This Fall...

I have officially been back in San Juan for four weeks today.  Man does time fly!  :)

Here's some of what's been going on this fall...

I spent 7 weeks back in Pennsylvania and Virginia.  Got excellent care from Dr. C and some cool folks in Roanoke.

Take 2 ;)

Ready to go

In fact I liked them SO much, that I ended up going back for a second surgery- ya know, just to see them again.  Well, maybe for more than just that...









Anyways, the added bonuses of my time in Roanoke are having some new titanium hardware (although disappointingly, I did NOT set off the metal detector at the airport-- however, as a consolation prize, traveling with a neck brace does get one some special treatment.)

and I now have two new awesome scars to show for it-- the comments I've received since being back have ranged from "You hardly even notice it" to "Ooooh, well, ummm, at least you're not dead?"  :)

my hair's growing back too :)

Continuing to hope that I am just a slow healer type - I've always been a little unique-- so maybe it's true in this case too??? Fingers crossed and prayers ascending...

While I was home, I got to finally meet my adorable new nephew, scoring some major snuggling time with him, and spend time with my Grammy (who just turned 90!).  It was so good to get to be with family and friends.

I could just eat him!

Full of spunk at 90. SO blessed to be her granddaughter 

 Getting back to the DR and more into my familiar routine has been great.  The warm weather is a definite plus too.  So good to reconnect with familiar faces.  and got to spend some time with the bosses while they were here too. :)

love these ladies

 Nik and I have been hard at work on student letters, and updating photos and profiles for the Student Sponsorship Program.  That's for over 1000 students between our 6 schools.  In order to avoid pulling out our hair and sticking forks in our eyes, we fit in the fun where we can, and the end is in sight! But in all honesty, getting to hang out with the kids is just full of hilarity and one of my favorite parts of the year...

Ready to get started in Elias Piña

El Rosario on their way

Back in El Cercado! yay

Chino- our fearless photographer- haha

some students need a little extra love in getting ready...

I wasn't kidding about needing to fit in the fun

with my partner in crime

 

how can you NOT love this little guy??? 

We also celebrated Thanksgiving thanks to Dan & Kari and Dan's folks with some of our closest friends.  Very special.  So grateful.

The Global Leadership Summit came to San Juan for the first time ever.  So incredibly inspiring!  Amazingly grateful to have the opportunity to attend and spend time with local Christian leaders.

 and I did a little decorating for Christmas in my sweet room #14. I love this time of year...

And now, I'm hoping to just take it easy today.  Chillin with the dogs- who I finally broke down and bathed because well they tend to just STINK.  You're welcome Dan, Kari, & Nicole- although I'm sure they will reek once again by the time you get back next week- in fact, they might already. ;)