Tuesday, March 11, 2014

♥ {my life|A boy's heart decision-dominican republic} ♥


Three months ago, a heart decision was made that can impact and change his life this week, a decision to go to the Dominican Republic. How was that a heart decision? For those of you that don’t know, hockey is my son’s life. Quentin laced up a pair of hockey skates on his third birthday, started learning how to play the sport at the age of five and has never looked back. Something about being on the ice makes that boy’s heart beat. Given the choice to do just about anything or be on the ice, 99.9% of the time the ice wins without a question.


So how does hockey play into the role of his heart decision with going to the Dominican Republic? Last fall, our youth pastor Richard announced a mission trip for our high school juniors, seniors and college students to the Dominican Republic. This is the first ever overseas mission trip for our youth and college students at Castle Hills Christian Church in the nine years we have been there. In December, Quentin expressed his interest to go as he is a high school junior. In looking at the dates for the trip, there was a conflict, a pretty major one for him. The trip’s departure date was the same date as the championship finals for his hockey team. 

Not knowing if his team would end up at the championship games, I explained to Quentin the level of commitment the trip had to be if that was his choice of the two. Wanting him to make the decision from his own heart, I did not give my opinion of what I would do or what I thought he should do. We told Quentin to really think about it and pray about it, giving him a week to make his decision. Within 3 days, Quentin's decision was to go on the mission trip. My heart wanted to shout and leap with joy because for the first time in his life, I saw my son in a cross-road of choosing between his love for the sport and the one who gave him the talent to play the sport. 

Lots of preparation went into making this trip happen. The first was the most important one which was sending out letter of prayer and financial support. Quentin decided to hand write all his support letters, yes all 48 letters! He mailed out the letters in batches and with the first eight supports that came in, Quentin’s trip was fully funded! In total awe of what God can do when He directs and leads what we are doing. The amount of love and support Quentin received from each of the support cards was amazing in itself. With each piece of mail he opened, I saw Quentin’s true heart of appreciation as he sat and starred at each card. 




The next item to check off on the list was a true testament of “facing your fears”. Due to a bad experience when he was four, Quentin has a major fear of shots and needles. At the travel clinic, he found out he was going to get a few shots. Without any fuss or delays, Quentin sat down on the edge of the bed, rolled up his sleeve, closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. Yes he was determined to do whatever he needed for this trip.


Time was getting closer and closer. Passport arrived and he started the yogurt eating process with 10 days left to go before the trip. I had a heart to heart talk with Quentin about the trip. Although the area they are going to is pretty safe, going internationally to a foreign land to share about God is always a risk. Quentin and I talked about some of the extreme dangers that could happen and he was still determined to go. My heart was once again flooded with joy as Quentin was not going to change his mind even if it meant losing his own life. 


Early Sunday morning, we gave our hugs and off our team of 8 (3 high school students, 3 college students and 2 sponsors) left in the church van to the airport. I received word Sunday night that they arrived safely. Please keep our group in your prayers this week as they allow God to use them to spread His love to these children in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. To pray by name, they are Richard (our youth pastor), Lluvia (sponsor), Clark, Joseph, Angie (college students), Arleen, Jasmine and Quentin (high school students). My prayer is not only will the lives they come in contact with this week be changed but that our group’s lives will also be impacted in a life changing way.


Thank you again to all who supported Quentin on his mission trip whether through financial support and/or prayer support. I will write a follow up blog after the trip.

Please leave your comments of support, prayer, encouragement and any notes below. (under "comment as", if the words "select profile" is seen, please click and select one from the drop down in order to publish your comment) I will share this with Quentin and the group when he returns home Friday night.

Much hugs,
Summie :)

20 comments:

  1. Love you Quentin and am so really proud of you! Praying God will open up your heart this week and do great and mighty things in you and through you. All for HIS glory! ~love mom~

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  2. Quentin - I'm so proud of you for walking into the unknown. For stepping outside your comfort zone in leaving all that is comfortable, to be uncomfortable for a while to help changes lives. This experience will make a lasting impact on you, and I can't wait to see what you do next!

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  3. Q- Jim and I are proud of the decision you made to go on this trip. We pray that God will use you to further His Kingdom. I know that you will be blessed in ways you cannot even imagine. Be safe, and we cannot wait to see you again! Love, Mr. Jim and Miss Lisa

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  4. Quentin - it's so awesome that you had the courage to make this choice! Stepping away from everything you know in your day-to-day life, can be a daunting task. You will have amazing experiences on this trip that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
    blessings,
    ~Beth

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  5. Quentin,
    Praying for all of you...proud of you and the role model you have become! Safe and fruitful journeys,

    Love
    Zoe and Hans

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  6. I am VERY impressed that every sponsorship letter was written by hand. What an amazing boy y'all are raising!

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  7. So proud of you, Quentin! What a remarkable young man you're becoming every day! You will treasure this experience for the rest of your life... and the worthiness of this endeavour will help guide so many future decisions you will make as an adult.
    Have fun and be safe!
    Hope

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  8. Quentin,
    You are a remarkable person. God has greatness for you. I am very honored to have been able to teach you your sophomore year. When you gave me my letter, I was filled with joy to know that you were going out to do God's work and spread his message. Your mom is very proud of you and she has every right to be. May God continue to bless you.

    Sincerely,
    Ms. Vasquez

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  9. Very nice! Proud to see the change in him! From little boy to a becoming a man!

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  10. We are so very proud of you Q! We have been praying before, during your trip and for your safe return home. So proud of the young man in Christ you are becoming. I pray you change lives, including your own! May God bless you abundantly for all that you do in HIS name! Love and prayers, Don, Jill and Charlie

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  11. Quentin - what a great decision to spend your spring break doing for others. May this be a rewarding, life changing experience for you. Praying for you as you grow into a young man that Christ will continue to be the center of your life.

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  12. Quentin,
    Praying your trip has been fantastic and that you have seen God's hand in all you have done and experienced! Can't wait to hear the stories you will have to share! Proud of you!
    Love,
    Robin and Gary Haines

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  13. Quentin: We are proud of you for your decision to serve. Thank you for letting us Bless the Dominican Republic through your eyes, feet and hands. We anxiously await your tales and accomplishments on this trip. May God continue blessing you upon your return. Amie and Eric

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  14. Hey Quentin! It is very sacrificial to give up your spring break! I know most people would be in pajamas and cruising around six flags, so I think it's awesome that you chose to work and serve instead of play. That will have an eternal impact on those kiddos! We're proud of you!
    -Adam and Monica

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  15. Quentin and Summie,
    I feel blessed to know you both...Quentin was just a little tyke when we first met 10 years ago. How inspiring it is to see who he has become...a young man in pursuit of God and His Cause. He has had a great example in a God fearing, dedicated mom. God bless you...thank you for sharing your journey with us!

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  16. We hope you have a wonderful trip and saw God do amazing things. You were in our thoughts and prayers. Can't wait to hear all about it!! We are proud of you for making such a commitment for the Kingdom.
    Love,
    Uncle Cory & Aunt Lindsay

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  17. Q, Evan and I are back in Dallas again this weekend but wanted to take a moment
    to wish you a safe return back to San Antonio. I am impressed with your ability
    to make such a tough decision and prioritize your life to serve God and serve
    others ahead of your love of hockey. You made the right decision in my opinion
    and, even though we lost too early in the playoffs, the faith and trust you have
    to have to go on a mission trip with so many unknown variables shows your true
    character. I pray your experience was positive and will help make your faith in
    God even stronger! Please share your pictures and your experience with me and
    others in our hockey family so that one day we may have the courage to follow
    your lead. Safe travels home to San Antonio!

    Respectfully,

    Coach Greg

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  18. Q, since the moment we met, you have done amazing things and I knew you were a very special kid who would make your parents proud. You are growing into a respectable young man and the love you have in your heart to choose to do what you and the rest of your church peers have chosen to do just shows the type of character you have. You have always shown love and compassion towards others and your selfless acts do not go unnoticed. Continue to allow God to guide you and see the favor he will provide to you in life. We all are extremely proud of you.

    Blessings to you,
    Patrice

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  19. Quentin, You are an amazing young man and so proud of your decision to go out of what I think is my comfort zone and travel so far away from your family. I pray you had a great experience and pray for a safe return. Let's all count our blessings. God is Good. Love you.

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  20. May God continue to bless you and your family

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