Recently, I have been reading a Bible study from Daily Grace Co. titled Rest. It has been interesting to me because when people think about rest, they usually think of doing nothing. But this book has been a sweet reminder that rest doesn’t mean we are doing nothing. When we genuinely rest in God, we surrender everything to him, trusting that on the days of rest, he will still provide for our needs.

Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” 

The other thing I have been really trying to focus on is, in the day-to-day, when I feel like everything is changing, I start to worry about the “what ifs,” and even the smallest amount of worry and anxiety starts to creep in. I try to remind myself that if God asks me to walk through something, it is up to him to provide the provision for me to walk through it. But, with that, I also remember that doesn’t mean it is going to be easy. 

Life in San Juan has felt fast-paced lately. This month, we hosted our last surgery team of the year, and I spent the week with this team in the clinic. I was a bit nervous that I wouldn’t be very helpful. I had even reached out to some friends for prayer. Still, God met me with the sweetest, most welcoming team that was so encouraging to work with — that week also brought back some returning faces from Northwoods! 

We had a week off following the surgery team, and I was able to catch the last basketball game of the series! Then Sarah was kind enough to take a very rainy ride to Bani with me so that I could purchase a Christmas tree to decorate my house! I love the Christmas tree glow in the evening, so I’m very thankful we went. On this trip, we also found two turkeys for Thanksgiving! We were both a little amazed at all the things we could find that would be staples in a holiday meal at home. I also helped Katelyn and Bianca complete photos at one of our schools so student sponsorship updates could start. I also got to complete some site visits for the next weeks barrio team with Santo, this isn’t something I always get to do, but its nice time to spend with our staff when I can.

We followed that week with a double barrio team, which, as Sarah said, is double the busses, double the staff, and double the clinics. These teams worked hard to serve the communities they were in, and I enjoyed learning from them and making new connections with people. 

Jeff was here this week, and although it always seems like there is little time, it was great to have him home! He was able to come to El Hoyo with the group on Sunday afternoon, which we both agree is so special to get to experience. This isn’t a place our teams usually serve, so having a way to make connections there is fantastic. 

I look forward to a few things in the next few weeks. I have offered to host Thanksgiving dinner at my apartment, so I look forward to having people here. Then we will celebrate Sarah’s birthday! I have a friend who will be in Puerto Plata on December 3rd, so Bianca and I are going to take a trip for a few days so I can see her! Our staff Christmas Party is coming up, and we are having a girls’ night to celebrate a friend who is moving. 

Time seems to move fast and slow here, all at once. I can’t believe it has almost been a year since I moved to the DR. I find myself missing the normal holiday adventures I have with friends and family during this time of year, but I also look forward to making new traditions here in San Juan. 

I continue to take my Spanish classes. Some weeks are better than others, but there is always something to learn. 

Prayer Request: 

• Rest for our San Juan team before we start our busy spring schedule.
• Continued learning in Spanish
• For the communities of El Cacheo and El Hoyo