I am thankful.

As I look back on the last month, I have so much to be thankful for. As I think about the teams that came to serve I am reminded how God worked through each group. Not only did we host awesome teams in the month of November, but all year. I’m thankful for every team and each member that gave their time, gifts and talents to the people of San Juan. Coming off of the year with no teams, it was great to have a full guesthouse once again.

During the month of November, we hosted two weeks of teams, both surgical and construction. It’s so cool to see how these teams are able to come together and provide so much care while in San Juan. Northwoods Community Church worked alongside one of the surgical teams. Their focus was construction, and they worked hard on cleaning up the guesthouse grounds. The guesthouse has never looked better! Northwoods also blessed me with so many of my favorite treats that I am not able to buy in the DR.

Following the teams, Solid Rock International, and Central Mennonite Church partnered together and hosted an Effective Ministry Conference. I was apart of the planning committee. Two pastors spoke, Pastor Chris Freeman, from City Church – Fort Wayne, Indiana, as well as Pastor Angel Cardoza from a church in Santo Domingo. Both pastors encouraged those attending the conference on how to be effective leaders, and how one can be a great leader. Pastor Chris Freeman spoke from the book of Nehemiah, a book I have not studied much. It was so cool to learn and be encouraged. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow in my faith.

Jeff and I spent a few days running around San Juan, touring different hotels, and speaking with local restaurants in preparation for the Clinic Dedication Ceremony in the Spring of 2023.

A few days before Thanksgiving I traveled back to the states to spend this season with my family. I am so thankful for this time that I get to spend with them. I am thankful that I have been blessed to see them quite often lately, something that I do not take for granted. I am home until Sunday. I have enjoyed spending time at home, but also getting to see friends who I have not seen in quite some time. I met up with a few friends and got coffee. An interesting thing about my friend group is that almost all of us have moved out of the Peoria area. I got together with Marilyn who lives in Indiana and is a teacher. While there I was also able to catch up with Elise who lives in New York City, and getting her master’s, but working towards her doctorate! Yesterday, I was able to see Alex, who lives in Ukraine, and works for Samaritans Purse. It was so cool to listen and hear about what his life is like there. Please pray for his safety as he works there. While Alex and I were getting coffee we got to meet up with friends from The Spot Coffee Shop in Peoria, where we saw many old friends! This evening I am getting together with Noah and Chloe who live in Indianapolis. They recently announced they are expecting their first child! I can’t wait to see them become parents. I am so thankful for my friends, and how we are all able to feel connected even though we live so far away!

This was my first Thanksgiving home in five years. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and it was great to be home for this time. We celebrated twice, once with my dad’s family and the next day with my mom’s. I had a lot of good food and enjoyed catching up with extended family. A few days after Thanksgiving my parents had a graduation party for my brother and me. We both are graduating from college this semester. I graduated in October, and Cole will finish up classes in December. He will be graduating with a degree in Finance.

On Sunday I head back to San Juan. This will be my first full Christmas season in San Juan. I am excited to be in the DR during this time and spend the holiday with my Dominican Family. This will be my first Christmas away from home. Friends and I have booked an Airbnb for New Years.

Prayer Request:

• Holidays in the DR
• Travel back to the DR on Sunday
• Health
• Final team of 2022 – SUU- Arriving on December 17th