Recently, I had the opportunity to spend three weeks in Guatemala attending a language school. It was an intense yet deeply rewarding time of growth and connection. With six hours of Spanish-only classes each day from Monday to Friday, my brain was constantly in overdrive, but the challenge was worth every moment.

Hello Friends,

As we step into this new year, it’s natural to look back and celebrate the highlights of the past—moments when things went just right and we saw incredible progress. Yet, God continually calls us forward, encouraging us to trust Him as we press on into what’s next. Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Hello Friends!

We all have our own way of celebrating this season, don’t we? Some of you are Hallmark Channel regulars, watching each new Christmas movie where the snow falls, the inn is saved, the happy couple kiss, and where little holiday magic (and maybe a touch of mistletoe) guarantees a happy ending. 

I’m writing to you from a hotel in Reno, NV, in the midst of my busy fall meeting schedule. I just returned from a wonderful weekend in Alturas, California, where I had the privilege of sharing God’s Word with women from Northern California, Oregon, and Nevada.

As the crisp air of fall rolls in, our team is embracing the season with cozy blankets, warm cups of coffee, and—our new favorite—soft and stylish sweatshirts! We’re thrilled to welcome this beautiful time of year and want to share some exciting updates with you.

As summer fades and school routines settle in, we at Dare for More are gearing up for one of our busiest seasons. The fall is packed with mission trips, speaking engagements, and exciting plans for the future. We’re grateful for your continued support and prayers as we dive into this season.

Being on staff with DFM for the last 2 years I have heard all about what is going on in Guatemala, but from a distance; the answers to prayer, the beautiful products, and the impact on the people, but I longed to see it for myself.

I was so grateful when an opportunity opened up during July of this year. But preparing for this trip was a big task for this mama.

Reba’s Recovery and Recent Travels

First and foremost, our CEO, Reba, is recovering remarkably well from her recent knee replacement surgery. She still has several months of recovery before she is expected to be back to normal, but she just returned from a fruitful trip to Guatemala. We ask for your continued prayers for her healing and strength as her travel schedule picks back up and she begins to get back to her normal schedule.

It’s been an incredible few weeks for our ministry, filled with enriching experiences, meaningful connections, and impactful conversations. I wish I could take you with me so that you could see firsthand how God is at work in the hearts and lives of women.

Meet Tere, our baking instructor whose journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Growing up as one of six children in her family, Tere faced early hardships when her father left, leaving her mother to support the family. At just 7 years old, Tere found herself shouldering responsibilities beyond her years, helping care for her siblings while her mother worked tirelessly to make ends meet.

It’s been an exciting season for Dare for More over the past few months. Our transition into a new office space has been a significant blessing.

The phone rings, and the team springs into action. Beds are prepared, clothes are gathered, and a meeting is called to prepare the home for new members. The facts about each person never tell the full story, but they are enough to cause our team to feel the sadness deep in their hearts.

I am thrilled to share the exciting developments within our team in Guatemala, as their growth in various aspects generates much anticipation for the upcoming opening of our safe house.

Some days in life are easier to rejoice than others. On the tough days we do mental gymnastics trying to remember the goodness of God and the reasons we have to find joy in Him. But sprinkled through the tough days of life are these moments when we overflow.