Looking back on 2023

The best way I can describe 2023 is it was a wild roller coaster ride of a year. With some amazing highlights and yet some tuff losses.

Georgia Ruth Byrley was married to Grandpa Chester for 65 years until he passed in 2013.

Shepherd is now 13 months, he has lots to say, and with his impressive fast crawl he loves to explore all the places, especially if its outside. There have been lots of "firsts". Watching him grow and learn, (we also have grown and learned:) has brought emense joy to Jamie and I. We did lots of traveling throughout the year, shout out to Jamie for taking Shep on 16 different planes! A few of our trips were back to Ohio to say goodbye & grieve with family.

Margaret Ann Swords was married to Grandpa Lloyd for 62 years until he died in 2004.

We lost both of Ronnie's Grandmas in 2023. Grandma Byrley (93) in May and Grandma Swords (99) in December. At the beginning of May we decided to fly back so that Shepherd could meet both Great Grandmas. What a special blessing that we had that time together. Both Grandmas were strong women of faith and some of the best humans I've ever known. They loved us so well. We grieve because we miss them, but we are proud that they are our Grandmas. What a joy it was to spend time with family, cousins, aunts, and uncles who we hadn't seen in years.

Ministry over the last year has been busy with learning new roles in the YWAM

office, debriefing, teaching, HOH builds and working with the MA networks. Living in Chula Vista has been quite an adjustment as well. Building new community, a new church, long border waits, very expensive groceries and gas have all been learning curves for us. Apartment living makes us all miss our yard, especially the dogs. Thankfully we have lots of parks and fun things nearby to keep us exploring outside.

Learning to maintain a routine with Shepherd while traveling was not always easy:) From cold, wet, windy Scotland hikes, to camping in Joshua Tree, to lots of Mexico adventures he seems to love

conquering new places as much as we do! We are so proud he is our son.

As we look to 2024, our 1st quarter starts off busy with debriefing and a couple DTS teaching weeks. We are excited to see what the year brings! YWAM San Diego Baja built 360 houses for low income families in 2023, which is just a piece of what we do, we are so honored we get to be apart of such an impactful ministry. We are ready and excited to see what 2024 brings!

We are so thankful for all of you, all of your support and prayers. We ask you for your continued prayer over these 3 key areas:

Family- Our marriage, Shepherd, and join us in praying for another:)

Ministry- 2024 looks to be very busy, prayer for protection, Teaching, Sensitivity to Holy Spirit

Finances- We are in need of monthly partners. Please reach out if interested