By Emma Kate Poole
Going to the Dominican Republic taught me a lot of things, but it mainly taught me how amazing God’s love really is. As a kid, I searched for love in a lot of places. Broken family, failed friendships, and self-doubt left me feeling empty inside. I would constantly try to please everyone in the room, do anything for anyone to feel appreciated, or mold myself into someone who I thought would fit in best. Although some of this would make me content for a little while, I was never truly full. I was still searching for something to fill the void inside me.
One night at Pinelake Madison, we were worshipping at a church camp, and for the first time, I felt God’s love – the only thing that would remove the empty feeling I had. Throughout my faith, I have realized that sometimes loving people is the truest way to show God to someone. I by no means have been perfect at it, but growing my love for the Lord and strengthening my relationship with Him has definitely made it easier.
I thought going to the Dominican would be one of the best ways to show God’s love to others. Little did I know that I would leave the Dominican learning more about love myself. The school and church community in the Dominican was something I had never experienced. Every single person, no matter the age, had a smile on their face and immediately gave you a hug. I was amazed that no matter how many times I would not understand them in the conversation, they would keep trying to pursue a friendship with me. It reminded me that no matter how many times God works in my life, no matter if I see it or not, He never stops wanting to have a relationship with me and love me. The community there did not care how much they had or even what we brought for them; they truly just cared about us.
The experience I had in the Dominican was such a reality check for my life. I realized how important it is to fully love others. Bringing the idea of fully loving others back into my life meant that I would love others because we are all God’s children, not because of who the people were, what they have accomplished, or their appearance. I was taught by the Dominican Republic community that simply loving people because they are people is the most important and genuine type of love. God truly used the Dominican as an opportunity to show me how loving others is just as simple as that, but so very important.
Hey everyone! My name is Emma Kate Poole. I am a rising senior at Madison-Ridgeland Academy. Some of my favorite things to do are dance, read, and spend time with my friends and family! My favorite Bible verse is Galatians 2:20. I hope you enjoyed my column!