Giving Thanks

These past two weeks have been full as I have been acclimating to life here in the Dominican Republic.  My head is spinning at times trying to take it all in.  Sometimes I feel like I need to pinch myself - I LIVE here! It is gorgeous and full of life.

Pointsetta trees- Gorgeous and in Full Bloom

Blessed to be able to have experienced the final two teams from the states here this fall.  These weeks have been a great mix of learning work and just living life.  Dominos. Baseball. Rice and beans. Chinola juice. Motos.

Even when I have no idea what I'm doing- I of course need to try my hand at trash-talking.-It's the least I can do...

Last weekend my friend Nicole and I grabbed a bus to the capital and caught a Winter League baseball game between the Gigantes and Leones at Quisqueya.  It was the BEST! We were grinning from ear to ear.  Of course, catching a little glimpse of one of my faves, Pedro Feliz, helped some too.

San Juan is decked out for Christmas- complete with Santa Claus in the arch and a fancy lit-up manger scene.  And life here wouldn’t be complete without eating a Hippopotamus at Pedro Burgers.  It’s probably better not to ask what’s in it—but it sure is DELICIOUS.

This last group that was here was assessing some communities as they are making plans to develop an ongoing working relationship between their university and a small community near Elias Piña.  How awesome to be able to be a part of their process, use some critical thinking skills, catch their excitement, and be inspired by the potential.

On Wednesday, we took the group to El Cercado and got the chance to show off the Child Nutrition Program a bit.  We spent some time at the clinic and then traipsed through the countryside visiting a few of the many families that I will be working with.   I can’t wait to really get involved with the program come January, but for now Nicole and I will be focusing a lot of effort into the Student Sponsorship program.  This will involve taking hundreds of photos of students the next couple of weeks, as well as compiling other information.  Our organizational skills will be put to the test!

An absolute highlight of my time here so far was Thanksgiving.  I LOVE Thanksgiving.  I have been learning so much about gratitude over the past couple years- "A life of praise and thankfulness becomes a life filled with miracles."  To me, this makes a day specifically set aside to be grateful, even that much better.  We celebrated in family.  Over 20 of us, Americans and Dominicans, sharing together.  I am blessed to have such an amazing group of people here that welcome me as family, and I am blessed to have such a supportive group of family in the states as well.  It’s amazing to see how various people are brought together in different ways and the beauty that can result. 

I remain GRATEFUL.