"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone O Lord make me dwell in safety. Be at rest once more O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you!" (Psalm 4:8+116:7)
Within the first week of my moving to the DR, I made this sign and hung it above my bed. If I could testify about one thing, it would have to be to Gods faithfullness and protection. I came here to give and to teach, but have found instead that I have been taught, adn that the Dominican people have so much to give meand teach me! I have been blessed with protection and safety and peace in many l situations. God is showing me so much by living here, and I pray He uses me to bless these people as well.Thank you first of all for your prayers for me, I have seen them answered again and again in many ways.
It has been a busy and productive 2 months! I really enjoy my work and the people in Palo Blanco. It is a neat place and its exciting to see how God is using the centre to reach many people in the community. We have jsut gotten a store set up as well, with much donated clothing and shoes, which parents can "buy" from with points collected from having their children attend regulary, coming to parent nights and sessions, church, etc.
I have also started teaching an English class to the teachers, 1/2 hour a morning and 1 and 1/2 hours on friday. I really enjoy this class, because it gives me the chance to get to know them better, and just have fun together, its been neat , and they really seem to enjoy it, whcih makes it even more fun!
I also teach an hour a day to grades 1 and 2. again, they are so eager to learn, and I love to help them. We dont have a set english curriculum, so I have been making alot of it, also I notice they pronounce some words with a PEI accent, so thats kinda fun as well!!
Teaching english, Ive noticed, also helps me with my spanish, which can use all the help it can get!
I continue to study 2 hours a day with a tutor, and have seen some progression.
Just this morning I was at the Colmodo (local store) when the mad in line asked me somthing, i was prepared to give him my "Lo seinto, Yo no hablo espanol" when I realized, HEy! I understood that, and i can respond! (this was encouraging to me!)
All the women with KidsAlive in Jarrabocoa meet once a week for a bible study and lunch (about 9 of us) we are currently studying the book of Romans, and its just a great time to connect with people that even though you are in the same ministy, you dont always see during the week!
This coming week is Semana Santa (Holy week) the kids dont' have school , so it will be a bit more of a relaxed week, we will continue to work on projects and curriculum, but it will be a little less structured and I will have a chance to do some different things :like take the kids from the Arc orphange to the beach for a day, visit some homes in Palo Blanco of the teachers for dinner, etc.
Two of my room mates, Kami and Allison will soon be leaving and moving up the mountain to Constanze, where a new orphange is being built. We went up last weekend and got their new home ready to move into! we cleaned and cleaned and painted and cleaned all weekend!
while I am sad to see them leave, I feel very blessed to have them for the time we did share, we couln't have gotten along better, and will try to visit them whenever possible! (although I have been car sick for the first time ever..lastweekend, going up that mountain road..) :)
Thank you for your prayers and support, it means so much to know people are thinking of me and praying for me. Thank you especially to those who have sent cards and emails, its so encouragin to hear form home!
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