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!