it's a tough job, but someone's got to do it

improvements

Our food program has been growing too. Thanks to the support of many, we are now able to provide milk, eggs, bread, bananas, and vitamins to my kids. Woo-hoo!

Sidenote- Today in my class of 3-5 year olds. I noticed how all of them were eying the bananas, you know, that look with eyes wide open and mouth particially open. When I asked who was hungry before passing everything out, all the kiddos raised their hands. Sometimes I forget how big the little things in life really are.

my birthday

Last weekend, Jennie, Miguel, Alexia, Royce, Keith, and I went to 27 waterfalls. A man named Joseph also came with us. He was down here for about a week looking into what all Makarios is actually doing down here in the DR. Though it was just for a short time, it was cool to have Joseph’s perspective on things and hear about all the different places in the world that he had traveled. Anyway, we all went to 27 Waterfalls. If y’all remember, I went once last fall and once again enjoyed my time there this go around.

Friday, the day before, was the day that the kids in Pancho Mateo performed the songs that they had been learning with Royce. Sunday, the day following the waterfalls, the kids in Chichigua sang the songs to the church congregation. They all did such a good job!

That church service was really neat in Chichigua that Sunday, not only did the kids sing, but Wisly and his family came down from Santiago and had their babies dedicated. After lots of singing, talking, and listening, we had communion and the pastor washed everyone’s feet that went up to where he was standing. Yes, he wrapped a towel around his button-up shirt and tie and washed people’s feet. I was sitting in the back with a couple of my kids on my lap. Nonetheless, an older man came back to where I was sitting so that he could wash my feet. It was really cool. This was also the day that our next group got in, so they were there at the church to witness all the happenings.

After the service ended, we all drove to the beach and orientated the group on the week to come. Normally we do this at the house, but Sunday was actually my birthday so we opted for the beach instead. In addition to the work we did at the beach, I was able to fit in a little bit of sand volleyball with some of the group members. (I was really excited!) We stayed there and ate dinner on the beach. The group surprised me by having some locals sing and play Happy Birthday on their guitars. During dinner Royce and Keith were on a mission to find a cake which was successful (excito!) and a few people went in and even got me a gift. It was all really special and the weather couldn’t have been more beautiful. Yay for number 23, what a day!

i want to play guitar just like royce

Jezi, Seyè mwen

Royce left this past Thursday, and it was a little weird, even Cristina thought so. He was with us for about 6 weeks, teaching music to the kids in all six of my classes. They learned four songs in total, “Yo solo sirvo a Dios” (a song that he made up from one of their memory verses), “Alleluia,” “Yo cantaré de tu amor para siempre,” and “Cristo.” All songs were taught in Spanish, though some words were taught in Kreyol and English and the entire song “Cristo” was sung in Kreyol in Chichigua. Some days he would bring his guitar and play for the kids, other days he brought instruments for the kids to play. They all really enjoyed it. A week before Royce left, the kids performed these songs in both Pancho Mateo and Chichigua with his guidance. It was precious. He is a big surfer too, so one day the four of us (Royce, Keith, Alexia, and I) went to a surf beach. I had a blast, though it was harder than I thought. I also got a couple guitar lessons in, which was fun. We will see if I can keep up with practicing, so I can keep guitar going with the kids!

new opportunity

In the beginning of February, we were able to give the opportunity to one of the families that lived in Chichigua to move out of the bateye. Wisly and his family have moved to the farmland that Makarios has recently purchased, where they will be able to live off the farm in a little house and work closely with Ruben, a wonderful Dominican who works with Makarios. Wisly was ecstatic about this opportunity to get his family out of Chichigua and have what is for certain, a better life.

the beautiful bride

Wow. Forgive me once again for following behind on updating this. No worries, get ready to be flooded by posts.

Here are a few things that have been going on.

The twin's had their birthday the end of January. It was cute seeing them open up presents (with the help of Ruben's two girls) and eat birthday cake for the first time. We all enjoyed ourselves!

Jennie and Miguel are now married and have been for about a month or so. Alexia and I are holding the house down by ourselves now. Their wedding was simply beautiful. It was perfect weather on the beach with close friends and family. Sharla and Royce sang and played guitar, and the reception was at Miguel's house. Everything was very nice.