It is hard to believe that I am down to my last few days of living here in San Juan. Even as I type those words it doesn’t quite seem real. I have started writing this final blog a number of times but I just don’t know exactly what to say. I will never be able to find the right words to fully describe the impact working with Solid Rock and living in the Dominican Republic has had on me, nor how the past 3 years have grown and shaped me into the person I am today. Simply telling you what I have been up to the past couple of weeks also seems strange, so I guess I will aim for a little bit of both.

The past couple months have been an emotional rollercoaster, and bittersweet is the most accurate way to sum up my feelings in a single word. I am sad to leave the job of medical coordinator for SRI, but I am also excited to start my new job as a nurse practitioner. I am looking forward to being close to my family again, but I am so sad to be leaving my people here in San Juan and not to see the returning faces of team members every year. Every time I have cried I have thought to myself “How lucky am I to have loved, and been loved, so much during my time here that it makes it so hard to leave?” Through all the emotions and tears, I have never wavered in my decision to move back to the states; I am confident that is what God has next for me and He has repeatedly made it clear to me. Over all the emotions I have felt, I have continued to have a peace about everything and I know that only comes from the Lord.

Earlier this month the pastors of my home church here thanked me for my time and service here in San Juan and prayed over me. Pastor Ronnie reminded me that while my time here certainly wasn’t easy, but it “modeled a life of commitment and trust to the King.” The tears were flowing and I was very humbled. I am personally so grateful for the pastors at Central Church and I am thankful for all that the do for the community…they truly are a blessing.

The following Sunday Katelyn and Kelsi, with help from some of our friends, planned a farewell party for me. It was so special to have so many people from all aspects of my life here in San Juan together in one place. Again I felt so humbled and also very loved.

Last week I got everything moved out my apartment and turned in the keys at the end of the week. I really struggled with the process of donating/packing/selling all my things and felt very overwhelmed at times, especially with everything else going on in life. I was talking to Kamanda about how I was feeling and she said to me “little pieces of your life all over San Juan.” That perspective really helped me — it makes me smile to think about my things with my friends all over town. I want to thank everyone who helped me pack up and move out of my apartment, but I especially want to give a shoutout to Kelsi for all of her help….pretty sure I’d still be trying to get things sold and moved out if it wasn’t for her!

After clearing out my apartment I moved back into the guesthouse for my final week here. It seems very fitting to end my time here in the same room that I lived in when I first moved here…very full circle! I’m thankful for the team we have here this week, for their prayers, love, and encouragement in these last few days as I prepare to move. When people ask me if I’m ready to go my answer is “I’m as ready as I’m going to be.” I’m thankful I’ve gotten to this point because two weeks ago I couldn’t have said that. In the last week or so a lot of things have come together that have calmed my anxiety. Selling everything in my apartment here. Finding a little house to rent back in Illinois close to church, work, family and friends. Finding a car. And on Monday I got the final documents needed for my dogs to be able to travel with me! It’s been incredible to see God work in all the details, big and small. 

In the Dominican Republic you very rarely hear people say goodbye when they leave. Adiós is too final. Instead people are more likely to say hasta luego — see you later. I am not saying goodbye to the DR, it’s simply  “see you later” until I’m back to visit! I’m so grateful for the 3 years I have spent here, for the life lessons I’ve learned, for the people I’ve met, and how my faith has grown. There are many things from here I will take back to the US with me, and a piece of my heart will always be in San Juan. 

Prayer requests:

• For safe, smooth travels this week. On Thursday I will drive to the capital and then fly to Atlanta. My dogs have to stay overnight at a CDC vet facility and Friday when they’re released I will meet up with my parents and we will drive to Illinois together. 
• Please keep me in your prayers in the coming weeks and months as I transition to life back in the US. 
• For the Solid Rock staff as they go through another season of transition. Please also be praying for the right person/people to join the team in the DR.