This year, just like most other years, has flown by! I sat down to start writing a summary of all that has happened this year, and honestly it is overwhelming! So many joys and so many losses. But the Lord has been there every step of the way guiding, comforting, and always knowing just what I need. I'm so thankful to have had another wonderful year serving in Haiti and I look forward to all that is He has planned for 2017! I hope you enjoy the following photos of a few of the highlights from 2016! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!
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| Oreo joined my little Haiti family in January! He came from the market in Port au Prince in a cardboard box on a motorcycle and immediately got a bath and neutered....it was a pretty traumatic first day for the little guy...but he is a happy and healthy kitty now! And if you know me at all, you know this little guy has brought incredible amounts of joy to my life this year, even if all the Haitians think I am a crazy cat lady :) |
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In February we celebrated the 5 year anniversary of Respire Haiti! It was fun to get together with all of our Haitian and American staff and share memories we have made over the last 5 years as an organization (3 years for me...crazy!)
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| Selfies before school! Because....why not?! |
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| Easter egg dying was so much fun! |
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| In May we had to say see you later to my precious Grandma Jaronek. She was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known, and although I miss her so much I know I will see her again one day. |
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| Celebrating Haitian Mother's Day at church with Kitson |
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| Fun day with lots of my favorites! |
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| Sometimes a date looks like staying home and getting fresh coconuts out of your tree! I enjoy every moment I get to spend with Jorgi :) |
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| Somedays your office gets invaded by cuteness! One of the many joys of having an office in the clinic that anyone can just walk in and make your day! |
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| Basketball camp was so much fun! I loved putting on my sneakers and going out to teach some basics. All the kids enjoyed it and so did I! |
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| Richcarde had his surgery in the Cayman Islands and came home looking and feeling good! He is doing great! And his mom (pictured here...love her!) gives God all the glory for the many miracles in his life! He's definitely a special and very blessed kid! |
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| Jeff, Grandpa & Elsie |
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| My niece Elsie was born in June! She is so much fun! She loves her Auntie Steph...I'm pretty sure I'm her favorite ;) It's been fun to watch my little bro be a dad even if I don't get to see him and his family nearly as often as I would like. |
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| Darline got married! And I got to hang out with JJ! |
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| One of my good friends had a baby in July! I love visiting and getting baby snuggles! |
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| Lala stayed with us a few times this year! Ashley took care of her, but she loved it when Jorgi would come over in the evenings! |
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| In September my best friend asked me to marry him and I said YES! We are so excited to be getting married January 28, 2017 in Haiti! Jorgi is so kind and patient and truly loves the Lord. He has been my biggest encourager and greatest comfort. Sometimes I can't believe how blessed I am to have him. |
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| One of my favorite things is to give letters to kids from their sponsors! So much joy every time! |
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| Sometimes I get to do really fun things like take goats to a family who needs them! |
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| We celebrated Kitson's 17th birthday with pizza! SEVENTEEN....oh my goodness....I just can't even believe this little kid I met over 3 years ago has grown so much....he's not only grown taller but he has grown so much as a person and in his relationship with the Lord. It is truly one of my greatest joys to watch him grow up and become a young man who loves the Lord. |
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| Daphna had a healthy baby boy in October! |
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| Terra came to visit! Not just once, but twice this year!! It was so much fun to have her in Haiti both times and I'm looking forward to many more visits in the future (right, T?!) |
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Jorgi & I bought a house! It's a simple house....400 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 1 bath...but we love it and we are so excited to move in after we get married! It doesn't have electricity or running water yet, but hopefully we'll be able to get those things soon! I will sure be happy if we do :) Many people have asked me what our plans are.....our plans are to be open to what the Lord has planned for us. We believe that at this time that is to stay in Haiti, but we honestly don't know for how long. We pray that our marriage will be a reflection of Christ and the Church and that we will serve him wherever He has us. I'm thankful for this new chapter and looking forward to all the Lord has in store for us as a couple!
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| I got to spend Thanksgiving with my family and we even did some Christmas things a little early! Mom with Taison & Elsie making Christmas cookies! |
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| One of my favorite views....it's hard to post something and not include a picture of this view. |
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| One of my favorite verses and one I am clinging to as we enter another year of adventure! |
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