“What has God been teaching you these days?” This is a question I can almost certainly expect Pastor Ronnie to ask me at some point throughout the week. Usually, I can give him a few things I’m still working through, but it always comes with more follow-up questions and a push for me to look deeper. I tell him “You know I hate when you ask me these questions,” but the truth is, it reminds me that God has once again put someone in my life to point me back to him. These are the same questions I would and still do get from my dear friend Tiffany from home. I think it’s important to know what God is teaching you, or at least what he asks you to pay attention to. 

I talk a lot about community, and I’ll be honest community and friendship are probably some of the things I value most in life. So, I have struggled to be away from the community and friendships I had in Indiana. But, I know that God is providing me places to have a community here, and while that community isn’t the same, it’s still a place to be involved! I always mention my trips to El Cacheo and El Hoyo, but the people who go on these weekly visits have quickly become smiling faces and warm greetings on Sunday mornings. God has shown me that, this can be a community I can be part of, and I have very much enjoyed getting to know the individuals working in these communities. 

Since my last update, we have hosted three youth/family teams that have served in vacation bible school, and construction. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect during VBS weeks as I had never been in San Juan during that time. Let me tell you, they are busy! I am so thankful for the teams from Roanoke Virginia, Peoria Illinois, and Wauseon Ohio who served with us to start the summer. I was nervous about handling things with Katelyn being gone, but having Riley at the guesthouse has been very helpful! I can tell you at the end of every week I was exhausted, but throughout the week serving these teams and getting to know the kids and their parents, was such a blessing. Their love, prayers, and words of encouragement mean so much! 

I got to spend one day out in construction with the last team, that’s also something I had never done. On previous trips as a team member, I always served in the pharmacy so being able to work in construction was a great experience, and a much-needed change of pace for me. Thankfully Riley and Sarah covered feeding the team lunch so I could be out of the guesthouse for the day. We might have made a little stop for some fresh coconuts that day! 

Also, if anyone is wondering Hector is doing great! I put him to the test to make the sauce for lunch one day when I had to run and pick up a team member, the ladies said they didn’t have to help him much! It’s been such a joy working side by side with Hector. With Katelyn gone, we are doing orientation, and on the first day, I asked Hector if it brought back memories. I remember Hector giving barrio orientation on my first trip to San Juan in 2019! 

I’ve consumed a concerning amount of ice cream and baseball the last few weeks, it has proven to be a quiet place with friends that I can relax and enjoy. Oreo and birthday cake are my go to order, and the ladies in BON know it (oops). Rylie and I also managed to catch the sunset at the clinic, the pictures don’t do it justice. 

I continue to take Spanish lessons three times a week, and I feel like I’m always learning something. 

I’m looking forward to heading home to Indiana for about a month, after our last teams! Before we get to that point though, I have a very special wedding to attend, and I’m moving out of the guesthouse. I’m very excited to be moving to a familiar apartment previously rented by the Buchers! I’ll share more on that after I get moved! 

Prayer Requests

• Continues prayers for Spanish comprehension and usage
• Successful finish to summer with one more VBS team and two barrio teams.
• Moving to my new apartment!