T.E.A.R.S. » Blog Archive » Christmas Greetings

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

Psalms 126:5

Christmas Greetings

Composed on December 16th, 2009 by Joy & Vidal Reyes

Hello friends and family,
An update is long overdue and we apologize. We have had a great year in terms of family and work and as our circle of friends in the Dominican Republic grows we feel more and more at home here. This is the first Holiday newsletter in more than ten years that as I sit down to write I don’t feel flooded by memories of drama and significant change.We have had a quiet year of growth, maintainingand nurturing things already planted.

Helina (10) and Isaac (8) became involved in sports this year and brought a new level of activity to our schedule, but this transition has been a really positive one for our family. Elijah will be three in February and he tries to keep up with the big kids on the field and in the street– whatever they are doing he is in the middle of it.

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Vidal and I continue to be very involved in the TEARS School. We worked really hard hosting guests all summer as they worked to plan and implement camps, curriculum and teacher training. We are so proud of how our staff has grown and momentum the school has taken on.
We continue to work with preschoolers through fourth grade providing a firm foundation and a way for them to transition into the public school system. Our work is not limited to academics, but includes healthcare, feeding, spiritual development, parent training and lots of heart and passion. It is fun to sit and remember what it was like in the first years and dream about what will come next. I have become more and more burdened for the girls in our barrio, country and world and wonder what God has planned for me in that area. I have so many ideas and am waiting on His direction and perfect timing.

It has been a scary year in terms of finances—so many near misses and tough decisions. We know that is true all over the world and want to thank all of you who have supported our work and family in the lean times. It is an energizing, encouraging, affirming force that has supernatural power and we thank God for each of you!
Many Blessings to you in the holiday season and throughout the New Year!