In the Dominican Republic

I have to say this summer is kind of crazy with the jumping around from place to place. I am now in the Dominican Republic at the TIME site here and will be here for a total of about 2 1/2 weeks. We've finished now two groups in Dallas, which have gone quite well, and have one more remaining. But in the meantime while we're waiting for that last week to come, Jess (another TIME missionary) and I are visiting the other TIME site in the D.R.

So far, our time here has been quite nice. We were greeted at the airport by a bunch of interns/staff jumping up and down around us in celebration--a taste of the boisterous spirit here in the DR. Jess and I came here just in time to go out with the group for a trip to a beach resort on the northern shore (we're in Santo Domingo, the southern part) for 2-3 days. It was (and still is) the group's week-long break from groups, a time to refresh. So it was very nice to be able to go swimming in the ocean, lie on the beach, drink virgin pina coladas, and nap! Wonderful! Now back in Santo Domingo, we're hanging out and getting ready for the next group that comes on Saturday. I'm excited to see how this place functions here with groups, to see the process of building a chapel in a week and setting it up in a day, as well as getting to know everyone here better.

I can use your prayers right now though. I'm doing well, especially after having had that break at the resort, but I'm also finding myself emotionally stressed out and exhausted. I don't always have the best attitude about being here and am tired from trying to find my place in all of this. I think jumping around from place to place is having its toll on me right now, and I find myself longing for home and normalcy and friends who really know me. I am blessed to be here and I praise God for where He has placed me. I need to be focused on God's blessings and promises, because that is everything to me.