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.