Dear Friends and Family,

Kathryn here. Some of you we see often, others, sadly, not nearly enough. Either way, we wanted to be in touch, to write a brief update about our family, and about our 2024 TeamSoren homebuilding trip to Costa Rica.

Overall, our family is continuing to heal from losing Soren.  We live with Soren seeming to be both absent-- but always nearby, making us laugh, surprising us, giving us “new hearts”.  His light is remarkably apparent as we continue making friends and building homes and community through his legacy. We have been supported on this journey in many ways, and by many people—including you.  Another part of our healing is to attempt to find meaning and purpose in our lives and work.  We are finding moments of joy, finally.

Isabel spent the last five months studying in Granada, Spain.  She thrived there, becoming fluent in Spanish and traveling to 8 different countries on two continents during weekends and school breaks. Isabel is a double major at UVM (Global Studies and Spanish), she lives in Burlington and works part-time as a server at a James Beard award-winning restaurant.

After 23 years, Doug has stepped down as the Executive Director of Lumunos.  After a five week mini sabbatical in Spain, he has just transitioned to a half-time Program Director role at Lumunos for 2024.  With his free time he will be building his coaching practice, and seeing what is next.

Kathryn is working full-time at Richmond Elementary School, dividing her time between the Spanish Immersion program and teaching art and outdoor sports in the amazing After School program. She continues finding time to make her own art.

Meanwhile, we are busy planning our next TeamSoren trip to Costa Rica this June 22-30.  On this fourth trip in memory of Soren, we will be taking another energetic group of 20 young and older adults to build homes for two families in Nosara.  One of the most meaningful aspects of these annual trips is feeling the presence of Soren with us. We strongly believe that each one of you is also part of our trips, as you support us in your own ways -- prayer, spirit, and thoughts. Please let us know if you would ever like to join us on a future trip.

Through these last 4 years you have helped us to be part of building 6 homes.  TeamSoren  works under the direction of Costa Rica-based Mercy Home Ministries and their local building team in Nosara.  Maximo, Pastor Carlos, Luis, Mario and others have become friends through the years, as we work side by side and learn from them.  If you are interested in making a contribution to help us with the material costs of the houses, please see the paragraph below. They are so grateful for your support, as are we. So far, MHM, along with partners from the states, have built 220 permanent homes for housing-insecure families.

Information on how to Contribute to the TeamSoren Building Materials Fund: Our fundraising goal is $18,000 – enough for two houses. That’s quite astonishing—we can build a home for $9,000. It’s not pocket change, but in comparison to what it costs in the US to build a small home, it’s so doable. If you would like to contribute, you can do so by sending a check made out to Doug Wysockey-Johnson, with “TeamSoren” in the memo line. (Address:  249 Jericho Rd. Richmond, VT. 05477) If you use Venmo, money can be sent to @Doug-Wysockey-Johnson.  Unfortunately, we do not have a non-profit sponsor this year, so you cannot claim gifts as charitable donations with the IRS.

May you and your families feel connected, be well and strive to find joy and humor, even on the most difficult days.

With love,

Kathryn, Doug and Isabel