Un Año Nuevo

Happy New Year!

This past Saturday Dan and I boarded a plane from Minneapolis to Santo Domingo. After a wonderful Christmas visit with my family, we were heading back home to our dear San Juan. The plane touching down amongst palm trees and sparkling blue water was a sight for sore eyes. We had only been gone two weeks, but we'd missed home. We were prepared for it to be tough to get back into the swing of things, especially since we have hit the ground running (landing an hour AFTER our first team of the year arrived!), but the transition went smoother than we planned in many ways. We just love what we do!

We have 2 teams this week (Volunteers in Medical Missions and Danville, PA). Both teams are doing barrio clinics and have been so much fun to be around. I don't think I will ever stop being blown away by the amazing people and teams that God brings here. There is just so much talent, love and generosity!

But before I get too far ahead of myself, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on 2011 and all the amazing things that happened. Here's a little photo collage of our past year:

Diego got to spend the first (and probably ONLY winter of his life) in Bristol, CT where we stayed with Dan's family during our fundraising and transition into our new life in San Juan (JAN 2011)

Visited Family in Minnesota on our way out of the country- enjoyed the last bit of cold
with a good night of boot hockey! (FEB 2011)

My sister announced during a family photo that she was engaged! Yay! (Feb 2011)

Boarding the plane for our flight to Santo Domingo! (FEB 2011)

After a couple of weeks of training, we said goodbye to Shannon and Joe and sent them back to the states for their new role as Executive Directors (Mar 2011)

We met Nicole Eby and were SO happy to have her become a long-term part of our Solid Rock staff (Abril 2011)

Took our first trip to the beach (Abril 2011)

Experienced a first ever city-wide concert of worship with the Northwoods Team (June 2011)

Celebrated my 26th birthday with awesome friends and food! (July 2011)

Discovered a new love for snorkeling (Aug 2011)

Diego and Genny (a street dog) fell in love and she became part of our family (Sept 2011)

Attended my sister's wedding in Minneapolis- Yay! (Oct 2011)

Had our first Dominican Thanksgiving Feast to share with our wonderful friends and family (Nov 2011)

Blessed by a visit from Dan's parents for the holiday :) (Nov 2011)

Went to an awesome Medical Conference in Cabarete with 2 of my favorite people- got hats! (Dec 2011)

Enjoyed our first Christmas season in San Juan (Dec 2011)

Spent Christmas in Minneapolis with the family (Dec 2011)

So excited to see what new adventures 2012 has in store!!