Monte Plata...It's been 6 years

Here are some pictures from my short trip to Monte Plata. Kyle, Emily, Jenilea, (other KAI missionaries who teach English at our Care Centers in either Constanza, Caraballos, or Palo Blanco) and I went to talk with and watch Rebekah, another Kids Alive missionary, teach English. Rebekah is the new director of English programs for the DR. She has been teaching English for about 3 years and is wonderful! Apart from watching English classes, this trip was really meaningful to me as I have not been back to Monte Plata since I first came six years ago.


The orphanage I helped build over 6 years ago in Monte Plata.

The now completed and open orphanage called Casa Monte Plata through Kids Alive. I had no idea I was helping build an orphanage for Kids Alive at the time!


Inside one of the houses in Casa Monte Plata.

At Casa Monte Plata.


View from Casa Monte Plata


This is where I originally decided I wanted to go abroad to serve.


This is the same room I stayed in six years ago.


Kids Alive school in Monte Plata.


Kyle, Emily, Jenilea, and myself getting ready to watch Rebekah teach English.

Thanksgiving Activities

How Thankful I am for where God has me at in life and for all the blessings He gives me throughout the midst of challenges and trials. I am so grateful for my family and friends who pray for me, encourage me, and support me in the U.S. and for the new friends and family the Lord has provided from my time in Guatemala and the D.R.
A team from California was here over the week of Thanksgiving helping with construction at the Ark, sports at Anija, and also with some medical things. Along with these things, the team had a whole day of fun activities planned for Thanksgiving (even though the DR doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving). Each missionary/bilingual person helped in one class as the members of the team rotated classes while doing activities with the students. I helped with 8th grade. Some of the activities included reading about the history of Thanksgiving (in Spanish), writing what they were thankful for, and making Wordless book bracelets. Another portion of the day was making Christmas projects such as ornaments, Christmas cards, and Popsicle stick frames as a gift to their parents or other family. The last activity of the day was Chapel time with some of the members of the team leading worship and doing skits.
The final event of the day was a big Thanksgiving dinner that the team prepared for all of the teachers and staff at Anija. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend Thanksgiving if not with my family.
Below are some pictures from the day.


Two students who graduated from Anija shared their testimonies with each class.


Students made Popsicle stick frames.


Some of the 8th graders invited me to participate in a secret santa gift exchange. We both got Milky Way bars!

Some students shared what they were thankful for during chapel.

Worship time during chapel.


Here is a video of the 5th-8th graders at chapel during the Thanksgiving Day activities.

Rebekah, Judy, Loida, Michel, and myself at Anija's Thanksgiving dinner.