This Christmas will be spent in the DR. The decision to stay on the island and not return to the US or Switzerland was because of lack of money and that tickets are just way toooo expensive! Since the decision to stay, I’ve gone through many different emotions and moods. I’ve been excited to spend Xmas in the DR and start some new traditions with Troy, I’ve been sad and homesick that I won’t get to go snowboarding in Switzerland over break and be with our families. Especially after seeing this picture sent from my parents today. 

Not to mention the  80 degree weather and sunny blue skies, that don’t quite match up to wintery bliss. However it is nice to be able to sit in the sun and read a good book. This morning, all the staff at Doulos were gifted these sunglasses, so I will be using them during Christmas break as I sit in the sun during a beach trip or on my front “porch”.

I want to share the good and the happy things that go on in the DR. However, I also want to be real with you and share the crappy (without the intention of having a pity party),because let’s be honest, life in the DR is not always smooth, comfortable or what we’re used to.  Not being able to go home and be with family over Christmas is a good example. It is hard and there are times when I wish I could just be in Switzerland on a slope or in Ohio sipping on coffee with my mother-in-law.

But when I sit down and pray and spend time with the Lord and give him all my burdens and worries, I am reminded why I am here. God sends me little encouragements and answers to the question “Why am I here???”. Last night, God comforted me and answered the question “Why am I here???”.  It happened during our Doulos Christmas Program “Navi-Christmas” when I saw my little first graders dressed up in Santa hats, when the third and fourth graders lead a worship song and sang “Silent Night” in Spanish and English. It’s when I look at these pictures that I am reminded as to why I am here. I am here to share Christ’s love, to disciple and love the people in the Dominican Republic, in Jarabacoa and at Doulos. I am here to share Christmas with my students and talk about its real meaning and why He came and celebrate that with them. I am here because God has called me and I obeyed the call.

So Merry Christmas friends and I hope the pictures below bring you as much joy as they do me.

Doulos’ AWESOME staff enjoying our new gift. I am so blessed to work along side such wonderful and Godly servants of Christ.

Third and Fourth grade singing “Silent Night”.

Sweet William-Alberto watching the Christmas program together.

My little divas…and boy

Love these boys! They are so full of energy, bounce and joy!