The Updates

Wow! 40 days since my last blog. What can I say, as my time is winding down here, I've had more and more activity and less creative writing juices flowing through my brain. I've had plenty of inspiration but, no motivation. ( Seems to contradict doesn't it).

Well, I could write like Star Wars, starting at the most recent events and going backwards or I could do normal chronological...hmmm. Even though Star Wars would be fun, let's do normal since it will probably be less confusing.

Jan 8thish- We had our Spanish Circuit Overseers visit. It was a good week since I was forced to speak Spanish the whole time. I (suprisingly) understood and enjoyed the Pioneer meeting. Thirty-three Regular Pioneers were present (that is fulltime ministers) and probably another 25 auxillary pioneers (those that are in the ministry 50 hours a month). Couldn't believe it! Also, there is such a variety of us! In Jarabacoa we have represented: Belgium, Hungary, Spain, France, Quebec, Ontario, Michigan, California, Oregon, Florida, England, BC, Haiti and of course the Dominicanos. It's like an international convention!

Jan 15thish-The First all ASL Watchtower study! We're talking 25 of us in the back school which fits 15 comfortably. Very Hot! Very Squished! Very Joyous!

Jan 16thish-First meeting in Manabao. This isolated group now has it's own Sunday meeting in the campo. It was wonderful to see 53 present that rainy morning, many coming from the local territory. This is quite an endeavor for such ones, not only because the meeting place ( An open-air building with a tin/grass roof) is up to an hour walk for some, but also since it's right on the main road. This means that everyone in this small town knows that you are at the meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses. Not an easy step for some to take. But, everyone attended happily, singing the songs acapella (quite out of tune, but with heart), and commenting during the group Watchtower study.

Afterwards, we were invited for San Cocho at the Quebecers house-a French Canadian family that has a huge house and 3 crazy blonde french speaking boys. San Cocho is this stew that I swear could cure Cholera, Dengue, and Ebola-well maybe not THAT. Anyways, it has green banana, yucca, plantain, rice and every other starch imaginable, plus sausauge, chicken, and pork. After eating that you feel as if all your organs are made of brick and that you will never need to eat again. In one word: Lovely.

Jan 21st-I got to go with my roomie Lily to the Taller. This is a metal shop owned by the Dominican Branch. Here volunteers fabricate all the metal used in Kingdom Hall construction for the entire country. Quite a job since every Kingdom hall has extensive gates, fencing and bars. Lily works there 2 days a week and they let me tag a long. I loved it! I got blue paint all over myself, saw 2 enormous spiders, and ate lots of delicious Dominican food. What more could a little girl like me want!

Jan 22nd-I flew to the mother land! Yep, had a little holiday in NY with my sis. I started out sleeping in the JFK airport, well in reality I talked to my friends for half the night and tried to sleep on a concrete bench the other half. Then, I braved the frigidness of NY at about 8am. Remember, I packed for the DR in August so I literally have NO warm clothes. It was about 20 degrees at the Subaway platform, and yet I was so giddy. Met my sister where else then Starbucks, even giddier! Then I about blew my giddy top by eating lunch at Bethel.
It was a great 5 days. Got to ice skate in Central Park, go to Target, tour the Gilead Classroom and Art Department at Patterson Educational Facilities, and hang out with my buddies Brent, Aisha and Courtney! Happily I wasn't depressed to come back to the DR. I felt kinda warm and fuzzy as I got on the plane full of loud Dominicans. They talked to eachother the whole flight, made signs of the cross before landing, and then gave out a loud applause at our successful arrival. So cute!

Jan 31st-Lily's Black and White Music Party. Guess what?! I actually preformed! I accompanied Lily and Michelle(one of the stars in the recent Youtube chapters-visit itsvixuk on that site. She's also a fabulous sister from Brighton, England) on the cheapest, worst sounding keyboard. Got to do what you got to do. Super fun!

Feb 2nd- I hid in my house cause Carnival started and I was scared. Turns out it's not that scary in Jarabacoa so we all went to my friend Sacha's house and watched Nacho Libre-my favorite!!! Also, I succeeded in avoiding a game of truth or dare (without the dare part) by hiding in my room and watching The Office with my friend Vicky. Just one other fascinating way The Office can come in handy in a third world country.

Feb 4th-We have 2 new deaf publishers. Alexander (21) and Yadid (15) have officially started teaching the Bible to fellow deaf in Jarabacoa. So exciting!!!

Since then it seems it's just been raining...raining...and raining. I have gotten to help paint a bit at our Kindgom Hall-doing some cosmetic remodeling. Also, the rain has given Lily, I and our two British Soulmates (Michelle Taylor and Vicky Miles respectively) time to use our locked up creative energies in film. (Also, on Youtube:).

Tomorrow, more exciting adventures begin, as I'm off to the Captial, La Romana and El Torre for a week! What is to come? We'll see. I'll be back on state side probably the end of March. Until then, keep up all your good work and thank you for all your emails. Even if I don't reply, I truly do appreciate them. Thank you for not doing as I do and not writing. :) Love ya!

---

---