3 Weeks

 Its been almost three weeks now, which sounds really short but it feels like I've been here forever!  I'm now finishing my second week of Spanish classes.  The first day I knew it would be hard when the professor walked in and said in Spanish, "Only Spanish in this class" then proceeded to speak very rapidly (at least to my ears) in Spanish.  I am studying a lot and learning new things every day.  One of the girls in my class is from Haiti and is here studying English and Spanish with the hope of going to college in the US.  We have been meeting a few times a week because she wanted help with English, and I also get to practice my Spanish some, so that has been a neat connection. 

  Last week I got to go to the main university here, University of Santo Domingo.  The family I'm living with has vision to do ministry on the campus there, and are praying about opening up a community center or house near the campus where students can come hang out and build relationship.  There are 170,000 students who travel from all over to attend- just walking around the campus there are young people everywhere!  I'm excited to see what God does with all this and how He may use me there.

  This week I also got to go out to one of the villages outside the city where they have a women's ministry.  There was a lot of talking and catching up (mostly observing and having short conversations on my part), and then we did a Bible study.  Though these women have nearly nothing, they were so friendly and kind and have the joy of the Lord.  I could tell how much the women from the village love the ladies who come out every week, and they know they are cared for.

  I am still in the stage of not seeing exactly why God has me here, but am learning patience as I trust in Him and stay close to Him.  God reminded me of this verse: Phillipians 1:6 "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  All that really matters is staying close to God and trusting Him to continue to work in me the things He wants.  I'm so grateful for such a loving God! 

I'm Here!

I arrived safely in Santo Domingo on Saturday after a long flight and an even longer delay (the car breaking down) once getting in to the airport!  I started learning from the moment I landed that flexibility and trying to be laid back is going to be key as I get settled in.

It seems like everything is different here- the way people drive (they love to use their horns all the time), the language, the money, and the way people stare at me because I'm an American.  Even the grocery store is a challenge, trying to figure out the value of things- I did the calculations on a box of Special K cereal and realized it was $8 in U.S. money!  I definitely did not put that in my cart.

Next week I start language classes at the University.  I am excited to study and practice so I can communicate better with those around me.  It will be my first time taking a taxi here, so I'm hoping for a smooth transaction! 

Though its been alot of transition already, God is with me and has been encouraging and refreshing me.  I'm learning to keep perspective and keep my eyes on Him as He leads me through each day.