Calentador

Oh my goodness...have you ever really enjoyed a warm shower? I mean REALLY enjoyed it? Enjoying it from the moment you step in, to the minute you go to sleep because all you can think about is how wonderful your warm shower was? Have you ever enjoyed one so much that it felt like your FIRST one? If you've never had this kind of love, enjoyment, and appreciation for a warm shower, I would recommend NOT having one for 3 months, taking cold showers every day for those 3 months, then buying a not-so-new invention called a hot water heater, and slowly stepping in to the miracle of warm water.

Trabajo

Yes, sometimes I actually work :). It's fun posting the cool stuff about my life here...but I noticed that sometimes I forget to mention one of the main reasons I'm here - to teach my 16 crazy first graders every day. We just gave out report cards for the 1st quarter last week, I can't believe how fast the weeks are going! We also had parent-teacher conferences and they went really well. It was fun thinking about how my kids were on the first day of school, and seeing how far they've come in just 2 months. The most amazing part is hearing them speak more and more English. I need to start writing down some of the funny things they say, cause sometimes I just can't help but laugh, they are so darn cute! Please continue to pray for their growth, they are WAY below level in each subject, but there is still hope. I also try to remind myself that the education and love I'm giving them is 100 times better than they would be getting in the public schools, so that helps me be patient with their level.

Last week was one of my hardest here so far...I was very sick (again). I was real frustrated with my health, it really takes my passion away from wanting to be here with the kids and just here in general when I don't feel well. I had some kind of cold - cough/sore throat thing, and also a parasite. I took a great pill on Saturday that killed the parasite and any other amoeba-type thing that was in my body. I'm feeling so much better now, but know that I am very prone to catching things here in this country.

This past weekend I got to spend in Cabarete again, this time with my good friend Steph...it was great to get away and relax with her. I feel so blessed to have a friend that has known me for years here to share my experiences and heart with when we can see each other. Here's a picture of us on the beach, we spent a lot of time just chilling because the wind was wrong for windsurfing...so sad! I guess I'll just have to go back again soon, tough life :).

For a random taste of life in the DR, I got home Sunday night and went to do my laundry...here's the cute little mouse that was feliz contento in our washer. So funny! You never know what you're gonna see sometimes :).

Cabarete

Today is our last day together, but being here at the beach for the last few days has been perfect. We got here Thursday evening and have been beach bums ever since. We've had some amazing meals, including the best last night, lobster for all. Mom had a massage on the beach, we've met many new friends, watched the professional kite-surfers, done some shopping, and I learned how to windsurf today. Here's a picture of Mom and Dad at my new favorite restaurant, Casanova.

Here's a picture of me learning how to windsurf with Francois. I'll for sure be back to practice more :)...

I can't explain how awesome it's been showing my parents this amazing country, I'm sure they'll continue to process what they've seen here the past 10 days, and maybe even experience some culture shock going back to the States. Again, please pray for their trip and my emotions saying good-bye til Christmas. I would LOVE to have YOU come visit...I'm a pretty good tour-guide now :).

Mom jumping!

Wow - who would've thought :)?

Mis padres

So, they're here! My parents made it to Santiago safely on Friday night and were quickly immersed into the culture...my mom will never get used to how people drive here :). We've spent a ton of time with my friends here, and seeing all the cool sites around town. It seems surreal having them here at my house and in my classroom! We're heading to the beach tomorrow, so we'll have more time to reflect on their time here in Jarabacoa, I know it's been a fun and interesting experience for them.

Here's a few pictures, one at the Jimenoa waterfall, one sitting in the Cafe at Doulos, and check out my mom jumping off a rock into the river on her 52nd Birthday. She's amazing :).

I'm excited to relax at Cabarete for a few days...please pray for our trip there, for their trip home, and for me to not be lost when they leave :(.