...a place in my heart...

...where we have seen 10,183 patients so far
...where 11,784 locals have learned how to better take care of their health
...where God has provided 31,921 prescriptions to be filled
...where 1,571 surgeries have been preformed
...and most importantly, where 859 people have committed themselves to Christ

This is where I will be from January 26th-February 9th of the coming year...The Dominican Republic. And I can't wait, I feel like God has been calling me to go back over this past year. Three years ago, I went on this same medical missions trip, and now I have been given the opportunity to go again. God has been so faithful. Now I just need to keep putting my trust in Him that everything regarding the details of the trip will be worked out!

The statistics above are provided by Medical Ministries International. They are an amazing organization that sends teams all over the world. For 2 weeks at a time, these teams, provide necessary medical services to countries in need, and share the good news of Christ. I will be going to Monte Plata, Dominican Republic. This is a town of about 14,000, north-east of the capitol of Santo Domingo. Our team consists of a medical and a surgical team. The medical team, sets up a clinic in Monte Plata, and sees patients every day for two weeks. The surgical team (which I will be a part of), goes approximately 20 kilometers, every day, to the town of Bayaguana and operates in their OR's, providing free surgical services. The hearts of these people in this country are amazing. They are so un-believably grateful, for the little that we can give to them. I am really excited to be going back, and just wanted to share with you all. I decided to just answer God's calling on my heart to do this, that has been there for a while. I might not end up knowing many who are going (which would be a big challenge for me), but I am trusting that God has it all worked out. And as for the money...it will come...it always does :). Some of you, might be receiving a letter for support within the next couple months. And because of my husbands amazing support I will be going. I was still very hesitant about a week ago, but he said, that I am going, so I guess I am going!! I can't wait to see what God is going to do this year. I want to share a few pictures of mine from three years ago.

Dominican baby that was treated in the clinic (sorry I couldn't keep
the picture rotated the right way)

The houses in the town we stay in.

Jesus is the light of the world. John 8:12

Local boy.

Me bagging a patient during surgery. (Sorry I couldn't keep this one rotated either.)

new tattoo.

I never imagined myself as a person that would have two tattoos, but ever since I saw this drawing I have been thinking about it...and today I did it! (Thank you to Anne Morrow for the excellent artwork.) Jeremy and I both finally had a day off together, so he went with me. It was actually a lot of fun...besides the whole needle sharp pain on my shoulder blade, but it was short lived :). He was there to hold my hand. I am really glad I got it, so I wanted to share pictures!






...This is my, oh my gosh this hurts really bad, but I am trying to laugh and have fun, face :)

Birkey Time

Our favorite family was in town this past weekend!! We got to spend time with them Saturday evening and Sunday morning...it was great. We really don't get to see them enough. They had just got back from family camp in Colorado, and were on their way back to Iowa. Jodi is getting ready to go back to school, after spending the summer in the Dominican Republic. Justin and Amy are going back to K-State, both will be graduating this year, and Melisa is getting ready to start her second semester (?) of ARNP school at WSU. So this was about our only time to see each other before everyone gets really busy again. Erin already moved back up to Sterling; I helped her move in yesterday.
Here are some pictures from our weekend!

Pies with Grandma

So last weekend, Erin and I went out to Grandma T's, and baked some pies. It was great to go out for the afternoon and spend time with her. We made a rhubarb and a dutch apple pie. I was surprised at how easy it is!! I thought pies took a really long time to make, but really, it just takes a long time to bake them. If anyone else has good pie recipes, feel free to share!

Interview Update

I thought some of you might like to know how Jeremy's interview went on Tuesday. Well I don't have a lot of information about it, because when I ask Jeremy how it went, his response is "Oh fine." I need more information than that!!! :) But the lady talked to him for about 45 minutes, and then said that he would for sure be hearing back from her within the next couple of weeks. She also said that she would probably want a follow up interview. Which I am assuming is another phone interview. So I guess that is what we have to look forward to, over the next week or week and a half. So from what I gather I think it went really well, but we are still praying about it. We would sure appreciate all of your prayers!!