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.

Random Pictures of the Week

Here are some random pictures from the week. Enjoy!

Since moving into a new house a few weeks ago, I have loved sitting out on the balcony in the mornings and watching the sun rise.

Although this is not from the fruit tree we have in our yard, this is a picture of a guanabana.

This guanabana is from our yard and this is what the inside of one looks like. I never knew how to eat one of these until a (Dominican) friend showed me.

It definitely has a slimy texture and almost every bite has a seed.

Some pictures from 'Coloring Wednedsay.'

Isn't she beautiful?!

I love happy kids.

PS- these kids still need sponsors! :)

This weeks sighting of 'the lizard.'

Getting some more 'thank you hugs' from the 5th graders after our ice cream party.

Celebrating May, June, & July Birthdays!

Before summer vacation starts I wanted to make sure we celebrate summer birthdays. Every grade is on a different schedule so we end up having several birthday parties (we had 5 this time!). We had presents, ate brownies and chips, and enjoyed Pepsi and Red Rock to drink. :)

Here are a few pictures from the festivities.

Happy Birthday!!!

Library Prizes!

The end of the year has come which means it was time to give out library prizes! During the semester I kept track of the students and class who behaved the best, walked quietly in line, obeyed, turned their books in on time, signed the note card correctly, and read the most. I gave a new book to one student in each grade, to the top students who checked out the most books, and to the class who participated and behaved the best.

Here is a picture of the prizes I gave out to individual students- thank you for all the donations!

We had an ice cream party for the class prize. I also gave each of them a pencil with an eraser, a bookmark, and a bracelet.

I think all of the 5th graders love me a little more after today.

After we were done eating our ice cream we had some fun taking pictures. :)

Thank you teacher Yudy for helping your 5th graders win the class prize!