¡Buenas!

Greetings from Santo Domingo!

Well, it feels like forever since we´ve updated you but I guess really it´s only been about a week! We have some great pictures but likely won´t be able to post them until we arrive in Barahona and are able to get our own computer online.

As expected it is hot hot hot here during the day but mornings and evenings are very nice. One thing we loved about San Pedro was how everyone sat outside in the evenings chatting, playing dominos and relaxing- that community feel is way cool (and so is the night air which probably partially explains the lawn chair gatherings!) Here in Santo Domingo, at least where we are currently, there seems to be a bit less of that community focus, but it is a way bigger city here and you really do feel that difference.

So far we´ve done a bit of exploring, gone to a baseball game, the beach at Boca Chica, some underground caves that were way cool, visited the Zona Colonial (we´d like to go back there), attended spanish classes (though a lot of our learning is happening outside of those classes), eaten at various pica pollo resturants, played pool at a small pool hall, had the most wonderful time with all of our hosts, and changed my name to Martin because Scott is way too hard to say. Here in Santo Domingo (our home for the next 3 weeks) we are staying with 4 college students named Emanuel, Edwin, Thelma and Yoly. They are fabulous and speak just enough english to force us into spanish but help us in english when we get stuck. They are teaching us as much and as fast as they can. Tonight we´re off to Edwin´s basketball game (he plays for his college).

Interesting facts:
1. The city university here in Santo Domingo apprarently has over 240,000 students (not a typo!)

2. You can fit 17 people inside (not counting the 3 that can hang on outside) of an old 7 passenger Toyota van! You can also fit 7 grown adults inside the old mini Toyota Trecels!

3. Taking life at a slower pace doesn´t actually kill you but driving at a slow pace might!

4. To be a teacher is to have chosen a highly respected and well cared for position in Dominican Society.

So life is good. We have all that we need so far and we feel so honored to be able to be here at this moment with these people and pray that we stay sensitive to God´s beautiful grace and voice in our movements each day. We love you!

¡Adios!
M&K