summer happenings

This summer I took my last classes for my teaching master’s program! Although I have finished at the Wheaton Grad School and received my teaching certificate, I will still need to complete an action research paper to receive the degree.  I spent the rest of the summer working in the area, teaching preschoolers at church, leading a VBS group and spending time with my friends in Wheaton.  At the end of August I packed up my stuff and said goodbyes to many friends and families I have loved getting to know during my five years there. My mom came and helped with the 18 hour drive back to NH. Although this transition was incredibly hard, I was able to see my entire family once at home! (It is a rare feat getting all six of us together more than once a year!) Throughout my summer, I absolutely loved being able to meet with people and churches to share more about my vision for these next years. Thank you for your encouragement and support!

These past few months have been filled with making plans, while accepting that even the most detailed plans can change quickly! God has been providing in incredible ways.  I was able to sign up for pre-field intercultural training held in North Carolina. I am currently there learning about the transition process of moving overseas and being an effective worker in a culture very different than America’s. I am hoping to fly to Guatemala in November to attend 12 weeks of language school before I move to the Dominican in early February. Although I am conversational in Spanish, I feel that in order to be the most successful teacher I can be, language study is important. I will be able to come home about once a year and I have committed to being there for two full school years.  I’m looking forward to teaching in whatever capacity and being able to serve the Lord in the Dominican Republic!  

 Currently, a number of people have committed to pray for me and support me financially during my time in Jarabacoa. I am so thankful for those who have come along side me in this journey.  I am grateful for everyone who has already partnered with me! If you'd like to learn more about Kids Alive or what I'm doing check out my link here!


 

guess what i'm doing?!

I am excited to share with you a new journey of my life to become a teacher in the Dominican Republic (DR)! I was first introduced to Kids Alive International two years ago through a summer program at Wheaton College. Ever since returning to Wheaton, I have felt God’s call to go back. Now that I have graduated and have my teaching certificate, I look forward to becoming a part of the evident work that God is doing.  I will be serving for two-years as a short-term missionary for Kids Alive in Jarabacoa, DR.

Kids Alive was founded in 1916 in China and now serves over 6,500 children in 17 countries. More than 1,200 of these children are in the Dominican Republic. The organization is a “Christian faith mission dedicated to rescuing orphans and vulnerable children meeting their spiritual, physical, educational and emotional needs – raising them to be contributing members of their society and witnesses to their family and community.” In the Dominican Republic, they provide for children through residential homes, schools and care centers.  I will be teaching at ANIJA, one of their schools.

I plan to go to missionary training for a month in September, and then travel to Guatemala for 12 weeks of language school. I will then travel to the DR, to begin my ministry there. Kids Alive has projected a budget of $1,532 monthly for all two years and $14,018 in startup costs. This includes training, airfare, and other expenses.

I would love for you to become a part of this process with me! First and foremost, I ask for your prayers as I begin this journey. There are a lot of things to be accomplished before I start! Please pray that God will provide in meeting my fundraising goal and prayerfully consider how you can help support the mission work in the Dominican Republic. I would be glad to meet with you or your friends or family to share more about my story and my upcoming ministry. You may reach me                                                           at Anna.Larson@my.wheaton.edu.

I also ask that you consider becoming a financial partner with me. Please send your tax-deductible donation by calling the Kids Alive office at 1-800-543-7330 or donate online at: https://secure.kidsalive.org/p-2988-anna-larson.aspx.

Thanks for your prayers and support!

Anna