J is currently in Hato Mayor (about 4 hours away) for a coach clinic and discipleship camp with some of our local coaches. They left yesterday afternoon and from what I have heard, it is going great. It is hosted by FCA (just in case you don't know, that is Fellowship of Christian Athletes which is a big organization in the US as well) and is a time to build up coaches from all over the island in skills, drills and more importantly the Word of God and how to disciple their teams. Even more exciting is that 2 of the men helping host the clinic are interested in joining up with AIM to host a clinic on the North side of the island (where we are living). This would be an amazing opportunity to reach coaches in our general area with knowledge and to educate them in so many ways. Please start praying for this possibility as we seek God's direction.
ESL and the Bible study are going great! We had 22 people on Wednesday. Praise the Lord! It started pouring down rain in the middle of ESL which is an issue because the buildings/houses have tin roofs here; therefore, the rain is VERY LOUD and you have to literally yell at one another while sitting a foot apart. But charades came to the rescue as we acted out "turn off the light", "close the window", "sit down please"... Just a few of week 1's phrases. And then, it turns out all of the books were missing page 4 (which was this week's vocabulary). But, God is so good and we managed to finish the lesson in perfect timing! (What I would have given for a copy machine at that time. I don't know if I have truly appreciated the ease and use of one. J wrote all the vocabulary on the chalkboard- yes chalk- and the participants wrote all the words down. And I am beginning to understand the need to "bang erasers" as our eraser is fit to bust. Oh the things you learn and grow to appreciate in the Dominican!) :)
We had a learning adventure with our neighborhood kids a few days ago. It turns out we have an almond tree right in front of our driveway (I knew it as that tree that drops stuff all the time). They were showing us how to bust open the shells for the almond. I again now appreciate almonds so much more, and I can understand the high price as well. After several minutes trying to open one shell, you get 1 (read that ONE) almond. Phew! And it is hard work with lots of muscle. The kids are much better than J and myself. We kept demolishing our almonds so they were just crumbs whereas Jeffrey was going at a ridiculous speed with beautiful almonds. Apparently, the rock you use to open them is very important as well (rounded is better). Who knew? And we also found out we have a pea bush(?). I am not sure if it's a bush or tree or what, but it has pea pods on it. Very exciting. :)
Aubrey is great. Growing and talking and teething. Poor girl. We have been here 8 weeks and she has grown 4 teeth (including 3 molars). She loves playing with the kids and really loves all the attention she gets. She has her Dominican grandma, Tati, (Pastor Rivas' wife) who loves on her. In fact Tati was holding a new baby at church 2 weeks ago and Aubrey was not happy with that at all. Can someone say jealous? She did not want her Dominican grandma holding any other babies. (Tati loved it!)
Well, there is always more to say, but I think we will stop today (the novel must reach an end). Here are a few pictures of our almond adventure.
J and the regular gang working on their almonds.
Miralee and Angie posing. Miralee is only 4 but has the best laugh. One of those laughs that makes you laugh because it is so rich. Praise the Lord for a child's insight into life and laughter!
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart! Psalms 32:11
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