A New Season

As of yesterday, I'm officially one year out of two neck surgeries. Nearly two years in on living in the Dominican Republic, and I recently turned 35. I've been asking a new question, "Why not me?" Not asking it from a place of living with chronic pain that is trying to come to grasps with the why, and not in a prideful way of wanting to show off my talents and skills either. Rather asking it as I look forward in living an intentional life, serving in an intentional way. Why can't I be the one who suggests steps to take in looking for a solution? Why not me, as the someone who steps forward to heal a broken relationship? Why not me, as I look at others living in boldness and confidence? I, too, could live that way.

Of course there is room to grow in this, but I am challenged as I look at what steps that I can take to express and demonstrate the gratitude that I have been trying to consciously keep focused on this past year through all of its ups and downs. The past several months I have been praying for ways to incorporate or utilize more of my social work skills and education into my position, and I recognize that that really means trying to live daily in a new way as well. It's all a process, and I won't pretend to be farther along on the journey than I am, but this is part of my journey.

I have loved, loved, loved being able to be more consistently present in El Cercado with the Child Nutrition Program over the past month, and am looking for new ways to be a support to the Dominican staff and families there.

Without groups in the guesthouse for a few weeks the beginning of September, I finally put myself to the task of really, actually learning how to cook rice and beans, locrio (seasoned rice with meat), and even got the scoop on how to make Chen-Chen (a corn dish special to the southwest of the country) from a PRO. and I'm getting there. I still prefer some guidance and a near-by consultant, but I'm getting there.






















Getting to visit all of the schools, talk about sponsorship, and get feedback from the principals and SRI translators on how to better some of the details of the program has been motivating. I even pushed myself way out of my comfort zone to speak into a microphone to an auditorium full of parents not once, but twice, in the same day to help answer questions they have about the program. I SO wanted to say I was busy that day- but I am SO glad that I said yes.

I just adore the enthusiasm of the little guy in the front :)

Kate from the Indianapolis office just sent me back finalized spreadsheets regarding the sponsored students and reassignments and such. The season of letter-writing and picture-taking is officially upon us. The color-coded organization of it all made my inner nerd's heart SING! I love this time of year for so many reasons.

This past week I got to attend a conference on Effective Ministry. The last night standing in the church as we all held hands and prayed for the city of San Juan, I got teary. I don't want to shy away from the tough stuff that comes along with working in ministry or with life in general.

Also noteworthy, Nicole and I will be exploring new ways to integrate into the San Juan community as we move into our new apartment in town. All transitions have their highs and lows, but I'm really looking forward to this new chapter.

A new season is upon us. And it's going to be GOOD.