Perspective

** I vow to never take another water fountain for granted. **

Amigas-Hermanas (Friends-Sisters)

Here in the DR, there are not clear-cut lines when it comes to defining a family. If you meet a couple of kids, they might tell you that they are siblings. Upon getting to know them more, you might come to learn that they are really cousins but are growing up as brothers. Relationships like this receive hyphenated titles such as Primos-Hermanos (Cousins-Brothers).

One of the biggest blessings I've received over the past year are the 5 beautiful ladies with whom I have shared a bedroom. These women have become more than just friends. I believe a more fitting title would be Amigas-Hermanas...Friends-Sisters. 

(Sharon, Emily, and Me)

(Sharon, Heather, and Me)

 

(Me, Elizabeth, Sharon, and Julie)

 

(Elizabeth, Me, and Heather)

 

Angela

Meet Angela. She's a 4th grader at Rosa Smester, my favorite school in Monte Cristi. Now, don't be fooled. The students at Rosa Smester are probably some of the poorest in the community in every sense of the word (physically, emotionally, relationally, etc.) 4 o/o 5 students drop out of school by 5th grade, and 2 o/o 5 14-17 yr. olds are still in primary school. However, in my opinion, Angela is going to be more than a product of her environment. She is bright, caring, compassionate, and a good communicator. She begs me to send the 'Americanos' to her class, and when I do, she makes the most of every minute.  Often times, I become frustrated with the education system in this country and feel that these children are worthy of so much more.

Burbujas (Bubbles)

Yennifer played with bubbles the other afteroon, so I took a few shots.