hola from Republica Dominicana!

After a 2-3 week stretch of non-stop working on partnership letters, working into the midnight hours getting our house ready to go on the market this week, and packing 6 suitcases of our belongings... we made it to the airport for our "7 a.m." flight to Miami and then to Puerta Plata. At the terminal, we hear, "your flight was at 6 a.m.".....I think I had to scoop my jaw off the airport floor. I was so looking forward to leaving the chaos. My expectations were once again put in persepective! We did get on that 7 a.m. flight for a little more cash... I exhaled as the plane took off. :)

I am sitting in the breeze way of the 'Mak house' trying to take this all in... the beautiful mountain I keep glancing at, the sound of the electric sanders that the NC team (Stephani Aycock, The Coats, The Ivaskas, The Magees, and Chuck Walker)are preparing to go build a playground for the Makarios School later this week, thoughts of the friends and family that have served us by babysitting, doing our yard sale, encouraging us and praying for us. It has been special to have friends here to share in seeing what our new normal will be in a few months. The only thing I can make of this is HE IS IN THIS.

We arrived yesterday with a warm welcome! Our room had freshly picked flowers and signs from the neighborhood kids, whom later I had the priveledge to meet. Erika Snapp, who is in the role that we will fill in the Fall, took us to meet the neighbors. It is a small, narrow street, everyone is out . The children are so excited to meet a group of us. They especially were thrilled to meet Ms. Parlyn. The were amazed how much she "looked like their baby doll"...one girl described her rosy pink cheeks, white skin, and blue eyes! (All the kids want to touch her because they rarely see a white baby!) There was a play mate for each of the Menold kids... I cannot wait to watch our children jump in and play hopscotch and how they will learn to communicate with them though language is a barrier. I felt peace that they will fit in just fine!

Today we went to the Makarios School and went to each classroom, a total of 4-5 classes. Next year, second grade will be added. We got to sing and dance with the kids to break the ice some. Many of them wanted to hang on Parlyn... she is a hit! When my kids visit the school, I wonder if they will want to attend! :) ( we still will homeschool, and visit the Makarios School to build relationships) There is a teacher, Johan (spelling?) that will tutor us when we get here, if we want. I am a bit frustrated that we have a language barrier but I am excited to watch that barrier shrink as days go by:).

Anyways, just wanted to update you on how our trip has begun. Thank you ag


ain everyone who is praying, partnering with us, and serving the Lord by serving us. We love you all!

Location:5,,Dominican Republic