Usually I prepare for the worst. This way, I can handle problems as they arrive, and I’m pleasantly surprised when things go according to plan. Disappointment is rare, and I’m getting better at not taking life so seriously.
First, I expected my flight to be delayed due to the hurricane approaching the Caribbean islands. Then I thought the security officers would stop me at immigration and not let me into the country without a visa. I wondered if the airport personnel would question why I had two 50-pound duffel bags, two 40-pound carry-on bags, a backpack and a pillow if I was only staying for 30 days, which is the maximum number of days a foreigner can be in the Dominican Republic with only a passport. But nothing happened.
Aside from the fact that Jet Blue wouldn’t let me get on the plane unless I booked a return flight, even though I’m not going back to the United States anytime soon, the trip went smoothly. Other than those five minutes of internal panic watching everyone else board the plane while I stood at the airline counter, the journey was stress free.
The U.S. airport security guard didn’t ask me to remove my face mask to make sure the picture on the passport I handed him was really me. All the passengers boarded the plane in minutes, leaving half the seats empty, and we were on our way before the scheduled departure time. I made it through Dominican customs in less than ten minutes and picked up my luggage from baggage claim with no issues.
And thankfully I made it to San Pedro before a tropical storm reached the island. We were on red alert for one day because of potential flooding and without power for two hours the first day and about eight hours the second day, but the winds felt refreshing and I enjoyed watching the pouring rain even though the intensity at which the droplets plummeted to earth was frightening at times.
I never liked the rain, but when beads of sweat are dripping down my cheek, I’ve already drenched two shirts with sweat in less than a day, my legs are glued to the chair I’m sitting on, and I have to wash my face every hour, the rain feels good. It brings relief and chases away the humidity clinging to my skin.
Spending time with God brings even more relief than a cold shower on a scorching day. He chases away frustrations, worries and doubts. He is bigger and more powerful than every problem that comes my way. No obstacle stands a chance against the one who holds the universe. I don’t know what will happen this year, but I’m excited to see what God is going to do.
(Also, I arrived in the Dominican Republic exactly one day before they started requiring a negative COVID-19 test for passengers, thank goodness!)
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