Cinco Dias!

Last weekend we ended our girl’s volleyball season with a game in La Vega Friday night. When I got back Friday evening I had plans to go hang out with some friends, but I sat down on the couch and woke up at 11:30pm. Opps - I guess sleeping took priority over friends. Then on Saturday morning I left with two of my friends to take a bus to the capital, Santa Domingo. When we got there a teacher we'd met at the beach from the US Embassy School picked us up and took us around town. We watched some football games and then went to a pool party with all their American teachers. It was a nice opportunity to get to meet some new people. Sunday morning Ryan, the Embassy teacher took us to sightsee some other places around the capital and to go to the fashion mall. Afterwards we got back on a bus to come back to the little city of Santiago. Unfortunately I didn't take my camera with me during our adventure so I don't have pictures of it :(

Today was an amazing day here in the Dominican Republic because something rare happened. The temperature was in the upper 60's all day – no higher. It was incredible. My students were going crazy. They were wearing sweatshirts and I saw some of the kindergartner’s who had winter hats on. I heard complaints all day about how "freezing" it was. It was nice a refreshing! We have had a few days of rain and cooler temps, something we don't see often!

Tomorrow is Jean day at school, but it's also the day where our class will hand deliver all the food we have collected for our food drive. My class will be going to a homeless shelter where Haitians live. We have collected 20 bags of rice, beans and oil to feed these families. I'm excited for this experience the children will be able to interact with these people. I'm a little shocked by the response my students have given me to our field trip, but apparently it is normal. When I announced it many students said they could not go. I later learned that some of these students do not like to interact with those of lower class because they feel like they are dirty. I have some parent notes and I know a few students are not going to come to school, so pray to soften the hearts of the children and for a good experience.

Well, I'm off to grade some more papers! My mom and dad will be here in 6 days!! Then we are going to the beach to celebrate Thanksgiving! YAHOO! I cannot wait. I hope you are all enjoying the snow and getting ready for the holiday festivities!
Be blessed,
Ash

P.S. I thought I would leave you with a picture of the little creature that I met the other day :)