el ultimo en la RD

This will most likely be my last blog entry while living in the DR...it's a crazy/weird/good/sad feeling! School got out on Thursday and Friday was the last day with the staff, so my days have been filled with lots of goodbyes but thankfully lots of quality time.

Our little going-away party for Amanda and I was a blast. People are still talking about it and labeling it "The party of the year :)." Here's some pics:

The last few days with my kids was also full of fun...as part of our service project, we walked down the Avenida to the river (about an hour and a half walk) to pick up all the trash on the sides of the road. We live in such a beautiful country, but there is trash everywhere, it's really very sad but my kids were excited to serve in that way. They were tired after walking in the heat, but still found enough energy to swim in the river after!

The last day with everyone was very special. We did our awards for the students, then the younger ones had a water party. So, more swimming, plus some hotdogs and ice cream :).

Here's Idarlenne and I...she won "Doulos of the Year" for my class...Doulos=Servant.

Here's all my students that had 90 or better overall on their Report Cards (Frandy, David, Jeremy, Pricila, Ariela and Eliezer). I'm so proud of them and all my students!

And then the water party :):

I wanted to just post a few pictures for today, but I will do more reflecting on my two years here when I write again...until then, take care and I'll see those of you that live in Michigan in a week!

mas fiestas, etc.

The craziness of the end of the year continues and we still have a week with the kids! Our "going-away" party is this Saturday for Amanda and I at our house so we're excited about that. See what else has been going on...

Kyla and Jake had a chocolate party last weekend...I was in my glory :), and enjoyed winning lots of games of Dominoes!

Here's a part of the group at the party...

We celebrated Mother's Day here last weekend at Natan's mom's house. There's his sister Pachi (the one who has the twins), Natan, his Mom, and brother, Elias. His other brother, Alberto, couldn't be there but it was still a fun day with the family!

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I was very thankful for one of my first cultural experiences here with the Fine Arts...living in a small town really makes me miss (and excited to go back to) art, dance, museums, and concerts. But here is one of my students, Ariela at her ballet recital. They were so precious :)!

I will update again before I head back to Michigan on the 24th, but for now, please pray for all the details that are adding up. I'm sending lots of boxes this Tuesday so I pray that they arrive, and I'm still trying to sell my car here, so these are things you can pray for if you remember; also, for this emotional rollercoaster that I'm on to smooth out :). Thanks so much for all your love and support...take care and check back again soon!