Una noticia grande

My gracious support system,

I have been wracking my mind trying to figure out the best way to compose this letter.  And, as a “chica de Nueva York” I’m gonna throw it out in typical straight NY fashion. 

I will be moving back to the states June 26, 2016.

To some that may come as a surprise.  But, I am so grateful to share the peace I have in this decision that has been covered in prayer.  Peace that can only affirm that this direction is from the Lord

I am a firm believer that in this world we have innovators and creators and then we have the people who take those innovations and creations to another level.  That is the point we have reached at the Community Health Site.  I feel so privileged to have planted and cultivated the seeds of ministry that have sprouted into 6 successful community clinics, countless relationships, many chronic illnesses controlled, hundreds of American students impacted and allowed 5 Dominican girls to attend college and be discipled over the course of 4 years.  But, I also recognize there comes a point when change has to happen and others have to jump in and bring fresh ideas and passion.

Currently, Katie Wulf, RN has had 6 months of training with me; forging patient relationships, learning the Dominican culture and our “campos.”  I have had the opportunity to share with her what has functioned well in our unique type of work and what most certainly has not.  We have dreamed and planned and discussed the new focus of the site.

Katie will take advantage of the control we’ve gained over patient illnesses and the longevity of those relationships and pioneer a new phase of community health care.  Dr. Fernando will continue visiting our communities once a month to lead clinics but as a nurse Katie will focus more on prevention, education and the results of the health census we conducted last year.  This is exactly the direction I hoped our site would eventually go. 

It’s hard for me to place into words what my time in the DR has meant to me.  Yes, I have peace.  But, moving back home and transitioning back to the states is not going to be easy.  I know there are times that I will miss this place so much it hurts.  But, I am also so very excited to practice modern medicine again and start life as a 30-something in NY.  How grateful I am that God has cared for my life so well as to leave the community health site in such a healthy position.

I think that is only confirmation that He has further plans for His name to be known and patients to be healed in Jarabacoa!

So, as my supporters, what does this mean for you?  I am so unbelievably thankful for all of your emails, cards, packages, encouragements and donations over the past 4 years; your support of my patients and myself has been enormous.  I wish there were greater words than these, but

thank you.

As of June 26, my personal acct with SI will no longer exist.  So please continue sending donations until then but not after.  ACH and credit card supporters will no longer have anything deducted from their accts after June 21.  There is no further paper work or actions needed by you.

However, if I may take this opportunity to ask a final prayer request?  Instead of stopping support of Students International in the DR completely, would you carefully pray about transferring your support to either: Dr. Fernando Gonzalez, the women’s sports scholarship fund or the community health site. 

·      ~Dr. Fernando is not fully supported and is living far beneath his means as the provider of a family of four, pastor and physician! 

·      ~The Women’s sport’s scholarship fund supports our medical assistant’s college education. 

·      ~The community health site is always in need of finances to buy more medications and supplies. 

If you are interested in supporting any of these pivotal SI ministries you can:

1     ~donate online at our website www.stint.com

2    ~through a check specifying the ministry site in the memo

3     ~contacting Pam Christy (students@stint.com) and asking her to change your ACH or credit card donation towards one of these ministries.

Thank you for your consideration.

I will be continuing to blog over the next couple months, so please stay tuned!  I would also love to see you this summer before I start job searching!

Love, 

Rachel