I think my body is finally used to the heat. Well, I shouldn’t speak so fast. On a few occasions I’ve experienced a headache after jogging. But all in all I’m keeping cool and drinking lots of water. I think I’ve gained quite a bit of weight, too. My family serves me a lot of food.

It has been good to develop friendships with the people here. I’m starting to actually enjoy the music, nightlife, and alive-ness of this culture more. At first it felt overwhelming. I mean, I had been through the internship and everything, but living here 24 7 is not even worth comparing. The experience of life here is totally different.

Saturday was a great day. During the morning we enjoyed some peace at Rod’s house- worshipping and having some interesting discussions about what it means to be a church. In the afternoon I visited some houses with my friend Aneudy, sharing about the gospel of Christ. It was a very eye-opening time for me; a lot of it was listening and getting a better idea of the Dominican worldview. I was also able to share some thoughts about putting God first, trusting him alone for salvation, etc. I am very thankful for this opportunity and hope to invest a lot more time in building friendships and helping bring people to the truth of Jesus.

On that note, my language is coming along well; lots of compliments, so that’s encouraging. Sometimes the pace is too much for me to handle, but most of the time I can keep up. I find I can understand a lot more Spanish than I can speak; even if I have heard a phrase numerous times I often struggle to express myself when it comes time to speak. My assignment has been to learn 20 new verbs every day. I haven’t had time to do it every day, but in a week I have expanded my knowledge by 60.

Sunday I hopped on a bus at four in the morning with about 40 other people from the barrio for the beach. This is the same one we have gone to in the past with teams. The bus ride was long and crazy; so much music and dancing! My ears were really ringing afterward. It was a tranquil day, though, and I enjoyed it all- except for trying to wash all the sand out afterward…

What I have been amazed by, of late, is the friendliness of everyone here. For having so little they share so much, with me and with one another. It is really heart warming to speak about taking satisfaction in the Lord and see these people nod and agree with amens; it sheds a whole new light on many biblical truths.

Existing in such close community has been strengthening for me. Glory to God for all he is doing in my heart.