8 Months

I hear about people taking 2 or 3 months to visit another country or do missions, but here we are coming up on 8 months! It's almost hard to believe. Kurt & I are pretty well settled into life here in the DR. We're used to the way things are, even if we still get frustrated :) Fixing the car can take a few days, or going to the grocery store can be a pain, but it's part of daily living. We've celebrated both of our birthdays now. (Unfortunately, Kurt happened to be sick on his! There's nothing like experiencing a little Dumb & Dumber toilet trauma 2 days before your birthday.) We've had Kurt's parents visit & my sister. We've learned to speak a little Spanish. And we've developed genuine relationships with the people here. Through it all, we're doing what we believe God wants us to do... use our gifts and abilities to help a ministry organization disciple to those most unlikely to be reached. It's amazing what can happen in a little over half a year. Can't wait to see what God has in store!

What's New, you say?

Freedom has it's very own apartment!! We were blessed by a monthly donation toward the purchase of an apartment here in San Pedro. The apartment is set up to house groups, families, and couples. It is open to anyone who wants to learn more about Freedom. You can join us out in the bateyes during the day, share life with us in the evening, and gain a better understanding of what God is doing here in the Dominican through Freedom. We welcome visitors at anytime! The apartment is ready and waiting for YOU! 

Pre-School

Last week was our first week for Pre-school with the four-year-olds in Lima & Pinones. Monday was a big step for us as we introduced letters, numbers, colors, & shapes in both English & Spanish. We've also included craft time, a game, snack, a Bible story, and memory verse. The first day everyone was shy & unsure of what to expect, but after one week, they're back to their normal busy little selves. It's hard to keep their attention, but we're trying! I'm in charge of helping them learn their numbers in English and creating a craft for each day. Kurt is taking care of the game & helping the kids learn their colors and shapes. It's a lot of repetition, but I'm really enjoying it. Kurt says he gets tired of always having to be excited & energetic :) It's good for us both & is a step towards a school for the ministry. Now, all we need is some land to be able to move all these adorable kids into Kindergarten next year!

Bible Story Time

Our Little Kiddos

Bringing in the New Year

Man, it was a blast & so unexpected, but exciting! You never know what's going to happen when you're invited to an event here in the DR :) We enjoyed bringing in the New Year in batey Lima. It was eventful... full of LOUD music, lots of singing, some fun skits/dramas, and even a little bit of food for all to enjoy!! Kurt & I stayed up until 2:30am, at which point, we made the drive back home to San Pedro. It was all worth it & different than anything we've experienced before, but yet so much fun. We love what we do & the friends we've made!!

... with style