Sunday many of the teachers went to church at Vida Nueva. It is a Spanish speaking church, but they translated the service over headsets and radios for those of us who haven't conquered the language yet. I was so glad I could understand the message. I love worshiping here in the Dominican Republic, because so many churches sing well known songs and I can sing along. It brought back memories of when my students and I would sing along to Spanish worship songs off of youtube this past year. (Little did I know it would prepare me for moving here). After the service we went over to the Boehning's for lunch. It was another one of my favorite meals- tacos! However it got better because we had fresh pineapples and mangoes. It was a great afternoon of visiting, getting better acquainted, and playing games together. The ladies had an awesome game of Pictionary going on with a close ending. Several of us took another trip back to La Sirena to pick up things that we still needed. It's a place that draws you in and you wander aimlessly looking for things as you enjoy the air conditioning :) Like a Wal-Mart does for many in the states. We went back to the Boehning's house to hang out. It was interesting to see some of the different television stations/programs in Spanish. Watching them could be a good way to start picking up the language. Visiting at their house was my way of denying that I had several suitcases sitting unpacked in my room. But, relationships are very important in the DR, so I was glad for a day to hang out and get to know everyone more.

Today was an early day. One plus of getting ready early in the morning is it is still cool! We got picked up by bus to go to orientation (there is a bus route for teachers without vehicles). At orientation we each got to introduce ourselves and share how God brought us to Santiago Christian School. It was amazing to hear how God worked in each of us to get us to the place we are today. What a great team of teachers/administrators God has given me to work with this year (and hopefully years to come)! Then we took a tour of the campus and the administrators prayed for each new teacher as we came to each classroom. I wouldn't want to begin the year any other way than to ask God's blessing upon this school. There is much construction going on around the campus, including the construction of a building for more classrooms (hopefully to be done by the beginning of next school year). I loved seeing my classroom for the first time. It is almost surreal to think I'm actually going to be teaching here. And I heard my teaching things arrived that I shipped from home, so I'm really excited to see what I actually packed. (I can't remember what I sent, and I sent a lot!) I'll have the next few weeks to set it up and get my curriculum organized. I'm so thankful for the many people that are so willing to help me figure things out.

We went to lunch at a nice little restaurant (with an air conditioned room- notice the theme of where we go) next to a large moment in more central/western Santiago. Please don't ask me the names of the restaurant or the monument. I'm still working on street and grocery store names :) The food was wonderful, and again we had time to relax and visit. We then went to see the monument. We only walked up to the first landing area, but the view was breathtaking! I couldn't imagine the view if you went up further. Paul explained to us where things were located such as the school, the country of Haiti, the main river, etc.

 The rest of the afternoon I had time to relax and finish unpacking my suitcases, finally. I was able to Skype with much of my family. I have to love technology as untechnical as I am.

I'll end with this thought. Seth shared a devotion this morning that really challenged me. He read Matthew 14:22-33 where Jesus called Peter to come to Him on the water. Peter did, but then he began to look at his circumstances and sink. We are like Peter getting out of the boat. We are starting off strong. We are excited and determined. But, too often, we take our eyes off Jesus. We focus on our circumstances. But, Jesus never changed in this story. He was always right there with Peter. It challenged me to stay close to the Lord, to make time each day to spend with Him, because Satan wants me to doubt where God has placed me and sometimes I give in to his lies. How encouraging though that Jesus didn't give up on Peter and He isn't going to give up on me! Tomorrow's a new day, new adventure...

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.

Praise God I've made it to Santiago! God is so good to me. I met two other single teachers (one is my roommate) and the high school principal, Owen, at the airport in Miami and we traveled together the rest of the way. It was AWESOME to have Owen help with custom paper questions, get through customs and immigration, and collect all our heavy luggage in Santiago! Ryan, something about him reminded me so much of you!) It was smooth sailing the entire way today. The flights were on time and there wasn't any bad turbulence. My luggage stayed intact and all of the luggage arrived. I had some great conversations with strangers about where I'm going and what I'm doing. I stand amazed. When we exited the airport we met up with some more staff including Paul Gibbs, who I finally got to meet face to face after talking with him over the phone and though email. We dropped Heather off at her apartment and then went to Lori and I's apartment. I walked in and thought I was dreaming. Three bedroom, three bath. My room has a walk in closet. I don't need dressers or shelves. It's simple, but it's ours (with a third roommate coming tomorrow). They have provided food and some household things to get started which I'm so grateful for. Soon I'll have air conditioning at night, thanks to the generosity of a great friend. As we drove through town, I just felt peace, like I had finally made it home. Tomorrow we go shopping...

P.S. Sorry about the white background. I won't always copy and paste from my facebook, but I'm going on 24 hours of no sleep. :)