Practicing pure and faultless religion in Jaibon, Dominican Republic

Hola de la republica dominicana! I have arrived safely and have been here already for one week, though it seems like a lot longer. To be honest, it's been a hard week. I arrived homesick and was regretting my decision to come down here for so long. I am doing somewhat better now, but I could still use your prayers. It is super hot here and it burns all my energy. Also, I would like to enjoy my time here to the fullest, without being homesick.

Despite the mosquito bites all over my body, the sweat dripping down my face and my homesickness, this week was still amazing in so many ways. Here are some highlights of the week:

*I was part of a team that taught 2 VBS's in the local mountain communities. The first had around 80 kids waiting for us when we got there and they cheered us on. The second had over 200 on the first day and by Thursday, there were 350! It is amazing how easy it was to get them to all come and how excited they were to come back. It is so hard to get kids to clubs and VBS in the states...

*The kids all ran after us and grabbed the bus after making us sing a bajillion songs. They did not want us to leave!

*The mountain villages are beautiful. Banana trees, vibrant greens and a view of the valley and grenn mountains...so amazing!!! Furthermore, the people are beautiful too. So many awesome people live up there....

*I worked with 3 other ladies to teach the Bible lessons...in Spanish! It came so naturally and I loved it! We taught about Jesus, Samuel, Paul and Daniel.

*The boys here at the orphanage are a lot of fun. This week we put on a festival for them, played bingo, watched Toy Story and played board games. During our free time, we go visit them and play all kinds of things like bubbles, keyboard, basketball, etc. They get so excited to see us and play with us (and our toys that we bring...)

*There was a crazy thunderstorm here, it felt wonderful!! We played in the rain with the boys.



Here are some things for you to enjoy...

You know you are in the DR when...

Seeing a dog fight
a cow in the street is totally normal

Seeing cows walk by on the street doesn't excite you

Sweat is part of your daily attire

Mosquitoes are your worst enemy. And flies.

It is considered cold when it hits 80 degrees

MORE TO COME!!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Homesickness
2) Bug bites are driving me crazy and the heat too!
3) That God will continue to use me and teach me!


FUN ADVENTURE OF THE WEEK: Exploring Santiago: shopping, monuments, cultural museum, Pizza Hut, McDonalds!!

THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS!!!!