Visas, can't leave the Dominican without them

Praise the Lord!!  6 out of our 7 guys were approved for the visas.  According to several sources, this is a very high percentage to be approved.  But, we are still working on getting the last man approved for a visa, so please keep praying for this!  I cannot wait for their trip and the training and growth they will experience while in the States.  To be honest, I am slightly jealous that I will not get to be there to undergo this with our guys.  It will be an amazing week and from what I hear, FULL of dinners (apparently they have about 34 dinner invitations!).  What a blessing to have such a loving AIM family who are willing to share their homes and love on our guys. 

Here is a picture of a few of them dressed up ready for the interview.  J went with them to Santo Domingo this past week overnight as they had to be at the embassy at 7:30 am.  J said it was a fantastic time of hanging out and bonding with one another.  Something always important for a small team to do!

While in the States, our guys will be receiving training from FCA!  (What a privilege and honor for us for FCA to take part in the lives of these men and AIM's work here on the island.)  But, before they leave they are completing some online training- the 3 Dimensional Coach which from what I hear from them is FANTASTIC.  Here is a picture of them during dinner break of the training this past Saturday.  We got some pizza and I made cookies.  (And just to brag a bit on my husband, he is translating the entire thing as they watch it.  I am quite impressed with how much better his Spanish has gotten in the past 2 years.)

 

While J was in Santo Domingo, Rafael and he met with the AIM coaches in San Luis to find out what needs they have and ultimately how they are doing.  It was a great opportunity to hear them sharing their adventure.  One of the coaches J met was wearing the shirt from last year's FCA clinic.  On the back of the shirt he is wearing it says "giving my all" or "all in".  In this case, this coach has given his all including the color of his shirt.  What was once true black is now a dirty brown because  of all the time he has spent on the field in the sun.  I love seeing some faded shirts!!

 

 

The past 2 Sundays, Aubrey has gone to Pastor and Grandma Tati's house for the afternoon (which mom is LOVING!).  She plays, has a great time, eats and comes home ready for a nap.  This past Sunday J and I were invited and J got into the water games.  (I will admit I put Aubrey up to this to splash him and Niriel really got into it.  She has quite the arm.)  So here are a few pictures of our fun in the sun...

 

And one of Aubrey ready for the day.  I will say she gets her fashion sense from me and her faces from Daddy!  :)  (And she picked the converse herself.  Something I promote quite strongly!)

 

 

Praise God for our family here on the island who are willing to help in any way possible and our family in the States and Canada who love and support us.  We are blessed to have so much family all over the world!!

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:3