March ’21 in Pictures

March has come to an end. Sometimes I wonder what types of pictures merit a spot in these photo blogs. They often showcase some fairly mundane moments in my life. But, you know, I’m finding that there’s a certain beauty in the simple, “unimportant” parts of our days.

Today, I’m overwhelmed with gratefulness. For my precious family. For the work which the Lord has given me. For my Savior’s sacrifice. And for His sweet presence each day. Happy Easter!

February ’21 in Pictures

We hear our stateside friends and family experienced some chilly weather last month. For the record, I am not at all jealous. In fact, you can come our direction if you’d like – we’re willing to share the sun and surf with you anytime! 🙂 Until then, here are 28 February pictures for you!

January ’21 in Pictures

January was a tough month in a lot of ways, but God sustained us through each day. Lots of happy moments with friends, family, coworkers, and Freedom students. Here are 30 pictures from month #1 of 2021!

December ’20 in Pictures

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!

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. 🙂

November ’20 in Pictures

Our November in 30 photos!

Excited for December festivities and the ability to celebrate the promise of Hope that came to Bethlehem so long ago!

See ya at the end of 2020!

October ’20 in Pictures

This year has simultaneously felt like the longest and the shortest year ever. With this “pause” to my “normal”, it’s as if I’ve been experiencing a strange alternate reality where everything is in slow-mo. On the other hand, November is upon us. What?!

While circumstances are offbeat, God continues to faithfully care for us and our students. Check out our October by looking back at these 31 pictures!

I’ve been pondering much on the fact that we’ve only got so many days on this earth. Oh, how I want to “make the most of every opportunity.” I pray I can always maintain a sense of urgency when sharing the wonderful, sweet Good News with those around me!

September ’20 in Pictures

Days quickly turn into weeks which quickly turn into months… How can September be over already?! Thirty photos from our home to yours!

Truly thankful for each day the Lord allows us to share in His work in this broken and hurting world. Bring on October!

August ’20 in Pictures

August flew by! We ended up extending our two weeks in the States by a few days so we could attend my Aunt Joy’s funeral. After our flight back to the DR, we experienced a tropical storm, Freedom inservice, Bible Institute, 2 kiddos’ birthdays, FOUR families moving to the field, a building dedication, and much more. Enjoy these 31 pictures from this past month!

September, here we come!

A Special Birthday

For lots of kids, birthdays feel different than all the other days of the year. They’re special. Noah’s 7th birthday was no exception. On August 24th, he woke up early, excited for the day and the upcoming celebrations. We sent him off to school like normal with hugs and promises of cake and presents that evening.

When Noah rushed through the door after school, his face was beaming. He had two balloons in hand and a backpack full of goodies. Surprised, I asked him who had brought him all the fun treats. He excitedly pulled the gifts out of his bookbag and explained in great detail each item that his friends had given him.

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“Mom! Check this out! Weison gave me this colorful hacky sack! And he brought me those two balloons! One is green and one is orange! And look! Seba gave me a new coloring book. It has all these pictures I can color. Oh, and Berwee brought me all these things, see? I got a plastic baby car rattle, a turtle compass, and a whole army set!”

“Wow, buddy! That is so neat! I hope you told them how thankful you were for those sweet gestures. They probably worked hard to get those things for you. What good friends you have!”

Later, I was talking with Noah’s teacher, Emma. She said that his friends used their good behavior “points” they earn to “buy” those presents from the school store. As sweet as that was, she was especially touched by Weison’s gift of the two balloons. He had bought them at his village colmado the day before, specifically with Noah in mind. Weison had to put some thought into the gift – what a neat thing to see one of our students planning ahead to put someone else first!

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Weison, Noah, Sebastian, Berwee

I am thankful for the unique influence that Noah has in the lives of his classmates. He already communicates with them in a way I certainly can’t. Oh, how I pray these four young men grow up to love the Lord with all they have. Such special boys!

July and August 2016 in Pictures

Tick-tock! Time marches on – our babies are growing, our ministry is changing, our students are maturing. There’s nothing we can do but take advantage of each moment. Here are some pictures of life in the DR from the last two months!

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Digging out the footers for new schoolrooms

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Such hard work!

 

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Heather talking with Estaylin after a trip to the office. He recently chose to accept Christ! This little boy’s life is changing!

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Smiles from Meroli as she enjoys spending time with short-term team members

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Some of our littles took some time to get accustomed to school. Cuddles with Elle!

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Summer teams built the walls of these two new classrooms

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Noah working at his technology center in 1st grade

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Noah says Jose Miguel is his best friend at school

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July was Caleigh’s 10 month

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One of the MK’s favorite pastimes is toad-hunting

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It’s neat to see Mery as she grows as a teacher. We co-taught our first years in kindergarten.

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This little girl loves getting into everything

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My little laundry helper

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Our newest good behavior incentive – a book giveaway!

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We’re loving Anna Luisa’s smile as she picks her book to take home

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Caleigh loves to play peek-a-boo

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Smiley girl!

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Noah leading his class in the Spanish alphabet

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Sebastian and Noah

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August was Caleigh’s 11th month

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First-third graders are beginning music class with Mr. Scott

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Carla is learning about musical instruments and their families – she made her own “maraca” out of paper plates and rice!

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Fernancia and her classmates continue learning and growing!