In the Dominican Republic!

Well, I am here!!! I arrived in Santiago 2 weeks ago today. It has been a whirlwind of activity. I feel like I am on a roller coaster that never stops. My first few days transitioning into the culture were not as easy as I had though it would be. Reality that I would be away from home for a 5 months before Christmas break sunk in real fast. Each day gets better and better. With every passing day, I am falling more in love with the country, the places we've been, the food we've eaten, the people.
Last Wednesday was the open house for Kindergarten. At SCS, Kindergarten is referred to as "Kinder", and I am in classroom B. I have 16 students, 12 of which I have met. They are beautiful children. The language barrier is a bit rough, more so than I had expected. They come from very affluent and influential families. Some are brought to school by chauffeurs, or maids. It is quite a contrast to the kids that I work with at church.
I have gone to the beach, Sosua, which is gorgeous. Today we went to the waterpark, Kascada. My roommate, Jenn, and I have navigated our way around...sort of.
The one thing that I am homesick for is people. I miss all of you so much. Being away from you has shown me how much I value you, my family, my church, my friends. If you have a passport, flights are reasonable, the beach is breathtaking, and the people will warm their way into your heart. If you don't have a passport...apply for one.