For those of you who are more curious about what I'm actually doing in the Dominican Republic, this is a four-part blog series that's just for you!  This can also be a more detailed way for you to pray for me and my team.


Juan, Alba, Kamil (7) and Adrian (2). Sorry Kamil – doesn't usually make that silly face!

I want to start out by sharing about our host family: Juan, Alba, and their children Kamil and Adrian. Juan and Alba are both Dominican – and are the most generous people I've ever met.  They are in their 30's and have been married for eight years.  Juan has a passion for children and youth, and has been helping with a church plant called 'Iglesia Cristiana Bendicion,' which translates to Christian Blessing Church.  Juan is sarcastic, soft-hearted, and animated. 


Ana Karin, Alba, Adrian, and Juan having some late night worship on the rooftop with us.

Alba is the generous, hospitable wife and mother that makes everyone else a priority.  Their home has two bedrooms – their whole family is sleeping in one, and the five of us girls are sleeping in the other.  It's a tight squeeze!

Alba often cooks incredible Dominican meals – here are a few we have had:
– Eggs, onion, potato, avocado – all mixed together
– Empanadas (fried tortillas) with chicken and corn
– Baked chicken with avocado
– Salami, green peppers, onions sauteed together with potatoes, bananas, and yucca all boild (quite delicious – the bananas tasted like potatoes when done!)
– Toasted bread dipped in hot chocolate / cinnamon (for dinner)

Oh, and MANGOES! Lots and lots of mangoes!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's DR Deets #2… which will include random facts about everyday life in the DR that you'll probably think are slightly crazy…