New Year’s is good because it reminds us of how important it is to start new. As we tear that page off of the calendar with furious victory, we can simultaneously be stunned by how blank that next page reading “January” can be. It can be daunting. But it can also be exciting.

2015 seemed to be our year on a limb. We watched as our Justice Water Hispaniola community directors led their own communities to help with the clean water crisis. Not only was this cool to witness, but for people like Ryan who looovee efficiency, it was actually much more efficient numbers wise. We saw over a thousand people- this year alone- gain access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and training on how to do these things in their own communities. They got this training from a national, speaking their language and reaching out to them to show the love of Jesus. Pretty great year.

Because our Justice Water people are so amazing, we were able to start our own development 501c3, Konbit Haiti. Talk about going out on a limb. We shared with people who looked confused and watched throughout the year as those faces turned into happiness and joy for what God is doing in Haiti. We transitioned A LOT with our staff, citing disappointments and a little burn out. But somehow, we kept going. I think this is largely due to the awesome tenacity of our Haitian staff. We watched as kids filed through the mission house’s doors every week, as moringa grew up in our grow beds and as men, women and children were trained in things like sanitation, health care, parenting and more. I believe people were encouraged and inspired in our house. I know I was.

Looking back on 2015, though, it somehow feels safe. Sometimes chaos and not knowing feels safer than a plan or a vision to see through. Sometimes being reactionary is easier than being responsible. 2016 is going to be another really different year for us.  While we look ahead with anticipation, we also thank God for the ways He has brought us up this year.

2015 was a year of challenge and of failure and of change and of sadness. It was also a year of new dreams, excitement, health and maturing. It was a doozy of a year and one we won’t forget.

Thank you, honestly, for sharing your lives with us. We are so much richer for the experiences we have had this year. From sharing coffee with some of you to hosting conferences to our one on one chats with our friends in both the USA and Haiti. You are all so special to us and we thank you.

Happy New Year!