ASON International's Year 2023 in Review
Well, folks, 2023 has been a whirlwind of a year for ASON International. In the flurry of eventful moments, time has slipped by almost unnoticed. Each moment, though fleeting, has left indelible marks on our memories, much like how relentless streams sculpt the earth. These moments, filled with God's unfathomable love, have reshaped our understanding, even when the connections weren't immediately clear. We trust that each event, whether clear or obscure, serves the greater purpose of His kingdom.
In April, I was honored to join the board of directors of ASON International. Already acquainted with Ellen, and the exemplary work of ASON, little did I know that within four months, I would transition from a board role to a full-time staff position. Working closely with Ellen and traveling to South Asia and the Dominican Republic, my bond with and passion for the people we serve deepened significantly.
This year has been marked by notable achievements. In April, our construction mission trip successfully completed Berta's house, offering a safe haven to three girls she had taken under her wing. May brought Ellen and a team on our Annual Israel Pilgrimage during a period of “relative” tranquility. We continue to pray for peace, hoping to maintain this as an annual tradition continuing in 2024.
June was a time of joy at our annual Summer Camp for sponsored children in the Dominican Republic, followed by the grand opening of the Word International School's new building, accommodating grades 1-9. Our next goal is to add a third floor for grades 10-12, paving the way for our students to pursue university education.
Late July saw Ellen leading a construction team in the Dominican Republic to finalize our "Jardin de Niños" Daycare for Adonai Ministries, which celebrated its grand opening in September. Concurrently, I embarked on my journey with ASON, revamping our website and social media presence, and immersing myself in Ellen's achievements over more than two decades.
The following two months were a whirlwind of activity, including a fundraiser in Minnesota and back-to-back mission trips to South Asia for an annual field visit, and the Dominican Republic for our cherished annual child sponsorship Christmas Party. These events offer sponsors a unique opportunity to personally engage with and serve the children they support.
Reflecting on my path to ASON, I marvel at the impeccable timing of events this year. God's timing, mysterious and perfect, orchestrates our lives like a grand symphony. In this symphony of life, moments of silence, quiet diminuendos, and powerful fortes all play their part. Though we may not always understand our role in the moment, in the end, it all harmonizes into a masterpiece beyond our wildest imaginations.
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