Rhythm

This past Sunday, a few of my co-workers and I made a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride (one way) to see the sights of Santo Domingo or the Colonial Zone. If you didn’t already know, I love culture and history. The DR is rich in both. The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. It was given its name by Christopher Colobus when he “discovered” it in December of 1492. Santo Domingo's capital is the oldest inhabited city and the first seat of the Spanish colonial rule in the “New World.”

As we walked the Zona Colonial, I observed a part of this county’s culture that I have had yet to experience because of where I live. I live in the “tourist capital” of the DR. It is here that people come to get away from the busyness of their everyday life and soak up the sun at one of the many resorts that line the beach. The Dominican culture is present here, but you have to look for it. You won’t find older men sitting in a plaza playing a game of dominoes, while others sit on benches and chat and take in the music that a few locals are playing. But, this is what I took in while wandering the streets of the Colonial Zone.

Music is embedded in this culture. It is bold and filled with life. There is rhythm in everything. In their work, how they talk, how they walk--it is in their blood. Many of our girls would be more than content if they could listen to music all day. Take away their music, and it would be like taking away an electronic device from a teen who lives in the States or American football for someone who is a fanatic. This country continues to grow on me, and this is just one of the reasons why.

Things to PRAY for:

• We are starting to advertise for another volunteer teacher to join me in the LC! Many of the girl’s sessions require them to be broken up into smaller groups, and because I cannot be in two places at once, although I’d love to, we are praying and advertising for someone to come and be a part of our team.

• We are also interviewing locals to fill a position for a house mom as well as a social worker/caseworker who will help out our volunteer who is coming down from the States next month :)

• Please hold our girls up in prayer. They are learning and growing by leaps and bounds but continue to pray for their hearts, souls, and minds.

PRAISES & BLESSINGS:

• We were able to take the girls to a Christian youth camp last week. One of our girls went forward to receive Christ!

• We are now expanding our Life Skills class! We are starting to reach out to people in the community that we have built relationships with. Once a month, they will come to the Home to talk to the girls about possible careers as doctors, lawyers, working in the tourist industry, etc. This is a great opportunity for the girls as many of them are now starting to think about their future, and some wish to go to university.

• Because of nightmares that the girls were having and demonic oppression present in the Home, we did a prayer walk throughout the Home at the end of last week, anointing the rooms with oil and binding the enemy. These things have now be lifted from the Home in the name of Jesus!

• I finally have my scooter!! After waiting three months, my roomie and I took the bus last Saturday to another town, about two hours away, to pick it up. It is truly a blessing!