I am writing this blog curled up on my couch in my favorite sweatshirt and Christmas pajama pants I found at the market back in December, in a blanket, listening to some soothing music and I am just so overwhelmed at the Lord’s faithfulness throughout my life, in my time here in the DR, and especially in this season. After I showered this evening, I took my time in doing my skincare and haircare routines, then I tidied up my room. I can’t tell you the last time I just had a slow, cozy night like this where I truly felt the Lord’s overwhelming, tender presence. The kind of night that I have longed for and prayed for for the majority of my current season, one of spiritual and physical rest and deep connection with the Lord. I can’t help but let the tears roll down my cheeks as I say, “Thank You, Lord, for hearing me and for caring enough about me to give me a night of the rest in You that I have so desperately longed for but has felt so out of reach.” 

It seems a little crazy to cry over a night like this, I know. But really, it has less to do with the night itself and more about just how faithful, tender, and caring the Lord is. How precious was this bit of respite the Lord gifted me unexpectedly.

This month has been a good one.

It began with a Pride & Prejudice movie night with the girls. We got all dressed up and swooned over the hand flex (if you know you know). 

We also had a pool day while Riley (last year’s summer intern) was still here! On our way back from the pool, we went to see my friend, Esther, and her baby while we were in Las Matas. Abigail has grown so much! 

Riley and I took a trip to Los Montacitos in the mountains in the north of San Juan with Francis, whose organic coffee we sell at the guest house. We toured his land where he plants and harvests the coffee, we visited his family and had lunch with them, and visited some neighbors and had a cup of coffee at each house we visited! I really loved seeing that area and a new part of the DR. 

Kelsi and I had a photoshoot to showcase our new apparel! The oatmeal sweatshirt and green hats are my favorite things in this new shipment! 

Brayden and Lizzie, our current summer interns, got here earlier this month and it has been so fun to show them all my favorite things in San Juan. It’s also such a relief to have some extra hands in the kitchen. They have learned really fast, but have had some time to do lots of fun things, too. They are both incredible and so strong in their faith. They have both been an inspiration and an encouragement to me and I’m so thankful they’re spending the summer here! 

I went and got my teeth cleaned by Dra. Yahira that sometimes works with our medical teams! 

VBS is off to a great start! We hosted Pine Hills youth two weeks ago and they were so much fun!

Lizzie accompanied me to take Pine Hills back to the capital. That Friday, we went to the colonial zone and I showed her all my favorite places and then Saturday, I took her to Tres Ojos National Park since we didn’t have an incoming team. Brayden will take his turn in a few weeks! 

As you saw for Kelsi’s birthday in my last blog, I have started making birthday cakes for friends. I’ve had so much fun making them and decorating them! However, I haven’t yet mastered the icing in this heat/humidity. I haven’t been able to make an icing that holds its shape well enough to really decorate with, but I’ve been doing some research on that and will be trying some new icing for the next cake I make. This month I made birthday cakes for Monchy and Angel! 

Prayer requests: 

• Health, rest 
• Intentionality 
• Reliance on the Lord & deepened relationship with Him