I’m laying awake in bed, and my intentions for my December blog were to write about highlights of each month throughout the past year.  However, God put it on my heart to keep things short and simple. We had many family visitors and made new friends.  Braegan started walking, talking, running, jumping, cleaning, singing and so much more!  She loves life and being around people.  She even has a cousin now.  Harper Mae Reinmann joined the family in mid-September, and we are excited to meet her in the spring when we make a visit to the states.  We became Dominican residents.

And that was a very short recap of the year, but what’s been on my mind today are two songs, but I’d like to take a second to explain.  I have a type A personality that likes to take charge, but when I gave my life to Christ I gave Him control of my life.   I surrender.  This is evident in how I go about my life as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.  God has entrusted people and things to me, and they are not mine.

I have a few tattoos, my latest one is an anchor followed by the word Surrender on my right forearm.  I have two favorite songs, and they are both about surrendering.

I surrender by Hillsong

Here I am
Down on my knees again
Surrendering all
Surrendering all

Find me here
Lord as You draw me near
Desperate for You
Desperate for You

I surrender

Drench my soul
As mercy and grace unfold
I hunger and thirst
I hunger and thirst

With arms stretched wide
I know You hear my cry
Speak to me now
Speak to me now

I surrender
I surrender
I want to know You more
I want to know You more

Like a rushing wind
Jesus breathe within
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Like a mighty storm
Stir within my soul
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

The other is:

Anchor by Bethel Worship

In every season, in every change
You are near
In every sorrow,
You are my strength
You are near

A peace in the storm
Your voice I will follow
In weakness I rise
Remembering You hold world

I’m holding on to hope
I’m holding on to grace
I’m fully letting go
I’m surrendered to Your ways

The anchor for my soul
Father You will never change

I love You, I love You

My great Redeemer,
My constant Friend
You are near
My faithful Father,
You took me in
You are near

I will remember Your promise forever
My Strength, my Defender
I can count on You
You are my Savior, My Hope and my Shelter
Your love is forever
I can count on You

We are excited for 2015!  Jeff will have his first clinic construction team on January 5th.  They will begin building the perimeter wall for the new clinic.  I am taking on a few administrative responsibilities with SRI.  Braegan will be two in February, and we are planning to have her start pre-school in the fall at Lucille Rupp School.    Our next trip to the states will be in March for a family vacation to Florida with Jeff’s family.

Thanks for your prayers and support!  Happy New Year.