Gran Circular

Once a month "The Ark" has a "Grand Circular" It's when all the kids and house parents get together in our multi-use building for a time of celebration. What are we celebrating? Nothing particular, just celebrating being a kid. They like to put on plays and skits, or sing songs. Normally there is a time of praise and worship. They really love it when we sing "Si Senor" or "Yes Lord" (Trading my sorrows). We sing "yes lord in every lang. we can think of. The favorite is Japanese: "Hi senor". We also celebrate birthdays and have ice cream, and give gifts. The kids love it.

Pico Duarte

I climbed the highest point in the Caribbean! For 3 days I hiked with a group of people up Pico Duarte. It had rained for 2 weeks previous to the trip and the bottom of the trail, the first 2 days, was mud a foot deep. The first night of camp there was nothing to sit on. I was determined to sit in comfort so I cut down some bamboo that was growing near by and fashioned myself a chair, tieing it together with vines. It took a little longer than I thought and wasnt all that sturdy, but I was able to sit in it for a few minutes! The second day was a 7 hour hike up to the next campsite. I took a picture of a whisky bottle someone had thrown off to the side of the path, only because at that moment every muscle and bone in my body was aching and telling me I needed a break. Who in the world would drink a bottle of whisky while climbing a 10,000ft mountain? It was a much needed moment of humor, at the same time a feeling that made me want to barf. YUCK!
The third day we had a quick 2 hour, but very painful summit to the top. It was beautiful. Pablo Duarte was a famous Dominican, and they really really love him. His name and face is plastered all over every city. He even has a presence at the peak where his huge head is. Going down took another entire day. I don't much like going down. But I guess it's a part of it.

Semana Santa

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the week the DR shuts down. It is one of the most celebrated times of year. This year we took our kids in "The Ark" and our kids from Constanza, and set off in 3 different groups for a 3 day adventure. Caitlin went with the littlest group of kids. An entire school bus full of kids under 8 years old. Have you ever been camping with a school bus full of 4 and 5 year olds? They went to the coast of Samana. They also hiked into the water fall "El Limon" Have you ever hiked with a school bus full of 4 and 5 year olds? They went on boat ride too, which was fun until one flipped over with everyone in it. She said it was quite the adventure. Another group went southwest towards Bavaro. I was with the oldest group and we went southeast. We didn't have too much of a plan and just sort of set out with our group of 37. We visited the Haitian boarder and crossed into Haiti. We then headed further south all the way to the tip and camped on the beach. It was beautiful, except we were attacked by some kind of fierce insect that were small enough to get through the mesh screen of the tents. Over half of us look like we contracted the chicken pocks. 3 weeks later and we all still itch very much! We also were able to walk through a salt marsh. Because of the high density of salt and sulfer, my feet have never been cleaner! The beaches were absolutely beautiful, with water "the color of gatorade" as described by one of the kids!

Resurrection feast

We had a wonderful time with our Kids Alive family celebrating the resurrection. Lots of food, and wonderful fellowship.