Howdy!
Wow, turns out when you give it two months life gets pretty crazy and a little hard to put into a newsletter, but we’re certainly gonna try! Firstly just to address why we missed July, the beginning of August I had the opportunity to work with PROAC (a company run by one of our board members) for a few days. During that time Joel and Danielle’s son Peyton was in a serious accident, and when I got back from working with PROAC we started moving out of our old house on campus into a new one. However, the biggest reason of all… I forgot, anyway lets get into all the stuff I remember from the last 2 months!
Mexico
Mexico was truly awesome as it always has been while still being very unique. At the same time that our team was there, a YWAM team from Argentina was there. From the beginning we all had a connection, we watched the world cup together, Lucio cut my hair, played soccer until midnight twice, and did almost all of our ministry together. This team was a huge blessing, uplifted us, and kept energy high at all times. Everyone on our team at the very least got better with Spanish because of always being in conversation with someone from either Mexico, Argentina, Chile, etc.
Donny’s Highlights
One of my biggest highlights was the first full day we were there, which was Sunday. In the morning I was on the balcony doing devotions and Joel had come up to me and asked if I was still willing to do the sermon that day, and it was at that moment I realized I had signed up to do that. Of course I said yes and made sure my boss and trip leader had no idea this was a slight shock and I was ill prepared.
Luckily I was already doing devotions so I had just kept praying, and remembered a sermon I had prepared during my DTS. I read through it and all the passion that God had given me when I wrote it nearly a year prior came back, I was pumped to speak at church.
Excitement followed every moment from then until standing in front of everyone, probably a little under half of the people being from our team. This opportunity was really special because God has been working in my gifts of teaching and it was very clear during this moment. I had gotten a lot of positive feedback, and the overall excitement from that opportunity pushed me forward through the whole week.
Hannah’s Highlights
There are certainly a few unforgettable moments from this Mexico trip: driving home from Houston after our flight was canceled, rooming with Donny instead of in the dorms, Kai getting lost in the airport, and getting to know Kira better, to name a few. But my 2 favorite memories would have to be hiking and the honeycomb.
The hike had been pitched to us as an easy hike; for an unathletic, non-hiking type such as myself, it was anything but. If not for Kira being beside me the whole way (props to her for toughing out my ugly crying), I would not have made it to the top. I can’t say for sure if I regret not getting a picture of me & Donny on the mountain; I was not doing well.
I think I will always think of the honeycomb for this trip, and I don’t really know why. We visited a family who had just moved into their new Homes of Hope home 8 days before. While talking with them, they shared some of the wild honeycomb they had found on a hike. I don’t know why it made such an impact, but it was a sweet memory I will always remember.
Honorable Mentions
Soccer with the Argentina team was great, however I wish I had the chance to show them how Americans play football because I believe it would have gone slightly better for me. We went on a beautiful hike that certainly tested my cardio. I got the chance to speak again at a different church group. All in all it was a great trip. Thank you for supporting us whether it was just this one time or you give regularly, it got us on that trip and we both are super grateful for God’s provision through you!
Fun Things from July
Each of these are things I would probably have written more on if we didn’t still have the entire month of August to write about.
Donor Dinner
It is always a big encouragement to see just some of the people who have supported us and the ministry in one place! What a reminder of the God we serve, people from different places and backgrounds giving to one ministry as it expands!
Pool Party
We were able to get together as the staff and have a pool party last friday in July in the afternoon. One of my favorite things about working here is the community, being close in proximity and relationship with wise Christians and people in the same walk of life as you is a huge encouragement. We have people to talk to when we need advice as well as people to rally together when something happens.
Schuylkill County Fair
Hannah and I were able to get to the fair twice this year, once alone and once with some friends. We attempted to line dance a few times but it seems I still have some practice to do. Most likely a group of people in our basement (Spoiler alert (kinda)).
Family Vacation
Just before Mexico we were able to stay two days with Hannah’s side of the family for vacation, we had to cut it short but it was a blast. Fishing, swimming, eating, resting, all the makings of a good vacation.
August
Time is going so fast, being in September already is truly crazy. Hannah and I have been married nearly 7 months. All that being said, let’s get into August before it’s October.
Darkness
No, we are not going through a time of darkness- we got a cat. Her name is Darkness, because we are very original. Hani and Darkness are getting along well and playing together. Darkness is becoming more curious of the outside world so naturally we got a harness which is quite funny to put her in.
New House
Hannah and I moved into a new house on campus, which we have been looking forward to for a while. More space is a big plus, but being able to make a house our own together has been super cool. We were able to get a big freezer, we have a washer and dryer, got a clothesline put up, and I’ve been able to do some minor jobs around the house!
Maybe the best part is the ability to host people, we have already had 2 families over for dinner and someone stayed on our couch. I see many late movie nights, and good times in this house in the future!
Millville
For the last few years we have had a church from Millville, NJ, come and stay with us for a few days and work. This year I was able to be very involved with the students, getting to do devotions with them, lead a group each of the three days they were here, and earning several nicknames. Feels like they just left and we are already looking forward to seeing them again next year. The ministry got much cleaner while they were here, and we also had a great time, so I believe the goals we set were met!
Total City
We have started practice gatherings on Sundays, and September 13th we are launching! We will be at a school called Elmwood Academy in Mechanicsburg. Gatherings will be at 9am and 11am. We encourage you, if you’re in the area, to check it out or if you’re as crazy as us and want to drive an hour, you’re also welcome! We are super excited about the roles we have now as well as opportunities that may come up in the future! Right now I am on cleanup and Hannah is with the kids ministry. I love seeing Hannah work with the kids, it is one of her gifts and she is very good at it.
There is plenty more we could write about but I saw an opportunity to keep this to 4 pages and I am running with it. Thank you for being open to God’s provision and giving, and listening to me ramble about the last 2 months. We will see you in October!
Until Next Time,
Donny & Hannah
If you would like to support Donny & Hannah, you can do so by sending checks with an attached note to CMTS Ministries, or by using this link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/donovanhannahulrich/
