It’s the most wonderful time of the year

Before returning to Nashville, my home away from home, I was able to spend some meaningful time with my roommate and friends and also help out with the second-grade students at Las Palmas, a private Christian school founded by my boss, Allison Hale. I have always been certain that teaching six-year-olds is not my ministry, and that day definitely confirmed it — haha. Their energy is unmatched, and communicating with little ones who are just beginning to learn English is both beautiful and exhausting.

Despite the chaos, I truly enjoyed the opportunity to use my skills and my love for Dominican culture in a different way. Much of my new community here consists of teachers at the school, so being able to witness them operate in the spaces where they feel God has called them brought me so much joy. It was also the change of pace I needed after working primarily with the women of Mercy every day. Seeing ministry expressed through classrooms, crayons, and playgrounds reminded me that service comes in many forms.

With Mercy closed for the holidays, I decided to take the opportunity to spend Christmas in Nashville. This was my first Christmas in America and my first time being away from my family in The Bahamas during the holidays. Initially, I didn’t think much of it — I assumed I would be so busy reconnecting with friends, mentors, and the family I’ve built in Nashville that I wouldn’t have time to dwell on what I was missing back home.

While some moments were hard, the season was filled with new memories that more than made up for it. I finally saw the second part of the movie Wicked (which truly changed me for good iykyk), ate far too many holiday treats, spent quality time with my boyfriend and his family, and took a road trip to Memphis to visit my best friend and her family. We played countless board games, laughed endlessly, and simply enjoyed being together. I realized how much I missed the sense of security that comes with being “home” in Nashville — being surrounded by people who know me, quirks and all, makes life feel lighter and far less exhausting.

Although leaving again was difficult, I’m comforted by the fact that I am now on the home stretch of my time in the Dominican Republic. Time has flown by in ways I never expected. It feels bittersweet knowing that my heart now belongs to more than one place, but I suppose that’s what life looks like when you’re constantly growing, stretching, and moving into what’s next.

As the holidays come to a close and a new year approaches, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for everything the Lord has done in my life in 2025, from graduating to winning Lumos, to moving countries, to applying for graduate school. Each step has been a reminder of His faithfulness.

I’m looking forward to exploring even more of the Dominican Republic, continuing to soak in the culture, deepening the relationships I’ve built, and hopefully, finally, conquering Dominican Spanish (fingers crossed).

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3: 16