MORE Adventures / An update

(Christen writing) We hope this post finds you all doing well.  It seems that it has been way too long since our last “real” update on what has been going on in our lives so here is the run-down.

October came and went at an incredible speed.  We had report cards, which is always a crazy and confusing time that causes lack of sleep.  After all of the report cards were passed out, Joe surprised me with a night away in Cabarete – a beach town about 3 hours away – for some much needed R&R.  We returned home feeling rejuvenated and ready for the next quarter of school to begin.

Relaxing for a night at the beach

Cabarete (and basically all of the beaches here) is beautiful!

Joe has spent a lot of his spare time making furniture for our house.  The newest addition is an awesome “island” for our kitchen.  We do not have much storage or counter space so that has really helped out, especially for me who loves to cook and be in the kitchen J   He also painted an accent wall in the kitchen and our house is feeling more like a home with each completed project.  Not having a TV has been great too (in my opinion – Joe is missing his college football)!  It leaves a whole lot of extra time for Joe and I to be a couple – walk the dog together, cook together, work out together (using Joe’s TRX trainer that he got when he went to Afghanistan), play games together, etc.  Part of me dreads ever going back to the United States where there seems to be so many distractions!

Part of moving to a foreign country and living without many of the luxuries we are blessed with in the United States means that we must be a little more creative about having fun.  We have been introduced to a vast variety of “fun” here.  This is generally played out in theme parties.  Some of the other missionaries here, Harley and Abby McAllister, had a Star Wars Party for their three young boys.  They each were able to invite one friend and their teachers (I am their oldest son, Kaden’s 6^th grade teacher).  Joe and I showed up to the party with our makeshift costumes as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.  The party was a blast!  They had various games prepared – a race to build several Lego guys based on drawings, Piñata – Jabba the Hut style, and my personal favorite – light saber fight!  We even had a guest appearance from Yoda (our friend’s Tim and Whit’s 3 day old little girl). 

Lego-man building competition



Jabba the Piñata



Light saber fight - Obi Wan Kenobi vs. Jango Fett



Catwoman even made it to the Star Wars party (I think there was some confusion amongst the Dominicans)




Princess Leia with Yoda

Some highlights from October in the classroom include a debate in my 9^th grade health class on the topic of sleep.  After finishing a unit on the importance of sleep and the benefits it has for health, students had to defend whether or not it is “healthy” for teenagers to start school at 7 am (which is when school starts for our high school students).  The debate went amazing and our stellar judge panel (which Joe had kindly agreed to be a part of) ended up choosing the group who defended an early start to school.  After they finished and the judges had made their remarks, I felt like a proud parent looking on at all of my students – they really did a great job especially defending their group’s POV in their second language!

Another important and encouraging part of October was the huge transformation God did in my 6^th grade class.  If any of you recall, I spent many sleepless nights worrying about this class and their bad behavior in the classroom.  Being their “guide” teacher, I felt especially responsible for them and that their behavior reflected my ability as a teacher.  Through TONS of prayer, a devoted middle school staff, and help from parents, this 6^th grade class is unrecognizable.  They are quiet, respectful, come to class prepared, and are starting to (not completely, but it’s a work in progress) take responsibility for their actions.  Of course there are always things to work on, but these kids have become “my kids” and I am shocked at how much I love them.   

The end of October brought the beginning of Expeditions here at Doulos.   For those who are reading with quizzical looks right now, allow me to explain.  Doulos is an Expeditionary Learning school which means we get kids out of the classroom and out of the box in order to provide them with experiences for learning.  This semester 6^th grade’s science Expedition is discovering coral reefs – what they are, why they are dying around the world, why they are important to humans, and what we can do to help them.  Planning for this Expedition was overwhelming!  I really didn’t know much about coral reefs before coming here and now I was supposed to be an expert on it!  I studied up though and spent two weeks preparing my students for what would be some of their very first trips to the ocean.  Joe and I will include a separate post in a few days telling you all about our magical time at the secluded Playa Fronton. 

Finally, I want to say a special congratulations to (brother) Nick Rauschnot and Nicole Morrison on their engagement! 

We love hearing from you, so please keep the emails coming! 

Blessings and Soli Deo Gloria (SDG).

Faces of Doulos

This great video provides a quick snapshot of some of the faces of Doulos.  These are amazing kids from varied backgrounds who are receiving a unique educational opportunity.  Christen and I are truly blessed to be a part of what is going on here.  At present, Doulos is looking for 26 more families or individuals who are willing to partner with us and the student's families to allow them to escape the cycle of poverty through the quality, Christian education they receive here at Doulos.  Would you consider partnering with us and these children to help make a difference in a life?

On a more personal note, things are very busy here in Jarabacoa as the semester is in full swing.  It is amazing to think that it is already November.  As with anything, we often feel like we've been here for a very long time, but then we look back and it's hard to believe that it has already been three months since we arrived in the DR.  We are amazed each day at God's provision in our lives and want to thank those of you who have chosen to support us through prayer, letters, and financially. As Paul writes in Philipians 1:3-5, we "thank God every time (we) remember you. In all (our) prayers for all of you, (we) always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel."  As always, we look forward to hearing updates on your lives when you have time!

Have a blessed week and weekend!

SDG