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Day 1- Cuesta Arena

I feel like our blogs this trip should be more about the food than anything else but I have not talked about anything else. Sairy asked us today if we wanted to eat Dominican or American….meaning big meal at 1pm or 7pm. I told her Dominican. We woke up this morning after staying at Sairy’s house to egg, delicious yogurt, and fresh fruit. We went by Kim and Damon’s apartment to pick up keys, then dropped Felix off to get a hair cut and headed to La Sierna (Walmart-ish store). We got back for lunch- salad and spaghetti (one of my favorites), took a siesta and headed out to Cuesta Arena.

Arrived safely

Travel was surprisingly easy and all flights arrived early! We landed in the DR with our 6 year old friend screaming oh yeah oh yeah with fists pumping in the air instead of the usual applause. Sairy and Frank picked us up and we are sleeping at her house tonight with the whole family. Momi made steak with rice and lettuce, tomato, and red peppers. It was great to be around treat food. They all told Kemble skinny I was since I wasn’t eating moms food. Tomorrow we will move to Kim and Damons apartment and head to meet with the filtration system specialist.

Heading to the DR!!

We are sitting at the airport waiting for our flight. Jocelyn, Kristin, and I are super excited about the next 10 days. Drew will be joining us on Monday for the week. We will be blogging while we are down there so check back daily to keep up with all the news. Habechelas con dulce and queso frito here we come! I think I am more excited about the food than anything else.

Well Fundraising Update

This weekend was a huge start to our well fundraising efforts. We raised $2,700 at Willoughby Hills UMC and $2,400 through Hope Ridge UMC. The March Spring Break trip will be used to research the project and make sure this reverse osmosis system is exactly what we need. There will be four of us on this trip leaving on Friday! We will definitely be blogging during the trip to keep everyone up to date.

Water Problems

In October 2008 the construction of the water filtration house began and the “American” water filtration system was brought in. In Feb 2009, the building was painted and in March 2009 UCF college students spent their spring break installing the system. A government organization dug a well 50 feet but hit rock and had to stop. The system consisted of an Ozonator and 3 micron filters. The system was designed to be over the top and more than necessary. However, in order for the people to trust the system and the water, it had to be safe, without flaw….ever!

Water Problems

In October 2008 the construction of the water filtration house began and the “American” water filtration system was brought in. In Feb 2009, the building was painted and in March 2009 UCF college students spent their spring break installing the system. A government organization dug a well 50 feet but hit rock and had to stop. The system consisted of an Ozonator and 3 micron filters. The system was designed to be over the top and more than necessary. However, in order for the people to trust the system and the water, it had to be safe, without flaw….ever!

April 3

Today the medical team arrives. It has been interesting getting ready. Avis has not been easy to work with and we have had to make reservations for the last night at another location. This morning we got up and I went to the “mercado”. They have always gone without me and now I understand why. The “mercado” is no Publix. We went to buy chicken and we walked down this dirty street to a building that was completely open. The health department would have a field day in this place!! We walk in and a woman is buying her chicken.

Holy Week- Wednesday

Thursday’s devotion in my devotion book says it all. Remember the pain and suffering that Jesus endured so that in the midst of your suffering you may understand that Jesus knows and felt your pain.

Mar 23- Caring for the Sick

Today instead of the normal women’s bible study, we took the woman to visit a woman who is battling cancer. It always amazes me the strength and humor people who are battling cancer have. This woman was no exception. She pulled out her wigg to show us and I think was mostly just greatful for the company. Apparently eating grapes is supposed to be good for those in chemotherapy, just an FYI. She was such a Godly woman and full of spirit in the midst of her suffering.

How to Dominicanize Your Life

So my main reminder while I’m here of life in the states is the 5 updates Yahoo puts on their main page. Though it isn’t much “news worthy” material it often reminds me of what life is like in the states. Many of the articles I read are the “How to…” articles so today I’m writing my own….How to Dominicanize Your Life: