2021 In pictures
Hello everyone! I pray that you are all in good health, feeling refreshed after the holiday season, and looking forward to what 2022 will bring! As we begin a new year, I want to express my gratitude for all of you who have been walking alongside me and encouraging me in this journey; thank you!
It's been a while since I posted a blog, so I wanted to share some highlights from the last year! The Lord has been working and moving in big ways here, and it is an honor to be a part of it.
In July my mom came for her second trip to Guatemala and got to meet Derick and his family for the first time. So many parts of my life look different from when she was here two years ago, and it was wonderful to be able to show her more of what day to day life looks like and allow her to be more immersed in the culture. I love you so much, mom!
In July I finished my time serving at a special needs school that I had been volunteering at since March of 2020, the week before the pandemic caused Guatemala to shut down. I recognized that the influence I was having through the provision of occupational therapy in that town was limited due to a variety of community factors and the impact of the pandemic. After much reflection and prayer, I decided to shift my focus and place greater emphasis on providing therapy services and building relationships in the town where I have been living over the last 3 years. So many children and families at the school touched my heart, and I am grateful for the relationships I built there!
In August I was able to travel to Ohio for my one of best friends, Katie’s, wedding! It was so meaningful to be reunited with a group of my closest friends for the special day. Katie and Adonis’s wedding was absolutely beautiful; I would love to be able to go back and re-live it all over again. Congrats, you two!
While I was in Ohio I also got to visit with family and friends. My nieces and nephew have grown so much!
In September Derick and I celebrated a year together! He is my best friend and I love growing with him and getting to do life at his side. His laughter is contagious and he is such a light wherever he goes. He has been such a huge support and encouragement during so many seasons of change and growth over the last year, and I can’t thank him enough for how deeply he loves me. He reflects and shines God’s love so beautifully and leads us with such grace. He is truly a blessing from the Lord. Te amo tanto, Derick!
In September another close friend, Judy, came to Guatemala for a couple of weeks. Judy has been another huge source of support and encouragement in my faith journey over the last year, and her time here was powerful and emotional, to say the least. The Holy Spirit moved in big ways in both of us and we both look back with gratitude for encounters with the Spirit during that time and how the Lord has continued to move in the months that followed. Judy brings so much life everywhere she goes, and she touched so many hearts in the local community during her short stay. We can’t wait to welcome her back!
It’s hard to believe that another year has passed, but I look back with so much gratitude for all that has happened this year, knowing the Lord has been working through each and every moment. Thank you all for your love and support as I continue to follow what the Lord has for me here. I'm praying for each and every one of you. Happy New Year!
Much love,
I continue to provide occupational therapy sessions in the local community where I live. All of the referrals I receive are from word of mouth from someone who knows me or who has heard of the therapy I provide. I love doing home visits and the opportunity to spend time building relationships not only with my patients but with their family members as well.
In April I accepted a position teaching health classes at an all-girls kindergarten to 5th grade school for the duration of the school year (through November). Due to the pandemic, no classes were able to be held in person, but the school was able to provide a basic smart phone to each family to be able to hold videocall classes each week with the students; as a result, so much added learning was able to take place in addition to the homework packets being sent home weekly. I have so much admiration for all the teachers who have worked virtually throughout the pandemic—engaging young kids over a screen is not easy! We enjoyed our lessons together and were so grateful to have an end of year celebration in person to celebrate the students’ hard work all year.
In August I was able to travel to Ohio for my one of best friends, Katie’s, wedding! It was so meaningful to be reunited with a group of my closest friends for the special day. Katie and Adonis’s wedding was absolutely beautiful; I would love to be able to go back and re-live it all over again. Congrats, you two!
In September another close friend, Judy, came to Guatemala for a couple of weeks. Judy has been another huge source of support and encouragement in my faith journey over the last year, and her time here was powerful and emotional, to say the least. The Holy Spirit moved in big ways in both of us and we both look back with gratitude for encounters with the Spirit during that time and how the Lord has continued to move in the months that followed. Judy brings so much life everywhere she goes, and she touched so many hearts in the local community during her short stay. We can’t wait to welcome her back!
In October I flew to Ohio for my brother, Ben’s, wedding, and the following weekend to Omaha, Nebraska for another close friend, Ashley’s, wedding. This year has been the year of weddings! Weddings within the family are always special to me because it becomes like a mini family reunion, and I had the chance to see relatives that I hadn’t seen in years.
In November I was introduced to another family in my town with a child with special needs and have since been providing weekly therapy for their 2-year-old son, Javier. Javier has a sweet smile and contagious laughter, he is a joy to be around and to work with, and already we are seeing signs of progress in his abilities. Please pray for this young family, that they would know Christ deeply, and for Javier’s growth and development!
In December my brother Ryan and his girlfriend Caitlyn came to Guatemala for the first time. Ryan is the first of my siblings to get to meet Derick and his family in person, and it was a fun week of adventures and new experiences! I always enjoy getting to see Guatemala through the eyes of someone experiencing it for the first time.
Much love,
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