End of a Great Year

As I think about this last year and look towards the next year I am reminded of God's Faithfulness in my life, sometimes even despite my lack of faithfulness! This Christmas weekend I spent with family and friends and celebrated the joyous celebration of our Saviors birth! I spent time with my mother's side of the family on Christmas eve and day, and went to Illinois to visit my Dad's family after Christmas. we were blessed to meet our new baby cousin, Leah. She is such a beautiful little girl and was a reminder to me of God's love. Seeing my cousin and her husband with their new baby reminded me that we are God's Children and that he cares for us far more than my cousins or any one cares for their own children! If God cares so much why do we so often not trust his guidance and direction? Why do we doubt his love for us? I am reminded in this new year that God has my best interest in mind. He cares and is the one who provides purpose and meaning in life! Please continue to pray for me as I make the decision about my future. I also ask that you continue to pray for the young people in Slovakia who still do not know the Lord our Father and his love for each and every one of them!

First Week Home

Well I have been home for a week now. It is is weird for me to be home it almost feels like I am on Vacation. I hope that many of you have received my letter in the mail this week. If you have not it should arrive soon. This week I have been meeting with people that I have not seen in a while and trying to get adjusted to being back home. I was able to meet with my friend Andy who was in Slovakia for the whole summer. This was a nice time to catch up and finally hear a little about his experience the last couple of months. I was also able to connect with one of my Social Work Professors from Taylor and two classmates. On Saturday night I went to Dave and Jayne Walter's Christmas party that they do for their small group that my parents are in. This was a joyous time of fellowship and was very good for me. As I think about the next couple weeks and the birth of our Savior on Christmas. I am reminded of how gracious our Lord is! He has blessed us in so many ways besides just Jesus, though this is the greatest gift. I am reminded to be thankful for everything, for it is all from God! I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a time of rememberance with family and loved ones. Please continue to pray for those I have mentioned in Slovakia in other posts and also for me that I will make a decision about my future that is pleasing to our Lord.

Coming Home

Well Everyone I will be home on Friday, tomorrow. I should be able to function by Monday or so. If anyone is interested in meeting write me at Howiehilljack@gmail.com. I do not have a phone in America yet. Thank you everyone for your support

Roznava Good Bye

Now I am in Rožňava and spending my last time in the town where I did the most ministry. It is a bittersweet good bye but I have really enjoyed my time spent with them. We had a little party on Monday night, which was a good time to connect one last time with everyone. Finally today I was taken to the bus station by Rudo and his family and I am on my way home.

Presov Good Bye

The second city I said my goodbyes to was Prešov, the city in which I lived. On friday I spent some time with some of the students from camp. It was a good time to say goodbye and to continue to share God’s love with them. On Saturday I went with my neighbors Milan and Lydka to one other city to the Christmas Market to spend the day. as usual I really adored the time that I spent with them, they are like family to me. In the evening I spent time with the youth group and afterwards I went with Maťo one of the boys I had been discipling. We walked for awhile and talked about life and his plans for the next couple months. In the morning I went to Milan and Lydka’s house to celebrate Mikulaš day. This is the day when Santa Claus comes and fills their boots (stockings). On Christmas Baby Jesus brings them presents. This was a very fun experience for me to spend another Slovak Holiday here and experience Slovak cultural holidays. In the afternoon I spent time and Peter’s house, my leader. It was a great time to reflect on the fall and dream about the future.

Levice Good Bye

Well I began my goodbye tour this week. I started in Levice the the town where I did my second camp. It was a really great time of fellowship and a good byes. They surprised me with a going away party. It was so perfect, I did not expect it at all. I really felt loved there and a part of their community. I am so thankful for the grace God gave me in allowing me to be a part of this community and to work with the young guy leaders in Levice and encourage them in their ministries. I was able to spend time with one of the students that I have been meeting with, Mišo I am really praying that this young guy will come to know the Lord. As of right now he is a confused young man who does not know really what he believes. Please continue to pray with for this young man, that he will experience God’s love through the group and come to know Him personally.