August Newsletter

Dear Prayer Partners,

August has been a sweet month of reunions and excitement for a new school year. I spent the summer at home in Ohio and was able to visit my home churches and spend time with friends and family. It was a good break from routine and time to reset. I flew back to the DR on August 16th. I had some trouble with my flights and ended up having to stay overnight in Miami, but I was given hotel and meal vouchers this time which was a huge blessing! I made it safely home to the DR the next day. My roommate and another missionary friend picked me up from the airport and we had fun catching up and laughing together on the ride home. I really didn't experience culture shock coming back here, it just felt like home. I am so grateful God has given me people and places here in the DR that feel like home.

Updates

• The elementary school had a lot of construction done this summer. My classroom has newly painted walls, new cabinets, more floor space, and a new intercom. Some classrooms and hallways in the elementary were expanded, new ceiling tiles were installed, the bathrooms were remodeled, the playground got new equipment and a new drainage system, and other improvements were made. It looks like a whole new building! All the elementary teachers got to walk through and see all the new renovations the day after I flew in. We are so thankful for the way God has provided for our school this year.

• The last two weeks we had in-service at the school which gave us time to prepare our classrooms, plan for the new year, and spend time as a staff worshipping together and preparing our hearts for a new school year. One special part of our in-service was doing a prayer walk around our school campus. All the staff members were encouraged to walk around the campus and pray in the classrooms, kitchen, hallways, offices, and the playground about what God will do in each of those places this year. It is a blessing to work among so many believers who are expectant of what God will do through our ministry.

• My roommate and I were able to lead worship for a few days of in-service which was a blessing. I love hearing the American and Dominican staff members all come together and pour out their worship to our Lord.

• During our first week of in-service we had tropical storm Franklin come through. We lost power for a while and had to cancel in-service for two days. However, the storm did not hit us very hard. We were safe and had all that we needed, praise God.

• Last week we had a parent meeting and Meet the Teacher night. I got to meet the new parents and students that I will be working with this school year. I am excited to see how these students will grow throughout the year. I have already begun praying over each one of them that God would work in their lives and their families this year.

• I had shared a post about Las Palmas still looking for a science teacher for this school year. God provided someone to fill that position which is a huge praise! He is only temporarily filling the position but it is a huge blessing to have him to fill that role as we start the school year.

Prayer Requests

• Pray for the start of the school year. The first day of school is September 4th. Going into a new school year there is always a lot of excitement, but also a lot of nerves. I definitely feel more prepared this school year since I have a year of experience now but I have been battling anxiety a bit in getting ready for this year. I am praying over reminding my heart that God is steadfast and always near. Although I don't know what this year holds, I know that God has called me to this and will be faithful to give me the strength and wisdom that I need for each day. Please pray with me that I will feel peace and have strength from the Lord as I serve at the school each day.

• Please pray for safety. I have heard from a few people that it has been getting a little more dangerous around where we live. There have been reports of increased gang violence and robberies from what I have heard. Please pray that God will protect me and the other missionaries here.

• Continue to pray for my residency process. All of my paperwork is approved in the system and I have my appointment date on September 27th. Please pray that this appointment goes smoothly and I'm able to get my residency this month.

Thank you for continuing to support me and lift me up in prayer! I am excited to see what God will do this year.

Blessings,

Natasha