Each month when I write my blog, I challenge myself to write about what the Lord is teaching me and how He’s growing me. There’s no doubt that He is growing me and stretching me in ways beyond what I could have ever imagined. However, it’s difficult to reflect on this so frequently when you have lots of things going on. Plus, I feel like it takes a while for Him to get things through my thick skull, so He may be working on the same things in me for months at a time. While challenging myself in this way is a great way to hold myself accountable to look at what He’s doing in my life, I often feel like I don’t have many new things to talk about in my blogs and I don’t want to repeat the same things over and over. 

So, this month, I’m just going to take time to be grateful. 

I’m thankful for getting to spend LOTS of time with my beloved Stacey Reed! She came down to just care for Kelsi, Sarah, and I, and it was such a sweet time. She helped me do some laundry stripping (which was disgustingly satisfying), we went and watched Arcenio play baseball, and she treated us to a girls’ day (which was very much needed and appreciated)! 

I’m thankful for getting to spend time with the Northwoods team. They were originally supposed to work directly with Central Church, but ended up staying with us for a few days. It was so nice to see some familiar faces and meet new ones. They all are such an intentional group and just love and care for people so well. So I’m grateful to have been able to spend some time with them! 

I’m thankful for being able to play lots of volleyball! 

I’m thankful for spending time with some of the girlies for Galentines! We hung out, ate pizza, and *attempted* to make friendship bracelets. It didn’t go too well, but we had lots of laughs while trying! 

I’m thankful for Dolly! She had an abscess and had emergency surgery this month, but is doing well! 

I’m thankful that the Hickory team was here! That is the team that I came to the DR with for the very first time 5 years ago and they hold a special place in my heart. One of my friends that I grew up with in both church and dance was able to come with them and it was so special to have her here even though we didn’t get to spend a ton of time together (and we didn’t get a single picture together)! 

I’m thankful that I got to go out with the barrio team. I don’t know how long it’s been since I got to go out with a team, but way too long. I have been practicing taking blood pressure so I can help with that in the blood bank and I got to take some blood pressures while on home visits with Pastor Enol! It’s cool to be able to use what I learned in CNA class over 10 years ago but never used. It’s stuff like that that just reminds me that the Lord has a purpose in every little detail and nothing goes unnoticed to Him. 

I’m thankful that we have had 11 blood donations this month! That brings us to a total of 34 donations so far this year, 2 of which being Dominican friends that I play volleyball with! They are first time donors and are willing to come back and donate in a few months!

I’m thankful to have been able to spend some time with my friends Ayelen and Eunice who recently moved to the capital! I miss having them here, but am so proud of them for chasing their dreams! I’m also thankful I got to have some good sushi! I haven’t had it since before I moved down here!  

I’m thankful that I got to go to the colonial zone this month! If you know me you know how much I love going! I got to go to my favorite second-hand clothing store that’s there!

I’m thankful for the fact that my church camp, Camp Linn Haven, has had a lot of support in restoring and rebuilding after the hurricane and that we are going to be able to have camp this summer! Initially, we weren’t sure that it would be a possibility, but the Lord has provided! 

I’m so thankful for friends from back home who are intentional to keep in touch with me and continue to do life with me from a distance. 

I’m thankful that I have been able to start meeting with the wife of one of my pastors here. She has been such a blessing and answered prayer. We meet once or twice a month to catch up, talk about life, pray together, and for her to pour into me. It’s been so sweet and I’m so thankful that the Lord has placed her in my life! 

I’m thankful for my family all the time, not just this month. Haha But I really am so thankful for their constant love and support and I miss them so much. My mom sent a suitcase down with the Hickory team that was full of cards from friends and family, some things that I needed, and LOTS of toys for Dolly. Haha I’m so thankful for the way they think about me, love me, and care for me, even while being so far away. 

I’m thankful for the work the Lord is doing in our ministry. It can be really stressful some days, but the Lord is working in and through it all! I’m excited to see how the Lord leads us over the next year!

Prayer Requests:

• Healing for my Grandpa Gene – He just had knee replacement surgery
• Continued health and safety for my family
• Sarah as she wraps up her time here in San Juan and transitions back to the states
• For Kelsi and I to be intentional with Sarah in the time we have left with her
• Peace and strength for Kelsi, Sarah, Hector and I as we do ministry and life down here
• Prayers for the search to add to our team in San Juan
• For me to rest and rely on the Lord more and more each day and continue to grow in my relationship with Him
• For me to slow way down and prioritize time with the Lord