I’ve been fortunate enough to have an amazing month filled with memories that will last a lifetime.
At the beginning of the month, Kamanda and I worked on getting footage for our upcoming fundraiser to raise awareness for our student sponsorship program. We interviewed past and present students about the advantages of attending one of the five schools we partner with. In these videos, many talked about the importance of getting a Christ-centered education. Having attended a Christian school growing up, I could not agree more. You can find more information about this fundraiser HERE. Jeff did the final editing of the videos, and they will be posted on all SRI social media pages during the week of September 6th-10th.
After we finished doing the videos, I spent some time at the beach. I went on an overnight with a few guys spearfishing. We spent most of the day in the ocean. While in the water, it’s impossible not to think about the beauty of God’s creation and just how powerful our God is. The Dominican Republic truly is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, if not the most beautiful. Between the mountains and the crystal clear ocean, it’s hard not to enjoy living there, especially after growing up in the flatlands of the midwest. Before heading back to the states, I spent a few days with the Bucher family. We stayed in an Airbnb on the north coast. It was so great to spend time with them.
However, with that being said, on the final day of our time up north, and just a few days before I was headed to the states, I ended up getting a pretty nasty flu bug that made its way through San Juan. Thankfully, after a few days of an upset stomach, I was feeling better.
If I’m honest, my final few days in the DR were stressful. Besides the fact of being sick, on Thursday the 12th, a tropical storm came through the island, on Saturday the 14th, a major earthquake struck Haiti, which then caused a tsunami, and on Monday, August 16th, another tropical storm struck the island. I would credit all those who prayed for me on my journey back to the states to be the only reason I am even home today. I even had to get tested twice for Covid to get back into the states.
On Tuesday, August 17th, I traveled back to Peoria, IL. One of the major reasons for this trip back to the states is to celebrate one of my best friends, Noah getting married. I spent the first two days with my family, since, my middle brother, Cole, was moving to college on Sunday. On Friday I traveled to Michigan City, Indiana, for Noah’s bachelor party. We spent Friday at the beach in Indiana, following the beach we went to the hotel where we ordered in pizza. That night we went bowling. The next morning we did something pretty crazy some may say. One thing that Noah has always talked about doing is skydiving, so we did just that! It was a jump I will never forget. It was a great weekend celebrating Noah and getting to know some of Noahs best friends.
I returned back to Peoria late Saturday night so my family and I could all watch church together, and have one last breakfast together before Cole was off to school. I hope to travel to one of Cole’s golf tournaments while I’m home since he plays for Olivet Nazarene Men’s Golf Team. Last week I was able to go to one of my younger brother, Quinns golf matches. He placed first in the match, and it was so fun to watch him play.
This past weekend I spent the weekend in Chicago. On Friday I ran a few errands that were needed in order to have everything needed for the wedding. I also got fitted for another suit while in Chicago because Im in another friends wedding in February. Sunday was the big day, the wedding was a great time of celebration. There were quite a few people at the wedding that I hadn’t seen since High School. It was great to reconnect with so many friends.
Whats next? Well for starters I hope to be able to relax and recharge. I have a few Doctor appointments that I need to go to while in the states. I plan on spending lots of time with our dogs. During the summer my parents got a puppy so I’ve enjoyed getting to know the new pup, as well as spoiling Rio. I missed him! I also plan on going to visit Joe and Shannon in Indiana for a few days in the middle of the month. On the 25th of September I will attend another friends wedding, and on the 27th I will fly back to the DR.
Prayer Requests:
- -Haiti/DR as they recoop from the tropical storm and earthquake.
- Health
- Safety while on the road
- A friends dog, Thor
- Time with friends
Please be in prayer for one of my friends dogs in San Juan who was in a tragic accident. He has good days and bad days. We are praying for a miracle, and that he will be able to move his back legs again.
