Hey all,
After two months of being in Cincinnati, my eye has completely healed and has returned to functioning properly! The iritis is cleared, and the doctor said things look good for now, but it is possible that it may flare up again. At least now I know the symptoms of it, and I know how to go about treating it!
My time at home was relaxing, refreshing, and I had sweet times with friends and family. I really enjoyed my time home. Being back in the states for so long caused me to feel kind of settled in again, only to anticipate leaving again and to eventually face another transition back into life in the DR. As friends are moving on with life after college... living in new apartments, accepting real jobs... all those things began to have a luster to me, and I went back and forth of wishing I was at that stage in life as well. However, the more I thought and prayed, the more excited I got to return to my work in the DR. God still has plans for me to fulfill here, and I walk daily, not thinking/worrying about the future too much, trusting Him and His purpose each step of the way.
My mom is down here with me for her Christmas break from school. We flew into Puerto Plata together to stay at a resort for three days, then arrived at the orphanage on Wednesday. I was welcomed here at the orphanage with children running behind the taxi chanting my name. When I stepped out of the car, I was bombarded with little Dominican hugs and questions about my eye. I also had sweet letters and a welcome sign from my roommates who I lived with in the fall who have now returned to the states. I had a great welcome back.
Christmas here with all 40ish kids at the orphanage was absolutely amazing. I will try and post some pictures within the week.
So, here I am, back again... enjoying the weather much more this time... sunshine with a slightly cool breeze... not hot and sweaty all the time!
Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement through these crazy life changes! :)
My mom and I on Christmas morning with the "mellas" who live at the orphanage, just after opening gifts. These girls are Ari and Arianny, who are five-year-old twins. 
We split the boys and girls gifts on separate tables, and called them up one by one to receive their gifts. Here are a few girls opening the gifts that my mom and I brought down for Christmas. The gifts they receive on Christmas are mainly brought down by volunteers. It was so sweet to see their faces opening and enjoying their gifts.
Some boys from the orphanage waiting anxiously yet very patiently to have their name called to open their gifts.
The girls' gifts!
Indiana and Yanina eating dinner on Christmas Eve. It is a very rare occasion where the volunteers get to eat dinner with the kids! They were all wearing new clothes and did their hair special for Christmas Eve. 
The food line... 40+ kids and lots of volunteers to feed... SO much food! And delicious! A Christmas spent with little ones I love so much and that I will never forget!