well it's over a week

ello there friends!

Just kind of wanted to update you all on everything that's going on.

We started classes Tuesday and it has been a blast so far. We are only the 4th GAP to come down here and  so things aren't always planned out. Ha, it's funny how my easy going-ness is just like Dominican time. :)

If you've never heard of Dominican time... let me explain. It's slow. People get to places when they want to...well that is unless you're an American telling us to be somewhere... then you have to be on time. Dominican time is flexible. and when I say that I mean flexible.

The drivers here are crazy. It reminds me of young Melissa without any tickets and driving crazy. lol the only rules... they are no rules.

crazy huh?

yeah, anyways....

Classes are going well. I feel like it's gonna be a great year here.

It's hard to convey what all goes on here because there is just so much going on. The beach is absolutely beautiful and so humbling at the same time.

My team is such an amazing group of girls and our one guy. Frankly I couldn't of asked for a better male. He's like that little brother I never had. Hs's awesome and I'm so glad he's able to look on the female side of things also. :) Our leader is a pretty cool cat. Can't wait to get to know her and her heart.

If you haven't already seen our pictures...Here's my favorite. :)

It's an awkward family photo. Yes, oh yes. It's amazing. We are all crazy in our own ways.

The Avacado's here are freaking huge/awesome. They are all like little footballs. I swear it's amazing. (Pic to come) I bought two at the groccery store (Jumbo) Can't wait to dive into those and my apples that I bought last night.

Have I mentioned how I sleep? We have like apartment style "homes". My awesome roommates are getting use to my sleep habits. haha take a shower at night and then wait until the last possible moment to wake up and go to class or huddle. Huddle is like announcements. yep, I have to get up extra early just to hear announcements that are already on our whiteboard outside our apartment door.

So within the first couple of days we had to make apartment rules. Yes, it's quite amazing how we have a cleaning schedule and yes, we labeled everything in our apartment in spanish.That also includes things like : our rules, fridge, soap, counter, mirrior, my guitar, our sink, shower, towel and so on and so forth. 

Yes that's right, respect the homework time. haha I seriously have the best housemates. We even collectively get together and talk and occasional worship together.

One awesome thing I am loving is the worship team. I am lead guitar and clay is rhythm guitar and sometimes plays Djembe. Shannon, Jess, and Renee all sing and Alicia does our powerpoints. It's crazy how it all came together. I feel so blessed having this awesome opportunity. It's pretty cool seeing my family worship.

Also I heard there's a storm a comin' my way. Prayers for us.  It rains for a little while and then stops. our walk isn't long but it is muddy oh yes... it rains and pours all the while being extremely sunny out. It baffles my mind but it's true.

Pray for my team leader Jaime, my team and the score staff.

Also, pray for homesickness. I had it the first day I was down here but since then I haven't had it. The next couple of weeks will be filled with girls/guys that are home sick/culture shocked. Pray for the wounds to be opened and God to be glorified...in all that goes on.

Till next time!


Melissa