Getting closer

Julie is demanding a new blog entry, but the truth is that the updates are fairly boring right now. The teachers are in training this week and as I'm not a teacher, it's been a good prep week.

Wedding plans are going well as each day seems to pass in a flash. We have just over 2 weeks left until the big day and are getting very, very excited of course. My parents will be here next week followed by Julie and her mom and then my grandparents.

It's been so interesting planning a wedding here! It's another reminder of the truly cross-cultural relationship and marriage that we have and will have. It's a constant reminder of the importance of never assuming the other one understands and to talk each and every thing through. It's been good to learn about bringing the American and Dominican life together and it's going to help make an excellent wedding and amazing marriage.

A few of the different things in our wedding: we'll be using Padrinos, who are chosen by the couple to support them in the wedding, the madrina buys the cake and the padrino buys the drinks; they're also in the entrance along with the bridesmaids. We'll be using a wedding program which is a new element for most Dominicans...they normally have someone announcing each person walking down the aisle and each step of the wedding rather than reading it in the program like the Americans are used to.

Feliz Cumpleanos

Happy Birthday to Ariel! We had a fun day yesterday as it is also a national holiday so there is no working! There was a meeting at church for the morning, but in the evening we went out for tacos and then back to his house for birthday cake. Just a few more weeks until we'll be eating cake of another kind! Happy Birthday, Ariel!!

School days

All continues well at the Care Center. We have the majority of kids now in school and have been pleasantly surprised by the number in attendance. Each day more kids are there, which is also quite normal for the beginning of the year. We hope as February rolls around that we'll all be in the routine of school again and see every happy little face showing up.

Speaking of February rolling around, wedding plans continue strong as we finalize everything and continue to bring this day together. My parents will be here in two weeks, shortly followed by Julie and Eileen and then my grandparents! I'm really looking forward not only to getting married, but to having my family and friends here with me! The days have been flying by and we are excited about all that is ahead!

We're back!!

It was so nice to see each of their little faces yesterday! We had a total of 106 kids which isn't too bad, considering. As it is the first week back in class, we expect to have lower numbers, so in the weeks ahead we will have a better grasp of how many kids have really moved out of the village, but we continue hopeful that things will soon be near normal again.

Back to school

We started back today and all is well. Today and tomorrow are teacher-prep days, organizing, cleaning, that sort of thing. We are excited to be opening our doors to the kids on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to seeing how many kids are around and how they are all doing.

Word is that there are still families that will not be moving back in out of fear for a repeat in events, but we will wait and see what that means for our attendance. We hope to continue as normal, taking more precautions with saftey and travel for ourselves as well.

Back to life

Well we are all set to head back to the village on Monday. The staff will be first on Monday to get the classrooms and offices ready, hoping to welcome the kids on Tuesday or Wednesday. We aren't sure what to expect as far as numbers, but are hopeful. This is an effort to help make things "normal" and encourage others to return and move forward with life.

In many ways, our school is a "free zone" for the village, neither choosing Haitian or Dominican. We are about 60% Haitian and have a mixed staff, always striving for equilibrium. Our director, Alberto, has been careful to stay out of arguements in the village and manage our school well in regards to race issues. So we hope this is just another step in reuniting our kids, working together, and showing these kids that they don't have to live the same issues that their families have. I am excited to see them, it's been too long!

Into the village

We went to the village today for our staff meeting. Physically, everything is mostly the same. There is a row of shops that had all the windows busted in along with some other buildings with broken windows from looting, but most things looked the same. Our bathrooms were broken into where we have our storage things, but just little things were taken, nothing of high value.

While we had our meeting, we did see a few trucks coming into the village filled with furniture and boxes...a sure sign that families are coming back. That was encouraging.

What was hard was hearing story after endless story of all that has happened. Looting, robberies, fear, fleeing, it was hard to listen to some things. Some I talked to said they absolutely will not move back to the village because they know this will continue to happen. Others say it's just a matter of time and they'll be back in.

We are still working on a plan for starting back to school. It is supposed to be next Monday and I am hoping that it happens. I'm desperate to see these kids and hug them and know they are really all okay. I worry for them, that they're not eating, that they're in a house with 3 families and 1 bed, that they don't get to play, that they don't get cuddled.

I'm ready to listen to Jeuli singing and see Jonas' broken-tooth smile, to see Carlitos riding on his bike when he's not supposed to and hear little Yira's voice again. I'm ready to go back to school and for things to all be normal, like it's supposed to be.

The village update

Just to give a bit more info about the village, I know many have been emailing asking me about it. I still haven't gone into the village but we are supposed to have a staff meeting there tomorrow. Most families have still not returned but are very hopeful that soon they can.

The stories continue to come in of the looting and stealing that took place in that first week. Nano, the man who makes metal art, had his shop looted and all things stolen from inside. Luis, our doorkeeper, had all of his savings stolen as well. The good thing is that nothing has happened since that initial week, as families have left the village and temperatures have seemingly normalized.

I will continue to let you know anything more that I hear. I'm a bit nervous about going in for a meeting tomorrow...I can't imagine how the families feel when they think about moving back.

Happy New Year!!

I made it back 15 minutes before midnight, just in time to get to the church for the midnight celebration. There was lots of shouting and hugging and kissing and then...it's a whole new year. I was happy to make it back in time, even if just barely, to celebrate with everyone.

Friends!!

I packed in friend time over the last 2 days at home and it was so great! First Jeff and Cali came over so I could meet one of the most amazingly cute babies ever, Dallas! He's only 7 weeks old and super cuddly. Right after that Bethany and Matt Thomas came over so I could meet Bethany's growing baby, or at least see her all pregnant. The next day I went to Megan's house and met with her and Heidi and got to meet their little ones too. It's been years and years since seeing them...but the great thing is that I think everyone is still the same! I'm thankful the snow let up enough to allow some good friend time while I was home!

The village

Many have heard about what is happening in the village but I wanted to let the rest know and clarify what's happening.

About 2 weeks ago, 3 Haitian men living in Caraballo, I'm not sure who they are, killed a Dominican motorcycle taxi from Caraballo. The three Haitians were hidden away in some of the houses in the village for 3 days, in which time frustrations rose from the Dominicans. The Dominicans started going through houses in the village looking for them, then the police and military got involved. It turned into quite a Dominican-Haitian conflict as the Haitians are here illegally and for the most part unrecognized by the government. The Haitians were being thrown out of houses and others, out of fear of riots and violence, have fled the village.

Both sides have made homemade bombs and guns, so the scare is real. Military got involved in the beginning but it appears that things have calmed down now.

At last check, of the approx. 200 Haitian families that were in the village, about 50 remain. I talked with one of our favorite workers today, Fransua, who is staying with his family in Montellano at a friend's house. He has hope that things will get better and they will be allowed back into their homes soon.

We know and trust that things will improve, we have seen trials before and will get through this as well. Please keep these families and the community in your thoughts and prayers as we hope to be able to get back to school soon and know that everyone is safe at home.

Navidad!

And so we made it to Christmas Day. We were still unable to get out of our driveway and down our hill, so my aunt came to get us. We managed to get to my grandparent's in time for dinner and another round of presents. I loved being with all the family and seeing the new additions and how the little ones have grown so much.

Christmas Eve

We stayed at my parent's house for Christmas Eve and had a great dinner and then opened presents. Chistmas is so much better with kids, isn't it?

Finally, a snowman

The Dixon family made the drive from Salem to my parent's house...a drive that took 6 hours but should've only taken 1.5! It was so great having the kids here and seeing more of my family...I was beginning to wonder if I would get to see anyone besides my parents, my cat, and the snow.

Let it snow...no more.

We had some snowy, snowy days here. After a few days trapped inside, my mom and I finally busted out on foot to Gresham. We ended up hitching a ride with our neighbor but walked back along the Springwater Trail. It was filled with snow and even started snowing for us on the way home. It was nice to get out, although I wonder if we really needed the 8 lbs of potatoes I carried home.

Um, help!

The snow just keeps falling. Will this ever stop???

Not in Kansas anymore...

Temperature right now for Gresham, Oregon: 19 degrees F, "feels like" of 3
and I shouldn't have done it, but in Puerto Plata: 82 degrees F, "feels like" of 87

Snow and ice

The progression of the snow yesterday...you can tell in the depth on the trunk and the burial of the bush next to it.

Yah, we can dance

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Visiting

I didn't let the snow keep me in after all today! I walked over to Jenny's house, whom I've been friends with since the 4th grade (Jenny that is, not the house). It was so nice to catch up and cuddle her new baby, Noah, and play with Maddie. Has it really been that long that we can have proper families now??!!

Let it snow...some more!

It is definitely snowing! It hasn't let up the whole day and it is really beginning to pile up. It's been fun though to have a bit of a change of pace, from sun to snow in one simple flight!

A snowy welcome

I made it to Oregon on Tuesday night and was welcomed to lots of snow and cold. It's been fun watching it fall and even trying my snow-driving skills today...yes, I still remember how to drive in snow. It's going to be a fun 2 weeks here.

Family photos

We updated our family portrait yesterday...I think we've all grown up a little bit.

Christmas Program

Today was the last day of the semester for the kids. They did what I think was their best program yet! There was singing and pantomimes and lots and lots of food more singing. Each child received a gift bag filled with fruit, nuts, candy and cake to take home. Their families also joined us for the presentation which meant a very full, but happy, cafeteria. Click on the picture if you want to see it bigger...their faces are priceless!

Princesa

Can you believe how much she's grown? This little one is all personality now and loves to walk around and cuddle and carry chairs! It was so fun seeing her today, it's been a long time. She's already almost 2 years old...time has gone so quickly! Can't wait until she gets to join us in class as well!

Anticipation

The photos of the kids...that was BEFORE their vaccines!

Happy kids

We vaccinated again yesterday and the little ones...well, they weren't so excited about it. The tears flowed freely as they over-analyzed the one small injection! Oh these faces.

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a nice Thanksgiving this year with the Makarios crew. We went to their team house in Puerto Plata and had the fully American Thanksgiving with everyone. It's always fun being together and even better when it's to eat great food!

Home Sweet Home

The van has come back to Kids Alive! It just went on a little vacation, okay a 5 week vacation, and was found on a public transportation route in Haiti. I guess it got tired of the same old thing around the north coast and was ready for a change. Anyhow, it is now back safe and sound which is pretty incredible. To be honest, I might have lost hope that it would return. It's going to be put to use in Constanza, another ministry site where it will be loved and cared for. Now to find those New Kids on the Block tapes that were in the glove box...

Rainbow

The rain brings some pretty beautiful things as well!

It's raining still

This is how our neighbors got to wake up this morning...flooding again! It's been raining constantly for a few days but last night it rained and poured!

That is normally their driveway and the plants are not usually submerged

This is the view out my window, the water is entering their front door. Hopefully the rain stops enough for some of this water to go down and allow everyone to sweep the water out of their houses. It looks like the rain's meant to continue for a few more days. Apart from the flooding though, I LOVE the rain and how cold it is. I pulled out my sweaters and hats and socks for the occasion!

Rainy days

We got some rain today and the kids were let out early because of needing to cross the rising river. Lots of moms came to pick their kids up with umbrellas, but this mom economized and brought a tarp!

No need for school buses around these parts!

Yah, this place starts to grow on you after awhile!!

Little Darlin

I get to do a lot of things in my time at school, but my favorite has to be hugging and cuddling. This is Darlin, or Dacgnne, depending on who you talk to...that's just how names work here. Anyhow, she came in with a fever but in the end was just happy to cuddle after a bit of Tylenol. She sang me songs and told me all about her family and two moms, one dad, siblings, etc. After a little bit she was clearly feeling better and got sent back to class, but she even looked up at me and said, "Gracias por las pastillas" or in English, "Thanks for the pills", meaning the vitamins that they are now taking daily. That was my favorite part of the day.

Jazz Festival

This weekend there is a Jazz Festival happening on the beach in Cabarete. Last night Ariel and I headed out to it and then were joined by his cousin and girlfriend, Jairo and Charlotte. It was a nice time to sit on the beach and listen to music while watching the ocean and stars and talking.

The school

It's probably time to show everyone what we look like at the Care Center these days. The school is actually pretty great in looks these days. We have come to a halt on construction with the next to classrooms due to financial restraints, but otherwise, everything is looking established and healthy. The kids are using the basketball court and seating, our sidewalks are going strong, and the kids love the gazebo! We hope to finish those classrooms with windows and doors and furnishings, but in the meantime we use them as they are and pack tables/chairs back and forth daily. We have changed so much just in one year, it's amazing to look back at where we were...it's all happened so fast!

Dentist

We continue taking kids to the dentist...almost weekly at this point. They're still getting fillings and cleanings and this week should be their last visit before we start with another group. I'm still so thankful for the work the dentist is doing with us, all free, to meet these kids' needs in such a significiant way. She's even offered to come to the school and do dental checks and work regularly, so we're trying to find a way to buy the equipment to make it happen.

Christmastime is here!

As today is November 1st, Candace and I deemed it Christmas-decorating-time. After all, Christmas is just next month, right? We got out each of the Nutcrackers (my mom gives me one each year) and the lights and little trees, it's so great decorating for Christmas!

A bit of rain

Yesterday it rained...and rained, and rained, and rained. It rained so much that the drains filled, the roads filled, and then the houses filled. I know this picture is dark, but it's the road to Ariel's house which is completely covered. His house filled as did the neighbors' and many others in town. The rain eventually stopped and the water drained away in the night, and the morning was spent sweeping and mopping water away.

Vaccines

Despite wedding plans and excitement, I do actually continue to work, believe it or not! In these last weeks, we were able to start something I have wanted to do for so long...vaccines! We now have great contacts here in Montellano where we will be able to get our vaccines and continue the process of getting our kids up-to-date with their shots. We're assuming the kids haven't had any shots, or at least very few, so this is a long road ahead, but it is exciting to see things I've hope and prayed for coming together. We gave all our little guys Polio, Diptheria, and Tetanus shots and our bigger kids Tetanus. We hope to work on all the rest in the months ahead, all of us except the kids that is!

Another happy customer. These are the smiles that make me continue doing this, he's like a little teddy bear, right??

No doubts

So my mom thought I should just let everyone know that not only do I like Ariel a lot, I love him a lot. I thought that would have been obvious and it was kind of just funny to say I liked him a lot, but now it's all clear so no one has to wonder...

And besides, I do like him a lot. I can like him and love him, right?

Wedding plans thus far

So onto the wedding plans, as everyone is asking for all the details.

We'll be getting married February 14th. I know it's a little corny to get married on Valentine's Day, but it is a Saturday and after all, why not?

We'll be getting married here in the Dominican Republic on the north coast at a place called Sea Horse Ranch. It is where Ariel used to work but more importantly, it is a special place for us. We went there on our first official date and many dates to follow. My parents got to go there, and then that is where we got engaged. It is absolutely beautiful and will make for an amazing backdrop. We'll get married in the grassy spot with the trees and have the reception in the restaurant (bottom and top right photos) overlooking the ocean.

My colors are kelly green and pink.

My bridesmaids are Candace (friend/roommate from here), Julie (Phoenix roommate, friend), and Lucy (friend from DR).

We'll have our pastor from our church do the ceremony, but have it translated into English too.

Yes, we'll go on a honeymoon here in the DR.

We're planning on staying here afterwards and yes, I'll continue working with Kids Alive.

So I think I've answered most of the questions I've been sent, but if you have more, let me know!! I'll keep the details coming as things come together, but mostly we're just happy to know that we will soon be married. All the details are just for one day, so we're trying to plan more for the days and years to follow.

Who's Ariel???

So here's some more details and updates about Ariel and me. Maybe I should introduce Ariel first...he is Dominican, 29, accountant, and I like him a lot. He has lived in Montellano all his life and has 3 brothers (he's #3 of 4). He's really good at making juice and keeps us in full stock of passion fruit, pineapple, or whatever kind of juice we want. His heart is made of gold and his biggest desire is to make others happy. His sincerity and honesty have been the foundation of the the huge trust that I have in him.

We met through our church, Templo Biblico, here in Montellano. I remember meeting him at a church retreat a year ago and then we kept talking after that. We started hanging out more and moving onto dating February-ish. Since we began dating, we made the goal of our dating relationship to continue onto marriage. Why else date, right? I'm also a bit more complicated because of being with Kids Alive, being an American, etc. There were lots of "rules" to follow and we were happy to do what was right and walk correctly in both cultures. In May, we were presented at church as an official couple. This came after meetings with the pastors, seeking counsel from others, and lots of time between the two of us. Getting presented was much like getting engaged or even married!! It has been nice though, during these months of dating, to have our relationship supported by the church and those around us. We have many people to love us and check in with us which has been great.

So after having the approval of my parents on their recent visit, Ariel went forward with asking me to marry him. We went to Sea Horse Ranch, a beautiful place on the ocean where he used to work, on Sunday afternoon. We were talking about futures and families and then...he asked me to marry him and gave me my beautiful ring. Was I surprised?? Yes, only because I had been expecting it all the other days and had given up that it would happen on the weekend. So now we're into planning and working out the details for our lives together and our wedding. That's for the next post though...

We're engaged!!!

Ariel and I are both Dominican AND American engaged! It's officially official now and we are so, so excited. Dominican-engaged is having a dinner with both families and talking about it with each side. American engaged is asking the dad and giving the girl the ring and all, and now we've done both! We know this is just the start to lots of adventures in joining cultures and languages and happy days!

NKOTB

So I was thinking last night that also in the van was the New Kids cassette single "This One's for the Children". Hmm. If the thieves only knew now far that rang true.

Hangin' Tough

The saddest part about the van getting stolen (apart from the fact that THE VAN was stolen) is that I had my New Kids On The Block tapes inside. Yes, I still had them, and yes, the van had a tape deck.

On vacation??

Missing: One blue van (also called gua-gua)

Used for: Teams, getting to school, air conditioning relief

Last seen: At the team house the night before

So our gua gua got stolen this morning. Candace and I often joke about it because it is a 16+ passenger van, but it has REALLY happened...they stole it. Alberto and Ariel spent a lot of the day at the police station today, so tomorrow there should be checks along the road of anyone driving a van to see their papers. Hopefully it comes back home soon, we already miss it!

Ups and downs

Sometimes I get disappointed easily. I try not to, but it happens. Sometimes being here, it happens more. It's easy to get a little discouraged when all around you lies needs and needs and you feel helpless to them all. But these last few weeks, I have been encouraged greatly. When my mom was here, we weighed and measured all of our kids. This now makes the second or third time for the kids, so we've been able to track their growth and development. The encouraging part comes when I charted them all and now see that they are truly growing...and well! Kids that were once under the chart are now certainly on it, kids once with red-yellow hair from malnourishment have brown-black hair as it should be due to regular meals and nutrition. I had planned a malnourished kids program where I would be giving the underweight kids extra fat/calories daily, as I thought that was one of our biggest needs. As it turns out, there are only going to be a few in that club. It's nice having the little ups every now and then!

Candace's turn

Candace's parents came on the tail-end of my parents being here...in the name of being fair and all. It was so nice to finally meet them, although I felt like we were already old friends from how Candace and I talk about our families.

More and more photos

These are a few of the thousand photos Ariel took. This was our night in Cabarete...walking along the beach and then holding random lobsters.
Our trip to Rio San Juan, going through the lagoon and caves and all of us together.
Our big dinner together in Cabarete at Blu...fun night and lots of talking!

Santo Domingo

More from our Santo Domingo trip...there were just SO MANY photos!!