“Take Heart…”

On October 26, 2023May 19, 2024 By MitchenersIn Angela, Family6 Comments

Three weeks ago today, our family boarded a plane to head back to the States unexpectedly. My life had just changed in a way that I never imagined possible.

The night before, Wednesday, October 4th, my amazing father-in-law went to be with Jesus after suffering a heart attack. He was only 58.

It’s tempting to ask God questions, many of which I won’t get answers to this side of heaven. Why, Lord? Why did You allow this to happen? Did it have to be right now? Couldn’t we have had a little more time? How does this make sense? What are you trying to do in our lives?

It’s hard to explain how “final” this feels. Ted was just here, and now he’s not.

It’s as if time has frozen.

And yet… time marches on.

We’ve already experienced a few of those dreaded “firsts”: the first Sunday Ted didn’t walk up on stage to play bass at church. The first airport drop-off without him in the driver’s seat. The first time that someone else mowed his lawn. The first pumpkin patch adventure as a family of 10 instead of a family of 11.

Sadly, there will be more “firsts” without him. The first Christmas. All of those first birthday celebrations. The first family reunion. Celebrating the first grandchild graduating from high school.

There’s that temptation again – to face heaven and ask, “Why, God?”

This grief process hasn’t been very linear. I’ve had tough mornings. Mornings where I’m floating in between sleep and consciousness, and my chest just feels so tight. Yet on other days, I look back on precious memories with smiles and fondness. I suppose that’s how it works, though. Beauty and pain, love and loss, joy and sorrow, all intertwined together.

When things like this happen, I assume it’s natural to think about last interactions. And I’m unbelievably thankful! Not only do I vividly remember Ted’s last words to me, but I can also say that they were the perfect bit of encouragement for me right when I needed it.

In September, we were back in the States for a board meeting. I had been worrying a bit that trip – experiencing some anxiety thinking about the future. Ted knew it. When that short time in Indiana ended, Ted and Val dropped us off at the airport where we said our goodbyes. Ted gave me a hug, and he whispered in my ear, “Ang, we’re so proud of you guys. I know there’s uncertainty at times, but God’s got Freedom in His hands.”

At the funeral service on October 10th, Ted’s pastor referenced a verse that is so dear to my heart. It has become “mine” – a tangible piece of hope that I’ve come to hold on to these last 11 years we’ve spent in the DR. Hearing those words again, in this new and painful context, brought some fresh confidence to my weak heart.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Jesus doesn’t beat around the bush. He calls things the way they are. He states the obvious. Yes, there is trouble in the world. Yes, life is hard. So unbelievably hard.

But – praise the Lord – that’s not all.

“Take heart…”

The night is dark, yet there’s a light that shines bright. Christ has overcome, and death will not have the ultimate victory.

No, I don’t have to gloss over the sadness and the suffering. But I don’t have to camp there either. Both pain and peace can coexist – with my Savior prevailing in the end.

Certainly, if I were the author of this story, I would’ve written this chapter a bit differently from where I sit. But I’ve not been handed the pen. Moreover, I wholly trust the One who’s writing the book. Yes, these pages are peppered with pain – but they’re being perfectly crafted nonetheless.

So while losing Ted may feel final in the moment, how thankful I am that it’s not really “The end.”

The encore is coming. And it’s going to be glorious.

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 126:5

Happy Fall, Y’all!

On October 2, 2023May 19, 2024 By MitchenersIn Angela, FamilyLeave a comment

It’s October 1st! Yes, fall has technically already “arrived” (according to whoever made that thing we call a calender), but weather here in the DR doesn’t feel very… autumn-esque. One thing I miss about living in the Midwest is watching the trees change out their summery, green clothes for the beautiful hues of orange and red before they enter into their season of slumber. They put on quite the show before they fall asleep, don’t they?

Today, even without the cool temperatures, Cal and I decided to have a Sunday afternoon full of fall fun! Life has been awfully busy recently, and it felt so good to just slow down a little bit and spend some time with my growing babe. Enjoy this photo chronicle of our “autumn” day!

I’m gonna take selfies with this gal until she won’t let me anymore. 🙂

Cal would paint all day every day if she were allowed.

Concentrating hard on that color mixing.

So glad God made a world full of color!

Mix it up!

The finished project

We moved on to baking after the painting session. My recipe card is… erm… well-loved! 🙂

Cal thought the pumpkin looked nasty when we were mixing it all together, but then she tasted it and changed her mind on whether she would partake.

Nothing quite like pumpkin layer cheesecake!

Thankful for today! Trying hard to savor every moment. Time is a thief, but memories are a gift.

A Different Christmas

On December 29, 2013May 19, 2024 By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, Family1 Comment

Christmas was a little quieter this year. No big family gatherings. No giant spreads of food. No expensive gifts under the tree. It was a different kind of Christmas.

We battled with loneliness more this year than last. Thankfully, we were able to Skype with our parents and give a few virtual hugs. We loved our Christmas Eve visit from the Simos family with their scrumptious cookie delivery. (The cookies didn’t last more than 24 hours – oops.) We also spent some fun nights playing games with the Clines.

We didn’t have our typical turkey-and-potatoes Christmas dinner, but we did enjoy a yummy breakfast casserole for Christmas brunch. (New tradition in the making?)

The boys had a ton of fun opening up their little presents. Funny how the 75-cent bouncy balls and small cups of Playdough were their favorite gifts. They haven’t quit playing with them since Wednesday.

Overall, we loved the slower pace of the week – the time to breathe, love on our boys, and reflect on Christ’s great love for us.

DSC04202crop — The boys hanging with Dad by the tree

Noah's new favorite job: dishes duty — Noah’s new favorite job: dishes duty

DSC04194crop — Leyton loved “rearranging” the tree lights and ornaments

DSC04346crop — The remains of the delicious Simos Christmas cookies

DSC04226crop — The boys “stocking” gifts of fruit snacks, M&M’s and goldfish crackers.

The bouncy balls were a hit. — The boys and their bouncy balls

One Year

On June 9, 2013May 19, 2024 By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, Family6 Comments

We did it. We recently reached the one-year mark of living in a foreign country. On May 21, 2012, our family stepped off a plane in Santo Domingo and pulled suitcases, strollers, backpacks, and babies past a sea of Dominican faces to make this tiny island our new home.

How do we describe this last year?

Full.

A year full of new experiences and new relationships.
A year full of power outages, good Dominican food, and lots of Spanish.
A year full of family changes – Noah started to talk and Leyton learned to walk.
A year full of muggy weather, mosquito bites, and various car problems.
A year full of days where we couldn’t wait for our heads to hit the pillow.
A year full of death and new life.
A year full of feeling lonely, inadequate, and frustrated.
A year full of painful growth.
A year full of “a-ha” moments that helped us continue another day.
A year full of learning that faith in God requires more than just lip service.
A year full of God’s faithfulness and goodness.

You know, this past year has been the longest and hardest one we’ve endured as a family. And next year is certain to bring even more challenges. When we’re in the midst of the difficulties, it’s so easy to lose perspective. It’s so easy to focus on the pain. But in the middle of the trouble – that’s when trusting the faithful One is so important.

So here we are, one year later – still learning to live by faith and not by sight.

Our desire is to give all the glory and honor that is due our Savior. He is so worthy!

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”
Hebrews 12:2

January 2013

On January 31, 2013May 19, 2024 By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, FamilyLeave a comment

The first whirlwind month of 2013 has come and gone. We made a quick trip back to the States for a family wedding. It was so (cold but) wonderful to see our parents and siblings for a few short days, yet we are excited to be back on the ground gearing up for a busy year.

Tomorrow, Ang starts subbing for the 3’s in our pre-school while the Simos family is back on furlough. You can pray for her as she has the opportunity to interact on a deeper level with these impressionable little guys and gals for a couple of weeks.

Tomorrow is also Scott’s last day of his very first VBS teaching in Batey Piñones. You can pray for him as he finishes up his sessions on Elijah and gets ready to start the same VBS in Batey Lima in a few weeks.

In February, we’re continuing on with our building project – hoping to raise $20,000 this month alone! It seems like such a daunting task, but God is able. Pray with us as we construct a permanent place for our teachers to “set up shop” and for our students to continue learning and growing. Visit our website to learn more about owning a “share” in the education of one of our kiddos!

1000 Miles (And 3 Supporters) Closer

On April 24, 2012May 19, 2024 By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, FamilyLeave a comment

What a weekend. We’re home again after a long trip to Virginia. Over the last 4 days, we drove about 22 hours and racked up 1000 miles. Thankfully that just means we’re 1000 miles closer to moving to the DR.

Noah and Leyton had fun hanging out with some families who are currently supporting us and who were gracious enough to host us.

Want to hear another reason we’re closer to making The Big Move? We gained several new supporters over the weekend! It is unbelievable how God continues to bring us the people and funds we need to continue on this journey. None of this is by accident. And none of this is from our efforts. Again and again, God has shown us that His timing and His will are perfect. This experience hasn’t always been easy or pleasant. But we want for nothing. And we praise Him for everything.

Next step – buying those one-way plane tickets! Still praying for a May leave date.

March 2011 in Pictures

On March 30, 2011May 19, 2024 By MitchenersIn Dominican Republic, Family, Photos of the MonthLeave a comment

Earlier this month, we took a vacation to Gatlinburg, TN with Scott’s parents. It was so relaxing to put aside the stresses of work and support-raising for a week and enjoy spending time with family!