My new home...

So here I am, in the Dominican Republic, excited about the ways that God is going to use me and teach me about this new culture He has allowed me to live in. I remember sitting on the airplane talking with the man next to me, who is from the states and a med student at one of the English schools here. He told me about how different everything was from America and how difficult it would be for me. I remember, despite everything he was saying, getting excited about working in a third world country and helping children who do not have the things I have grown up with.

When I arrived, I was greeting by some very wealthy-looking people only to find out that the area in which I will be working in is one of the finest areas of this country. They took me to my new apartment, which I will share with two other Dominican women, and it was ten times nicer then my apartment in Buffalo! I couldn't believe what I was seeing! (yes, these pictures are some of the rooms in my new appt)

The children at my school come from families that are middle or high class... they have maids and drivers, they belong to country clubs... HA... the Dominican Republic, a third world country!?!? Ohhh boy.

I was actually disappointed when I had discovered all this. I was looking forward to putting away my make up and nice clothes for a while and just not care. But here, everything is about appearances, everyone seems to have the finest clothes, jewelry and shoes. It's funny how the lifestyle I was trying so hard to get away from I end up working in. HA!

Nevertheless, I know that God has a plan. He knows me better than I know myself and already He is teaching me so much from the people here. I admire their faith in God and commitment to Him. In the past 5 days, I have already been to two church services, in addition to teacher devotions every morning and have learned so much. Despite my false expectations, I am excited to see God's plan unfold for my life here in the DR!!!