Sabado
Yesterday, my friends (Rachel & Meredith) and I had a blast at the waterfall. We rode motos out to the waterfall entrance, over rocky roads and through wading puddles. When we got there, it was chilly and about to storm, with a large group already there, from a nearby ranch(o). We got in, and it was f-f-f-freezing! The water was high, and I couldn't swim underneath the fall because of the force; I loved the dip I took though. PB&J's on the shore never tasted better.
Dominicanos often swim in their underwear, and that's exactly what was happening all around us; men, young and old, were swimming in nothing but their undies. It's unavoidable, really. I'll let you create your own mental picture.
I got absolutely soaked walking back in the downpour of rain that started shortly after our departure from the falls--and enjoyed every minute of it.
After a brief time at home, I headed to school to help pack food for the incoming group. Some of the high schoolers were there hosting a facial clinic to raise money for their senior trip. I was impressed; there was even an ultra-violet machine you stuck your head into to see all of the things you didn't want to know existed on your face. While that was going on, Shelly, Jonathan, and I packed up food into tupperware bins and coolers for the Texans to take up to the mountain this week. Packing was finished shortly after arrival.
Then, I headed home and took a nap; really, I lied down on the sofa to read. That quickly became a nap, with sheer exhaustion and the steady sound of rain falling creating the perfect nap environment.
While I was sleeping, I heard a voice in my dreams (or so I thought) calling, "Maddie" in a Dominican accent (Mah-Dee, Mah-Dee). I awoke startled, realizing I was not dreaming at all. Gio, my friend and taxi driver, was at the gate. He came over to visit and check in on me; he's one of my dear friends I'll miss the most. That list of friends is quite long.
Shortly after he left, I heard a clank on the gate. The neighbor from across the street, an eleven year-old named Karina, was returning my roommate's hair straightener. She came in for a bit and sat with me; I offered her water, and we did a little bit of chatting. It's not odd for Dominicans to sit together and stare at each other, even though there's nothing to say. Social cues are sometimes quite different than ones I'm using to experiencing. So, we sat and stared at each other for some of that time.
Then, Shelly came to pick me up, equipped with an extra pair of rain-pants for me to put on, and took me to their house for dinner; off into the night we went. It was surreal being at Shelly and Jonathan's, looking out over the lit Jarabaco, underneath the dark and rainy, night sky. I remembered the first time I had that view -- my first night here. I can't believe time has almost come and gone. They said it seemed like I'd been here for the entire school year rather than a few months, and I agree. My heart feels as if it's been here for ages. We had a delicious bean soup with a well-paired curried-butter grilled cheese. Conversation was cheerful, and the mood was just right. My favorite activity additions to the night were feeding moths to their "pet" lizard, Timothy, and watching Jonathan make homemade peanut butter--then trying it.
Next, we rode off to meet the Tyler, Texas work team just arriving to the Villas. Krista's parents, Carol Ann and Gary, are in this group, and it was a pleasure to meet the whole gang. I have to say it's quite a different group than I'm used to: Texan good ole' boys with lots of construction knowledge and even more of a Southern accent. I guess that's good prep for going home.
Domingo
The work team (First Baptist Church_Tyler, TX), Wallaces, and I headed out to the monastery for church this morning. I was so excited because I hadn't been out there yet, and man, was it worth it. There was an absolutely breathtaking view, pristine landscaping, and a gorgeous church to complete the picture. I felt like I had entered another world. The service was without translation, and I loved every minute of observing the monks, joining in chants when I could, and breathing in the aromatic air.
Afterward, we had a prized time of sharing monk bread, chocolate (drink), and cafe together while learning about the monastery and a monk's daily routine. Truly un bendicion.
When we got back to the Villas, we loaded up and headed over to the school for catered lunch. I loved getting to know the team briefly, before they had to head out to the cafe farm where they'll spend the week.
I've spent the afternoon inside at our apartment, enjoying the sound of rain and getting things "done" before the week starts. God is good to bring us rest and allow us to enjoy His presence and beauty on the Sabbath.
May your week, and especially each individual day, be blessed. To Him be the glory. Amen.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Tennesseeans adjusting and recuperating from the flooding.
- the terrible oil spill and its affect on the Gulf area, now spreading to the Keys...God protect our waters and its inhabitants, along with all of the people nearby who depend on those waters daily
- continued preparation for my heart in the transition of going home, most especially what happens when I get there:
- a job--He will provide
- interactions with friends and family
- a church community--and community in general
- My last week here
- my friends who are preparing to start their lives together as married couples:
- Jesse & Drew, Lauren & Chris, Joye & Parker, Jess & Trevor, Katie & Reed, Adrienne & Robert...
- my friends who have started their lives as married couples:
- MaryGene & Andrew, Jennigray & Chris, Ashleigh & Chase, David & Mary Kathleen...
- For God to reveal to me whether or not a certain dream on my heart at the moment is His dream for me to pursue and how to take actions in that, if it is
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