Planes. Customs. Sun. Coffee. Rain. Intense Drivers.

Beinvenidos a Santo Domingo! Or for those of you who lack Spanish knowledge, (much as I have found out I do), that reads Welcome to Santo Domingo! :) I made it into the city last night at around 1:30 Dominican time. To my Ohio followers, it was about 12:30 your time! Getting ready to leave yesterday was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Saying goodbye to my parents and Lane was emotionally exhausting. I felt terrible but told them, after a bit of afternoon lunch at the airport I was ready to be through security so I didn't have to prolong goodbyes.  They understood and stayed there until they saw I got through security okay! I waved goodbye and headed to grab some coffee (courtesy of my sweet Lane) before I headed to my gate.  Sitting at my gate the speaker came on to announce that my gate had been changed. Luckily it was close and the people were fun to watch nearby!

I left Columbus at around 6:45 after about an hour delay for reasons I am still not sure! We sat on the plane most of the time.  And it was one of the most rewarding waits I have ever had in my life.  I met two lovely sisters beside me, Brenda and Barbie, who were on their way to Barb's first cruise experience from Miami.  They talked with me the whole way and I have never felt that a plane ride went to quickly until this experience.  After a picture and exchange of names and emails, I left them at Miami to continue on my journey.  Because we left from Columbus late, I was sure that I would not make my flight to Santo Domingo from Miami.  BLESSED I AM! The Santo Domingo flight was running late as well and I departed from Miami around 9:30 I believe. It's all been a whirlwind! :) I sat next to an Australian man and his son headed to Santo Domingo for a baseball camp and he helped me fill out my travel card information! As the ride continued, I found myself snuggled up on my three seats I had all to myself (the plane was not full in the least bit) and I slept my way into the Dominican.  I was a bit anxious about the whole customs/travel visa thing. But I realized quickly that getting my passport stamped, collecting my bags, and going through customs was really really really, I'm going to keep emphasizing REALLY, easy.  Whew! Deep breath. I did it. I flew alone for the first time and I was successfully on my way to greet the elementary principal, Ms. Terry Ropic and the driver of the school.  Nerves kicked in again, but the welcome was beautiful.  :) I am blessed to be surrounded by caring people.

Danny, the driver, helped me take my bags to the car.  Dominican's enjoy having big cars and fancy things. I've learned that in less than a day.  My mind has continued to be blown when talking to Ms. Terry. I found out that the families at the school I will be in have a Nana and a driver most times.  The students in the school are middle class students. It is not uncommon to have help right at your service.  Ms. Terry informed me I will have two other roommates that are teachers at the high school, Shannon and Bethany. I have yet to meet them but and very excited to do so! I got in last night and Ms. Terry had a ham and cheese sandwich for me and I drank the water from the cooler thingy we have :) (unsure what to call it!) We talked for a long while and I went off to my very own room for the night and began putting some things away to help settle my mind from the overwhelming amount of knowledge I had gained! I laid in bed with the windows open, listening to the city.  We are located in the heart of the city in the penthouse apartment that is bigger than the size of most U.S. houses I know of.  (The school provides housing, apparently).  My mind is blown at the fact we too, have a driver that will come pick us up, and a maid that works Wednesday-Friday.  I am going to have to get used to that one. So... I laid in bed and finally got to sleep here around 5am.  My sweet little sleepy self didn't wake until around noon. I showered and went to greet Ms. Terry at the breakfast table.  We shared a ham sandwich and drank some of the most delicious coffee I have ever had. I am going to have to learn to make it myself because I will want it more than morning time! :)

We sat and ate together and I then went back to my room to finish unpacking.  My room is very spacious and I also have my own bathroom.... It's very interesting how going into this I knew little of what to expect and with each passing hour my mind is blown even more. After a bit, I figured out the wifi and have been iMessaging with Lane a bit as I waited on Ms. Terry to get ready to walk down to the bank. Emailed mom to let her know I was alive and well! And then we headed off to the bank.  I'll have to write more about the experiences later.  For now you need to know I have come to the conclusion my Spanish is horrible. That's causing some overwhelming senses but I know there is beauty in learning again! I will be challenged by the language barrier.  And that is OKAY! :) Went to get frozen Yougurt at Bon and then got a cheese crossiant from a local bakery! Hoping I can get some fresh fruit soon.

I think I will go now. I'm sitting on our patio at home all by myself (Ms. Terry is next door getting her hair and nails done;) ) and the rain is coming down. I am reminded of God's promises to me in these moments.  I am feeling a lot of emotions and I am excited to learn with each new day.  I am feeling blessed with the life and chances I have been given and intend to make them count! I will say yes to whatever is asked of me and continue on the path to discovering myself.  Prayers and thoughts are appreciated.  I'll try to write again soon!