Dear Family and Friends,

It is with great rejoicing and excitement that I write this letter to you today! I hope that as you are reading this, you are also able to reflect on the wonderful things God is doing in your life and can see Him at work as I can. I would love to hear about the things God is teaching you and showing you this summer! Please feel free to write, call, or email anytime!

I’d like to give you all an update on my journey to Monte Plata, Dominican Republic thus far. As you know, missionaries with Kids Alive® International must be 100% sponsored by friends, family, and churches before leaving for the field. I began raising funds for my two-year commitment in April. As I write this letter, I can joyfully say that about 83% of my total 24-month commitment has been funded! 100% of my start-up costs including missionary training, flights to training and to the Dominican Republic, and one-time costs associated with setting up a home in Monte Plata have been covered. I also have monthly costs of living like rent, utilities, food, insurance, communication, and ministry needs. My monthly costs are currently about 75% funded, which means I still need about $150 per month in pledges. As I think about these figures, two thoughts overwhelm me. First, our God is faithful to complete His good work and He is in control! Second, my prayer and financial supporters are generous and are committed to joining with me to bring hope, education, and the love of Christ to the children at the Eva Russell School in Monte Plata! I’m speaking about you – those who have decided to join me on this journey to the Dominican Republic. By praying for me and supporting me financially, we are joining together in this work. I consider it a blessing and a privilege to serve with you!

Another update that I’d like to share with you is a more specific timeline of my next few weeks of preparation leading up to my departure. I so appreciated your prayers as I finished my teaching contract here in Glendale, AZ at the end of May. Leaving my classroom and school of four years was not easy and I will greatly miss my students and their families. After ending the school year, I sold most of my belongings, packed what remained, and moved back home to spend my last couple of months in Arizona with my parents. This week (June 16-21), I have the great privilege of leading worship and teaching 6th grade girls Bible Study at Mountain Meadows Ranch in Christopher Creek, AZ. This is one of my favorite weeks of the year! When I return home, final arrangements will begin to be made for my departure. I will join three other Kids Alive missionaries at training through Mission Prep in Calgary, Canada on August 11th. I will leave Calgary on August 25th and will arrive the same day in the Dominican Republic. Then the teaching begins! I can’t wait to start a new school year with my precious new students. Your prayers throughout this transition are coveted! Please pray specifically for safe travels, personal and spiritual growth leading up to and during training, and for emotional strength as I say goodbye for now to many friends and family.

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and prayer. I am so thrilled about how God is preparing me for this journey, and you are a part of that! I would love to hear from you about what God is doing in your life and would also love to see you or talk to you before I leave!

In Christ and with great gratitude,
Kristin
Missionary Teacher
Kids Alive International