Sometimes Roses

Just wanted to say...the grumpy one did get roses for Mother's day; 14 actually, along with a clump of lilies, daisies, and something else I can't identify arranged in a beautiful pitcher that she has been wanting since we got here. Best part for me.... total bill $9.

Not always roses

Most recently, I've heard that our blogs make it sound like EVERYTHING is wonderful. In fact, many people have thought that we are enjoying life so much down here that they doubt we will want to come home. So this is a blog dedicated to complaining. It is a little dose of reality.

The photo is of our dog after she was attacked by some sort of insect. We don't know what got at her, but she became very swollen...to the point where she could barely open her eyes. Insect season is upon us. I thought that I was tougher now than when we first got here, but as the HOT season is rapidly approaching, the insects are choosing to come indoors. their first choice is the kitchen table or counter. The newest addition is the flying worms. They fly in, lose their wings and then crawl all over the ceiling and walls. Very cool... if you were actually into flying worms. Very recently, Ethan killed the cockroach that has been living in the innards of my crockpot. I never saw the critter, but I knew he was there because of the droppings he left me. His exoskeleton was burned, and he was naked and nearly transparent. Didn't slow him down though...he gave Ethan a run for his money!!
We also have bees that have chosen to build their hives all along the side of our house. These bees have got to be the dumbest bees we have every seen. Bob swears we could train them to be pets. They are very docile, they don't mind us hanging around, and don't seem to be in any hurry to relocate.

How am I doing? Sounding miserable yet?

Here's more. We own three vehicles here in the DR. A concho (scooter- most reliable and easiest vehicle to use on the streets here), we have a truck (Isuzu Trooper- old, reliable and has a propane conversion kit that allows us to travel on both propane and gasoline. The propane tank is in the vehicle!! It often provides additional seating should we need to shove the kids in the back) and Bob has an extremely loud old 2 stroke dirtbike for "mountain climbing". Bob's bike needed repair and he brought it into the shop (in November!!!!!) and we wait for the manana's (I need a ~ over the first 'n') to end. So, that means it's been in the shop for SIX months! Maybe tomorrow?!?
The truck is in the shop- needing a new radiator....we'll see when we get it back. The concho was the last standing vehicle....and I got a flat with it yesterday. It was the straw that broke the camels back. Bob fixed it quickly... but I complained nonetheless.

Sounding crabby I bet!

Last complaint. We have had a significant amount of rain over the last while. So much so, that the city had turned the water off in our area of town. We have a cistern that holds a large quantity of water that will last for quite a while, but eventually it gets to the point where we are using the sludge at the bottom. In order to conserve water, we watched the amount of flushing we did, washed clothes as little as possible and had the fastest showers in recorded history. Last Wednesday, they finally turned the water on! It was very exciting. I started the washing machine immediately! In less than an hour after the city turned the water was turned on, the city turned the power off. No power means no water! That's ok... our attitude was still good. We decided, that we didn't have to worry, by the next night, we would have it all! The next day, with full power and full water I started making supper. Within moments I realized that our propane tank was empty, and the stove would not work. By Friday we had it all pulled together!

Brodie wants to add to the post as well. He's sick. We are not sure at this point if he has little critters running around in him (parasites) or if he has the flu. Time will tell. But the fever, headache, upset tummy and fatigue indicate that we may be looking at more than the average flu. Tomorrow his class is going spelunking- this is not something he wants to miss. We will see what he looks like in the morning.

I had a great meeting today with a parent of an 15 year old boy with autism. There were tears, smiles, laughter and wonderful moments of understanding despite the language barrier. However, I cannot tell you about that right now, because that would defeat the purpose of this blog. :)

Did we mention that that heat is crazy hot!! Picture a sweaty family of 5!

I think that's good. If I need to post a complaining blog again in future, I'm willing, just let me know whatcha need!!

Ain't she sweet

This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago in Cabarete. This Haitian woman is always around in Cabarete, selling her fruit that she balances on top of her head. She has skills that astound me. I don't know how she does it, but she does. I've always wanted to take her picture and either didn't have a camera or chickened out. This time I did it. I ended up feeling obligated to buy some fruit off her. (It was the least I could do!! )

A very brief update.....
I was very excited about having an opportunity to tour the local "Special Needs" school. It's called Genesis. I was expecting to see a disaster...it wasn't. Amy, an American occupational therapist invited me to tour the facility. It was so fun to see the kids smiling and enjoying school. There were 33 students ranging from ages 3 years old to ... unsure, I think late teens. At the end of the visit when I asked Amy why she wanted me to see her school, she smiled. I knew! So, I have volunteered to help out at the school as needed. Currently, they have asked me to do an inservice for the teachers. Something encouraging and inspiring. How I wish I had the language!!

On a lighter note, Ethan has a memorable week. He has been invited to a birthday party!!! This is very exciting. This is the first one for us, and he was THRILLED! This is the just the beginning. He came home from school today seeking the advice of a professional. His question, "How do you dump a girlfriend??" Our youngest has been hand-picked by a Spanish chica who has given him his first kiss multiple times today alone!! It sounds like our youngest is growing up!!

The boys continue to grow. Drew's feet never stop growing. As soon as a pair of shoes show up on Missionary Flights International, we are already searching Ebay for the next size up. Voices are starting to warble, zits are appearing, and Ethan's been kissed. Sigh!

Missing for a Month

Ok...so it's been a long time since we've written. You know when you first start a project everything is exciting?!? And then, as you become accustomed to your surroundings, you can't think of a thing to write about? Well, my friend Rachel told me today that she just checked out our blog again....that reminded me that it was time to update!

The picture you see is our friend Jeff Jorritsma. He and his wife also work for Escuela Caribe and are also Canadians. One day, while we were at the river he and some fellow paddlers came by. Ethan jumped on. Let's just say that Ethan wasn't the only little boy excited about a tour on the river. A little boy in his 'tighty-whiteys" went for a rip around the river after Ethan did. It was quite the sight.

Ok...a quick update. Work is good. Bob and I feel very comfortable and 'at home' on campus and on the isand in general. We have been asked by many people back home if we are still planning on returning to the homeland. The answer has remained the same, 'yes'! Especially if you ask me, if you ask Bob he often says ,"Why?'. Brodie and Drew would love to do highschool back home so that would mean that we would honor our two year contract and prepare to come back home next summer.

Most of you know already, but for those of you who don't, we are not planning on returning home this summer for a visit. We are planning on taking the time (and money provided by the mission) to tour the island for three weeks. We are all very excited about the adventure and are sad that the cost was our trip home. Each of us got to chose one thing that we wanted to do on our vacation. Ethan's choice was loud and clear...OCEAN WORLD. He wants to swim with dolphins. As for the rest of us, we all wanted the same thing. To tour and explore the island. Typically we only get two days off in a row (once per month) so that does allow for much exploring time. We are all looking forward to this great opportunity.

The boys: The three boys are nearing the end of school. They have about 6 weeks left. Brodie and Drew have learned a lot of Spanish and we are starting to use them as translators. They don't speak it voluntarily, but they are quick to correct our verbs should we conjugate them incorrectly!!
Building friendships has been challenging for all three of my 'Bible-belt' raised children. Out here, survival of the fittest is the best way to describe recess! We have prayed for good relationships for all three boys. Brodie and Drew have missed their friends from back home very much. Countless times they have talked about football in Lion's Part with the guys. We have been very thankful that a boy will be transferring to their school next year. Caleb is a missionary kid who loves gaming (computers) and speaks English. A perfect fit!!
Ethan: Lots of people have asked me how Ethan is doing. Well,..... I guess good! Ethan's strengths and challenges are the same regardless of which country or continent we live on! :) He continues to love facts about animals, starts most sentences with, "Did you know..." and LOVES life! In fact, today at potluck after church, he was helping carry deserts out to the pavillion in the most awkward way possible. When I asked him why he was walking like that, he stated he was trying not to let the lizard out of his pocket! :)
Ethan's teacher has an excellent handle on Ethan's needs. We pray that his next year's teacher will also have the desire to understand Ethan and all that he brings to life!

Finally, a quick note on what is going on outside of the mission and school. This week I will be spending two afternoons visiting a school called Genesis. This is the special education school in Jarabacoa. One day, I will be meeting with two moms with autistic sons. The moms are discouraged with the lack of progress that their sons' are experiencing. I will be using a translator (Ethan's teacher) to help encourage and support them. The second day, I will tour the school, hoping to encourage and give ideas to those who work there. I am excited about this opportunity.

Hopefully we will update sooner this time. Shorter blogs more often. I know it makes sense...it just needs to be done.