Two More Days...

It's true, I only have 2 days left in the Dominican Republic. I fly back to Arizona THIS Friday! Here are some pictures to give you a glimpse of what I've been up to the past few days...

Mallory is going to be a new missionary with Kids Alive here in Jarabacoa. Since she won't be coming until October, we decided it would be good for her to come for a week to 'learn the ropes' of what her responsibilities will be (Anija sponsorship and the library).

I tried to use as much change as I could.

I told Karolyn that I am her new 'madrina' or sponsor.

We've had a good time hanging out. :)

Said, "Bye" to the lizard in the library.

"Mr. Lizard" if it's a boy and "Lizzie" if it's a girl.

Took the work teams on barrio visits.

Enjoyed huge mangoes. :)

I've also hang out with the summer interns a bit. I took the girls who are helping at Anija to a jewelry shop in town and they loved riding on my motorcycle!

Spent time with the Coopers and hanging out with Joshua.

I made sure to take a picture with Justin Cooper so he will remember me :)

El Maraton del Arca

Here's a few pictures from the Ark Maraton this weekend. There were four different routes and distances. One for each age group. I ran the longest route which was 3.85 miles. It's mostly Ark kids, staff, summer interns, and Kids Alive missionaries who participate.

A few of us who ran...

Melia was excited to run.

Joshua wasn't so sure. He went to the start and then cried once they said, "Go!" so his dad walked him back. :)

More 'gringos' who ran (I'm not sure how Rosalinda-one of the Ark kids- nudged her way into the picture).

Prayers Needed

Please pray for one of our kindergartners at Anija. We just found out that her mom was put in prison because of her involvement with drugs. Her dad is apparently taking care of her but we aren't convinced this is the best situation for her. We are praying and people are talking to see if living at our residential site, the Ark, would be an option for her.

I also found out that a Haitian friend, who worked at Anija last year, is being beaten by her husband. When the police came she wouldn't say anything she just sat on the floor, crying. They just had their first baby a few months ago. A lot of people are surprised and have tried to get her out of the house but she refuses to leave.

I'm Officially a Sponsor!

After a long time of thinking about which kid I wanted to sponsor from Anija, I've finally decided who I'm going to sponsor...

Karolyn!

Karolyn was in my small group during Awana this year. She's had a tough year of moving around and is now living with her parents and younger sister. I've enjoyed getting to know her and love on her during library classes, hanging out at her house and coloring, and leading her in Awana. She will be in fourth grade next year. I feel privileged to be her sponsor. :)

**Please let me know if you would like to sponsor someone with Kids Alive here in the DR and I will get pictures of them before I leave on Friday!**

Saying Good-bye to Kenyely

Today I stopped by Kenyely's house, and I'm glad I did. I was planning on seeing her next week at Anija when the summer program starts but I found out she will be with her mother in Santiago all summer starting this weekend. So, I ended up saying bye to her and her grandmother this afternoon. I also met her father for the first time. I told her I'd miss her a lot, that I will be praying for her, and that I am already planning a trip to come visit!

Kenyely (far left), her sister, and friends.

From the DR to Arizona

It's official.

I'm moving back to Arizona (and a little sooner than I expected)!

God has graciously opened doors for me to be the 5th grade teacher at Chandler Christian School next year and I am excited! There are so many things running through my mind right now, I'm not sure where to begin...

First, I've had to change my departure date (originally Aug. 1) from the DR as the first day of school is August 3. I haven't quite decided when I'll be back but I'm thinking around June 24-28.

Second, I have a whole lot to do before I leave. My first priority is to finish the sponsorship progress reports. Then I will help welcome 25 summer interns (and live with them for a week or two). I will get to talk about sponsorship with the first couple of work teams for the summer and show them where some of our students live. I'm also hoping to tidy up the library and prepare it for the next librarian.

In between all of that, (and the hardest part about leaving) I will be saying good-bye to many, many friends and all the students I have fallen in love with. I'm not even sure who to start with...

How can you help me during this process?

Please continue praying and sending your encouraging words as I know I'll need lots of support in transitioning to life back in the States. As I process everything that's happened over the past two years, I pray for a way to continue to be a part of the ministry with Kids Alive and the kids of Jarabacoa.

Other prayer requests-

I'm looking to buy a used car. I will also be looking for a roommate in the near future. Please let me know if you can be of help in these areas!

Lastly, I would love to reconnect with all of you who have been so faithful in supporting and praying for me during my time in the Dominican Republic. I'm hoping to have an open house of some sort but either way, please let me know if you'd like to get coffee or if you'd like me to share with your Bible study, Sunday school, church, etc.

I look forward to all God has in store for me and praise God for all He is doing here in the DR!

Julie-Anne

Adventure of the Night

Even though she hesitated at the beginning, I convinced her she could do it. After a little screaming, shoe throwing, and then searching, she found it and conquered.

Or as my roommate would say, we "demolished" it. Can you even tell what it was?

A typical GIGANTIC cockroach.