Holiday reflections 2023

Facebook memories can be a wonderful thing. Incredible reminders of God's goodness and faithfulness. And reminders of hard times, too. Quite a few have come up this week, reminding me where we were in 2019. We had just lost my aunt a few months prior, and my mom was hospitalized. There were moments we weren't sure if we were going to lose her also. She was released on December 22nd, a wonderful Christmas gift while we also navigated grief. 

Our family has seen God's hand on their health in many ways, and this past quarter was no exception. My grandma spent time hospitalized due to an abdominal aneurysm. In between trips to Egypt and the Philippines, I also spent significant time hanging out in a nursing home with her while she was going through rehab. She is home now, and we are grateful she is with us. We are no strangers to loss, though, and the absence of those who have passed away is always felt during this time of year. 

This quarter saw an increase in caregiving responsibilities and a realization that there are few of us left to provide that care. I am grateful Jesus says we can come to Him when we are weary, and He will give us rest. I have needed that rest for sure. As a board, we continue to seek the Lord's direction and purpose for Ministry Care in 2024 and look forward to seeing how He leads us. 

Here are a few highlights of 2023:

• Continued opportunities for debriefing and crisis debriefing 
• Development of a new curriculum, Unstuck: a Teen's Guide to Uncertain Times, which has had incredible success with the youth served
• Launch of a new app-based small group program by the Trauma Healing Institute and being a part of that launch
• Continued service with Global Outreach, particularly working with the teens during care retreats
• The opportunity to speak at 4 of my partnering churches
• Going to Egypt for the first time
• Returning to the Philippines several times; the recording of the Cebuano app-based small group program
• My mom continues to be cancer-free, although she does have a new area they are monitoring

Thank you for all of your support in 2023! With you, we can do what we do. Please continue to remember my family in your prayers. There are still some hurdles along the way regarding health. Blessings to you and your family for 2024!

With love,
Misty

Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines

Numbers 4:24-26 (NIV)
“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’

May this be the blessing for 2024, particularly for His peace

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