Wow! That was some year, wasn’t it? No one would have expected all the events of the last twelve months. Many are saying “Good riddance” to this doozy of a year. Looking at it all from one side of the coin, I can understand those sentiments.
On the other hand, it’d be crazy to think that 2021 won’t bring its own challenges. January 1 isn’t some magical date that will make all our troubles disappear. COVID isn’t gone. For us personally, our students haven’t returned to Freedom. I’m sure there will be plenty of other unexpected trials.
For that reason, it’s important for me to take these momentary pauses each month to dwell on the blessings. Yes, there are difficulties. But God is so very good. Here are just 31 photo evidences of how He took care of our family and this ministry in December!
We’re all so excited for Baby McCall to make her debut in the coming weeks! 
Doodling and playing with Jade 
Still delivering sponsor letters even though in-person classes can’t happen. 
Jacob and Mia have made some good buddies in La Cubana. 
Baseball in La Cubana 
The back of a typical batey home. Cooking and washing dishes are done right outside. 
Our little tour guide. If we can’t find someone, Neytan is always willing to help take us where we need to go. 
I was asked to help with a Flat Stanley project for a third grader in the States! 
Happy birthday, Yuleisy! 
Leyton, Cal and I went to a birthday party in San Pedro. Mery was the entertainment for afternoon! 
A precious gift. 
This kiddo has more energy than quite possibly anyone I know. We all love Neytan! 
Noah and Leyton helped prep and serve a delicious dinner for the parents of all elementary MK’s. Chicken alfredo and more! 
My first attempt at wreath making! Pam put together a super fun craft night to wrap up our ladies’ Bible study time. 
Freedom hosted a mini Christmas party – in each of the villages, we brought music, games, and food to kick off Christmas vacation. 
This little man from Molino is wearing one of my boys’ old t-shirts. It makes me nostalgic to see their clothes again. 
My name twin and I! 
Mari manning the Nerf gun station 
Sofia and Caleigh 
All smiles in La Cubana! 
Ring toss! 
College pals masked up in a humid little sugarcane village in the DR. 
Hot dogs, popcorn and apples! Oh my! 
We lit up the sky at Freedom one night with a giant bonfire and S’mores! 
Christmas break was wonderful! Lots of baking on Christmas Eve! 
My little helpers liked making sweets (and stealing a few in the process) 
Our yummy cookie haul from some neighbors! 
The kids always enjoy wrapping up little gifts, pictures and coupons for their siblings. 
Christmas Eve musings 
Christmas dinner! 
Selfies with this cutie
The Bible doesn’t promise a life without pain, but I’m looking forward to a new year of trusting the Lord with whatever He’s got planned – and perhaps low-key praying that a global pandemic isn’t a huge part of it all again. 🙂
The Mitcheners 