el tiempo va rapidisimo

Time goes too fast...but I am so happy that my friends were able to come! We had a great time both here in Jarabacoa and especially at the beach. Here's Renee, Fonz, and Andy with my kids.

Here's the place where we stayed in Cabarete...it's always so hard to come back. It was a perfect place, right on the beach, a few minutes from town with our own pool and poolside restaurant.

Here's everyone at Casanova after a great meal.

Here's Andy and Renee at Lax...another great restaurant right on the beach. We ate and drank well the whole 4 days we were there!

The guys even got to watch the Pistons play in our condo...AND go to the Casino. Here's Natan and I before we lost our money :).


The time with my friends was much needed...it was hard to say goodbye, but I am so happy they could come and be immersed into my life for a week :).

Fiesta

My fun weekend started with an embarrasing display of 20-some roses AND candy bars at work from Natan who definitely got some brownie points :).

The day proceeded with a nice dinner at a great restaurant where we celebrated a year "officially" together full of growing and laughing and fighting and learning and loving.

That Saturday we celebrated three birthdays at our house. My roommate, Amanda, our friend, Greibys, and my Birthdays were all within the month so we had everyone over for some good American food: hamburgers, hotdogs, corn on the cob, watermelon, and a great cake. Here's Amandy and I ready to blow out the candles...I don't remember what was so funny, but I love this pic of us :).


After such a great weekend, I'm so thankful that I have more to look forward to...Renee, Andy and Fonz are coming on Wednesday!!! I'm SO excited!

Dia de San Valentin

Happy Valentine's Day!

Usually I just blog about what's going on in my life...today, here's a little reflection on what's in my mind and heart.

I think in Spanish we have the right idea...there are three words for our one in English..."love". Amar, querer and encantar. I love my students differently than I love my family; I love chocolate differently than how I will love my future husband. I love the beach differently than how I love my best friend. Yes, I love them ALL - but in Spanish the word is more specific to how I love them. We don't have to clarify. But, even though in English we just have one word to describe how much or in what way we love something, it's still a pretty sweet word and feeling :).

In the Bible, especially in the New Testament - love is defined as the culture of the era. I've been reflecting on that today...especially living here in a totally different culture. Is love the culture of my home? Is love the culture of my classroom? Is love the culture of my life?

Yeah, Valentine's Day is a little cheesy...but if it lets you eat a little more chocolate, spend a little more time with the ones you love, or reminds you of the love in your life, then thanks Mr. St. Valentine.

P.S. My best friend that I love sooo much is coming in 6 days!!! Renee, Andy and Fonz will be here the 20th and I'm so dang excited :)!