So incredibly blessed and humbled

December has been an extremely busy yet rewarding month.  Goodbyes are tough but knowing you are in God's will is peaceful.  I have been able to build new relationships, strengthen old relationships, and spend lots of time with family and friends.

Many people have given, prayed, and encouraged me through this journey.  Christmas in Cleveland and Kentucky was rewarding and refreshing.  Friends and family gave in a remarkable way and with some technology, I can now keep in touch with people. 

I recently had a reception in which I was blessed with family and friends helping see me off.  From coaches, to college roommates, bosses, church friends, and family, all came to show support.  Walnut Memorial Baptist has been an incredible support financially as well as praying for me.  Friends have housed me and had me over or out to dinner and just great times of fellowship.  I appreciate all of your support.

Two bags are packed and my brother is hosting a going away dinner tonight in Bowling Green with great friends.  Tomorrow I will say some final goodbyes and spend my last night with Mom and Jim before being commissioned at church on Sunday.  Sunday night I will go to Columbia in which more family and friends will gather for my last supper and I will spend the night with Dad and T.  Monday I will have breakfast with my dad and he will take me to Bowling Green to meet Mom and Jim who will drop me off at the Nashville airport and I will be on my way to Haiti.  Prayers are appreciated!!!!


For donations: http://www.globaloutreach.org/missionaries.html#DeanC

24 Days Until Departure

Well, the time is nearing.  I am 24 days away from the start of a year in Haiti.  Things have been busy with getting things in storage, packing, fundraising, speaking to people, getting insurance squared away, and everything else you need to do to plan for an entire year.

It has been nice to reconnect with church friends that I have been away from for years and do get involved with my home church, Walnut Memorial Baptist. We unfortunately lost our pastor while I have been home.  It was a sad time for the congregation and his sweet family and friends but we have seen God use this situation in a miraculous way. 

I am getting lots of family time and traveling from western KY, to south central KY, and a little bit of TN.  I was able to catch a UK ball game at Rupp before the departure.  It was AWESOME and oh how I wish I could have tickets to EVERY game. 

I will be visiting Cleveland, TN one more time before my departure in about a week and a half.  I am excited to see friends.  Anyone interested in attending my going away reception on Dec. 21st at Walnut Memorial Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY from 2-4PM. 

As I sit here typing this ice is falling from the sky and covering the ground.  The snow will be moving in shortly and I was really wishing to get out of the country before the first snow.  I am not a huge fan but God's creation is incredible and beautiful despite it's coldness.  :)

Fundraiser

Well, we have another successful fundraiser in the books. Walnut Memorial Baptist Church sponsored a steak sandwich luncheon last Sunday.  We had some very generous church members dedicate their time to help make this a success.  A special thanks goes to Lisa and Jim Glover, the kitchen staff, and Richard and Sharon Russelburg.  The food was delicious, the fellowship was wonderful, and thank you to friends and family for coming out and helping get me on the field in Haiti.


I can't believe I am less than two months away from going to Haiti for an entire year. Please continue to pray. 

Leaving TN and returning to KY

I have made the journey back to Kentucky.  Leaving Lee was the most difficult decision I have had to make in the last several years.  I have thoroughly enjoyed living in Cleveland, TN and receiving an undergraduate and graduate degree at Lee.  Having been employed there for the last 6+ years has been life changing.

I couldn't have imagined a better job and better people to work with then I have been blessed to have over the last several years.  Working in Admissions has been a way for me to gain professionalism while sharing my experience with hundreds of students from across the US and even internationally.  I have made relationships with so many people it is hard to express my gratitude and love for these people and the impact they have had on my life.

It was so hard leaving Cleveland, but I know I will get to go back in November to see everyone for Homecoming.  So many great friends shared in my going away festivities, from receptions, to game-nights, to lunches, and group dinners.  Thank you Lee family for your love and support.

I am now spending time fundraising and with family and friends before I leave in December.  My flight has been scheduled and I am planning on leaving December 30th.  I have already made two trips to Columbia from Owensboro with another one this week.  I am cherishing every moment with parents, siblings, my niece, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and Granny. 

Training

Well, a month has passed since I went to Tupelo, MS to train for my year in Haiti.  The staff at Global Outreach spent a week pouring into us and training us for the next chapter in our lives.  There were 8 of us that spent the week learning about joining the mission field. There were two couples from Wyoming that were going to Zambia, Africa together for medical missions, there was another single girl from KY that was planning to go to Brazil but has since decided on west Africa, the other couple with us is headed to Burkina Faso, Africa.  That particular couple, Rebecca and Seth left just a few days after training for 6 weeks in France to learn English and then off to Burkina. 

I am in the fundraising stages now and Lord willing will be off to Haiti in Jan.  I am so excited about this next chapter and what God has in store for me.  Please keep me in your prayers and shoot me an email with your address if you would like to receive a newsletter, 55cdean@gmail.com.  You can also visit the following websites to learn more, http://www.globaloutreach.org/missionaries.html#DeanC or http://www.globaloutreachhaiti.com/.

The Call and Direction

I will be joining Global Outreach Haiti in January 2014.As a Short Assignment Mission staff member; I will serve with the career missionary staff for a year. After one year, I will seek God’s direction. I first visited Haiti in 2001, from my home church, Walnut Memorial Baptist, in Owensboro, Kentucky. I have returned many times to serve in whatever capacity needed.

I have graduated from Lee University in Cleveland, TN, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies and Master’s of Arts in Teaching Special Education. I began working in Lee University's Admissions Office in 2007 and most recently as Assistant Director of Admissions.

I have a heart for the Haitian people, both young and old. I will minister to not only physical needs, but also spiritual needs of those I encounters.