We're here!

Ah yes back home. So apparently it rained the entire time we were gone. Everything was wet. We got stuck in the river on the way to school on day one. It's ok though because the overly generous men passing by were more than willing to get drenched in the river and push us out. They are so nice here. The two little guys hugging got in a fight and this is their punishment. Pretty awesome if you ask me, they had to stand like that for about 15 min. I think we should make grown-ups do that sort of stuff too when they do things they shouldn't. The first week back was preparing for the new 4 year old class that is opening up. Our teachers played cleaners for a few days as we moved Alberto's office and donations into one of the new classrooms. Good job last year Caraballo teams ,15 new kids rescued as a result of your hard work and effort.

The holidays were a much needed time of relaxation. Wow we didn't realize how much we needed a break. We spent the first part in New Mexico, then took a greyhound (not recomended) for 32 hours to MO where we spent the last half. It was good to see our parents, and friends. I was also able to show a slide show to a song that I played in our home church. Those kids do some wonders when it comes to moving hearts. All you need to do is take their picture. Thank you family for taking care of us and making us feel loved. Next time we will take more pictures, sorry if you are missing.

The Southwest

We went to Santa Fe NM for our 2 year wedding anniversary. It was really neat. We stayed at a very homey and warm bed and breakfast. We also went to the historic plaza and went in art museums and visited some really old churches. One church has the infamous spiral wooden staircase that defies all science and logic. I was built by a mystery carpenter in the 1800's with just simple hand tools. It does 4 complete spirals before reaching the loft above. There is no center support pole and nobody really knows what holds it up and gives it strength. We also visited the historic Scottish rite mason temple museum, which was cool and weird.

porque yo tengo freezing

We have landed in the mother country. And its cold. The nature is somewhere near Santa Fe, look not one singe palm tree.

Party Time!!!

Its Party time in Caraballo. The kids had a special day they will never forget at our school Christmas party. We had an extra scoop of food and it had lots of meat!!! yum! We also had soda and the kids got a Christmas gift bag full of cake, candy, fruit and other yummies. They also put on a play inwhich they acted out scenes from the bible and recited verses. I'm afraid to say it but these kids have more scripture memorized than I do.

Our teachers also had a specail day. We suprised them with a evening of fine dining at a hotel resort and afterwards had a gift exchange. It was really neat being able to be with them on this special night.

El dia de Accion de gracias

We had thanksgiving too!! Wow it was amazing. We even shared the expirience with our closest Dominican friends. Alberto (our director) and his wife were there as well. It was a grand expirience for them. We had turkey, ham, real mashed potatoes, green bean casorole, carrots, corn, cranberry sauce, stuffing, home-made rolls, and pumkin pie, apple pie, and chocolate cake for desert. In the gringo picture from left to right is, me, Weston(from Vacarrios ministry) Candace(Kids Alive), Jessi, Rachel, and Jonathon(Runs the Art co-op), and Caitlin. Our friends pictured are Josue, Ben Hamin, and Perla. Josue learned English at the Univeristy of Kentucky. He is really good to practice English with.

A day in the village

While our friends the Youngs were here we went walking around the village visiting friends. Around lunch time our friend Santre invited us into his house for lunch. It was really good, and very gracious for them to share what little food they have with us.