Noel

Over the weekend we were decorating our Christmas palm tree for "Noel," now we're feeling the affects of "Noel" - the Tropical Storm. It hasn't stopped raining for 5 days, there's flooding everywhere. We had to cancel school the past two days, and just wait for the rain to pass. We are safe here in Jarabacoa, but there is still risk of major flooding especially since we're surrounded by rivers. According to weather.com,

"Heavy rain continues to impact Hispaniola, where rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 inches, with locally heavier amounts upwards of 30 inches, possible before the rain ends. This amount of rain will likely produce life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides over the mountainous terrain of Haiti and the Dominican Republic."

Please pray for the DR and Haiti...and wherever else Noel is hitting. Enjoy your caramel apples and Pumpkin spice lattes for me :).

en la lucha

The past few weeks have been pretty tough, really stressful and a bit painful. There is hope though, and I am sure things will start getting better soon. I rarely write on my blog when I am struggling, so there you go...the honest truth. Please pray for me!

To show you that life isn't all hard, here's a pic of some of my kids at our party because they got 5 Stars :).

Here's Pricila from my class and her little brother at their house.

And here I am with one of my "sobrinas"...but I'm a horrible "tia" because I think it's Kiana, but I'm not positive, it could possibly be Kiara :).

So as you can see...life is still good, it's just a little harder right now. I love and miss you all...take care and keep in touch.

gozamos mucho

I had to say goodbye to my mama yesterday...it was tough, but it makes it easier knowing that my whole family will be here for Thanksgiving.

We had some great conversations and got to spend lots of time with my friends here...THANK YOU, Mom, for everything!

Here we are with the Monks (that I teach English to) at the monastery...

Here we are with my 18 preciosos...

Here we are visiting Nina and her family...

And Mom blowing out her "birthday candle" on her "birthday cake" (aka pumpkin pie) made by her and Natan :). We got to spend her birthday together again here in the DR eating Pica Pollo and dancing merengue.

Please pray for me as I deal with being far from family and friends all over again...I hope you're all doing well, I'd love to hear from you!