Never walk alone

Im about to head back to the Dominican Republic for my 4th year there, working for a Christian charity called Mission Direct.
Its new years eve, and a week before I fly back, and Im just taking a few moments to reflect on the year gone by. There have been some amazing highs and some horrible lows this year. Ive worked with more mission teams than ever before, Ive met hundreds of new people and been privileged to be able to help some of the most beautiful people in the world to move from tin shacks into concrete homes.

I marvel at the experiences Ive had, I had no idea 4 years ago that I would be doing this now, and I am so thankful to God and to my family and friends for enabling me to take this fantastic opportunity. It is a different life to the one I imagines, and Im loving the challenges it brings!

Its not always easy, its not always fun. When people ask me what I miss most from England I always have to say that its people - its my family, my friends, my church... and somewhere down the list comes chocolate.... ;0) Im realising how important friendships are, proper friends who you can just be yourself with - who you can express your deepest fears, greatest insecurities and be YOU with. We arent meant to live in isolation, we are meant yo walk together, support each other, celebrate together and commiserate together. God made us all to be a part of His body, to serve Him together, to work together to accomplish far more than we ever could alone.

SO thats my reflection right now, that Im thankful for everyone in my life, for what they bring to my life, for what I hope I get to bring to theirs. Im looking forward to going home to the Dominican but its not without its cost. I am already missing my Brit friends, and Im still with them. Try to appreciate the individuals in your life right now ;0)

There will be more.....