5 weeks and we load the plane to begin life back in the states. I’m not sure that reality is really hitting yet. I have random moments throughout the day though, when I realize that there are only 35 more days of living in the DR. Simple things like talking with our friends, walking Braegan in and out of school, or just eating rice and beans. I swallow hard and keep on smiling.
In the last month, Braegan’s Spanish has really flourished. Initially she was apprehensive to talk in Spanish, now she will carry on a conversation in English and Spanish simultaneously. The Dominicans are quick to point out that Braegan’s Spanish is WAY better than mine, which I am well aware of. It’s been so encouraging to see how this past year in preschool has really grown her. She’s been so used to being around adults, and for the past 9 months she had her little people to look forward to every day.
I have been using the mornings, while Braegan is at school, to organize what we have accumulated in the last 2.5 years. I’m pacing myself to do a little each day to avoid getting overwhelmed. Braegan believes we are preparing to go on a “vacation to visit mommy’s teachers” (aka The Dream Team).
It’s strange to think about the fact that we knew more about moving to the Dominican Republic then we know about moving to Arizona, in our “home country”. 3 years ago it was fun to sell everything, but it’s challenging at times to think about buying things again and moving back to the states. We know that God is calling us and reminding us to “lean not on our own understanding”. I have always seen the classroom as my mission field, and I am excited to get to step back into the classroom after 3 years! I know that God will continue to use our family as a witness in the community we are placed in.
Last week I received my class list including 30 smiling faces. I’ve been praying over these kiddos; I’m excited to meet them in August and love on them throughout the coming school year. I’m also looking forward to the community we are being placed in. There are people from throughout our lives who have moved to the Phoenix area for jobs or retirement, and we are looking forward to doing life with them.
Ways you can be praying for us in the next month:
–Rest, Jeff and I have laid in bed wide awake at night with so many thoughts running through our heads. (Things to accomplish here before we leave, and things to get done within the first month of moving back to the states)
–Braegan, that she will be able to embrace these next few weeks in the DR. We have teams up until the week we leave, and she loves having them around.
–SRI, many changes are ahead as ministry continues in the DR. Please keep the staff in your prayers.