Trials. Adventure.

At first glance, one might be confused how those two words can go together on the same line.  My belief is that they go hand in hand.  My time here has been much different than expected and I have enjoyed it as well as cried through it in order to find my adventure.  I said I was going to be the heroine of my own story but it has felt so difficult lately to see past the mountains, dragons, and goblins.  Things have stood in my way and robbed me of my happiness in the last two weeks.  This is my fault for allowing my circumstances to take hold of me, but my awareness in the matter proves strength and fight from me.  I have had adventures and I have had times I did not think I would get through the day, but here I am, writing again, ready to inform you of the time I have had recently.

I haven't been writing and have been bugged by my mom to write because so many people are checking.  Thank you for those of you who have been praying and thinking of me.  My heart needs it right now as I am getting eager to get home.  So many things have happened that have caused exhaustion to fall and writing to be the last thing on my to do list.  It all started two weeks ago on Thursday that my teacher was not feeling well and left school with some anxiety problems.  Of all people, I can relate to the situation she was feeling as next week she will travel to Mexico for a conference for some reading development for the school here.  She needed to be out last week and this week for some needed rest and tests at the hospital.  I felt pressure to be the teacher without the support of my expert and I was feeling some stress with the apathy and attitude of my students.  

...I Wrote more but my computer stopped working.  i'll finish later. Thanks!

Pictures :)

 Thank you all so much for showing interest in following my story and journey.  I haven't been too faithful to the blog since I have been trying to live fully in the moment and this place.  But while I have some free time before going out on the town, I figured I would upload some pictures and show you my crazy awesome 3rd grade class! They are beautiful children.  I already choke up at the thought of leaving them.  My heart can see a future here in this place.  Much needs to be learned as far as Spanish goes... (Funny side note on that one: the other day I was here alone with our maid, Stella, who only speaks Spanish and three guys came in to take my old bed away as it was causing some bugs to bite.. Not bed bugs but microscopic things that have left their mark! Stella doesn't speak English, I don't speak Spanish and I couldnt get ahold of anyone on their phones! HAHAHA.  Really interesting.  Finally, I reached someone and she helped me communicate with them!) Fun adventures. Everyday is new.  Yesterday, Bethany and I ran back to school about 1.5 miles away to get her water bottle.  The school is accepting of me and the people here have much to teach.  The men in the city get fresh but they seem like they are out for no harm.  More on the relationships between men and women later.. For now, just be praying for the hearts of married couples here and couples thinking about getting married. It is not unlike the men to play the women and for the women to be okay with it. My heart aches for these situations.  Thanks for listening to my rambling! Now for some Room 201 pictures!

The kids got to wear their colors for Valentine's Day! Much different from their usually uniforms! 

They were wound for sound! :) This is my classroom. YAY! 

This is my new favorite chocolate. Not Dominican, but from Papa New Guinea.  Delicious on so many levels. 

Was so shocked at how the clouds looked like mountains.  Then I found out they were mountains and had a momentary tourist freakout! Also, note the traffic along the Kennedy.  Most major roads are named after U.S. Presidents.  Figure that one. 

My favorite lunchtime reward.  Fresa (strawberry) Yogen Fruz (Frozen Yogurt).  Refreshment in a cup! 

A structure along the ocean front, or Malecon. 

My view from the bus on our way back from the field trip! 

The elementary school soccer teams against a local school.  I will be cheering for them come Monday for one last game! 

Middle school soccer boys getting warmed up.  Blessed to have been able to ride with the team and visit this school. 

Beautiful and historical Colonial Zone.  The city is divided into different zones and this happens to be a very important and historical one.  

Old apartment buildings in the Colonial Zone. 

The oldest/first church built in the America's. 

Bethany and I wearing matching Bulls shirts on Valentine's Day.  I supported a friend and represented my loves team and favorite town! 

The kids during flag ceremony during prayer all decked out in their pinks and reds.  

These are 16 beautiful kids! One was hiding from the picture. haha SO FUN AND COLORFUL! :) 

In order from left to right back to front: Juan, Opinio, Sawen, Manuel, Sophia, Salma (Hiding!), Jean, Miguel Angel, Sarah, Shenoa, Enrique, Beinvenido, Isabella, Daniela, Miranda, and Mia! 

Too Busy to Blog! :)

It’s been entirely too long since I have written a blog so while I am in a planning period at school I decided to update you all on my time here in the Dominican.  I’m sure it is no surprise to those of you who have been following the blog that I am having a wonderful time.  I am trying to enjoy and soak up every moment I have been given.  This past weekend I enjoyed some quiet time as I was not feeling well.  Many kids and staff are not feeling well here and continue to be missing school for various illnesses.  That being said, you should know I am feeling better and getting adjusted to the beautiful country I am in. 

Last week, on Thursday, my students and the other two third grade classes got to go on a field trip to the colonial zone here in Santo Domingo.  We went to the children’s museum and they were incredibly good and had a lovely time.  I was blessed to be able to see a bit of the history that zone of the city has to offer.  It’s the oldest part of the city and has forts and architecture from the time the Spaniards came to the land.  We passed the ocean, or Malicon, on the way home from the trip.  The sight of the ocean always leaves me breathless. 

Since, I have been busy planning lessons and enjoying the presence of my housemates.  We are planning on going out tonight and enjoying dinner.  I am feeling the effects of Valentine’s day as the kids were crazy! Everyone is still so kind.  It’s been a blessing on so many levels.  Pictures will still be on their way.  I am enjoying my time incredibly.  Teaching has provided entertainment and challenges as these kids are the hardest to manage I have ever experienced.  Their hearts are beautiful and I love their sweet hugs and words each day.  More to come soon! 

Apartment Bonding. Pictures.

Hello! I know I already wrote today but I wanted to share some images before I did some planning for the night! Prayers would be appreciated for our apartment tonight.  Ms. Terry (principal and Dominican mother) got sick tonight and hasn't felt well.  The girls and I helped clean up after her and we are now trying to avoid the flu at all costs.  First time I have ever cleaned up vomit! haha. I also wanted to share some pictures with you all. :) Hope you enjoy!

 The sweet book I thought of before my departure. Oh the places I have already gone.

 The sw

Side note: Two precious students offered to tutor me in Spanish during lunch/recess. I offered to help tutor for the Spelling Bee. :) Great exchange, I think! Also, went to the Dominican's Olympic complex today. It is a few blocks away from our apartment.  Bethany and I both ran the same pace and did a mile together! This felt like a beautiful accomplishment. :)