This Beautiful Place

Mike Hohnholz's song "This Beautiful Place" plays in my head so much here. There are so many stories, so many sweet faces, and so much growth that is happening in only 6 weeks.

My daily routine:

-All the teachers come to our house and we prep and pray for the day. 9-12 class: 8-12 1st grade children (Thank you Mom, Cara Lynn and Anne Marie for your presents. We use the pencils, toys, papers and supplies EVERY DAY! Such a blessing). 12-3 rest/run (yes, I run in this heat! I went for a run the other day and got VERY lost. I believe it is now a given that I get lost. I got lost A LOT during Rose Festival, in Seattle, in Costa Rica, and now here. But I was Guided to safety and actually enjoyed getting to know the town. VERY WELL!) 3:30-5:30 M/W/F orphanage (games, baking, and activities with the sweet kids!) and come home and rest.

We went rafting this weekend and it was BEAUTIFUL! I've been before, but this was the most beautiful trip I've ever taken. 

It is difficult to put into words how sweet these kids are. They love to be loved, and every day I am BLESSED to be greeted by their smiles, hugs, and I have the opportunity to be their "caballo" horse every day, picking them up and running around. This Beautiful Place is filled with beautiful, resilient children. 

Thank you to everyone for your prayers. It is such a blessed experience, and we have been mostly healthy, very safe, and are loving the "work".

Thank you as well to all my supporters; this place is incredible, stunning, and it is such a blessing to have been able to come here.

Prayers:

-The children, that they are safe in their homes and that they come to school rested, happy, and eager to learn about our Creator.

-Sarah (the other intern) and I, with our Spanish, our hearts, and where our focus is

-Our other teachers, that we can continue to become one unit for Christ and these children.

All my love,

Elizabeth

I'm here!

Happy Father's Day!

I have been here in Monte Plata, DR for about three days now. We were in training last week in Jarabacoa, and then separated to our locations a few days ago. We start school tomorrow; first grade. I am teaching with two Dominican young women who are very sweet. We are very excited, but I have heard the 1st grade class is a bit rowdy; pray that they are eager to learn and willing to listen and participate!

It is beautiful here. Every single Dominican I have met is absolutely stunning. I live with Sarah, another intern, and Rebekah, a full time missionary, on the school grounds. We have two Dominican girls living with us as well. Thank you everyone for your support, thoughts, and prayers. I can hardly believe I am here but am truly excited for the next five weeks. We have driven around town quite a bit, and the poverty here is unlike anything I have seen. Yet so many people smile, talk with you, and are truly eager to help. It's a beautiful place to be.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying your summers with your family. Have a blessed Father's Day and talk with you soon.

All my love,

Elizabeth