This Little Gringo Went to Market

A splendid day at the market! The sun was shining, the people were lively and different types of goods were being sold all over the place. Everything from chickens, to cooking utensils, to bracelets, to clothing, and the list goes on. It's safe to say that if you need something it's probably available at the market. My experience in the market was definitely an adventure! A few of my friends and I ventured out to find some new clothes for them and some candy for me. It was a great day and I'm very grateful that the Lord has provided me with so many fantastic opportunities.

Thank you for your prayers. The Lord's hands were on us here during the tropical storm. We are praying for those who are being affected by the storm on the US east coast.

My Typical Dominican Day

7:00 AM - wake up and get ready for school
8:00 AM - ride the motorcycle to get to school
9:00 AM - start class with singing and prayer and listen to the lesson for the day; then eat breakfast
10:00 AM - recess and play games; then rest time
11:00 AM - practice writing and learning the alphabet; bring the school day to an end
12:00 PM - clean up at school; then go home for lunch
1:00-3:00 PM - free time (take a nap, read, etc.)
4:00-6:00 PM - Taekwon-Do; go for a run
7:00-9:00 PM - eat dinner and hang out with my family
10:00 PM - get ready for bed
11:00 PM - hit the hay because I'm super tired!

Of course, being Dominican, my schedule is never set in stone but this is a what a typical day often looks like. Some days I have the opportunity to help in the medical clinic or hang out with my Dominican friends. Just going through my typical daily routine takes a lot more effort here than it does in the States. I have to constantly focus on everything that I am doing because everything is in a different language and part of a different culture. Things that seem so simple back home can be a lot more complicated here. I think that is the reason I feel so tired at the end of the day...because my brain is on overdrive trying to communicate in Spanish as I encounter new things every time I step out my front door. Each day gets a little easier but by 11:00 at night I am completely exhausted. (Many nights I dream in Spanish so I wake up tired some days as well!)

Thanks for keeping me in your prayers!

Meeting Physical Needs

This week I was extremely blessed with the opportunity to watch some surgeries performed by American doctors! I learned a lot about medical work in missions and how much of an impact it can have. The team of about 30 people came down from North Carolina. Not all of them are medical personnel but all are very willing to help. They preformed several tonsil surgeries and some more complicated ones as well. They did great work and helped a lot of people. I got to know one of the team members quite well and his name is also Travis. He inspired me to want to further seek a profession in the medical field. It is great to meet new people and learn new things while serving the local community.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

Becoming Dominican

I am doing great and continuing to enjoy my time here very much. I have been spending a lot of time with my family and friends and feel like I am becoming more Dominican every day. I'm learning how to joke and laugh with my friends the Dominican way and I do my best to have meaningful conversations. It is exciting to experience a new culture and meet new people. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers!

The beautiful Dominican landscape

¡Feliz Cumpleaños!

I am very blessed. My Dominican family celebrated my birthday with me and it was great! They bought me a cake and sang "Happy Birthday" in Spanish. I am so grateful for my sweet family here!

Taking a Bath - Dominican Style

Everyday I fall more and more in love with this country and the people. I'm making a lot of friends and I'm really enjoying getting to learn a new language.

I had the opportunity to observe three surgeries so far and it is quite the experience! I made good friends with Sandy, who is one of the doctors here and helps with the surgeries. Sandy is also one of the youth leaders and is just an all around amazing man.

The other day my friends Monchy, Nicole, and I were caught in the rain while ridding back to the guest house to play dominoes. It was really fun and an excellent opportunity to take a bath! Monchy and I dropped Nicole off at the guest house then took the scooter and splashed our way to a canal. At the canal we washed up and cleaned our clothes. At this point it's still pouring so we take the scooter to the river and took a bath there as well. I had a blast and now I officially feel Dominican.

My Spanish is improving tremendously! I can understand much more and I'm able to talk better as well. The best part of this is that I can joke around with people. :-)

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers! Missing you!

Another picture of my cute little class

Smiling Faces

The Dominican is a beautiful country with wonderful people. I am learning a lot about the land and the culture. They grow all kinds of different fruits and vegetables and the wildlife near the mountains is just incredible! The people that I have met are super kind and loving! I was told by one of my friends that Dominicans always have a smile on their face and are always up for a good joke. I'm finding this to be very true, and I enjoy every minute of joining them in laughter.

 

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers! 

 

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

 

 

Pickled Pizza

It's the end of week three at the school and everything is going very well! Yesterday we celebrated the birthday of the teacher I help with. Her name is Cesarina and we took her out for pizza. I am really enjoying being a part of everything here and being treated like one of the family. I'm making new friends at the church and trying new things. Yesterday I had Dominican style pizza complete with corn, pickles, and ground chicken! It was yummy.

God is continuing to teach me to trust in Him with everything and to let Him take control. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers! They are very appreciated.

Cesarina - She's awesome!

Teaching and Learning

Today was the last day of week number two at school and I am doing well. I am enjoying the chance to teach while at the same learning a lot myself. There are eleven amazing children in the class that I help with. I have been teaching them songs like Jesus Loves Me and Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. I've also been working on teaching them the colors in English. I really like the kids and I believe they feel the same way towards me.

God is teaching me to trust in Him and rely on His strength. I am very grateful for your thoughts and prayers!

Hurricane Isaac

Thankfully the storm wasn't as bad as it could have been here where I am staying. We only got a lot of wind and rain. Please be thinking of those who have been affected and will be affected by this storm.

First Week of Classes

The first week of classes is over. I help teach pre-school and sometimes it feels like I'm learning right along with them. I taught them a few songs ("Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes"). I also taught them the colors in English. I'm really enjoying the experience! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

My Class

Dominican Familia

Here is my amazing Dominican family! They are so loving and take great care of me.

Left to right: Tommy, Amos, my dad Tony, my mom Larys, and Set

Classes Begin

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

This is painted on the front of the school building. It says a lot about what the school stands for. The people that work at the school are dedicated to showing the love of Christ and providing a good education for the young people in the community.

Countdown to School

School starts in twelve days! We have been prepping the class rooms, cleaning, decorating, checking what supplies we have, and getting stuff sorted out so that we're well informed and ready to go. I will be helping with the 3 to 5 year old students. I'm really excited! Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers!

Hair Cut

Today I got my first Dominican hair cut! It was quite the experience. It took about twenty minutes and he used a straight razor for some of it. It was interesting and I am very pleased with the results. Plus, how can you beat a good hair cut for $2.50?!

Before

After

Pictures from my Dominican Family's Home

My family lives on the 3rd floor of an apartment building and here are a few pics of the view from their place:

Mi Familia!

My new Dominican family is great! They do very well at taking care of me and helping me to understand stuff. My little brother's name is Amos...he is very good at playing the guitar. He makes me feel like I am really his brother because he plays with me and tries to talk to me. My middle brother's name is Tommy (Toh-me). He is funny and always chill. He makes me feel right at home. My oldest brother Set is cool and can play the drums super well! I enjoy hanging with mis hermanos (brothers).

My Dominican mom Laris, is the principle at the school that I will be teaching at. She is nice and super funny and is always asking if I am hungry. (I'm definitely not worried about going hungry here!) My Dominican dad Tony is quite the joker! Much like my real father. :) He is always making jokes and laughing. I feel so welcomed by my whole family and they are taking great care of me! Thank you for you thoughts and prayers!

Con Amor, (with love) Travis

Just Me, My Father, New Friends, and the Dominican

Okay, one day (without the team) under my belt! The Dominican is an amazing place with amazing people and I enjoy being here. However, I know these four months are going to be tough so your thoughts and prayers are most helpful! Thanks!

Adios Ingles!

Tonight is my last night with anyone who can speak English! It is a bittersweet experience because I will miss them but I am excited to start my adventure here. I am praying for all of you and thinking about you. Thank you for YOUR thoughts and prayers, they are most appreciated! Love and miss you all! God bless.

Getting to Know the People

I am having a ton of fun getting to know the people here in the Dominican! We just got done performing our skits for a group of VBS children and they loved it!

Learning to lean on the Lord's understanding as I continue to embark on this wonderful journey.

Day One in the DR

Today is the first day here in the DR and everything is going well! We did our dramas at one of the churches and they really enjoyed having us there. God is so great and has kept everything running smoothly. Thank you for your prayers, they are very appreciated.

This is the guest house where we are staying

Join me in the DR!

Check out my blog to stay updated while I am in the Dominican Republic.