what would we do in the states if we saw a guy riding his horse down the freeway...

Well it's only been a short time since I've been in the DR but I just wanted to give a little update of how I'm doing and what it's like down here...

Things I'm enjoying: seeing palm trees everywhere, the blue Caribbean so near by, delicious fruit and the food in general, cute cute kids who love having their picture taken, the maid singing as she does her work, the music in general, especially the worship music, the wonderful missionaries, never feeling cold :)

kids from a poor village that this short term mission team did a vbs with during the week

Things that take some getting used to: loudness and crazy driving in the city, neighbor's dog barking at 4:30am, Spanish everywhere! (which is expected, but still takes some getting used to), seeing guys ride their horse down the interstate, people wearing long pants and shirts in hot, humid weather (I know it's their culture but it still blows my mind!), school (kinda joking, but kinda serious :))

It's been a good couple of days but I mainly want to tell you about the couple who cooked dinner for us the other night.  They are Cuban, but are missionaries here in Santo Domingo.  They told their testimony and it is miracle they were even able to leave Cuba to come to the DR, through Haiti.  They are not even here legally, but are working on that yet need many prayers.  If they were to get deported back to Cuba they'd be put in prison for leaving Cuba for more than 11 months, 1 day and it would be even worse because they are pastors.  eventually they want to go to Africa, where they feel God calling them to be missionaries! They need lots of prayer though so if ever you think of it please be praying for them!

prayer requests:

1. our health- it could be easy for us to get sick especially because of the amount of time we will be here so pray God's protection on us for that.
2. time management- we don't have an abundance of school work yet but it will pick up LOTS so pray we'll be able to balance ministry, fun, and school.
3. the people- especially the youth group we will be with for much of our time.
4. Spanish- we have been having trouble figuring out what exactly is required for our Spanish course we are trying to obtain so pray all the details work out with all of that.

give.live.love.