Hola!

 In this week I think that I have learned more about this crazy awesome country where I live then ever before. Let me give you an example of what this week held for me:

• I saw Leonel! The President of the Dominican Republic actually drove down my street! But what was even better was that on every side of his campaign trail Dominicans were shoveling up access (and not access!!!) gravel that had was bring put down in front of Leonel's car as he rode along. They actually paved a whole new rode because he was driving down it! (Good news is that I have a nice new street to run on!) Thank you Leonel!

• Miligritos, a friend from Guatchupita had her baby! His name is Junior and he was born a few weeks early, 6 pounds and very bonito. When we arrived he was a day or so old and hadn't eaten yet. Miligritos seems very old sometimes but she is actually 17. Although she has another child somewhere her knowledge of babies is very limited. She had been feeding him a bottle of herb juice. For all of us that are not Baby Wise that is bad! So Kristen, being the beautiful new mother that she is, is giving feeding, cleaning and general care lessons. I am a good cooer. I add things in, like oh bonito, and mumble to myself a lot. It is a good time!

• The most recent event was last night when Olga and I attended the Compaña. It was a big American church that comes and has a few nights of outdoor stage evangelism. They sing, show Jesus movies, give testimony and present the Gospel. It was a very interesting and emotional experience for most of the people their. With promises of miraculous healing and food the event was well attended. It was interesting to see this group at work. Not only because Americans are seldom seen, but because I had the chance to look from a Dominicans view on people coming into my home and community preaching. The effect they had on the people was almost immediate and their event has now opened doors for me to build relationships and talk with people here. I am glad they were able to come for a short while and experience the great blessings that come with service.

As you see this week has been filled with crazy blessing and I praise God everyday for His grace in letting me remain in the Dominican. I love you all very much. I hope you will have a crazy and amazing experience today and know that it is God.

Emily