

This was our last day of VBS overall. As we got up that morning, I was exhausted, but so very sad for it to be my last day. We got up and went to the La Vega Christian School. It was another gorgeous, but hot day. The Sport of the day was volleyball and el futbol (soccer)! My sweet girl wanted to play both so we spent about 30 minutes doing each. We had so much fun kicking the ball around and practicing serving. She became quite the pro at Volleyball, some might even say she was a bit of a ball hog. :) She was having the time of her life. 

After the Sports Camp it was time for Vacation Bible School, we sang their favorite praise and worship songs and did puppet skits, dramas, and a lesson. After the lesson, we made salvation bracelets. Chaela loved doing this. She wanted to put it on immediately and practice saying all of the colors in English. She got them all except the clear bead. That was a little difficult to explain. :) When it came time to say goodbye, she said "hasta el proixmo ano?" Which means see you next year? My heart broke. I wanted to say yes, but I couldn't lie. At this point, I had no idea where the Assemblies of God missions trip would be next year. I told her maybe in spanish and had the teacher there help interpret that I loved her and that most importantly Jesus did. I told her I would pray for her and her family. We did our secret handshake and she said Adios amiga. My heart sank. I was so sad to leave her behind, I wish I could have scooped her up in my suitcase.

Sweet Chaela changed my life. She taught me to love fiercely without holding back. She taught me to love people that you just meet. She taught me to love no matter what the cost. She taught me to invest in people, even when they have nothing to give you. She taught me to love, even if you will never see that person again. She showed me the Kingdom of God though a Child's Eyes. It was something that I will forever hold on to. 

After we left there, we went straight back to our hotel and packed and they surprised us by taking us a to resort on our free day. We were under the impression that we were going to the beach, but I had no idea it would be a resort with pools and such. It was about 3 hours away from where we were. The whole ride there my mind was still on Chaela and the other people there in La Vega. When we arrived, it was gorgeous. The beach was incredible. We got our rooms and was able to go to the beach for a little while and relax. Dinner was on your own, so everyone kind of broke up into groups. We ate with some of the new friends we had made. It was a gorgeous night. 

At 9pm we were scheduled to meet for our Prayer Service and just to recap the trip with everyone. We all met around a private pool area with the beach in the background. It was breathtaking. The night was dark, you couldn't really see faces, but you could hear the voices and the hearts of everyone. We did a few songs of praise and worship with a guitar and with everyone singing. Then Pastor Jimmy, began to ask everyone to just pray about this week and what was God trying to teach you this week. He asked us to share out loud with everyone. So, different people took turns and God did some amazing things amongst everyone. A lot of what was said were very private things that we all grew close enough together to share. It was a beautiful moment with everyone's hearts on the line. We shared in the confidence of knowing that what we each shared would not leave the circle. It was truly amazing to hear and see God work through all of us and how we all have issues that no one knew anything about. However, at the end of that trip it felt like we had become family with the people around us. People that I will never forget. 

Day 7,  Thursday June 18th: 

The next day was our free day. Our day to do whatever we wanted at the resort. We first went to shop at the little shops down a street that we had to walk to. It was so very hot that we hurried back to the resort to hit the beach. A lot of the youth went snorkeling. Seth and I stayed back and he took in the salt air, which is good for his lungs. We were able to just relax and talk about the trip together. We had lunch and were able to mingle with some of the other youth leaders on the trip in the pool. We also spent about 3 hours talking with Pastor Jimmy and his wife. This was a time of just great fellowship and being able to share our hearts. It was a remarkable free day with an incredible view. 

We met again that night for another time of sharing and fellowship. We also met to give an offering to Pastor Jimmy and his wife for hosting such a wonderful missions trip. They are some of the greatest people that I have ever met. It was an honor to serve under their leadership for that week. At this service, some other incredible things happen that I hope to share with you later in a post. But just know that God was there in the Dominican Republic. He showed up and showed out. I know that He has begun to work something in me that I will never forget. The family unity that was created that week was an experience unlike any other. These people were complete strangers at the beginning of the week and yet they felt like my family. I was in awe of God's ties that bind. and still am. 

At midnight, Thursday night we left the resort and rode in the busses 3 hours to get to the airport at 3 am. Our flight left at 5:45 am. We arrived in New York around 9ish. From New York, we flew to Atlanta. In Atlanta we had to say our goodbyes, because we were all flying separate places. It was tough knowing that we would not face the rest of the summer with these people who had become like family. I am thankful in knowing that these people saw me for who I was and loved me despite my flaws. I will be forever thankful for the experiences I had in the Dominican Republic. 

God has started something in me. He confirmed things for Seth and I that I had been worrying about. But through teenagers and other youth leaders God has confirmed His plan for Seth and I. God is good and I am falling more and more in love with Him each and every second. 

Living to make Jesus famous, 

xoxoxo 

Amy DuVall 


Thanks for reading this far. I love you all. 

Seth and Amy's 1st Mission Trip TOGETHER

Hi Friends!

As yall know, Seth and I have the distinct privilege of leading the youth at Cornerstone Community Church. Our youth group “Carry the Cross Ministries” has been given the opportunity to be a part in changing the lives of many people through missions.  We will join with a team of other youth from all over South Carolina to help reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This year we are traveling to the Dominican Republic to work and help with Street Programs, Community Service, Sidewalk Sunday School, Church Programs, Rebuilding, and Painting a church, and School Assemblies. Although the Dominican is a popular destination for vacationers, many people continue to live in poverty throughout the country.  The Dominican Republic is a truly a place who’s people need to be touched with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The vision and purpose behind this trip is to help fulfill the Great Commission by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 I am asking for your assistance in 2 areas:

First, agree with us in prayer.  Prayer is the whole force behind this mission that will cause it to happen.  We believe in praying like it all depends on God, and working like it all depends on us.  Second, we would ask you to consider making a contribution to help cover the expenses of our trip.  Each day in the Dominican will cost us about $190 each.  I am asking you to consider purchasing a day or part of a day for this trip. (This amount also reflects airfare.)

1 Day $190 ½ Day $95 ¼ Day $48

We have still have $900 total to raise before May 18th.

The dates of our trip are June 12^th – June 19^th.  Could I please count on you to be one of my “partners”?  If so, please simply write a check payable to Amy DuVall, with AIMS trip in the memo line. I will glady share my address with you in a private message or a text message. Seth and I would be more than willing to pick up your check or cash and bring you a letter for your taxes.

Thank you so much for considering to be a part of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through this opportunity.  Your help will enable us to minister to those in great need.  May God bless you for your faithfulness and compassion for reaching the lost.

Living to make Jesus famous,

Seth and Amy DuVall
xoxoxo

***All of your donations are tax deductible. You will receive a letter for your records.