It's been a while since I have posted! I am still alive. God has certainly blessed me this year in so many ways. It's hard to believe 2016 is coming to a close. I am looking forward to seeing my family in a few days. So much has happened since my last post. We are finishing the 1st semester in school. The inauguration of the new building at Santiago Christian School was in September. 

It gave the school families and community a chance to see all the changes that happened over summer. The best part was seeing (and hearing) the reactions of students, parents, and others as they walked through the campus. It was a race to the finish line in getting the new building up and going before classes started. But, they did it. This fall the staff of SCS spent many hours preparing for the re-accreditation of our school. The accreditation team came in November and after all their observations recommended us for re-accreditation. This was a big answer to prayer. I love my class this year! They connect so well with each other. Each student is so unique and it has been awesome getting to know them. They love Legos! Our built in shelf below the windows in a perfect place for plants (and Legos). I see their imagination shine through their many creations that they proudly build. My new classroom is awesome! The built in cabinet space is so helpful. It is so easy to organize and hide things. It's been fun for the students (and me) to decorate for each holiday.  The air conditioning makes it much easier to teach without outside noise and for the students to focus and learn.

In the last few months the DR has had massive flooding from tropical storms. The torrential rain just would not stop. Rivers were overflowing, streets turned into raging rivers, homes were destroyed, and the damage was extensive. Daily we sought the Lord for relief. It's hard to imagine that at this time last year we were in a drought and prayed for rain. The sound of rain went from a calming sound to a "worrying" sound for many of us. We had several days off due to flooding. The break was nice, but knowing so many were suffering was a constant reminder to be on my knees in prayer. Our school was able to collect food and supplies for a lot of families in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic. We sold Hope for Haiti food and supply kits that will be delivered there by one of our SCS families. For Thanksgiving break I was ready to escape town and the rain for a few days. A couple friends and I went down to the southeastern part of the DR. The weather in Bayahibe was much nicer!

We only had a few minutes of rain in the 3 days we were there. I had forgotten how sun felt after weeks of constant rain. The sunsets were breathtaking! I loved listening to the waves break on the rocks and was reminded of the awesomeness of my God through the beauty that surrounds me everyday. The glory of His presence is all around me!

We took a catamaran to Isla Saona, toured Altos de Chavon,

relaxed by one of the many pools at our hotel (with stunning views), took a carriage ride in Santo Domingo, and just had a good time enjoying the company of each other during our time away. The colors of the ocean never cease to amaze me. If only I could truly capture the vivid colors that blend from one into the next.

 

I came back ready to finish the quarter strong (as did my students). We didn't have an official staff Christmas party this year, because we opted to use the money on a few projects in the areas that needed help from the flooding. We will actually get to help with one of the projects when we return from break- rebuilding a block wall that had collapsed. The more casual get together for the staff was still really nice and relaxing, with another beautiful view of the city. 

In October I helped with a pediatric medical clinic. I wasn't able to speak much Spanish, but doing something as small as stamping hands of children helped me feel like I was a part of this great outreach. The clinic was recently opened by our pastor's wife in a very poor area in need of inexpensive medical care. 

I also had the privilege a couple weeks ago of helping watch some really cute kids at El Arco de Jarabacoa while their parents got some adult time together. And who wouldn't love getting in some snuggle time with the babies. It is definitely a place I want to return to. God is opening doors for me to reach into our community and I leave each place so abundantly blessed. The biggest gift God has given me this year has been the gift of friendship. God has blessed me with people to encourage me, pray with me, laugh with me, or just sit up and talk into the early morning hours with me. As this year closes, I reflect upon the lessons God has taught me this year. There have been times that I have felt the mountain top experiences and there have been times that I have walked through the valleys and storms. God has proved Himself faithful every time. How easy it is to lose perspective and focus on the wrong thing. I'm learning to replace the lies I've believed for so long with the truth of God's Word. On the difficult days I'm finding reasons to be thankful. My attitude is a choice. I read this in one of my devotionals recently: You may think that "the heights" refers to the very top of the mountain you are climbing. But if you stop and look back at how far up you have come, you'll realize you are already on a high place. It's time to celebrate all God has done this year and look ahead with anticipation to all He's going to do in the next year!!