Mega Blog

Hello friends and family,

Sorry I have been awful updating our blog site, but I am excited to write to you now!

Things in the Dominican are going very well for Ben, our animals and me. We are in love with Doulos Discovery School, Jarabacoa and the Dominican in general. It is a beautiful place with very friendly people.

We have been here for two months and Ben has been accomplishing a lot. He has made several brochures, which are now in the printing stage. As soon as they are done we will get them posted on this blog. He is also going to be working on a video of Doulos and Jarabacoa. The brochures and videos will be helpful tools to encourage people to pray for the school, sponsor a child's education, donate money or go on a work trip to help with certain projects at the school. When Ben is not working on marketing the school, he can be seen schooling the kids on the basketball court. Winning a scrimmage makes him so cocky you would never guess he beat an 11 year old. (It is sad).



Teaching 5th grade has been a really good, but challenging, experience so far. The kids are so crazy, fun, joyful and are so eager to learn. They are so appreciative of the opportunity to go to Doulos and they don't take their education for granted (like I may have done in the past). Each child is so unique, which makes the classroom extremely exciting and different each day!

Teaching squirrly fifth graders is (in the process of) helping me to learn the importance of patience. It can be difficult to keep their attention, so discipline and structure two of the things I am constantly working on with them!

Getting to know each of the kids has been so much fun! The are so hysterical and have me laughing all of the time. There are so many stories, but my mind is blanking. I will think of some for later.

We have made good friends with the other people who work at Doulos. They are so fun and have helped us get acquainted with the area. We love going to the nearest big city, shopping at the little shops in town and trying foods and restaurants I would have never considered before this trip!! Six of the girls have formed a Bible Study. It has been so helpful and has made a big impact on me.

One place we go to all the time is called Pica Pollo. It is everyone's favorite street vendor. There is raw chicken hanging on a rack above the man who is deep frying the food. All they have is fried chicken and the choice of fried bananas or a vegetable called yuca. There is nothing more delicious than this place! For fried chicken, one huge side and a bottled water, the total is $1.50! It is worth the trip to Jarabacoa from the states! Yummmmmm.....

We have had 5 wonderful visitors and they have been so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would love to write more, however, I have to go to class and am probably boring you with this mega blog.

I am hoping this blog finds you doing well. Keep us updated on your life!

Love, Mickey