Last night I was getting ready for bed around midnight and I see this large bug on the wall of the bathroom. It was big enough that I almost shrieked. I don't know how it got in. We have screened windows! But, I didn't want to wake Lori. I stood there a minute before deciding to go get a cup to catch it. I went to get the cup and when I came back it was gone. Not a good feeling. I found it in the bathtub flying around. I quickly got the cup over it, but then was clueless what to do. So.... I left it that way. Overnight, trapped in a cup, in the bathtub. And then I dreamed all night that it had escaped and ended up in my bed. Thank goodness it didn't. This morning I asked Lori (my housemate) to "take care of it" and she did. First night, first scare. I was so thankful it was not a tarantula or I would have had a heart attack.

Today was shopping day. Paul and his daughter, Robin, took Lori and I to three grocery stores. At the first two stores he walked us through how to figure out prices, what brands to consider, how to pick fresh produce, etc. The stores seem to be a lot like the ones I'm used to except with less selections of many things and everything is in pesos (I'm learning quickly how to convert pesos to dollars to compare to U.S. prices). I did recognize a lot of the name brand items. We had sub sandwiches for lunch. We didn't do much buying until the third store, which happens to be within walking distance of our apartment. Lori and I had thought through some things we knew we needed right off that were very important. First up for me....coffee pot! Followed very closely with heavy duty fans. The temp got up to at least 95 or higher today, so it was quite warm in our apartment (I am so looking forward to eventually getting the air conditioner installed). We had several other things we needed for the apartment and so we had Paul running around the store finding things while Robin patiently waited with the carts. Needless to say, by the end of the afternoon we were worn out, but ready to start unpacking and organizing the apartment.  I am starting to understand where things are located in this side of Santiago, even if I still can't give a taxi driver my home address.

Our third housemate arrived today, Kyla. and it was nice to finally meet her. Sheila Boehning, the middle school principal, and her son, Cameron (who will be one of the high school teachers), dropped Kyla off so I got to meet them too. Our neighbor, Darlene, who has been here as a missionary from the US for 39 years, also showed up to introduce herself. It is such an answer to prayer to have an American in our apartment building who can help with a lot of the new stuff. And she invited us to come play her Wii (when it's cooler)!

Sheila and Cameron took me to get more large jugs of water, so we'd have plenty to drink and stay hydrated. It is awesome to have people that can translate for me (just until I start getting conversational Spanish down). I find it frustrating to not being able to communicate, but a lot of us are in the same position and in time that will change. I'm determined.

Sheila then invited me over to her family's house to visit and stay for dinner. Along the way she took me to a bakery up the street that makes amazing pastries and other desserts. Then we HAD to stop at a nearby coffee shop. It is my new favorite place, because it has air conditioning, free wi-fi, and coffee. These are in walking distance, which is good because I can walk off all the goodies I eat when I get there. When we finally got back to her house I met her daughter (who is a freshman) and her husband. They are all so friendly and welcoming! Even though I just met the entire family, it's as if I knew them for a lot longer. That's how everyone seems to be in the Dominican Republic. That's why I fell in love with this country so fast. From their rooftop I could see the mountain ranges on both sides of the city- so beautiful. They have two dogs (and I love animals), so it was like a little bit of home. We ordered pizza for dinner, so I didn't have to cook my first meal..... yet. The days are hot, but at night there is a cool breeze that makes it easier to sleep at night.

Tomorrow we are all going to church together and then going to the Boehning's house for lunch. Another day, another adventure.