Dominican Dispatch: Fortnight
Hello everyone!
At the time of writing this post, it's been just about two weeks since I landed here! Last Friday we (the new staff) finished our two weeks of initial training, and tomorrow we start all-staff training! It's been a wonderful, wild ride so far.
New staff training was awesome, but really, really tiring. I learned lots about the Spanish language, about Dominican culture (and my own culture for that matter!), about Expeditionary Learning (Doulos' unique educational model), and about my fellow staff! Boy, was it a lot. Fortunately they said we didn't have to remember anything!
pics with co-workers
After training ended on Friday, the plan was to head to a beach four hours away and hang out, rest, relax, and go snorkeling! Unfortunately I got sick, meaning I didn't get to go. However, it looks like it was a very miserable, boring, uneventful time for the rest of the staff, so I didn't mind missing out (sarcasm). At least I got to make ice cream while they were gone! The question is, should I share with them?
the choice is obvious
This week we also learned that Doulos is moving! Not to worry though, it's not moving far! We had the neat opportunity to see, learn about, and pray over the new property. The view is amazing. The current land Doulos resides on in Jarabocoa (our city) is rented, which causes instability for the organization; it's also too small for further expansion. This led them to purchase a plot of land in Jarabacoa for the school! The plan is to have all grade levels moved to the new premises within three years.
Highlights:
- Becoming part of the Doulos crew with the other new staff
- Spanish class (extremely exhausting, but extremely helpful)
- Spending time with my host family (they don't speak English, which makes for a jolly good time)
- Making ice cream (cookies n' cream flavour)
Prayer Requests:
- I'm still getting over illness!
- Don't want sickness to spread to other staff
- I need lots of energy
- I need to diligently learn well
- Too much socializing can be overwhelming!
Author: Timothy Bemenderfer (07/31/2023)
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