Wednesday morning the new staff, their families, and the administrators (and their families) loaded up and headed to Puerto Plata to Gran Ventana (an all inclusive resort). I had my agenda of what I was going to do for three days including read, working on school curriculum, and swimming for hours each day. God had a different agenda for me, which included building relationships with the staff.

The minute we walked into the hotel I was quite taken back by the grandness of the entry and the view beyond it to the pool and the beach in the distance.
I knew I wouldn't be spending much time in the room. We checked in and went to lunch. There weren't just a few things to pick from on the buffet at each meal. It was option overload. They had several kinds of fruit, a salad bar, bread bar, dessert bar, different kinds of rice, vegetables, meats, etc. I was so full. And just when my food would settle it was time for another meal! Maybe that's why the pool isn't really deep, because people would sink and drown. By the way, I love being an adult and making the choice to go for the dessert first. I had to make sure I had room for dessert and this was the only way to do it. After lunch we found our rooms. The buildings were shaped like triangles with the rooms on the outside and a beautiful garden courtyard in the center.

Lori and I were surprised walking into our room for several reasons: First, it was as cold as a refrigerator (and unless you turned it off, you froze). I think I'm adjusting to being hot. We chose to freeze most of the time and enjoy being cold while we could. Second, we had no lights until we were later told you had to put your card in a slot by the door to turn on the lights (brilliant because you never had to remember to turn them off, you just took your key out). Even then we went without lights the first night since we couldn't find the switches (they put them in odd places we didn't think to look). Third, there was a big television with several channels including some in English (even though I wasn't ever in the room long enough to watch anything). Fourth, we had a refrigerator with soda and water and a beautiful fruit tray.

After our discoveries we got changed into our swimsuits and went exploring with several of the girls. We walked out to the beach, found where we could get unlimited drinks, and ended up back in the pool.

We spent the afternoon floating around, chatting with each other, and drinking pina coladas. Then we got ready for dinner. People tended to dress up more for the evening meal. Meals were one of my favorite times, not just because of the delicious food, but because I knew it was one of the few times during the day that most of the staff gathered and we could enjoy each other's company. No one was in a hurry to get done and move on. After dinner we got together (again in a frigid air conditioned room!) for a time of worship and devotion. This was another one of my favorite times. That first night each of us shared about ourselves including one thing that surprised us coming to the DR, I knew the SCS staff already from orientation, but it was nice to meet the spouses and children and to put families together. People shared many different things that surprised them, but the overwhelming response included the openness and kindness of the people here. This culture is so relationship oriented and community based. It definitely makes the transition easier to know you have a group of American and Dominican people that truly support you!

After devotions we got out the games for a while before bed. Stacey taught several of us how to play Dutch Blitz. I started off well, but quickly went negative in points. I don't think we really cared about what or how we were playing as much as the quality time spent together. Okay, maybe I do have a competitive side to me, but I'm sure I'll have opportunities to improve my speed next time. Then we switched to the headband game. It's the first time I've played and it's really fun. However, trying to remember the names of animals at 10 pm at night can be challenging. It was good to laugh though.

I will say that even though it felt like I slept in a refrigerator, it was the first time in two weeks that I was able to snuggle under the blankets and sleep soundly.

For breakfast the next day they had just as big a buffet as lunch/dinner- eggs, french toast, pancakes, fruit, cereal, muffins, smoothies, etc. After a couple cups of coffee I was ready to hit the beach. There was a staff volleyball game, which I didn't play since I was already playing bocce ball with some of the ladies.
I actually won a couple times, even though my ball throwing skills are almost non existent. And I didn't knock anyone out around us. The water was pretty warm and the waves weren't too bad, so Stacey, Kristi, and I got our goggles to go snorkeling. The reef was covered with a lot of brown algae, which someone said meant the reef is dying. It was disappointing to see it in such a sad state. Because of this, we didn't see a whole lot of creatures. I did see a few schools of fish, some beautiful iridescent small blue fish, and several sea urchins. These weren't the small sea urchins I saw at Sosua. These had long spikes that probably could have gone clear through my foot if I stepped on one. Well, after seeing some of these on the ocean floor, I was terrified to go back to shore thinking I might step on one. But after swimming a ways out and seeing I was the only one out there, the thought of sharks eating me outweighed the possibility of stepping on a sea urchin. (I've watched too many shark movies.) I made it back to shore pretty quickly.

We went to lunch at a cafe place on the beach, so we didn't have to get changed for the buffet (even though they wouldn't let us in wet, they did allow us to get food and go to another area to eat). They had things like hamburgers, quesadillas, nachos/cheese, and pizza. It was nice to have some of my comfort foods again. By the afternoon the wind picks up on the beach and I was pelted by sand. So, it was off to the pool.

We had time to read, enjoy the swim up bar with as many drinks as we wanted (making sure they were non alcoholic), lay out (and attempt not to burn), and float around. The thing I loved the most about the pool is that time seemed to stop. No one had a to-do list they were anxious to get to. Technology had all been laid aside. And it opened up the perfect opportunity to just talk about life. It was neat to hear about others experiences in the Dominican Republic, their families back in the states, their interests. I was able to listen to Ruth speak in Spanish and understand some of what she was saying to me. I had someone help translate what I had trouble understanding. I've learned it is just as tough for her to learn English as it is for me to learn Spanish. We can both figure out simple phrases and want to communicate with each other. Little by little... I'm looking forward to seeing us both progress throughout the next months and soon be able to talk together, even if it is in broken English/Spanish.

We all knew we were going to the Italian restaurant after our evening meeting Thursday night, but most of us decided we couldn't wait that long to eat. So we had two dinners. We ate a light dinner from the buffet (of course including dessert first), and tried to save room for our second dinner. After dinner Dave, Stacey's husband, led us in worship. We sang the song "Oceans". I love that song. It constantly reminds me that God has called me out on the water and He won't leave me to walk through the waves alone. I can continually give the fears that arise over to Him knowing He's never failed me and He won't start now. Then Alan gave the devotion. It was a reminder that we need each other for encouragement and support. God placed us here, working together for a common purpose. After the devotion we all walked over to the Italian restaurant. We were there for a couple of hours, which is typical, because in the Dominican culture no one rushes, especially at meals. I hadn't gotten a chance to really visit with Kristi and her family up to this point, so it was great to get to know them better over dinner. Seth and Anne also sat with us. It was a beautiful evening with a cool breeze blowing through. I love all the outdoor dining. The Dominican weather is perfect for it, especially because it cools off in the evening. It was a late night and I knew it would be an early morning since I wanted to see the sunrise. After hitting the snooze a few times I did make it to the beach before 7 AM, but the sun was already up. There were very few people out, so I used that quiet time to sit on the beach and read my Bible.
The waves breaking on the rocks were distracting, but seeing so much beauty around me caused my heart to overflow with praise and wonder at the majesty of God. The expanse of the ocean is huge, and I am so small. Yet, He created me and loves me and has a plan for me. What a wonderful way to begin the day!

At breakfast I had a chance to talk with Stacey again and find out more about her family. One question I've asked all the staff that have been here already is what has been the hardest thing for them and how did they overcome it. I know transitioning into another culture is difficult and I'm willing to listen to any words of advice from those who have come before me.

After breakfast it started pouring, but the rain was short lived and we were all going to be wet anyway, whether in the pool or at the beach. I spent my last couple hours at Gran Ventana visiting with Paul, his wife Hollie, and Anne at the pool. Again, I went on this trip with different expectations for how I'd spend my time, but God had a much better plan. I am so grateful for every conversation I had. Little do they know just how much I was soaking up as I listened to them share their experiences and wisdom. Overall I really enjoyed getting to know them better on a personal level, not just professional. Sadly we had to pack up after lunch and head home. I had fun, got to relax, and enjoyed being spoiled thoroughly. I only wish I could have had time to talk with ones I didn't get to talk with.

In the past I have missed great opportunities to grow in my relationships because of fear (fear of being judged, fear of not being accepted, etc) . But God proved to me this week that if I will trust Him and step out of my comfort zone to speak to others, He will bless me far beyond what I can imagine. It was a quiet bus ride home. I think most of us couldn't keep our eyes open. It's time to get back into the routine at home. I may not have all of the things that make me comfortable, but I've already decided I love being just where God put me (heat, skimpy meals, cold showers, and all).