As I am currently sitting in the Newark Airport, reflecting on this year, a cascade of thoughts and memories fill my head. It’s tough to summarize all we do, but a “blessing-filled intensity” is the phrase that I feel best describes the last 11 months. It has been a lot for the four of us to manage ministry with “family of four life” in a developing country, but but through it all, there has been so much goodness and growth of the Kingdom in our town of Jarabacoa that we can look back on with joy.
The month of May included our end of year class presentations, a league championship and 3rd place in nationals for Ava’s volleyball team, her quinceañera, final examinations for all of us, Brennan’s graduation, his packing up to move stateside, the good byes with his friends and other missionaries and various other events. Needless to say, we are ready for a stateside change-of-pace for a few weeks.
One of the sweet aspects of this time has been the reflection that Brennan’s senior classmates have had over their years. Through a variety of activities and events, many of them have commented on the positive impact that we have had in their lives over these years. So much of our work is building relationships, modeling Christ, and weaving the Gospel into our lives and the lives of others, and so to hear firsthand from these teens the ways that the Lord has used us to impact their lives has been very special. Thanks for all your prayers and support to make the Lord’s work continue in the Dominican Republic.