The Volky Club in Jarabacoa

On Sunday the Volky (or as we call it - Cepillo) Club came to Jarabacoa. Over 20 Volkswagon Bugs came from all over the country to hang out in Jarabacoa. As we went to a nearby river to park our Cepillos and have everyone admire how beautiful they are, the local news showed up. The following school day I was informed by many students that they had seen me and my bug on TV (they did interview me, but I didn't think I would get on TV). This is turning into a very interesting way to share my life and walk along side others. (The fever is spreading - another Doulos Staff just bought one !).

Baseball Game

I went to the most famous baseball game you can go to here in the DR. It was Las Aguilas (The Eagles) versus Licey. They really are the only two teams that have any kind of competition and they always beat out the other professional teams in the country. Las Aguilas are from the Cibao Valley - where I live. So naturally everyone around here is an Aguilas fan. I, however, am not. Three years ago when I came, Eric Burns - who plays for the Oakland A's, was playing for Licey. Of course I was a Licey fan. He no longer plays, but I would feel like a traitor if I were to change teams now.

The reason being because here, it is not just a game. It is not my team won or lost. It is I won or lost. This is taken very seriously. I would be worse off changing teams then to stay with the "Losing" team (most people's opinion around here). I did lose. In the midst of the last game, my roommate Laura looks at me and says: "Here is the problem. We are at the equivalent of the World Series for the Dominican Republic and we paid $2 to get in." Just think if the United States World Series were only $2!

This was another "Dominican Experience."

Mom's Visit

My Mom left yesterday. It was a whirl-wind week full of lots of activities. We spent time here in Jarabacoa with my students, then we went to the capital to check out the historical part of the country and then it was off to the beach for a weekend of fun and celebrating a friends wedding. I don't think I have ever done so much in 7 days in this country! It was so good to have my mom here and to see family friends from long ago. It made me see how truly important family is. I miss her already. Check out the pics!

Back in the DR

Well, here I am back in the Dr. My mom arrives tomorrow and everyday seems to be filled with lots to do. School starts on Tuesday and my life is back in full swing. What an amazing vacation! God really spoke to me about some things in my life and really began a work of change in me. I really missed the rice and beans with fried chicken and salad. Especially when it's made by Braulio's mom. She says, like most Dominican women, that it's the love that is put into the food that makes it taste so great. No other woman here cooks like her. Everyone is so excited to meet my mom - the pictures she's sent don't do her justice. She is a really beautiful woman. Pray for the beginning of the school semester because I am fighting going back to work. Love to you all in the New Year.